The classic six-speed manual gearbox is joined by a traditional, torque-converter automatic that shifts 50 percent quicker and also can skip gears. BMW's unloved SMG sequential manual found in today's M5 bites the dust, but two new auto/manual hybrids are planned. One is a faster-shifting evolution of the current SMG. The other is a dual-clutch automatic. The engine lineup should include a 3.0-liter six with 238 hp (525i); a direct-injection 3.0-liter six with 272 hp (530i/xi); a twin-turbo, direct-injection 3.0-liter six with 306 hp (535i/xi); a 4.8-liter V-8 with 367 hp (540i); a twin-turbo, direct-injection 4.4-liter V-8 with 408 hp (550i/xi); plus an array of diesels that use urea injection to cut emissions. As for the M5, it will have an even more potent, 550-hp, 5.5-liter V-10, and it definitely will get the twin-clutch automatic. It bows in late 2010.


http://www.automobilemag.com/feature..._bmw_5_series/

 

It seems like theirs going to be too many choices for the 5 series, they will probably be cuting the 525. Also they are adding TT to everything, still got some time before they will be doin this.