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.