Lease up in May. Decision process has started.
 

Really trying to decide what to do.

a. Buy my car at lease end (it will have approx. 28K miles). Buyout is $40 something.

b. Lease a new 3.5i Sport Activity

c. Lease a new 3.5d

It is unlikely I would go with another v8 due to the fuel consumption, the fact that to replace my car it would sticker for $76K, and the fact that from what I read, the 6 feels a lot like my 4.8.

Anyone else go through the same process?

28k miles is really nothing. But, if you want the updated look and options then go for a new one, either diesel or petrol--i'd get sport package to keep the look that u currently have..

you should compare what your EAC is for each option and then decide what you want to do.. well unless $ is not really a problem for you

Your buyout isn't necessarily the same as your cost. They may be willing to deal, unless they have a real shortage of three year old v8 models on the lot. If you like the vehicle, and want to buy it out, look into how to do it for the lowest cost.

Part of why the decision is difficult is that I indeed DO like the vehicle a lot (except for the tranny issues). There is nothing out there that I'm really interested in other than another X5. I might drive the Cayenne but I'm not sure how I like the new design and the pricing is outlandish given what you get for your $$. If we didn't have 2 kids and didn't need the versatility, I'd likely take a real hard look at the new 5 series sedan.

If I were you, I'd surely also take into consideration that your naturally aspirated V8 doesn't have one of the high pressure fuel pumps that are STILL giving people problems. If I'm not mistaken, ALL of the new X5 engines come with HPFPs because they are all turbo. I love the new X5s and don't think you could go wrong with any of the engine choices but the ongoing fuel pump saga would be enough to make me think twice (though it wouldn't necessarily be a deal-breaker). As long as you like your current vehicle and the tranny issues you mentioned aren't anything too major, then I'd definitely consider keeping it, especially considering that it has relatively low miles.

I understand your point about the HPFP, although I don't worry so much about it myself. However, having a HPFP doesn't relate to an engine being turbocharged, it relates to an engine having direct injection. You can get a direct injection 3 litre BMW engine in Europe, with an HPFP, without turbochargers.

Not the diesel.


OP- if you buy you current ride, find a dealer that will do a "CPO/Refinance" for you as part of the deal. It will let you get the CPO warranty for probably $2500 as part of the deal- as JCL points out, you can often purchase for less than the stated 'lease buyout'.

Be a bit cautious with what you tell the dealer about what precisely you are looking for...if you say "I might buy the lease or maybe a new car" you can be sure the lease path will be unattractive compared to the new one. Possibly.

A

Well, a diesel has a high pressure fuel pump as well. It is a similar concept of direct injection. I would agree that BMW diesels haven't exhibited the rate of HPFP failures that the gasoline models have.

Agreed, and that was my point. Just didn't use enough words to make it clear....:thumbup:

Good advice by JCL & ard, as usual...
the very low current mileage, the remaining oe warranty, and the possibility of a deal, including wrapping a CPO into it, make the car 'you know',
(and depreciated), an interesting consideration, imo.

As for tossing current V8 to 'save gas cost expense', do the simple arith and it rarely makes sense, vis a vis the new car cost, etc. Regardless,
May is a ways off...
GL, mD

I will be in pretty much the same boat in 1.5 years and have decided. I will go 3.5i SAV so I can get away from that gas sucking beast I have. I will miss the V8 but from what I hear and as you stated, the 3.5 is close enough performance wise. I also have the transmission "jerks" or whatever the heck it is that I would like to not have as well. I may buy the next one as opposed to lease; haven't made that decision yet.

When my 4.8 lease was up last year (2 year lease), I went with the diesel. One year later absolutely no regrets. The torque is great and only over 75 mph do I feel the difference in HP. The gas mileage is so much better that it is no comparison and the updated iDrive is much, much better. I also have not had an issue with the battery drain or surging (though the latter was not much of an issue for me). The sound IS different but I can live with that.

Lease new model. Updated I drive etc. I bought mine though.

I would definitely try to negotiate the payoff if you decide to keep as the value of used cars is a bit lower these days than in 2008 when you purchased, so the residual was a bit high back then. You can buy a loaded 2008 X5 certified with low miles off the lot for 40-42k pretty much anywhere, so if it is 2500 to CPO, you should be looking at maybe 38k for the buyout, otherwise you better off letting it go!

How to Neg End of Lease Buyout?
 

I'm in exactly the same spot as the OP, 2008 4.8i with lease up in May. While I'd like to buy mine, as another post pointed out, the stated buyout/residual value is much higher than a CPO'd 4.8's for sale.

A couple of post mention negotiating the buyout amount, yet BMWFS states the end of lease buyout is not negotable. If anyone has successfully done this, would you mind sharing how you went about it?

I really like my X5, but not enough to buy it for way over current market value.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Ask a dealer. They will get a better buyout than BMWFS will give you.

Is there a dealer you have a decent relationship with, or that you trust? (Joke,eh?)

Contact a board sponsor, any dealer can do it- see what they can do and also get a CPO on it.

Exactly why I bought an '08 CPO 4.8 with low miles---since I keep my cars 7-10 years who knows how the Turbos will do in the long run.

If you are talking about an '08 4.8 loaded (Sport, Prem, 20s) with less than 30K miles that is a CPO there are none in the country less than $45K. Maybe there are some 3.0s out there in that price range.