So, we visited the dealer and test drove it. The good news is, no rattles of any type at cold start so low probability of timing chain guide issues. Also felt solid on the road... suspension was good. The bad? Oil leak, somewhere in the front of the engine. The dealer has no intention of fixing the rear airbag issue, either. We also drove a 35d E70 and we both liked the E53 better. Overall, the dealer didn't seem very interested in selling the car...and didn't max my professionalism meter when the car was literally out of gas when we went to first start it. As in, would not run.

Anyway, we ended up test driving a 2006 Range Rover HSE and both my wife and I have that one at the top of the list now. Which makes me a little sad, since I am a BMW guy. Oh well, ceste la vie! Appreciate all the advice.

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Best,
Andy

2012 135i E82 M-Sport - EVO1 FMIC, ERCP, Wedge MHD Tune//2008 335i E93 - HPF FMIC, ERCP, c-PE DPs, Wedge MHD Tune