In a strange turn of events we realized that unless BMW USA made an error on their website the 2009 5er and 6er will also be receiving the new iDrive system. We had originally been told the 5 would get the update but the latest materials we obtained did not state this.
Jonathan Spira has informed us that there is indeed an error in the website so the 5/6 will NOT get the new iDrive.
The following from the BMWUSA website discussing Navigation for European delivery, BMW will now be loading all cars available for Euro pickup with the new maps (they will be on the hard disk prior to Welt pickup).
Navigation
If you have ordered Navigation on your new BMW, beginning with 2009 models, all Europe maps will be automatically loaded when you pick up your car in Munich. The only exception is X3 models, the process of ordering the DVD in advance of travel is still a requirement.
The X3 exclusion makes sense since the X3 system is the only model that will not have iDrive in the lineup for 2009, with iDrive being on its third rendition this really shows how antiquated the X3 is becoming and why it will not complete a full life cycle.
We just obtained the ordering guides from a source and are needless to say a bit disappointed. There is no mention of the 335d, E92/93, the 1er or any of the SAVs. This may just be a preliminary guide to be further updated later on but something just does not seem “right” about this. We expect things to change but for now this is what we have. Note these are indeed dated last week.
While the models we mentioned here the other day will see those changes, there is little in these documents that mention any other changes excluding “615 Online Information Services”, which could translate to a variety of things, including Connected Drive.
You can now order 2009 MY BMWs in the US (except the Z4 & 7). There are changes in store for the 3,5, and 6 series cars in terms of wheel choices, colors and option packages. It is interesting that the E90 LCI is not formally mentioned, but that there are no listed changes for the E92/93. So it is safe to say that the LCI is coming or these listed changes would be across the 3 series and not just for the E90!
On another note: Nowhere is the 335d mentioned… a bit perplexing or the rumors that the launch will be in December are true. The ordering guides should further clarify.
Update: This image was tipped to us and was hosted on E90Post.com, we do not know where it originated but is apparently the final design of the rear LED lights and new wheels.
3 Series sedan and Sport Wagon SOP 09.08
Standard Equipment
New 328i/xi 16″ light alloy multi-spoke wheels
New 335i/xi 17″ light alloy Double spoke wheels
Colors, Trims & Upholstery
Space Gray Metallic replace Sparkling Graphite
Tasman Green Metallic replaces Deep Green
Blue Water Metallic replaces Arctic
New Fine line Aluminum trim replaces current aluminum
Light Burl Walnut replaces Light Poplar trim
New Oyster Dakota leather and Saddle Brown Dakota are available
Jalopnik has a photo of a car badged 555i that a reader sent in from California. Is this a test mule for the 555 we had mentioned earlier or just someone changing a badge? Our sources are on it and we will continue to update as we get more information. You can read-up on the 555i if you haven’t already here in one of our past articles.
Last month we broke the news to the world that there was a new iDrive on the horizon for most of vehicles in the BMW lineup. This was met with some skepticism. As sources have continued to verify it there is very little doubt that it will indeed happen sooner than later.
What we did not know was the total package. One of our sources indicated that the car would have a hard disk and a system from Harmon Becker but we were unable to confirm this information at that time. Time has rolled on and our good friend, Jonathan Spira, has confirmed some of the same information. He has acquired information that essentially has spilled the beans on much of the up coming iDrive.
We still are a bit puzzled by the hard drive allotment; 10GB for a phone book? All in all this sounds to be a much improved system when you also consider the fact it will also feature the new controller. As we know all too well sources sometimes give you bits and pieces of information and you have to sift through them, we commend this effort and can at least agree that the system will feature a hard disk; we know this from the interior of the F01 7 series as there is only one slot! The details may still not be finalized and changes are happening regularly so the system we will eventually see may be a bit different. Information we have obtained indicates that there will be a multimedia showing of the new iDrive around the launch of the F01/02 on 07.07.08.
As you can see in the photo the controller features the same button configuration seen in recent photos of the E90 and F01 with the updated iDrive. The idea behind the change is to allow for the driver or passenger to access data in a more efficient manner by creating shortcut buttons to common tasks and even a back button. Also seen in a recent picture of the new F01 7 Series is a thumb scroll wheel meant to allow the driver easier access to long lists of data. It’s interesting to note that we do not see that feature in the E60. From that can we expect any current generation car with the update won’t be getting that handy addition? Or is this feature only there on cars equipped with navigation (remember the E60 doesn’t come standard with the option). We’ll hopefully have more on this soon.
Last summer BMW began the process of trademarking for the name “555i”. This began with a bunch of rumors earlier this year that a new 5.5l engine was in the works, we know that is just not in the plans for the 5 at this time. The N63 engine being released in the new X6 ‘50′ will be the engine of choice. The N63 is an aluminum 4.4L, twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V8 engine from BMW that will be released officially to dealersrs this May.
The N63 produces 400 hp and over 450 ft/lbs of torque according to BMW. It utilizes a newly developed concept in the location of the turbos. The turbochargers are mounted in the “V” of the engine and the intake manifolds are located on the sides of the block. This allows for a more compact engine and reduces the overall width of the assembled engine.
Our friend Jonathan Spira offered us up a fine example of 535d driving. As an avid BMW enthusiast and frequent Euro-delivery customer (he was privileged to take delivery of the first car delivered from the Welt) he too is glad to see the Advanced Diesels make it across the pond. Even though we will not see the 535d in the short term it is a great example of diesel power.
Filmed on the autobahn in Germany at 240 km/hr or in US speak: 150 mph. This engine has got some serious top end and of course all that torque. We thought it would be a nice tease for those considering getting a diesel and/or picking up in Munich. Also, notice how quiet the car is.
We have received a good deal of interest/inquiries about the upcoming diesel models in the US. Though we are not currently scheduled to receive this model the guys over at Top Gear have turned out another fascinating review and comparison between the gas and diesel powered 5.
It is worth noting they did not compare the diesel against the gas six-cylinder but to the monstrous V8. The 3 series with this diesel should be even quicker. Also, the block is aluminum not steel so the weight difference is minimal! Enjoy.
Today, I thought I would share with you a little piece of a cog in the BMW marketing machine. This week signifies the one year anniversary of when my wife and I completed our European delivery of a Mystic Blue 530xi sport wagon. We had actually discussed this earlier in the week and how our next delivery this fall is going to be great as long as BMW allows US customers to pick up diesels in Munich.
Come to our surprise in the mail was package from BMW, I had no idea what it could be as I have not ordered anything (lately) and rarely communicate via mail these days. Opening the package there was a thank you note entitled: We salute the ultimate driver: you. Inside the package was a 9″ X 12″ artist design sketch of the sport wagon.
It seems the automotive press is picking up a truth many of us have known about for some time. Diesel powered cars can be (in some cases) more efficient than a hybrid.
Not ground breaking news but something that client advisors often over look are Priority 1 options. BMWNA does not openly advertise or promote these options and are often items that the majority of buyers have no interest in. To some they are what sells them on the car. Priority 1 essentially means that the car is for a specific buyer as a “sold” car. These options are not available for dealer lot cars or pre-specced cars.
We have also obtained a full copy of the dealer ordering guide which shows all the options (includes 1 and X6) so enjoy! There appears to be some added benefit of purchasing a 1 series with a production date after March as more colors will be available and some changes to equipment are being made. We will try to find out why some of these changes are being made.
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We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
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Sections: E60 5 Series, E63/E64 6 Series, Official News, Technology Jul 16th, 2008 8 Comments 
In a strange turn of events we realized that unless BMW USA made an error on their website the 2009 5er and 6er will also be receiving the new iDrive system. We had originally been told the 5 would get the update but the latest materials we obtained did not state this.
Jonathan Spira has informed us that there is indeed an error in the website so the 5/6 will NOT get the new iDrive. 
