2009/2010 X5's

[steve burnett]

Hi,
I'm still looking for an X5 and I'm looking at a 2009 vehicle. I've noticed that some 59 plate cars have the updated idrive controls but not the updated bumpers.
I thought the revised bumpers, new 8speed box and updated idrive (I also think there was a change to the engines) all happened at the same time on 2010 vehicles. Seems there is an inbetween time.
Can anyone give me some pointers as to what has changed on a 59 plate with updated drive controls but not bumpers (has the car got the new bow, revised engine?)
Also are the newer 2010 cars really much better?

Thanks for your help, I need it so I get the right car.
I've not spoken to my local BMW as they know very little about the cars they sell

[pvr]

Like you, I thought october was the cut over date for the new model year so was not aware of any mid-year changes. Perhaps some cars were produced before and sold after the cut off date?

[X5Sport]

The LCI engines should be in lower VED brackets, are more powerful, more economical and 'cleaner' emissions wise.

The new 'CIC' system type iDrive was available from September 2009 production on the E70.  Not sure when the LCI went into production for the UK version, but April 2010 was when it was first displayed in New York.  So it looks like that was well after the CIC iDrive was introduced.....and I really would have though a BMW Dealer ought to have known that detail......and explains 2009 cars with the CIC but not the LCI changes.

I would expect those 2009 cars will all be 6-speed then, rather than the 8-speed?

[steve burnett]

Doesn't explain why it's a part update. It might just be the drive controls and nothing else. I've seen a few 59 car in this limbo state.

[steve burnett]

Thanks for that.

Couple of questions, LCI and CIC?

[X5Sport]

Just updated my post a bit,

EDIT - LCI = Low Cost Impulse/Lifecycle Impulse (face lifting in other words).  Minor cosmetic changes, some tech updates etc.  New engines & gearboxes for both the X5 and X6.

CIC = Car Infotainment Computer - more buttons, function, options, 80GB Hard drive, different OS, better display.

Previously it was called the CCC = Car Communications Computer.

Wikipedia has more detail if you really want to know the ins and outs........

[Sanj]

Interesting - thought it was Life Cycle Impulse. Either way it means a facelift.

[X5Sport]

I've seen both used and just went with one.  Either or both may be right, but as you say, it means the same thing.......a price increase.... >:D

Both options now in my post.

Richard

[gadgetfreak]

I have a 10 reg, pre LCI car with CIC iDrive ... it's Jan 2010 build if that helps.

[steve burnett]

Yeah, it seems like it 61 plate cars that get the full update. Too much £££ for me.

[X5Sport]

60 plate cars will have all including the engine, gearbox, CIC.  Week 40 2010 onwards have the newer Combox controller that replaced the telephone control units.  61 plate bring additional functions like BMW Apps but not much else.  We have the same equivalent in our Mini and never use it.