Barbja: Good comments. You have to do a good test drive. I test drove one car on a smooth road for 10 minutes and never knew how harsh it would be on a less than perfect surface. It was so annoying even on interstate trips that I sold it in a year at a loss. The garage comment is something to consider. Trading a 550i on the X5 MSport, I knew it would be a couple inches wider but there's now not much space to squeeze between the 2 cars.

I drove the 35d at the BMW Performance Center. It is the choice for off road and probably towing. I briefly drove it on road. It had satisfactory performance but I was spoiled by the 550i V8. It was almost too quiet as well.

I did not drive a 35i. Mainly because I wanted the 50i. I have a Z4 35i (N54 as opposed to the N55). It's great in the Z4 and should be enough for the X5, especially with its nice low end torque.

I love all aspects of the 50i except for the MPG but I can live with that, especially with a Z4 that can get 24 city, 30 highway.

The 8 speed auto is great. Its no substitute for a manual (like the DCT is) but it is smooth, flexible, quick reacting, and even sporty with the DS and M modes. I do wish the X5 had paddles like the X6. I used them a lot on the 550i.

Do test drive active suspension vs non, and active steering vs normal if you can. There's not a huge difference with the sport button pressed but it does help smooth out the ride (Normal) yet retain plenty of fun in Sport mode. I find the active steering great for parking lots and so far, not a drawback in sporty driving.

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Richard
Sir Snaps-a-lot, 9 Time Dragon Slayer (54 runs!)
2011 X5 50i Alpine White, Biege Nappa /Lt Poplar M Sport
2009 Z4 35i, Black Sapphire/Ivory-Black/Anthracite

Gone but not forgotten: '08 550i, '06 X3, '06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i