[ncoig]

This isn't meant to be a thread that says the '09 isn't worth it, but rather my observations on what BMW did horribly backwards on the '09 as compared to the '06:

- Can't close the mirrors from CA button on exterior door handles
- Logic 7 systems (which cost more $$$) are either on or off - no modes any longer
- Foglights no longer stay on with high beams
- Radio dial is gone from presets in iDrive - have to turn and scroll, then select with press
- A/C fine tuning via iDrive is gone
- Can't start/stop trip computer
- No more hourly chime for clock (not a big one for me, but perhaps others...)
- The manual is horrible
- Flashlight is gone from glovebox
- Auto headlamp fine tuning has been removed
- Why get rid of the haptic controller?
- Information you NEED to see all the time like FM frequency, time, time to destination, moves all about the screen instead of staying put
- Loss of programmable steering wheel buttons - now have the retarded "source" and "recirc" buttons that I'll never use
- Trunk compartment is shrunk further
- Stopwatch is gone - WTF?
- Headrests no longer pivot - I think this is because they are "active" now?
- No longer ca go from "open sunroof" to "tilt" by pushing tilt button?!?
- 2 LEDs in each door handle instead of 3
- No hood insulation

'09 Short-sightedness in general:
- Can have "auto range" on the Nav map in NORTH-UP only. Why???
- Where is the in-dash green parking light indicator?
- Why make everything in the rear lighting cluster LED EXCEPT for brakes? (and reverse, but that makes sense b/c of the casting pattern of LEDs)

Neutral items for me:
- No more climate controlled cup holder in arm rest
- Arm rest now has a spring in it to keep it up when unlatched
- Chrome accents on cupholders, steering wheel, A/C and headlamp control

-N

[ncoig]

And I guess I should also post the opposite - what is improved, IMO, in the '09.

- the locking solenoids are smoother in the doors
- speed of Nav is vastly improved (HDD will do that...)
- range of key fob is improved
- retained accessory power for sunroof
- larger mirrors are an improvement
- F/R PDC is useful
- Heated steering wheel is a nice touch for colder climates
- LED turn signals are very bright and noticeable by traffic
- LED license plate array is a nice touch
- suspension seems better refined (could be the Michelins vs the Bridgestones on my '06)
- The rear tires being pushed out looks much better
- Can do multiple destination trip planning finally
- Parking lights come on with unlocking as you approach the car at night (and fade on, which is just neat)
- clutch feel is improved, albeit lighter
- seats feel as though they've been slightly tweaked to be more comfortable
- navigation includes several improved features
- preset buttons on dash could be useful
- cornering lamps are a plus
- when you switch off the nav screen - it actually goes OFF - and DARK - instead of just blanking a live screen


Other features that I haven't confirmed work on my US Spec E90:
- Delivering addresses to nav via internet/USB stick/phone
- Internet access
- Ideal refueling station picked based on route, current consumption and current fuel level
- DVD player

-N

[bsamoul]

How did you get your foglights to stay on with your high beams???

[choopy]

wow, you've got very good memory and a keen sense of detail
bravo on the write up

[ncoig]

Originally Posted by bsamoul

How did you get your foglights to stay on with your high beams???

Came that way from the factory.

-N

[bsamoul]

Originally Posted by ncoig

Came that way from the factory.

-N

Lucky... I can't do it.

[ragingclue]

Wow nice write-up.

Still, a big difference between '09 and '06 is that the N54 is available on only one of those. I guess that's a plus if you like performance, and a minus if you're into the whole reliability thing, right?

[ncoig]

Originally Posted by choopy

wow, you've got very good memory and a keen sense of detail
bravo on the write up

Helps when you just spent 1200 miles in an '09 and 3 yrs in an '06.

-N

[ncoig]

Originally Posted by ragingclue

Still, a big difference between '09 and '06 is that the N54 is available on only one of those. I guess that's a plus if you like performance, and a minus if you're into the whole reliability thing, right?

Yeah, I was trying to avoid discussion of the engine, because then you tend to forgive all the mishaps of the '09. But man, does that motor run!

-N

[Year's_End]

Why would you want fogs on with highbeams...

[ncoig]

Incidentally, I think I may have wasted my money on the 6FL and 6NF options. It's not readily apparent, but if I could get music on my HDD in the car via the glovebox USB port (this didn't seem to work) I don't need my iPod, and the "smart phone integration" does not seem to permit me to access my contacts to put their addresses in the Nav system.

Of course, I couldn't get 6NF without 6FL, so I could have saved another $500.

I reserve the final judgement on this, as I didn't spend enough time with it...

-N

[ncoig]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Why would you want fogs on with highbeams...

When you have astigmatism, all the extra light you get helps - and the fogs cast a wider beam closer to the car.

-N

[bsamoul]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Why would you want fogs on with highbeams...

Because people in california like their lights haha

[BK]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Why would you want fogs on with highbeams...

Probably almost never. But still, say I'm on a dark road with no traffic, rainy day. I like to be able to see what's right in front of the car so I turn on the fogs. It might be annoying if they shut off whenever I switched to high beams.

To the OP, this is a nice write-up and an interesting post. It gives me some insight into things I might miss, too. Some questions / comments:

• What do you mean you can't start/stop the trip computer?
  
• What do you mean by "Radio dial is gone from presets - have to turn and select to scroll w/idrive"?
  
• What do you mean about better door locking solenoids?
  
• Are you kidding me about the steering wheel buttons? Source and recirc? Did they have to pick the two worst options?
  
• I swear I never understood the gripe about "no accessory power for sunroof." You mean when you turn off the car, you can't close the sunroof? When I shut off my CA car, I always hit the button twice. After the first one, if I notice the sunroof open, I can still close it. Power is still on. After the second one, maybe not, but I've always noticed and shut the sunroof by then so it's never been an issue. Even if it were, I could I just hold my finger on the CA ridges and it would close when the car locks. Mirrors fold in, too.

All the other pluses and minuses you mention sound like things I'd agree with. I'm surprised to hear the suspension seems more sorted to you. For the 06's made late in the cycle, BMW switched OEM suspension manufacturers (to Bilstein), so depending on when your car was manufactured, I wonder if there's a difference even among 06's.

[CyberGypsy]

I have the cash for the 09. but liked the 06 much better, No Offense to the 09 owners,but just like it much better k

[ncoig]

Originally Posted by BK

• What do you mean you can't start/stop the trip computer?
  

• In my '06 iDrive Trip Computer, I can begin the computer, then later stop it and pick up. For example, if I take a side trip, I can pause the trip computer's data collection. No more in '09.
  
  

  What do you mean by "Radio dial is gone from presets - have to turn and select to scroll w/idrive"?

  '06 iDrive shows you your presets across the screen, and you just scroll among them. Now, you have to scroll and then press down to select the channel. Stupid.
  
  

  What do you mean about better door locking solenoids?

  They just sound quieter and smoother. Just an interpretation, probably means nothing.
  
  

  Are you kidding me about the steering wheel buttons? Source and recirc? Did they have to pick the two worst options?

  Wish I was joking you. No idea what they were thinking.
  
  

  I swear I never understood the gripe about "no accessory power for sunroof." You mean when you turn off the car, you can't close the sunroof? When I shut off my CA car, I always hit the button twice. After the first one, if I notice the sunroof open, I can still close it. Power is still on. After the second one, maybe not, but I've always noticed and shut the sunroof by then so it's never been an issue. Even if it were, I could I just hold my finger on the CA ridges and it would close when the car locks. Mirrors fold in, too.

In mine, once you press it once, no more sunroof power. Plus, I often just hold the button, rather than press it twice to shut down completely. For '07 (or was it '08?) and after, you have it just like the windows - until a door is opened.

I'm surprised to hear the suspension seems more sorted to you. For the 06's made late in the cycle, BMW switched OEM suspension manufacturers (to Bilstein), so depending on when your car was manufactured, I wonder if there's a difference even among 06's.

Could just be because it it new, too...

-N

[mmm def]

Originally Posted by bsamoul

How did you get your foglights to stay on with your high beams???

Bi-xenons they will stay on, Halogen no. You can't have 3 set of lights on, I believe it's illegal.

[roadkillrob]

You forgot one think - it is less ugly in 09!

Originally Posted by ncoig

And I guess I should also post the opposite - what is improved, IMO, in the '09.

- the locking solenoids are smoother in the doors
- speed of Nav is vastly improved (HDD will do that...)
- range of key fob is improved
- retained accessory power for sunroof
- larger mirrors are an improvement
- F/R PDC is useful
- suspension seems better refined
- The rear tires being pushed out looks much better
- Can do multiple destination trip planning finally
- Parking lights come on with unlocking as you approach the car at night (and fade on, which is just neat)
- clutch feel is improved, albeit lighter
- seats feel as though they've been slightly tweaked to be more comfortable
- navigation includes several improved features
- preset buttons on dash could be useful
- cornering lamps are a plus
- when you switch off the nav screen - it actually goes OFF - and DARK - instead of just blanking a live screen

-N

[darkphantom]

I like 09s better than the 06s, I can't stand the old rear tails, they look so fugly

[quest556]

What's weird is that many of the deletes are simple software things. I don't understand the regression. Like the steering wheel buttons now being hard defined to source and recirc? WTF???

I bet many of these will be back with either an update or 2010. I could see significant changes like these IF this was a complete redesign but this was just a mid-cycle refresh. I thought these types of updates ADDED content!

Yeah, I realize the I-drive is new but come on, the OP is right, a lot of valued content is now gone..

[Staszek]

Originally Posted by darkphantom

I like 09s better than the 06s, I can't stand the old rear tails, they look so fugly

I agree, I would have never bought the E90 if I couldn't get blacklines.

[ZuerstBMW]

I like the 06 better(with blacklines of course) than the 09 as well, thats why Im probably getting a 135i once my lease is up in April.