Sorry to hear of your problems with your E70. My E53 lease is up in two months, and I've agonized about what to replace it with. I like the E70, although I don't need the increased cargo space, or third row seats. I could also do without I-Drive.

When I priced an E70 replacement, msrp was north of $75k. Since I never carry any passengers, I also began to question my need for another SAV. While I was at my local BMW dealer, I walked over to the Mini showroom. Just for the hell of it, I test drove an '07 Cooper S. I was instantly hooked...reminded me of my 1974 2002tii. After the test drive, I ordered one.

Talk about apples & oranges...my wife thinks I've lost my mind, and time will tell if I have... but at half the price, and with a pretty big fun factor, it should be interesting.