2009 vs 2010 vs 20111 X6 5.0

There were a number of technology changes with the 2011 model year, for example:

BMW ConnectedDrive Innovations: Advanced on-board use of mobile phones and music players.

Beginning with September production there will be enhancements to BMW Assist with Bluetooth and the iPod/USB Adapter. These enhancements extend the functionality through improved integration of mobile devices into the vehicle. These new features are made possible by hardware advances. (All Models)

BMW Assist with Extended Bluetooth

The Bluetooth functionality is extended beyond hands-free and phonebook support with multiple innovations. Feature support is dependent upon compatibility with the mobile device.

RIM Smart Phone Integration

* Mobile Office: The industry-first mobile office integration of BlackBerry Smartphones, a customer can access email, text messages, and notes through the iDrive system providing seamless integration with the vehicle. Safety and avoiding driver distraction is paramount at BMW. In order to maintain the driver's focus on the road, the vehicle's voice control system (included with navigation) will read messages aloud via text-to-speech. The central screen will also display the only the first three lines of text. The full text can only be displayed when the vehicle is parked. Compatible BlackBerry hardware, firmware, and feature set will be announced later.
* vCard photo support: Images of contacts stored in your phonebook are downloaded from the device and shown on the vehicle display. When the mobile phone rings, a picture of the caller will appear on the vehicle display.
* External Call Lists: External call list handling downloads the "re-dial" and "received calls list" at every reconnect of the mobile device and after each call.
* Bluetooth Music Streaming: Bluetooth music streaming offers wireless audio streaming from the mobile device to the vehicle. Music stored on the mobile phone is played and controlled through the iDrive controller.

iPod/USB Adapter

· iPod One-wire integration: The iPod connection no longer requires the "Y-cable" for separate aux-input for sound. The iPod USB cable supplied with the iPod is all that is required to connect the device to the vehicle. The music is transferred directly from the iPod digitally to the sound system via the USB connection.· Album Cover Art: If cover art is contained in the metadata of a particular song, it will show on the vehicle display while the song is played.· Voice Control of Devices: The driver can control external devices and select genre, artist, album, and song title with the voice control system included with Navigation System.· Mobile Phone Device Driver Update: In combination with BMW Assist, the USB port can be used to upload new mobile phone and audio player device drivers. (Release timing for this feature and device driver availability are subject to change.)

From:
http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=429084

hi all. Greetings from a member over on the 6-series forum. I'm considering changing from my 2005 645 to a newer X6. Thinking about a 2009 or 2010. I still have to do a good test drive comparison between the 6 cylinder and the 8, but I'm sure that I will probably end up with the 8 cylinder, since I absolutely love the power in my 6-series! I've read on this thread some folks concerns about the iDrive on the pre-2011 X6's. But, my initial feeling is that the iDrive on the 2009/10 must be an improvement on my 2005 645! Can anyone comment on that point? Also, I'm really not interested in the enhancements to iPod integration, phone, etc., so that won't influence my decision either. So...other than a price & miles comparison, is there any reason that I should consider a 2010 over a 2009? (notwithstanding the new model year and associated warranty.)

Thanks!