I can't help but think how much easier my job would be if people came into my ER with a fault code stored on their on-board computer!

But yes, I do thing your "big picture" points are spot on! I've been on this and Bimmerfest forums since I was researching the x535d, and I sure have noticed that evolution occur, and repeat itself with the 2010 iDrive update and now the 2011 LCI....

That being said, the OP and 2 more of us are reporting the same problem as noticing some oil on ground with no CEL or other issues....As part of our service visit, they happened to include some other non-related recall repairs (sensors, reprogram computer, etc)....

Alex's issue seems completely different. He had CEL come on, but did not have any other performance issues or oil leaking. His issue seems to have been an air leak and presumed pressure loss on a different charge air hose than the one causing my problem........Interestingly, the info in the articles that I posted in the link above say that the car should go into limp mode if significant pressure is lost on the charge/pressure side of the system....

Thanks again to Alex for posting his issue and solution