What year is his 535? 08s had issues. We had pump and gasket changed in first year.

Agreed, it is embarrasing and BMW should fix the problem if they haven't already. However, when it is working it helps feed fuel to the International Engine of the year for 2007 & 2008 as well as the best engine in the 2.5-3.0 litre class for 2009. Add that to a great chassis and I would be willing to deal with the pump issues. Especially if the car is under warranty. BMW will more than likely come up with a fix.

Eh, we've already had fuel pump issues with our diesel, so another vehicle with a similar problem wouldn't be a good idea. Under warranty or not, it is never fun to have to drive to the dealership and drive a loaner car for weeks at a time. This problem shouldn't carry onto MY2011 X5's and X6's with the newer single turbo engine, right?

Going back to insurance, we found out that the M3 would only be about $100 more a year. The X6 would be slightly under that, probably $60-80 more a month. The 2011 X5 should be around the same as our 2010 diesel.

Yeah, but those cars are going to have some issues that the 3 series don't. That is just how it works. Every car is going to have it's issues. You are going to be making trips to the dealer under warranty with those as well and you will still end up with a loaner.

Well, back from a vacation with my family. Going to head to the dealership tomorrow to get some 2011 ordering guides for the X6 and maybe the M3. I did download the 2011 X5 35i ordering guide on here though, and have specced out the following.

X5 xDrive35i Premium

• ZCV Convenience Package
• ZCW Cold Weather Package
• ZTP Technology Package
• 2VA Adaptive Drive
• 456 Multi-Contour Seats
• 4UB 3rd Row Seat
• 328 Running Boards
• 5DK Side-view Camera
• 496 Heated Rear Seats
• Total : $65800

X5 xDrive Sport Activity

• ZCV Convenience Package
• ZCW Cold Weather Package
• ZMP M-Sport Package
• ZTP Technology Package
• 5DK Side-view Camera
• Total : $65800

The Premium model's options are kind of forced, with the addition of the 3rd row seat, running boards (bad idea getting it on our diesel) and possibly the heated rear seats since we don't usually use them on our diesel.

The Sport Activity model is kind of bare. It does lack multi-contour seats which I like, but the sports seats will do. I am leaning towards the Sport Activity model, if a X5 is chosen.

IMHO, an X5 4.8i, with Tech, Prem AND Sport w/ 20" is under 66K, and will satisfy my need for carving in the twisties, be higher off the ground for better visibility in traffic, and have the utility space which is more than the M3.

That opinion however, does not take in MPG costs, Cost of maintenance/ownership, Tire changes, etc...

Can't really consider a 4.8i now that the 2011 xDrive50i is coming out. We did go by the dealership and picked up the X6 ordering guide and optioned out the following.

X6 xDrive35i

• ZAP Sport Activity Package
• ZCW Cold Weather Package
• ZPP Premium Package
• ZRC Rear Climate Package
• ZTP Technology Package
• Total : $65375

And a little error on my part made the X5 xDrive35i prices up to $66675 instead of $65800. Deleting one option, 5DK Side-view camera would bring the price down to $66325 and we might be able to swing it. The other option is to delete 456,328 and 5DK on the Premium model and get it down to $65725 which would be easier to talk about.

i like the X6. keep the vermillion red color on that car, and you'll be in business.

make sure u get the sports package though, those 20 inch wheels make the car

Game is over. Our 2010 35d has given us too many problems and BMW has allowed us to do the BMW Trade-Assist instead of filing for Lemon Law. It just so happened to give out another DEF fluid low message when my parents left for the dealership. It's 3rd time at 2700 miles, it seems like it will send a message every 900 miles like clockwork! $65,375 MSRP firm for any car and we chose a X6.

2011 X6 xDrive35i. Tasman Green on Chateau Alcantara/Leather with Brushed Aluminum trim.
Premium Package
Cold Weather Package
Technology Package
Rear Climate Package
Sport Activity Package

What do you guys think about the colors and choices?

no vermillion red?
i really like it on the X6, JMO though..