since things are heating up.....

Unless you want to drive 30 miles in some random direction to find the cheapest fuel, we're at 60 cents here in the Atlanta area, which is better than it has been but still pretty sucky (premium compared to diesel). Personally, My reasons for wanting a diesel have nothing to do with the cost of fuel but paying that much more does bother me. It's principle more than budget, I completely despise the predatory oil industry.

So, we'll get back on topic and then I'll rant some more. This has been a really good thread and I hope we can keep it going.

Craig - I should just speak for myself but I think many of us are silently waiting for your "First Impressions in my new X5 xDrive35d" thread. I know I am. Before our friends in other county's who have the SD chime in that it's not new, I think all that adblue crap is new and we'll have to see how it works out (I'm using the word "crap" affectionately). I will probably order one myself but am waiting on some things:

your thread

New iDrive

Let's all take off the rosy colored BMW glasses and admit the old system sucked. Not just compared to today's stuff but it always sucked. The added buttons are what make the new system usable. I rented an Audi in Europe for a couple weeks last summer and loved their system. I'm specifically referring to the physical ergonomic portion, my opinion on the UI and features is neutral. BTW, the Audi was a diesel (and a station wagon) AND I loved it! I didn't expect to but holy shit.. for my fellow Americans, you don't know what we're missing.

This will be the third time I'm trying to buy a BMW. The dealerships are a huge problem. For some f*cked up reason, they think they are doing me a favor by selling me a BMW. I know these are luxury automobiles but I do work hard for my money. Tip for any CA's reading this - don't treat me like I have sucker stamped on my forehead. I expect that at domestic and non luxury foreign dealerships but NOT a BMW dealership.

The other problems I am having trouble getting over are:

the issues that go unfixed - back up camera for one, squeaky rear hatch for another

the nickel and diming on the options - CA $1000? Heated front seats $500? For a SAV with a base MSRP of $50Kish these really should be standard items. Yes, I realize some of you folks in other country's pay even more for your BMW's making my point double valid.

I love reading these forums but the crowd that continually makes excuses for BMW's shortcomings need to see one of those guys that breaks people from their cults. "There's a lot of technology in this car" and "it's a new model" are not acceptable answers for cars that cost as much as bimmer's do.

Ok, that's all. I'm really not a hater and have high expectations for the new X5sd but I guess my point is, if it doesn't meet my expectations I'm not going to buy it just to say I drive a BMW. Don't get me wrong, I really do want one. The X5 is simply the best looking SUV (SAV - whatever) out there and I hope to own one this spring.

Flame suit on, fire away!

Tim