Looking to trade-up the X5...

[Bavarian]

OK here's the deal. The X has 90000 kilometers on here, and it doesn't make much sense to keep it longer. Once the new X5 comes out, the trade-in price this X will give will be even lower. Alas everyone has budgets too.

Some options:

2003 X5 4.4i - Silver on Black - 30000KM - Xenons, Ski Sack, Running Boards, Sport Package, Sunshades, Dimming Mirrors, Privacy Glass, 19" Wheels, Headlight Washers, Front+Rear PDC, Rain Sensing Wipers

2004 ML500 - Silver on Black - 25000KM - Xenons, Dimming Mirrors, Privacy Glass, Front+Rear PDC, Bose Sound, CD Changer, Headlight Washers, Rain Sensing Wipers

On both I can get the same finance rate. The X5 sells for around $55000 while that ML can be had for $49000.

I know that asking this question on an X5 board will yield unfavorable comments for the ML. But thinking in a CONSTRUCTIVE manner, what are some thoughts? I haven't driven an SP-equipped X5 yet, but have driven several ML500s.

Despite the X5 costing more, the final price difference between this ML and the X5 might go from $6000 to $3000-4000. If I trade in at a BMW dealership I'll get a better trade-in value, or a discount on the new car itself. If I go with an ML, I'll get a worse trade-in for the X5, but the new car costs much less by itself anyway.