Definitely not.

Same experience here - I've even resorted to using the black plastic trim as a step - why I am ordering runnings boards on our next car - like people say it will add a step (no pun intended) to getting out, but my pantlegs atleast should stay clean.

Ouch. Really? Don't take this the wrong way, but you sure?

How about Active Steering? Anyone got it?

Testdrove an X6 that had it - I did not like it at all. Started a thread about it in the X6 section.

I suspect it comes down to what you want though. I guess it could be considered a more luxurious drive (IE less effort to steer), but going without it will leave a more sporty sensation. Waiting for my dealer to find an X without it to test so I can decide on it :)

I read in astonishment that the button for the tailgate is actually at the tailgate. I imagine it's there for some saftey reason, however in my opinion that defeats the purpose of having that feature.

As 'golfer' said he wishes he had that option for school drop off but you'd still have to get out of the car in order to use it, so you might as well just grab it and close / open it while you're there, what the ?? Also as mentioned their's the back up camera, side mirrors and PDC's to assist with going about closing / opening safely so it makes no sense to me to have the button at the t/gate.

Would it not be far more convenient and usefull being located in the cabin ?? It's akin to having an auto side door opener button (on the outside), it would be useless because you are already at that location.

When I was car hunting I looked at the Lexus RX350 and one feature that I was impressed with was the auto close / open t/gate button (in the cab). I also remember the back up camera screen was of a high quality. Suffice to say I went with an E53 and couldn't be happier.

Running boards are a good option to include. Apart from aiding little ones they finish off the bottom of the X's between front and rear wheels. No issue with dirtying trousers here.

Good luck to the OP on whatever your decision.

Foomph

I've had a 2009 35d for about 1 month with around 2500 miles on it. The only thing I notice is a vibration in the passenger door at idle when temperature is below 32F. This only happens when the vehicle is cold. When I bring the rpm up to about 1500 the vibration stops. When the engine warms up, no vibration. Otherwise everything else is great.

Brian is right. You cannot order the 3rd-row seat as an after market item. You must either buy the car with the 3rd-row seats or... not. Cannot add it afterward. Also, 3rd-row seat-equipped X5s do not have full-size spare tires, which probably explains why you can't order the seat afterward.

Good luck,

Juan

To clarify the auto lift gate function: you can open the tailgate from a button in the cab; that button, however, does not close it. You have to press the button ON the tailgate itself to close it.

third row option negates the spare tire.

it is an almost full-size spare. but still better than none whatsoever.