650 for X5

[GSmith]

A little history: I used to have a 2002 X5 4.4; traded it in for a new 2006 650i convertible. Now I'm considering trading in my 6 for a new 2008 X5 4.8. My 650 is the most beautiful, best handling car I've ever owned and there is probably no way that I would ever feel similarly about a new X5. The car still turns heads. But the 650 is "only" my daily driver, cause we all don't fit in it (two adults, two golden retrievers). When I got it I thought the pups would fit in the back seat for the around the town stuff, but it's too hard to get them back there and we just don't bother with it. On evenings, weekends and trips we take a Volvo wagon. In a perfect world we'd trade the Volvo in on a new X5 and keep my 6, but that isn't my call, so I have to learn to live with it.

I loved my 2002 X5 4.4. Would hope to enjoy a new one as much as the old, and not miss my 6 too much. I've ordered one of the last 2008 4.8's and if it gets here in time to take advantage of the .9% financing, I'll probably do it.

Spec'd it out about as close to my 6 as possible:

4.8; titanium silver; sand beige perforated nevada leather; light poplar wood; active ventilated seat; premium sound; premium; cold weather; technology; auto tailgate; comfort access; heated rear; iPod/usb; satellite; even lighted door sills! The obvious- no sport pkg. cause I don't want the black roof liner and no more performance tires (but would love the electronic damping control); no rear climate cause I don't like the privacy glass.

What I wouldn't miss: the 6 has had it's share of time in the shop; concern with Houston potholes and high performance wheels/tires; worrying about a very low to the ground lower front end; ditto flash flooding in Houston; double tipping valet parkers; never getting to drive it!

What I would miss: having a convertible, make that having a 6 convertible; so damn pretty and extraordinary handling.

We'll see what happens in the next couple of weeks. Any thoughts on my specs or encouragement to go through with it?

I like the idea of X5 world. Looks like a great site.
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