Photo © Aaron Gold
2008 BMW 5-series at the 2007 New York Auto Show
Changes to the exterior are minimal, but the 5-series gets an updated interior and new six-cylinder engines; model designations change from 525 and 530 to 528 and 535. The 550 retains the same engine but gets a new sport package with bigger wheels, tuned exhaust, and a body kit. A 6-speed manual is standard on all 5-series cars; a new "E-shift" automatic is a no-cost option, and the self-shifting sequential manual gearbox (SMG or SMT) is gone.