two questions on 3.0 M option..

[X5-Carbon]

I sort of agree with AwesomeM3, although NO X5 looks like an Aztek or Hyundai (but I think he was just kidding). I like the black plastic on white X5s - maybe the contrast is what's attractive to me, but I really do like the monochrome treatment that the M Sport package provides. I have only seen one other M Sport in the Atlanta area, although I'm sure more exist. This adds a little bit of exclusivity to the vehicle, IMHO.

I haven't seen an e70 that I don't like. And I definitely wouldn't call an X5 a station wagon - even though that term doesn't offend me. I like a number of Audi's Avant offerings.

[DSE]

There is a downside to painted bumpers; minor bumps and scrapes crack the paint and require repainting. It is less noticable with nonpainted bumpers. Now, this has never been an issue when I am driving, but let's just say it possible that this sometimes occurs when someone else dear to me is at the wheel.

In fact, have you ever noticed how many bumpers on cars and SUVs with PDC sensors still have as many -- if not more -- bumps and scrapes all over them? I always wondered how that happened if you have PDC.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by DSE

There is a downside to painted bumpers; minor bumps and scrapes crack the paint and require repainting. It is less noticable with nonpainted bumpers. Now, this has never been an issue when I am driving, but let's just say it possible that this sometimes occurs when someone else dear to me is at the wheel.

In fact, have you ever noticed how many bumpers on cars and SUVs with PDC sensors still have as many -- if not more -- bumps and scrapes all over them? I always wondered how that happened if you have PDC.

That's why there is clear bra.

[drod]

i still believe the m-pkg looks better than the stock w/aero kit...

the aero kit looks like aftermarket pieces... everyone's doing it...

i'm even seeing corollas with aero kits!!

the m-pkg gives it a factory build look along with color coded fender flares. it also looks pretty hot with the included 19inch wheels..

and it does look similar to the real $95k X5M!!

[AwesomeM3]

Originally Posted by drod

i still believe the m-pkg looks better than the stock w/aero kit...

the aero kit looks like aftermarket pieces... everyone's doing it...

i'm even seeing corollas with aero kits!!

the m-pkg gives it a factory build look along with color coded fender flares. it also looks pretty hot with the included 19inch wheels..

and it does look similar to the real $95k X5M!!

Couldn't have said it better myself!

[AwesomeM3]

Originally Posted by X5-Carbon

I sort of agree with AwesomeM3, although NO X5 looks like an Aztek or Hyundai (but I think he was just kidding). I like the black plastic on white X5s - maybe the contrast is what's attractive to me, but I really do like the monochrome treatment that the M Sport package provides. I have only seen one other M Sport in the Atlanta area, although I'm sure more exist. This adds a little bit of exclusivity to the vehicle, IMHO.

I haven't seen an e70 that I don't like. And I definitely wouldn't call an X5 a station wagon - even though that term doesn't offend me. I like a number of Audi's Avant offerings.

Correct X5-Carbon, I wasn't comparing the X5 to the Hyundai or Aztek SUVs. The point I was making was that you don't see this type of black plastic bumper/trim on any Mercedes, Porsche, Lexus, Land Rover or Audi SUVs, so why does BMW do it. The plastic trim is used on considerably cheaper SUVs, like the Aztek or Hyundai. Not the image I was looking for on a $70,000+ SUV.

[X5-Carbon]

DSE has a good point. I already have a number of chips in my bumper, not from bumping into things, just from stuff being kicked up from cars in front of me.

[jamesboags]

Maybe Station Wagon was a bit rough ... maybe more like an Estate IMHO.