Really? I was not impressed when I sat in one...

E91 — much tighter than the E61, but maybe that'll be too small.

Also consider (if you hate iDrive) you can get an E9x sans iDrive whereas all E6x's have iDrive whether you have navigation or not.

+1 E91.

All great opinions guys.

Q5: I really like the striking and modern Audi style and I like the look of the Q5 from the pictures. I think the price will be a bit too high even with a good lease. The idea of a brand new vehicle with a warranty is attractive but I don't think we're willing to pay for it. Plus we like the idea of owning something that we can keep as a nice beater and being able to get a fun car as a third car.

E91: I have secretly loved them and think one with M package and CSL or M5 wheels would look so nice but it is too small. Plus, it is only available in 328 form and actually costs more with fewer deals to be had due to the lower demand and smaller production volume of the touring body. It would actually make more sense to then get a 335i sedan.

A3: Like the E91, it's too small. I would prefer an A4 Avant before the A3.

E61: It looks like this is the crowd favorite, not surprisingly since this is a BMW crowd. It is mine too. There is no doubt that it would drive better than the E350 and while I'm not a super fan of the E60 front end, it is a more unique and sporty look than the very pedestrian E-class. I-drive is fine. I would prefer the newer updated version but we're quite used to the older version since we have it in the E90 now. I wish we could get a 535i version but again, it comes down to how much we want to spend. '06 is a good MY because there are more of them available and BMW Financial has 0.9% financing on MY '06's.

The suggestions are great. Our minds are not made up yet and there is always the possibility of a wild car(d) entry into the mix. I'm sure there are some good deals to be had on new cars and like LeMans stated, since the '10's are coming out the '09 5ers will likely be priced to move. Even with that, an optioned up 535i might still be more than we want to spend.

If money were no object....

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I voted E350, since Merc seem to prioritise practicality higher in their wagons than BMW - having said that I was behind a 5 series wagon today and its a great looking car

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- Ravenheart

I've driven a 530xi wagon, and it has no power what so ever, it feels like a 3.0 x5 auto is faster

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2006 BMW X5 4.8is Lemans Blue/Beige/Dark Maple
-Nav, Comfort Seats, Heated Steering Wheel,
Rear Airbags, AUX Input
2009 BMW M3 Space Grey/Black/Carbon
-all options

Ok, then swap that for a E61 535xit and take advantage of the twins!

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"When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all" (Bender, futurama)

You make something idiotproof, they'll make a better idiot

You think professional is expensive, just wait until you pay for amateur.

Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right.

Examine what is said, not who speaks.

X5 pics

RIP 4.6is.....

2003 4.6is

It will outrun any Q5 or VW SUV.