The biggest advantage of leasing is that the residual values are subsidized (although not as much as in the past) by BMWFS. The interest rate is often lower as well. If you know you'll keep the car 3 years or less, leasing is the way to go. Notice that BMWFS residual percentages go way down after 36 months - I guess they don't want lease returns that are too old.

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2008 X5 4.8i, Jet Black, Tobacco Nevada leather & just about everything else (no vent. seats, no 3rd row)