So how does this look?
 

Cool! So I got word that my relatives in NY are finally considering a new BMW X5, since their 12-yr old minivan is starting to have issues. Plus, my uncle has always wanted an X5.

So of course, me being me, I went ahead and picked out some preliminary options that I thought would be best suited for them, without breaking their budget. So here's what I came up with:

Monaco Blue/ Black lthrette/ Bamboo wood trim
Cold weather Package
PDC
Comfort Access
MSRP/invoice: $49,775/$45,550


My questions:

1. How does that list look? Color is debateable and subject to change, but I doubt they'd bother with leather upholstery.

2. How long is the wait at this point if it is ordered?

3. Any dealers in the NYC area and how much over invoice? I've read various forum reviews and know to stay away from Life Quality BMW. Manhattan BMW is pricey. Then again, there doesn't seem to be any consensus on a good dealer in the area.

third row seats? If they are into the gadgetry yes get them confort access but i'd say really no need. PDC thought was standard..

I would tell them to start checking out dealer lots first, unless they are set in stone on a certain combo.

PDC is a must for NYC. :D Black bumpers will help too cause I don't think I've seen an unscratched bumper out there. One more thing, you have no idea how many times I've cussed at Queens for their bass-ackwards streets and naming conventions. 41st street is close to 41st road... gotta love it. NAV would be a great option if they have to go places they're unfamiliar with. Real-time traffic info that comes with it too for deciding if they should take the Long Island Distressway at a particular time.

:iagree:

Cant say much about other people, but for now have an X5 with a limited availability interior color ordered by Life Quality Bay Ridge. Price negotiations were pretty easy.
Having a current BMW purchased from JMK serviced at Life Quality wasnt a problem for me ether. As of today, been at LQ Bay Ridge service twice, both times unscheduled visits, second time around was even able to get a rental for the day.

I will tell you my total buying experience once I actually pick up my X5, but as of now, I am very satisfied.

Additionally check out JMK, usually sales and service is very good, just didnt work out on pricing this time around, Service experiences were also great, but I am more in Brooklyn now, so easier to get to LQ.

That is true, but don't dealers always stock cars with lots of options? They're always have leather and premium package and likely rear-climate package, which jacks up the price.

I realize the functionality of RTTI but honestly, they don't drive much. They run a store in Brooklyn, and on Sundays they'll drive to Flushing Meadows and once in a rare moment, perhaps Manhattan. Their minivan is 12 years old but only has 40k miles.

LI Distressway.......that's funny though! :rofl:. I absolutely hate the Belt Pkwy which we take to get to their place every time. Aside from the random traffic, the road is so bad, that combined with the X3, it feels like my teeth will be shattered and spine broken after a few miles.

I have '08 3.0si with Premium/Tech/Heated front seats.

I thought rear climate, coldweather package, running boards are not worthwhile considering $$$, but now I regret not ordering them.

I'm going to keep the car for 6-7 years until the next model change. I am very glad I have at least premium and tech.

If your uncle is someone who is keeping the car for long time (sounds like he does), ask him to get as many options as he likes.

It would be incredibly foolish not to look there first, you could easily get a better deal then an ordered vehicle, on a 2007 in particular come this late fall.

To me Cold Weather is a waste of money. the only thing that I would consider userfull is heated steering wheel, I dont see a need for ski bag unless you really do go skiing, and even then, I would pick a roof rack.... headlight nozzles are worthless in my honest opinion again unless you go into serious cold areas where your headlights would start freezing with sleet. I have Cold weather on my current BMW and consider it a waste. Rear climate maybe a worthwhile option if you have kids.