X5 love- UPDATE: another stroke?! :(

[crosvs]

As some of you have probably read, due to ongoing problems with my aging 2001 X5 4.4 Sport (115,000 miles), and fearful anticipation of being hit with a $7,000+ bill for a failed transmission, I'm strongly considering getting rid of it and trading it in on a pre-owned M3 convertible.

While it looks like I can definitely manage to do this, and while I relish a return to my sports car roots, I thought you might all smile slightly in quiet understanding when I say to you this:

The thought of parting with my X5 -- even for the mighty and wet-dream inducing M3 -- really gives me tremendous pause for second thoughts. But seriously, after almost 2.5 years to the day; nearly 80,000 miles; and endless happy memories, both sporting and leisurely alike -- not to mention "passionate!!" (think X5 bed ) -- I just cannot imagine not having her with me anymore!!

I think of my "big little tank," my Suburban Assault Vehicle (SAV), about how she's the most perfect balance of practicality, comfort, sportiness, and prestige, and I just find myself less enthusiastic about the trade than I had otherwise presumed I would feel.

But I do not mean this of course to belittle the M3's superlative status in today's -- and tomorrow's -- automotive world, but rather to speak with utmost praise for one of latest SUV entrants to hit the road, back in 2000, that while not perhaps the fastest nor most luxurious -- or even the most practical! -- by 2007 standards anymore, is still, at least in my heart -- if not my mind -- one of the world's very best.