if you are buying, buy the 2010. if you are leasing, lease the 2009.

pretty simple really.

 

You should lease a nice e60 on a take-over through leasetrader, or smth similar, for about 18-24mos and then get an F10. Why dump the cash on an outgoing model - incentives are easy to come by lease transfers! Just my opinion...

 

Leasing might not be a good option for OP as he indicated (post #1) that he can put a lot of miles (1500 -2000) in a few weeks.

 

My vote is to wait just a few weeks for the 2010 model, mostly because of the much improved and faster iDrive. What's a couple of weeks compared to the months and years you'll own the car? The iDrive in my 2006 model is really the only thing I don't like about it, and like it was said above, I use it every time I get in the car. Waaaaay too slow and so poorly designed from the UI standpoint, especially the Navigation.

And when it comes time to sell it, sell it privately -- I predict people will value the better iDrive a few years from now when people ask, "Can anyone tell me the difference between the 09 and 10 E60's?" Everyone's going to chime in, "Go with the 10 because of the better iDrive. It has the modern version the current models have."

Celebrate Christmas now with a few gifts, or wait a couple more weeks for the 'real' Christmas with more gifts? I'd wait.

 

1500-2000 in a few weeks damn!

 

I'd vote for the 2010 model as well. There is a world of difference in the iDrive system between the two. I've been very impressed with the speed and additional features provided between my old 2006 iDrive and the new system. The new system is so much more responsive and feature rich than the old one. With the 2011 vehicles due out, probably in March, you'd in essence be two model years old in just a few months.

Go 2010.

 

I originally ordered a 2009 for a January European Delivery. When I found out about the new idrive, I delayed my order for a May European Delivery in order to get the new idrive. I was also planning on upgrading the wheels and putting the M aerodynamic kit on the 2009. I saved a bunch of money by ordering the M sport package on the 2010.

I'd vote for the 2010 with the new idrive.

 

Update - Thanks for everyone's feedback.
My current 2006 530XI will transfer to new owner this week. I am waiting for the 2010. The 2009 was going to require a dealer trade...I checked out the car today while traveling and it was quite apparent they were using it as a demo. It was in their inventory for over 8 months with the Sports Package, I suspect it was pretty abused by the condition the vehicle was in!
I think my local dealer will be giving me a loaner once we go beyond the couple of weeks for delivery that they promised.