Ok I guess an X3 is out of the question for you. It rides stiffer in any trim than any X5.

Wierdly enough, in terms of absurd bragging rights SUVs, I'd pick the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 over the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Man that thing looks WICKED! (If I gave a damn about driving dynamics, it'd be less power and more handling, like an X5)

Yeah, well, no X3 here at any rate. I don't dig the size ... and that's not the first "overly choppy" complaint I've heard about the sports package in the X5.

I know all too well about the BMW addiction ... I started with the motorcycles (Beemers) and then came over to the darker side: the cars! :D

I like 20th, get and the I6 in manual six speed, I had to wait to get mine and i didn't get teh sport wish i did tho but even still this car is a blast to drive, i will never go back to automatic anymore, *caution* you will have to get used to the CDV in the beginning after your use to it though i know u'll love it.

Isn't there a mod to get rid of it? A lot of E46 owners dump that thing the moment the warranty expires ;)

CDV you say? Pray tell.

Ah, I see ... http://www.zeckhausen.com/CDV.htm is this a reputable method of removing the BS?

First of all, I have 2001 X5 3.0 with 5 speed and enjoy it very much. Coming from 440 hp S4 6 spd and 540i6, I can attest that CDV on X5 probably would not do much difference. On X5 clutch feels very strong and grabby (unlike 540) strait from the factory. Also, X5 is not ment to be driven like 540 or S4.
Regarding power: My basic package, no sunroof, K&N equipped 3.0 drives almost as fast as old 282hp 4.4. Low gearing in manual realy surprised me. Good luck

Thanks for the good thoughts on the 3.0L manual. I'm sure I'll love the one I get ... just gotta get the right one for me. :D I still need to run a deposit over to my car guy, it just has to wait since I'm still moving into my new place. (Now THAT is rough stuff! :) )

Well, it's official. The search by my car buyer is on -- already got a call this morning about an 03 3.0L I6, 5-spd, Silver w/ Black interior, 75k miles ... I don't think I like the black interior though, the grey looks the best IMNSHO, then tan (which doesn't even look all that great, in pics anyway, not bad in person), black runs last if necessary. *sigh* Tough choices all around ...

Is there an article that compares the xDrive system to the pre-03 system? I know the technical difference, just wondering if anyone has driven them back-to-back to be able to perform a direct comparison.