Hello, and thanks!

[thisX5life]

Here's what I ordered. Complete rationalization for any choice available upon request.

- 2007 X5 4.8i
- Platinum Bronze / Black / Burl Walnut
- Active Ventilated Seat Package
- Cold Weather Package
- Premium Package
- Premium Sound Package
- Rear Climate Package
- Sport Package
- Technology Package
- Comfort Access
- HD Radio
- Heated Rear Seats
- HUD
- Sirius
- USB Audio

As I told my CA, "Easier if I just tell you what I don't want."

[X5FX]

great build...no 3rd row and no active steering, anything else missing?

[thisX5life]

No rear entertainment package, either.

I didn't want or need the anemic 3rd row seats, and am glad to save the weight. There are all kinds of rear-seat entertainment options that look better to me than the BMW one, if I wanted any thing like that.

The Active Steering was a real thought-provoker for me. I know that BMW is working hard to use technology in thoughtful and helpful ways, but what finally turned me off was the fact that the X5's computer could dial in steering corrections without any steering wheel movement on the driver's part. Maybe it can react faster to impending loss of control than I can, but I want to do my own steering, thanks.

I drove a 4.8 with the normal steering, over all kinds of roads, and it felt very good to me -- in fact it was a major selling point in choosing the X5. On the other hand, I asked to drive something with AS, and I was told there wasn't a single car on the lot with that option. I finally found one at another dealer, but it didn't sway me.

[X5FX]

one point to consider re 3rd row;

The 3rd row brings the weight over 6,000 lbs (by govt standards) which means significant tax advantage.

of course this may be of no use, but at least you know.

[thisX5life]

If you're talking about the IRS Section 179 deduction, it's based on the vehicle's GVWR (net weight of the vehicle, plus the weight of passengers, fuel, cargo and any additional accessories), not it's unloaded (curb) weight. I'm pretty sure the 4.8i qualifies either way. Anyone who has a 4.8 without 3rd row seats is welcome to chime in!

[X5FX]

you might be right, I have the 3.0 and needed the 3rd row to make the magic number.

can anyone w/ 4.8 (no 3rd row) confirm GVWR, its printed on tag in door frame.

EDIT:
yes you are correct 6,173 GVWR for 4.8 w/o 3rd row.

[tbonecopper]

what is this tax benefit that you speak of?

[trueX5er]

Originally Posted by thisX5life

Anyone who has a 4.8 without 3rd row seats is welcome to chime in!

I have a 3.0si with out the third row, and I am VERY happy with my choice. I wouldn't have gotten the third row if they paid me. I drove one with it, and it made the interior seem cramped, and rear visibility was bad. I also like the "complete" look of it, as the seats extend all the way to the side of the car. It makes it looks a bit more luxurious. See the pics in my X-page

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by tbonecopper

what is this tax benefit that you speak of?

It allows for much faster depreciation if you use the vehicle in your business. In effect you can write off over 1/2 the purchase price in the first year (i believe its $37k in 2007), as oposed to the normal 7 year depreciation. You should consult with your CPA though for exact benefit.

[Atsound]

This is the main reason that I am getting the X5. Small Business Tax advantage
http://www.smartmoney.com/tax/workbu...tory=equipment

ThisX5Life how much off MSRP for your X5?