thanks for the lead... of interest for me ('08 3.0si):

Summary: (thought this was just a 4.8 issue)
BMW: DELAYED ENGAGEMENT AND HARSH JOLT WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFT OR JOLT FELT DURNG THE 3-2 DOWNSHIFT OWN DECELERATION. MODEL E70 (X5 3.0I) ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10028105 ) tsb-24-04-08

Summary: (how do you know you need it?)
BMW: DYNAMIC DRIVE (ARS) FRONT SWAY BAR REPAIRS. E70 (X5) WITH SPORT PACKAGE OPTION CODE ZSP. ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10025775 ) SI B37-03-07

Summary: (could this be contributing to my creaking noises going over bumps/driveways or does that not involve CV joints?)
BMW: REPLACEMENT OF FRONT OUTER CV JOINT. COMPLAINTS OF CLICKING OR GRINDING NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT AXLE AREA WHEN MAKING A TURN. THE FRONT OUTER CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT BOOT IS SPLIT OPEN AND THE JOINT IS ALREADY DAMAGED. ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10031624 ) SI-B31-01-08

__________________
'08 X5 3.0si - Alpine White / Saddle Brown interior
Specs: Sport Pkg, Premium Pkg, Tech Pkg, Comfort Access, Aero Kit, Style 433 staggered 20s on Conti DWS
Mods: Carbon 35 tint, LED angel eyes, GP Thunder 7500k fogs, H&R 20mm/25mm spacers, clear reflectors, gunsmoke-tinted taillights
Coded: Digital speedo, windows/sunroof/tailgate close via keyfob

X5 pics at Flickr