Newbie needs advise on new X5 order

[Eric5273]

Hi all,

I've been browsing this forum for a few days now, and finally decided to register and write my first post...

I have been shopping for about 3 weeks and have test driven a whole bunch of SUV's including the ML350, Land Rover LR3, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Infiniti FX35. I also looked at both the Porsche Cayenne and VW Tourag, but both of those were too expensive. Of the ones I test drove, the X5 was by far the best. It's truely amazing that they can make a SUV that handles so well around curves, yet is so smooth over rough roads, and can also be driven in the snow. Every other car I test drove lacked at least one of these abilities. I even drove the X3, but the X5 was just a whole lot nicer. This is definately one of the most versatile vehicles on the road today.

I originally did not even think the X5 was within my budget. I went to the dealer to look at the X3. I plan to lease, and with the specials they are running now on the X5, it falls within my budget as long as I don't go overboard with options.

So here is what I have decided on:

2006 X5 3.0i w/6 speed manual trans
Jet Black (or Black Saphire Metallic)
Black Leather w/Anthracite Maple Wood
Sports Package
Xenon Headlights
Premium Package
Auto Dimming Mirrors
MSRP $50,245

For this, I was quoted: no money down, $574/month for 36 months. How does that sound? My salesman said that price is discounting the vehicle to $1400 over invoice. Is that good or should it be less? I'm not sure what is normal for a BMW. I know some cars can be had for $500 over invoice.

Also, I have a few questions about options:

1) 6-speed manual transmission: I love driving manuals, but I've not found a single review of this car with the manual. Does anyone here have the 6 speed? Is it as nice as the 6-speed in the 3-series? Any comments or advise on this would be appreciated.

2) I'm unsure if I should add the Premium Sound option. The local dealer did not have any X5s with this option. The car I test drove had the regular stereo, and it sounded decent. The Premium Sound will add $15-20/month to my payment. Is the Premium Sound system far superior to the standard system, or only slightly better? Is it worth the extra cost?

I know some in this forum will probably suggest going aftermarket for the stereo, but that's not something I'm prepared to do. Either I will live with the regular standard system, or get the premium one. Any advise??

3) Jet Black or Black Saphire Metallic?? Unfortunately I have not been able to see the Black Saphire Metallic in person. I'm leaning towards regular Jet Black. My salesman told me that Jet Black looks nicer when it's clean, but that it's harder to keep clean. He also said that Black Saphire Metallic will wear better over time, while Jet Black will show scratches and swirl marks more easily. But that is not much of an issue for me because I will be leasing and turning in the car after 3 years, so how it looks when it is 5 or 6 years old is not important to me. Any advise on this?

4) Wood trim. I'm leaning towards the Anthracite -- it seemed to go better with the Black on Black color combo than the Dark Poplar wood. But I could not find a single car in their lot with the Light Poplar wood. My salesman said it is very rare than anyone orders that color. I'm wondering if the contrast between the black leather and the Light wood would stand out and look nice, or if it would look tacky or mismatched. Does anyone own a car with black leather and the Light Poplar wood?? If so, can you post a picture? Otherwise, I'm leaning towards the Anthracite.

And just a comment, why oh why do they not offer the Navagation with a CD player?!?!?!?? Every other BMW comes this way except the X5. Would it really have been that much work to get the X3 Navagation system to fit into the X5?? Instead is appears they are waiting for the new model before making this adjustment. I would get the Navagation if it weren't for this gross oversight on BMW's part. Instead, I will be getting the auto dimming mirrors package which includes a compass on the rear view mirror. At least if I don't know what street I am on, I will have some idea of the direction I'm heading.