Well...decision made. I couldn't bring myself to buy (lease) the car from them. I could have probably gone either way but, in the end, I didn't want to do such a significant financial transaction with people that I didn't feel comfortable with. To give credit where credit is due, the CA was very gracious and I commend him for wanting to do the right thing...even if his management pissed me off.

As I said earlier, I had been on the fence all along between the X5 and the Cayenne and today I ordered a 2012 Cayenne V6. Not quite as good mileage, but lower cost fuel.....and a VERY hot ride in addition!

Thanks to everyone here for all of their advice and counsel. I will think about you all whenever I drive by a 35d.

PS- if anyone is in the market for a nicely equipped 35d, I am sure that BMW of Mountain View would be happy to sell you one right away.