New Owner w/a few questions

[PSUEng]

So, after waiting an additional year to be able to get into a nice, used 2007 X3, I picked one up on a private sale last week. Here are the specs:

2007, Montego Blue on Black Leather, 40,700 miles. Two owners.
Premium pack
Cold weather pack
Heated Steering Wheel
Privacy glass
Cargo net
Xenon
Servo
CPO till 3/13
Extended Maintenance till 3/13

Car is in great shape, fully maintained, all books, keys, window sticker, receipts.

I've noticed a few things that I thought I'd ask everyone about:

1: The wipers chatter. The blades were just replaced two weeks ago. A friend of mine had an 05 model and he said his chattered. Is this "normal"?

2: The wiper arms don't lift up when in the parked position due to interference on the hood--is this normal?

3: Steering wheel switches peel--they were recently replaced under warranty, but do they peel due to rings hitting them or just regular contact with fingers?

4: Is there a DIY on the alarm install?

And just for the record: The transmission is a little iffy off the line and on the 1-2 shift. Smooth starts are difficult, but doable. On the other hand, in manual shift mode, this thing is smooth as butter.

I really am enjoying this car. I have an E46 M3 and this X3 is just very very comfortable to drive. I am glad I didn't go for the sport package, as the regular suspension and 17" wheel is plenty firm.