Purchasing 08/09 X.5 4.8 - looking for advice

[tlewis]

Hi Everyone - First post...new the forums.

My wife and I are getting ready to buy our next SUV. I thought we were headed down the Cayenne S path...but she really likes the X5, so we are going to start shopping it here in Dallas/Ft. Worth and see what we come up with.

Based on what we want below....we would love to hear what packages/options you think you have really used and liked and what to stay away from. And any other ideas/advice you have!


Vehicle Use:
-We normally keep our vehicles 10 years.
-Expect 5K to 10K miles per year.
-Once in a while the X5 will pull a 20 ft. Sea Doo Boat

2009/2008 X5 4.8
-Preferred condition: New
-But Open to CPO/PO if low mileage and MINT condition.
-Exterior Color: Black Sapphire Metallic (will not consider other color)
-Interior Color:
1st choice: Grey Nevada Leather
2nd Choice: Black Leather
3rd Choice: Sand Beige Leather
Trim: Dark Burl Walnut

Packages:
-Premium Package
-Technology Package
-Rear Climate Package
-Premium Sound Package
-Sports Package with 20” alloys (style 214) – The downside here for us is the performance tires and we would probably need to buy a new set every 15K….but we like the 20” (style 214) look. Also- not sure about sports suspension?….sounds like several owners like the standard suspension (not as rough?)

Options:
-Running Boards
-Comfort Access
-Need trailer hitch wired and ready to go for boat.
- Both me and my wife are currently using iPhone 3G’s and are looking for the cleanest integration in the X5…of course the integration may be short lived since we rev our phones every year or so (so we have some common sense flexibility here). But what is the best X5 option?: Ipod adapter? Smartphone integration? Both? (may affect the premium sound package – that’s fine.) I also saw a nice iphone 3g slide in adapter for BMW…anyone have any experience with this?

Options we are interested in but can probably live without. (if any owner has comments – we would appreciate and love to hear):
-3rd row seat (we have no children…but may be nice to have if it’s actually usable?)
-Active Steering (sounds great…is the stock steering that bad?)
-Active Ventilated Seats (nice to have?)

Thanks!

Ted