I've picked the year I want (2009)
 

Forgive my rookiness (word?) but I have narrowed down my choice for a 2009 X5.

Is the 4.4 worth the extra money? What options are "must-haves"? I know that each person has a different opinion as to what can be defined as a "must-have," but I didn't know if there were certain options that everyone has agreed upon.

Here are my personal "must-haves":
Nav
Backup camera
iPod hookup
Bluetooth

My "don't-wants":
3rd row seating
Rear DVD

My "ok, I'll splurge" list:
Heads up display
Adaptive cruise control

My goal is to find a CPO and/or stay under $45,000


What production month should I look for and what does LCI mean?
Thanks so much for your help!

LCI is official BMW speak for Life Cycle Impulse (face lift, little life injected in an old model). The X5 E70 LCI is 2011, BUT 2012 models get LED Corona Rings (Angel Eyes).

2008 4.8i can have rough transmissions...jerky shifts, holding on to gears for too long, rough down shifts... Some were fixed very nicely with software updates, some were not (my 2008 4.8i transmission was immune to every software attempt). Good Luck.

For the E70, especially a 4.8i...the two most important things (to me) would be Sports Package with 20" Style 214 wheels and FACTORY EXT. WARRANTY!!!!!

Thank you!

Why are you limiting you choice to a cpo?!?!?

It doesn't have to be CPO. But it does need to be warranty-able (another new word?).

You will be hard pressed to find an '09 4.8 under $45.000. As deutsch100 mentioned Sport Pack with the 20" wheels is the way to go--IMO.

check this out.. on original warranty and has been CPOd up to 100k miles

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2009-...item5199e39ab6

I agree 100%. My 08 never accelerated smoothly. I used to rant that the wrong person driving this car could kill somebody! It just wasn't right. EVER. BTW - my in service date for an 08 was 9/08. Not sure build.

FYI: My old 08' 4.8i w 39k miles is for sale CPO for $46,900. I think an 09 will be hard to come by at a BMW dealer.

And yes the 4.4 IS VERY MUCH worth the extra dollars. I personally would rather aim for a late model 2011 3.5 with plenty of warranty, updated style, better fuel economy, same 20" wheels and similar power to the 4.8.

My in-service date was 8/08 and my tranny was fixed with the software update.

OP: as always pull the service records before you buy it to see if there were tranny issues. Sounds like you are wanting to stay closer to $45K--you won't find an '11 with the 20"s for that price or even close.

Doesn't the '09 have the sucky nav screen? Since nav/back up camera are two of the important things for you, you may want to check on that.