I'm in exactly the same spot as the OP, 2008 4.8i with lease up in May. While I'd like to buy mine, as another post pointed out, the stated buyout/residual value is much higher than a CPO'd 4.8's for sale.

A couple of post mention negotiating the buyout amount, yet BMWFS states the end of lease buyout is not negotable. If anyone has successfully done this, would you mind sharing how you went about it?

I really like my X5, but not enough to buy it for way over current market value.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

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