Lots of research, lots of contact with several dealrs, lots of soul searching. Have turned my 4.6 into a Jeep dealer who will pay off the lease and give me equity for the difference. Not only would'nt the BMW dealers give me equity, I was hearing concerns about putting the exhaust back to stock, being laughed at about the value of the vehicle in terms of getting a lower price.

None of that was an issue with the Jeep dealer, so I did the deal and got an '05 Black GCL loaded (5.7) for well under invoice after all incentives. My attitude about the vehicle is "it is what it is". But I was starting to have the same attitude about the 4.6 with all its quirks and problems. I would have bit the bullett and got a new 4.8, but the dealers would not work with me (and I felt BMW really owed me some slack - but they have a business to run, don't care about your story, and get no help from BMWNA, which is the problem.

So I'll keep the new Jeep for a bit, and be in the drivers seat for my next decision. At 1st I thougtht the ride was a bit ordiary, but the more I drive it the more I like it. Not nearly as taut as the X5 with sport package. Fit and finish don't hold a candle to the X5. But the drive train is quite nice (probably in 4.4 performance territory. Plus, I don't care if it gets dirty. Special trailer hitch issues - no, comes all set up. Funky front end noises. No, quiet as can be. Weird noises when shifting - no just pure american v8. Take to dealer for special programming? No, all done by your preferences in the car. Quite simply, all the bells and whistles. Time will tell. Can always go back to an X5.

So I'm now in the same camp with Ifly. Trust I can continue to be the limited useful participant I currently am on this board. You are all great.

Now, if I can figure out a way to unload at a more than reasonable price my 18" winter 99 tires/wheels to a good member in this area who will come pick them up - I feel a good deed would be done all around.