Got two recall letters a week ago, for the Z and the X, both for the coil issue (inspect and replace if necessary). Took both cars in today, and got the first service done on the Z at the same time. Low mileage, but a year and a half is up, so it was time. Neither car ended up needing coils, but at least now I know that. The whole fleet of E90 service loaners was out, so the service manager gave me his new 545 for the day. I have been thinking about a 530xiT to replace the X next year, so the timing was good.

Impressions:

1) This thing had lots of jam. The 550s that they had in stock will be faster. Hmmm, no touring model in the 550, at least here in North America.

2) After a full day of sitting on the comfort seats, I want them. My next car has to have them. I have had regular and sport seats, but never these. Oh, and they are not available on the 530xiT in Canada, just on the 545/550. The US gets them on the 530xiT. Oh well, we get some different options here.

3) I didn't mind the I Drive. I played with it a bit, but found that I could do most everything I need with steering wheel controls, and other assorted knobs and dials. The radio controls were intuitive. I think I could get used to it. I liked the dash layout.

4) The PDC with the graphical representation of the car was distracting.

5) The speed control was on a stick, they took the buttons off the steering wheel, which is an improvement (now the same as my Z). Even better, the set speed shows on the speedometer, around the outer rim. Cool. One click to add or subtract 10 km/hr. Cool. Maybe they all do this now, I don't know.

6) Biggest issue: The touring has a panorama moonroof. I can fit in the sedan (regular moonroof) but the panorama costs me another 1.5-2 cm in headroom, so it is a non-starter (I am 6'4"). Dealer is going to ask BMW if they will accept a special order without the panorama roof. Other markets get them with or without a sunroof, just not NA. If BMW Canada will do it, I will see if they will put comfort seats in as well, may as well get it exactly right.

7) I like the look of the touring more than the sedan. Not sure I could take a sedan (the front is fine for me, I just don't like the angle line at the rear). Saw a nice new silver grey M5 being delivered, that would be a good compromise choice. Not sure that something that burns 18 litres/100 km is socially responsible, but then again I am pretty sure that 500 hp isn't either. The Z would logically have to go as well in that case, and I would end up borrowing the 325xi when the weather was really bad. That is what makes it a compromise choice, there certainly isn't much compromise in the vehicle design. I was thinking about how I would explain to my wife that if I traded the X and the Z, and got the M5, I would just need to borrow her car once in a while. Not sure how that would fly.

8) If I go with the 530xiT, I think I will get the Canadian M-sport package. No, it doesn't change the engine. It does give sport seats, M steering wheel, chrome M door sills, and the same/similar look as the body package on the M5. Beautiful M wheels, style 135 I think. Includes some other details like deleting the roof rails, adding anthracite roof liner and high gloss shadow line trim. The two in the showroom with the M-sport package were a 530xiT, and a 550. Both were carbon black. Very sharp looking, but not for me, I couldn't imagine keeping them clean.

Lots of fun in store now, planning out the next purchase. The X5 is three in March, and has been excellent, but I feel like something different, lighter, a bit smaller, but still useful. I told myself when I bought it that I would sell it after 3 years, with a year of warranty left (dealer has good trade values at that break point). Not sure what to get, but I am going to have fun looking.

Any suggestions/comments welcome.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue