Originally Posted by MOD220

first off, great forum! so happy to find such a resourceful place filled with X5 enthusiasts! in the market for a newer X5, and have a few basic questions:

1) which models E70 are there?

its my understanding from 2007-2010, there were the choice of:

a) 6 cylinder
b) 8 cylinder
c) turbo diesel

Correct, 3.0i, 4.8i, & 30d, 35d

and from 2011-present
a) 6 cylinder turbo
b) 8 cylinder turbo
c) turbo diesel

is that correct?

Correct 3.5i, 5.0i, and 35d

2) can the NAV system be used while driving? my Lexus requires the car be stopped, which is a deal breaker for me as I'm in outside sales, constantly making changes behind the wheel

Yes, not too difficult but still a challenge when driving. The new iDrive (2011 & up) helps.

3) is the keyless entry such that i never take the key out of my pocket? Lexus has this, my Acura does not, can't stand needing to get key in/out of pocket all day

Correct but optional. Comfort Access

4) is it worth the extra money for the newer turbos, or is there greater value in the earlier e70's that have been discounted, but less power and lower MPG?

In my opinion. The new 8sp is great. My 50i gets 20mpg, a 48i maybe 16.

5) does the Dinan chip increase/decrease gas mileage above stock performance? (assuming the car is driven the same of course!)

Try a search

6) lastly, I just priced a new X50i on BMWUSA.com, fully loaded, $80k sticker, and the quote for a lease was $2500 down, 36 months, @ $576/month, clearly this is an error?

Sounds low unless you have a big trade equity.

thanks!!