Re; [Fwd: 5er automatic (tiptronic?)]

[Jim Cash <j.cash@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Charles Gregory writes:

> Reguarding the "tiptronic"(Porsche) style shift system on a BMW
> automatic.  BMW does indeed have one, it's called a "steptronic".  I
> have not driven one, but yesterday sat in a 1999 European 528it
> (wagon-for those who don't know), it had the steptronic in it.  Unlike
> the tiptronic which now has "satellite" controls on the steering wheel,
> the BMW is limited to the shifter itself.  Although there where a few
> things this car had that I'd never seen on a 5.  Such as PDC (Park
> Distance Control) rear only.  It also had a set of 540 alloys, not the
> Sport wheel, but the standard "turbine" style, and a 5 Speed automatic.
> This car also had the full aluminum engine that the E46 has.  So this
> must mean that the '99 fiver will have the same gearbox and engine of
> the E46, unlike the '98 fiver.  I have no information that suggests the
> 1999 3's will get a steptronic.  Who knows, they may make it available
> mid year.



Charles 

You have got to start talking to people other than salesmen.


Steptronic has been around for about 4 years (was on the E38's in Europe
in 94).

BMW sold the E34 5 series Touring in North America for a few years
during early 1990's. They will be bringing the E39 T - 99 I think.

PDC has been on the E39 since initial launch - I know it was not offered
in the USA but it was in Canada.

When you said you had never heard of a 5 speed automatic on a 5iver that
only applies to the 528iA. The 540 has always had the 5 speed.  Yes I
think the 99 528 now has a 5 speed auto. In fact I "think" that the 4
speed was only for North America - I am not totally sure but I think
Europe had a 5 speed auto on all E39 models (but it was a different one
for the 6 cylinder models from the one for the 8's)


The T-Wagon is often shown with the 540 standard wheels. I think it
depends on which level of trim is specified.


I think the current engines are all "aluminum" (unless you are referring
to the cylinder liners).

The steptronic has been available on the E46 since launch in Europe -
this is just slow to be available in NA.
I also do not know when it will be available here - but I suspect soon.



Cheers

Jim Cash
London, Ontario, Canada
BMW CCA 102929
E39  97 540iA

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