A, agree...the new sticker, doing apples to apples,
combined with the "price" I might get on our '01,
makes for a $35K++ diff.

I guess I'll enjoy "viewing the E70s" and reading all about
everyone's new one, here, as opposed to owning one. :damn:

You are a numbers guy...maybe the resale on the E53s will be stronger since the the new higher end upmarket price point, in effect, leaves a niche for the existing models. With all the new gizmos, I wonder if we might see a problematic 2007 followed by an enhanced warranty 2008 a la the 2002 745il. I wonder what used loaded up 2007s will be bringing this time next year? I would still have a year and 12K of warranty but I am guessing a 36K 2004 would only be worth 38-40K.

I always look at this as "how can I have the smallest hole in the depreciation bucket?" And now the bucket is pushing 70K...ouch.

Thanks, A...I used to be a #s astute and quick; it's fading.
I wasn't expecting a new model and 5 years fresher MY to come in at "even exchange", but the
deprec. is daunting, but no surprise. Cars are simply smaller money pits than say a boat, et al.

For us the prob. is a lease is stupid and we have no way to write anything off the lease or purchase
of a ride. The other prob. is our X is MY '01, 3.0, 5 spd manual, 55k miles and while possibly on a
momentary plateau, dep-wise, it isn't worth a lot and will contiune to fade.

I have another year and change on the WarrDirect Ext Warr. but, about this time next year comes
decision time: keeping it warranty-less, trading, etc.

Maybe one of my Kidz will get rich between now and then. :rofl:

These bimmers are getting really expensive. They keep trying to go up market and introduce new smaller models. What the point. I thought the e53 was in the perfect price range. Not to expensive and not cheap either.

MD:

Isn't a refreshed X3 a logical option? Manual trans, six cylinder (more current than your '01, more efficient), same cargo capacity as your '01 for trips north and south.... Doesn't have all the toys of the E70, but I remember driving for years without actually needing an HUD, rear camera, etc.

Just wondering.

Yea but the new X3 wont be out for another 3 years

Jeff,
Indeed the X3 is on the very short list, and we have 12+ months
to wring hands, noodle it, and see what pops up on the radar.

I neglected to note that the X3 is for serious consideration, though
the $ diff needed to cover any new $48-$55K ride, deducting our current
X, a year from now, is a buncha dough, for us.

Hard to imagine for some of the cap'ns of industry on the Board, but
a $30-$40G outlay is a smooth near half year of living the highlife, here in RetiredBumDom.

Thanks for the reminder.
BR, mD

OK, but irrelevant, since the refreshed X3 is being previewed now. It is a 2007 model.

I just saw an ad for a Kia Sorrento. Hmmmm.

looks like that barely used Benz S550 just got more attractive.

T