'07 X5 4.8...or...'08 550i?
 

Ok, so I know you are all somewhat biased here...but i also know that deep down you are all die-hard Bimmer fans...

SO...I am absolutely torn between the X5 and 550. I don't have kids. My wife will be driving whichever vehicle 2-3x per week to work (so 6 speed stick is out, which makes the choice that much more difficult) Otherwise, we are after the pure fun and luxury factors. Prices comparably equipped are almost dead even. Opinions please?!

wow, these are two totally different vehicles.
Do you want a sedan or an SUV?

i guess that's the real question....both serve the same "purpose" in that they are relatively practical vehicles with ample room and luxury...and I will be getting a "fun" car next year (probably new M3 or Audi RS5 or porsche 911s) so need a more everyday vehicle....

I would recommend you take the 550 since you said you dont have kids because it's more fun to drive and faster by a margin.

But if you're living in an area that needs some offroading then the X5 is your choice. Plus it's more practical.

If you chose the 550i, will you get the M pack?

I love both but the X5 has far more technology and gadgets in it!

If you live NYC a 550i will be pretty bad in the snow...:dunno:

If you're gonna have a fun car you might as well get the X5, a major bonus is you don't need to cringe every time you git a pot hole or get on a really messed up road... the X5 just sails along

That is the main reason that I got the X. I go skiing in maine/Vermont a lot in the winter and having done that trip with a rear wheel BMWs in the past (33OCi, 540i and M3) decide that I needed AWD.

53Xi might not be a bad compromise either.

How often have you missed having a 'station wagon' type of vehicle?
Do you need the AWD?

I really like the practicality of the E53 X5, but decided against a new E70 and have just ordered a 535. I didn't go for the 535xi, I decided to buy four winter tires on OEM wheels. With DSC, I think I will be fine in the snow. IMO, the 5 series is more fun to drive. In my case, most of the time there is one person in the car. Hard to justify a vehicle the size of an E70 just to drive one person to work.

If you are getting an M3 or something like it next year might as well get the X5 4.8. It is up to you of course but I enjoy my 4.8 and when you need to throw something in the back you can. I also have a large dog.