X5 2007 questions and opinions

[colonels]

I am seriously considering ordering this SAV.
I currently own a 3.0 X5 2003 and just wrecked my Porsche CaymanS.

I like the idea of the fuel efficiency of the 3.0 engine which I am guessing will be around 17/22 mpg US cycle. However I like the silver colored kidney grills and silver mesh under the front fender of the 4.8... can I change these myself (i.e. same size parts) ? Reasoning is I am ordering the titanium silver color and these accents look much better than black.

There is a small thin mesh grid between the top hood and front fender (right between the 2 headlights) which in some brochures appears silver like the lower silver mesh on the 4.8... however in all the real-life pics it is always black and cannot be seen even on 4.8 sport models. Is there a special option to get this silver colored as well? It looks real nice in the brochure that way.

I think the 3.0 sport wheels (212) are more sporty than the 4.8 sport wheels (211)... while the optional 20inch don't really do it for me. My 18inch tires on my 2003 X5 have lasted 40,000 miles before changing... but they do cost about $250 each when I did change them.

Tobacco leather vs. Terra leather... I have seen the photos posted and I think there is a great deal of confusion. A member posted his E90 terra interior which looked EXACTLY like the X5 advertisement for tobacco interior... if anyone has real life pics please post with proper label. I have sand leather now and its pretty boring.

There is roughly an $8000 spread between 3.0 and 4.8 which narrows down to $7000 if you opt for premium package. Would resale value really maintain this spread after 4 years?

Finally the MSRP vs Invoice pricing shows an average $4500 spread at base rising to $5200 with options (destination included). If I specially order my X5 and pay for it in full... shouldn't I be able to get it for $1000 over invoice? Reasoning being that the dealer does not have to do anything else but place order, accept delivery, inspect, and call me. It doesn't become an inventory item for him. Basically he will be making $1000 (plus whatever incentives BMW offers as well to dealers beyond Invoice pricing) for very little selling effort. Opinions on this?

[marcx5]

i know many people getting at least 2500 off msrp.