After many months of reading this board, and learning about the experiences of others, I took the plunge and leased a 2007 X5 4.8 with 500 miles on it. The vehicle was 1 of 10 X5's that my dealership obtained from BMW NA and used by PGA golfers in the BMW Classic in Atlanta recently.

Here's the deal:

Titanium Silver
Black Nevada Leather
Cold Weather Package
Premium Package
Rear Climate Package
Sport Package
Comfort Access
3rd Row Seat
Park Distance Control
Navigation System
Head-Up Display
HD Radio
Satellite Radio

MSRP with Destination: $71,420

My lease is $818/month plus tax ($49) for 36 months, 10,000 miles per year. Total cash out of pocket was $3,000 including 1st month payment, and all of the other dealer/lease fees. Would welcome any feedback as to whether this is a decent lease.

Didn't want the 3rd row seats, the Heads-Up Display or even the HD-Radio. The only options it's missing are the rear-camera and a 6 CD changer. I assumed it had a CD changer and spent about 15 minutes looking for it before I wised up and checked the manual.

My last comment - having used audi's MMI and other similar technologies, iDrive isn't really as bad as I thought it would be. The Navigation system is fairly limited in its capability - so much so that it makes my TomTom portable GPS look like a technology marvel.

Lastly - I have to say that those that contribute to this site have made a significant impact on my decision to get an x5.

I'll be back to share my experiences and some photos after the dealer installs the running boards ($720 out of pocket).


PS - This x5 came from BMW of Fort Myers, FL