Lubehead, I just went through the same process a few months ago & am waiting for my new build to arrive here in about another week.

The sports package is possibly the most important option to me (with all due respect to those that bought an X5 w/o it - this is just my personal impressions). I did drive one with and one w/o it back to back. The non-sport was fine but I felt some body roll. The sport made me want to drive more aggressively and it makes the X feel more like a big sports car. I also liked the sport seats; if you're going to drive it hard, the bolsters are nice.

I dwelled on the ventilated seats, but decided that ultimately I really don't need them. I don't think they blow air conditioned air - but the circulating air does provide some cooling effect. I live in the Pacific NW and it's really only hot here for a few months out of the year. Further, I am a Realtor and a lot of my driving has frequent stops (ie getting out to show properties). Seems like the vent seats would work better for longer trips than shorter ones.

No 3rd row seat for me. Seems like a afterthought/marketing gimmick. My 5'4" wife definitely couldn't fit, even in a pinch. My toddler's seat won't fit either.

I did choose space saver spare, heated front seats, rear seat entertainment (got to keep my toddler happy!), ipod + usb adaptor, rear climate package (got to keep my toddler comfy), sport package, dark bamboo trim, black Nevada leather, and black sapphire paint. I've been content with these decisions for the 6 weeks that I've been waiting for my auto - though certainly realize that different people have different needs.