I did not see this posted anywhere but thought it is worth mentioning that BMW is going to include for years of BMW Assist with the 5 series, also maintenance is still included. So it looks like they took what Audi did by cutting maintenance and made them look even more stupid because BMW added more inclusions.

March 3, 2006 - Woodcliff Lake, NJ... When the 2007 BMW 5 Series arrives in showrooms this spring, it will include BMW AssistTM services for four years among its many enhancements. Features include TeleService which provides an automatic or driver triggered transfer of upcoming service needs between the BMW driver and the BMW center. The BMW center then calls the driver to schedule a convenient service appointment. Other BMW Assist features include automatic collision notification after a serious accident and stolen vehicle recovery services.

The inclusion of BMW Assist with TeleService for four full years comes in addition to Roadside Assistance, as well as Full Scheduled Maintenance for the warranty period of four years or 50,000 miles.

Enhancements to the sound system in the 2007 5 Series include the addition of an auxiliary input which will allow music from an iPod or other personal music player to be played through the car's audio system. HD Radio will also be available, offering CD-quality sound on FM stations that broadcast in HD format and FM-quality sound on AM stations that broadcast in HD.

The available Sport Package includes two significant upgrades - a new sport steering wheel and 20-way multi-contour front seats in place of the previous front sport seats.

The available BMW Night Vision system will enhance driving safety at night by making drivers aware of potential hazards, particularly people and animals, long before they can be seen. BMW Night Vision incorporates a thermal imaging camera covering a distance of up to nearly 1,000 feet in front of the car. The image in the navigation system monitor highlights objects as a function of the heat registered by the camera: the warmer an object, the brighter the image. This means that people (pedestrians at the side of the road) and animals (crossing the road, etc.) form the brightest spots in the display.

"The addition of BMW Assist with TeleService for four years on the 2007 5 Series demonstrates BMW's commitment to constantly strive to enhance the ownership experience," noted Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW of North America. "The availability of BMW Night Vision and HD Radio demonstrates our commitment to constantly strive to enhance the driving experience."