Dealers were NOT notified when the 5 series got the new I-drive controller and it was a bit of a surprise when cars actually arrived. They WERE however notified when the complete I-drive system is to go in - March/09 but as an early 2010 build.

Such will be the case with the X5. I am willing to bet that March/09 production will only get the new I-drive controller with the extra buttons. Oct/09 production (i.e. 2010 model) will get the full blown updated I-drive with the hard drive, hi-res screen etc. and dealers WILL be informed of that change probably late summer just before the new year prod.

When a dealer orders vehicles in advance for their inventory, they get a full spec sheet of any changes or updates to vehicle equipment. No changes have been identified for March/09 prod. So again, a new controller at the most!