I've seen this mentioned a few times in respect to the model. What does LCI stand for, and is it something I should needlessly obsess over having/not-having?

 

2008 Model e60 has experienced a face lift and is called by BMW an LCI model aka Life Cycle Impulse, basically they added new transmission technology, new brake and suspension setting, few trim changes in side the car and LED rear tail lights with new Head light inside change which for us EU users are not that different as from our brothers in NA.

 

LCI cars became abailable in the UK from April 07(March build). The deisel engines were also updated along with the new transmission and given more more power(although not alot more). If you can stretch to an LCI car then its well worth it they employ efficient dynamics which is a group of various improvements to make the car more economical, along with the other updates inc Version 3 of iDrive and interior changes it makes them a nicer car(like any update does).