what can I deduce about my X5's likely production state from seeing the "scheduled for production" announcement in Owner's Circle AND the assignment of a VIN? Does the presence of the VIN signify that the vehicle is now within the production process proper (say in Assembly stage), or is a VIN simply part of the normal about-to-enter production preparation?

No longer an X5 Wanna Be. The real thing cometh: 3.0 Titanium Silver, gray interior, premium package, comfort seats, heated seats, nav, sunshades, and ipod/USB.