I stand by my statement. Adding a 3rd turbo into the mix wouldn't be about lowering emissions or fuel consumption. It would be to eliminate the "lag" that new people making the transition from NA to Forced induction always complain about.

You don't need a third turbo to eliminate lag, you can do that by using modern engine software programming and a different throttle response curve. There is only the risk that many people can't handle the sensitive throttle response and when too much boost builds up... :D

Right now, every new technology involving additional parts and innovative features is developed to meet new environmental restrictions and emissions laws in the near future. You might not be aware of it but in Europe, starting with 01. September 2009, only new cars with Euro 5 emissions are allowed to be certified in Europe. Starting with 01. September 2014, only new cars with Euro 6 emissions standards are allowed to be certified. Right now, there aren't many Diesel engines meeting Euro 5 and as far as I know, there is none on the market yet to meet Euro 6.

I'm also pretty sure that US states like California have similar, if not more restrictive emissions laws.

The tri-turbo is supposed to have lower emissions at same or even higher power/torque output levels. IF it also provides a better throttle response and less lag, well...the better.

Any LCI Updates?
 

The arrival of my wife's ordered X5 Xdrive 30 is quickly approaching and I'm starting to get anxious about signing the papers around the 15th of January only to find out within days that the Twin Turbo NA Six (N54) is destined for the E70 in March...anyone in the know have any updates (LeMans X5?) other than that the Tri-Turbo is probably not going to be in the cards?

If this is simply a cosmetic update, then I have no problem taking delivery of the car now, but if it is something as significant as a 40hp boost with better fuel economy in a gas engine (wife already nixed diesel after much pleading) is on the horizon, I would rather wait.

I'm hesitant to ask my CA as I would imagine he would rather book the sale of an ordered car now than to wait until late spring. It seems to me that even if he knows something solid about the LCI E70, he would keep it to himself knowing that it might delay a sale for several months.

Thoughts?

Has the wife actually DRIVEN the diesel- better mileage, much better power and cheaper (I think) with the eco credit.

Prolly higher resale too.

A

It's an issue that I think goes back to childhood for her...bad memories of old Volkswagens and Mercedes (early-80's era). I had them start one up for her and it was like instant turn-off with the engine rumble, as slight as I think it is.

She used to love my 330i, then 530i, and really loved the Xdrive 30. I guess I should be happy that she's an enthusiast and likes the sound of that normally aspirated straight-six revving up towards 6500 RPM.

I'm ambivalent, having driven both...the initial lag off the line of the 35d is only slightly bothersome to me, but I do prefer the sound of the NA six to the diesel.

It all comes down to her choice anyway. It will be her car, and if she doesn't want a diesel, then she shouldn't have to drive a diesel.

LCI is definitely getting the TT engines. Body colored bumpers...Some new colors. Some interior changes...Changes to tail light graphics, etc.Check the facelift thread sticky for more info.

How is LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) different from mid-cycle facelift? Are they the same thing, but different term?

Same thing.

Thanks, Le Mans. Your inside info has been really interesting and I have been following that thread, but hadn't seen anything concrete about timing. I'll take your word about the TT coming...so now the huge question for those of us in the non-diesel world is when this will happen. Guess I have until the 15th to make a decision. I'll continue to follow the facelift thread in the meantime.

TT is coming 100%, it has already been mentioned in internal documents at BMW Germany. So does the new 4.0 l Diesel with 306 HP.
I also heard that BMW will offer the X6 TT Performance Package as an option for the X5 TT too.
LCI start is still April 2010 but it could change to an earlier date.
Just a couple of days to go until the official press release.