There are no '09 M5's available at 3 of the 4 dealers I looked online here in Dallas/Fort Worth. There is one '10 that just came in. Like I said my prediction is in bigger markets (which most will probably go) the X5M will sell--it's too exclusive and too new of a model.

The SRT8 Jeep is a brute! I’m still in disbelief how the majority of the SUV crowd won’t include the SRT8 in performance reviews when the Jeep is hands down quicker then them all. Yes, the size, fit/finish, and luxury is lacking, however, it easily holds it own with the top-tier performance SUVs.

I originally bought the SRT8 back in ’06 when it was first released. Most dealers were asking 5-15k markups on this 40k truck, however I was able to locate one in Baton Rouge for MSRP since it included the worthless rear entertainment system (additional 2k).

Anyhow, this monster will launch harder then most anything on the road. The grip and raw/ unadulterated power delivery is insane. I can stand on the brake and gas with traction control turned off and easily launch this truck with acceleration that has rivaled most friends high dollar sports cars.

Given that I use my 4.8is to trailer my drag race car, it was fitting to see what the Jeep would do at the track. On average I’ve been able to hit 12.8-13.2 all day long (stock), whereas in the 4.8is the best I’ve been able to hit is 14.5 (day and night difference).

What makes the Jeep so special is that it gives you a true old time muscle car/truck feeling. When you step on the gas it goes with furry. The Brembo brake modulation and harsh Bilisten suspension w/ run-flats have much to be desired, however, for 45k out the door, how can you argue with that? The only other negative feedback I have is the low roofline with high stance seating. If you’re over 5’10” your head will hit the roof unless you tilt your seat back. The interior is also quite cramped, however, that’s to be expected considering its weight and interior volume size.

What’s funny is that BMW is using the same technique that Mopar originally used for the SRT8. They offered Top Dog performance that can beat and/or match the competition, yet do so at lesser price. Well, the Jeep is the same way, yet its price difference is even more extreme because its lacking all the luxury and fit/finish that the others offer.

Oh I agree, but I bet "hype" will eventually wear off just as it has for the M5. I'd guess that in two years you'll be able to find an X5/X6 M on the lot for sale, probably not at $16,000 off, but probably able to purchase at or just under MSRP.

I'm in the "foreclosure capital of the US" so I'm not too surprised, and though Memphis is a good size, its still probably one of BMW's smaller markets...

Yep, lots of "liar loans" were sold out here, real-estate values are in the toilet. Hopefully I'll be out of here in 2-3 years.

Just to be clear.. I don't think I'm going to have an easy go at getting my price ($500 over invoice)..

But if it is possible, I'll find a way.. Right now I have 3 dealerships waiting on a car for me:
1) The dealership I bought my 4.8is and 750i from. Both of those sales were $500 invoice and the salesman knows, that's my only price or I buy local.
2) The dealership I bought my brothers M5 at just a couple months ago.
3) The dealership I have the deposit with.

Luckily I live in an area where there are about 20 BMW dealers within a couple hundred miles. I'm going to work it as hard as I can :)

there is a black m3 at mine with that same story....

I can wait....I am in no rush. Let them work out all the first year bugs. My 4.8is is in low 30k miles. And warranty +maintenence till end of 2010.

I miss my 4.8is.. :(

I assume the crowd doesn't include them as the others are premium brands. I considered an SRT8 after a sold my high-mileage Dinan 4.6iS...test drove just about every premium SUV imaginable. I'd have to admit that yes, brute power in the SRT8 comes up quickly but handling and ride comfort , imo, was lacking in comparison to the Porsche, BMW et al. It was a bit harsh for me so i settled on a low mileage 4.6iS.

The SRT8 is quick, definitely, and i believe your track results. Quicker, i'm not so sure about...perhaps in the 0-60 range. I've witnessed a number of grudge matches at local race-tracks...the Jeep consistently pulled off the line quicker but both an ML63 and Pepper Turbo S cleared 1/4 mile runs ahead of the Jeep. Perhaps it may have been the driver, but if i recall correctly, the ML63 cleared by about 1/2 car length.

Would def be interesting to see what Chrysler decides to do with the Jeep, it's a good bang for the buck but performance is the only comparable category to others, imo.

ML63 on average hits 13.0-13.2 @ 105-107mph in the 1/4 mile.
The Turbo S hits around 13.2-13.5 @ 105-107mph on average.
The SRT8 is 12.9-13.2 @ 104-105mph on average.

Based on that data you can conclude that the SRT8 will pretty much match or beat any of the top performance SUVs from 0 to 100-110mph, however after that, the gearing and power from the ML63 and Turbo S will take over and pull ahead of the Jeep. From a rolling start I bet the high power trucks will be even closer.

Regardless, as I mentioned, hands down the SRT8 is no luxury SUV. The rough ride and tight interior makes it worlds apart from the others. However, its off-the-line performance and unrestrained handling should not be discounted. In fact, handling wise, I know the SRT8 could out handle the top trucks as well, however, given the lack of driver aids, it will require an ideal road and great driver.
For the bang-for-the-buck performance, the SRT8 is a perfect alternative because for the price of the Turbo S or ML63, you could have an SRT8 and any decent luxury SUV/sedan for the same amount. Oh yeah, and with a $400 reprogrammer and air filter, the SRT8 will hit on average 12.4-12.6 in the 1/4mile. Throw in a few extra (headers/exhaust) and you will start to drop into the low 12’s. Add a supercharger for 5-8k and you’ll be looking at mid 11’s easy (tons of timeslips to back that up). There are also a few dozen crazy owners that are running in the 10’s.

If you noticed, I still have both my 4.8is (luxury) and the SRT8 Jeep (raw power). The X5 ///M will be the champ since it will combine both of those attributes with the least amount of negative side effects. All hail the X ///M.

Sidenote: I’ve been commuting to work in the SRT8 all week since the front tires for my 4.8is are on backorder. Even with all this massive power and performance, I REALLY miss the comfort and relaxed driving manner of the X5. I guess I’m just soft after daily driving X5’s since 2000.

Why are we talking about a Chrysler ? :yawn: