Where do I stand on timeframe of 2011 model run?
 

Haven't been able to visit this forum very regularly lately.

Just curious where I stand if I ordered/bought a 2011 now? Beginning, middle, end?

The 2011 are the LCI, right. When did they start selling and when are the 2012's expected to start (late 2011?).

Any upcoming changes in the next couple of months on the car and feature?

2011 started early and will run through August 2011 I believe. There were a few options just added but if you order a build now (not showroom stock), you'll get the updates. All the major visual updates happened already. See the sticky thread(s) for more details.

2011 was the LCI, middle of the lifecycle, so next redesign will be in another 3-4 years. 2011 will run through the normal run I suspect, 2012's will come out next year in the August time frame I suspect.

As for changes, only things scheduled are a few additional smartphone features and possible LED headlight halo's (unconfirmed) but they will be added to production next week - around October 10th, and that should be it for the 2011.

Thanks. RoadKillRob. This confirmed what I was thinking. Typically the next year models are available close to the end of the year. ie: 2004 models are sold at ie: October 2003. Thus since we are in 2010, the 2011 should be coming out. But as you mentioned they pushed up the 2011 earlier so that it has an extra long run.

So the 2011 are pretty early in their run as the 2012 aren't expected until about August.

roadkillrob is of course correct, I have just one little thing to add..

The next platform refresh is expected in 2014. I suppose that's just a rumor - one version of the rumor had it at 2013, but that would still be consistent.

When I bought mine, he said they were on a 6-7 year cycle, which is consistent with other luxury marques; the caveat being that's a PLATFORM cycle, not really a "model" cycle. In between, BMW makes lots of changes all the time.

The E70 platform has seen several engine and transmission changes, some (VERY MINOR) cosmetic changes and a whole lot of equipment changes in that same cycle.

With Lexus (sorry, I'm still in recovery) there were only VERY VERY MINOR changes in that seven-year cycle. In the seven year life of the GX470, they upgraded the NAV graphics, added an (analog) AUX port (no iPod features, no control) and SAT audio as a factory option (it was long available as a $1000 dealer option).

Most luxury makers change their product more frequently mid-lifecycle; it seems BMW most of all. I'm still a little torn over this.

Either that, or I'm bitter about not winning the lottery so I can buy a new one every year.

I'm still bitter the 35i didn't come earlier myself... an upgrade for me isn't in the forecast for a long while (just bought a house).

Hah! I hear that..