This was posted today on the BMW Cars news website:

"In the past months I have received a lot of email regarding the new iDrive system and which BMW vehicles will have it implemented in the future. I have just learned that the BMW X5 and X6 will be receiving the new iDrive controller and the Drive logic including the hard drive and USB port.

Unfortunately, the navigation screen will not change.

The change will take place in September and it will be available on the 2010 models.

Back in August, we learned that the 2009 BMW 5 and 6 Series will not be arriving with the CIC (Car Infotainment Computer). But it has been confirmed today that in March the BMW 5 and 6 Series will get the new iDrive logic and hard drive, an addition to the new iDrive controller that has been added before."

http://bmw-carnews.blogspot.com/2009/01/bm...ive-system.html

Looks like I'm getting my 5 in March! ^_^

Thanks, thats good news for me,I'll be doing a ED pick up in the later part of May.
cheers
vern

Thanks! What is supposed to be the benefit? I thougth the new controller already came with new hardware?

Hardware yes, but not all features, such as the new Navigation Professional with 12 (?) GB disk for mp3 usage and so on.

The benefit is BMW's. They only need to stock one set of hardware.

No, the controller had no new hardware (except for the controller itself of course) which simply provided a few shortcut keys (radio, CD, etc.)

The 2010 model year will start early for the 5er in the U.S., probably with March production. MY2010 5ers will get the CIC-based iDrive.

Ohh well ...future retrofittings :)

My HD iDrive system reports a total space of 12.500 MB available for music (at least in Europe/Netherlands).

/Eric