[QUOTE=KYZRSOSE;750024]If your looking for something "new," my choice would be the M3 (maybe the Frozen Graay 1 of 30 for the USA...) compared to the X5. If your looking for something "more," my choice would be the X6 (specifically the X6 5.0i 7RR package....)

+1

If you haven't owned an M3 before, but love BMW's, it's time to own one. Great handling and you will never forget the sound/feel approaching redline.

If space for hauling kids, etc. is an issue, the X6 50i will be a big step up in performance from your current ride.

Agree with others comments about the 535i. You can tune the performance up a notch, but the M3/X6 will still be much more satisfying.

Good luck!

I love the X5, I looked at the X6 when I was getting mine but I just didn't get the concept (sorry folks who drive the X6). If I am looking for utility I want real utility and X5 itself is kind borderline on that, X6 has really no utility factor. It seats 4 and has as much space as a 5series wagon. Like the X6 looks though.

I would love to get the M3 convertible, but haven't hit the jackpot just yet. When I do, that will be the rocket to get. I had the e36 328is earlier, and it's just amazing how that thing drove. IMHO the 3 series have the perfect proportions for the Ultimate Driving Machine. I drove the new 5, it is a great ride, but it is ultimately a Luxo Cruiser. Quite heavy and "No One" should order it without the sports package (drove the 535i without Sports Pkg and 550i with the Sports Pkg., wow, what a difference in handling).

Good luck making the "tough" decision ;)

Your choices are apples, oranges and pears. Go drive them and see which one you feel. No amount of "get this or get that" is going to give you what you're looking for :dunno:

Is this true?! That was the primary factor reason why we went with the X5 over the X6.

On a side note: Drove the new 5 series at a BMW Ultimate drive event (both the 535 and 550). Although they are both great cars (wouldn't mind having either of them), when I got back into my X5 the first thing that immediately jumped out was "comfort". The X5 is really more comfortable (with the higher vantage point and larger cabin space).

But the 5 is more sporty of a drive.

Get an M5!! I would say that though even though its 3 years old, I love it to bits, I had a 2009 m3 convert just to sell on last month, was very nice to drive but the m5 felt quicker and nicer to drive, the m3 convert is more flashy which I'm not really into, absolutly love the the car, just don't like everyone staring all the time but I think that probably goes with any convertible, the m3 coupe probably wouldn't get no where near as much looks, the m5 is quite a subtle monster which is what I love about it even with the 21inch hartge rims, it still looks subtle, some people don't even realise its an M5!
I just love cars that blend in but a real monsters, also like the audi RS4, dare I mention an audi on here!

Only you can decide what car you get next! No one else!

Good luck anyway!

I have to disagree. I think you'll get looks in any of these BMW. All gorgeous cars. :thumbup:

Yeah their all lovely, but people will only really stare at an x5 only if they are car enthusiasts, where as if you was to drive past a load of people especaiily ladies for example in a bmw convertible they will be looking for sure and staring whether they are enthusiasts or not, most people wouldn't take a second look at you in a M5, again unless they are in car enthusiasts,
I agree all the cars that we are talking about are lovely!