Anyone who is interested in a 50i is more than likely after a SUV with performance without going to an M. If you look at whats available in the market, I disagree that 150k is overpriced. What else can we get that even comes close performance wise. A porsche cayenne GTS? And that is still slower in a straight line plus about 15k more without any added (extremely) expensive porsche options. Also, there is nothing in the market at that pace that comes with 7 seats too. Porsche, range rover sports, VW R50, Merc ML500 all come with 5 seats only.

Also, quite frankly it is better for all of us existing X5 owners that BMW jacked up the price slightly (although in my opinion that price is largely the same due to the extras that comes standard now) as it only helps resale value. I would be more pissed if the price dropped as so will depreciation of our X5's at a greater pace.

I don't know about this, unless you plan to never buy any more BMW's in the future. By the same rationale, KRudd should be applauded for raising the luxury car tax. Sorry, not having a go at you, I am just just sick of paying inflated prices for cars, car parts and various other goods in this country, when the same item often costs less than half the price in other countries such as US, and even UK.
I take your point that the updated models do come with more equipments.

I suppose what I mean is that $150k opens up lots of opportunities these days than say in 2007 when 48i was introduced at around $120k e.g. Porsche prices have dropped so I could now get the new Porsche Boxster spyder for an extra $10 with corp discounting etc..and I know what I'd rather have up the drive ultimately - kids can walk to scholol ;) Different cars completely I know ... but still ..

Also - as X6X5 points out its overpriced compared to US market and current value of Aus $ (when it was 50c to the US I could understand this sort of pricing in Aus ..but really ..its like 93c to the US right now .,.and they pay something like $70-80K for fully loaded 50i in the US ....)

Wil be interesting to see how many go the 50i now ..dealer said there was little interest so far ... 40d is not cheap anymore .. so the 35i I suspect will do well along with 30d ofcourse ....

Selfishly I also like the fact that prices at least didnt go down - that would have made my 2010 X5 35d (1 month old) accelerate its depreciation ....

Looking for a good Paint shop in Melbourne
 

I need to find a good body shop/paint shop in melbourne to install my aero kit plus painting front rear bumpers to match body colour as BMW dealer will charge thousands for it. Any input will be much appreciated.

ps:i'm located in Surrey Hills

Try Novaks in Sth melbourne - they do quality jobs on BMWs

I'll keep them in mind also if I get a ding ....
 

:thumbup:

I do agree that we pay too much taxes for cars. And if labour remains in power taxes will keep increasing.

Good to hear.

I'm not sure how many kms your X has on it now but it's a good idea to give it some highway driving during the running-in process. Stop-start urban driving is good for the initial break-in period but once that's done it helps to get out of town and load up the engine with a few full throttle bursts up hills etc.

I have a Thule Roadway 912 with the optional No-Sway Cage #955. I haven't used it on my X but on other cars. It's been excellent for two bikes even on long trips on bumpy roads. It mounts into a standard square hitch receiver.

Purchased a 2010 xDrive35D (Sport Package, Innovations Package) in Titan Silver with Black leather interior and Brushed Aluminium trim. It's got the 214 wheels, aluminium running boards and Panorama Roof.

Thank you for those here who provided me with advice and knowledge, it was a big help in knowing what to ask for and having confidence in understanding what was what.

Will post photos when we pick it up!