[MarkerGT01]

Thanks, everyone! You’ve given me much to consider. Thanks for the feedback on the GLS, and I agree that I shouldn’t buy a truck for the 2 times a year I’d need one. The X7 would be great for my wife to drive the kids around, but I think it would be too big for me. I think a full on X5M Comp would ride too firmly for my tastes - I agree the X5 M50 is a sweet spot.

Here’s a build I put together, it might be a bit overkill.

https://www.bmwusa.com/build-your-ow...7g0m51/summary

FWIW: Cadillac was dead to me the minute they left the Blackwing motor to rot on the vine. That’s a crime against humanity and I’ll never give GM a dime. They should have come up with a better name. I hear Blackwing and I think Darkwing Duck.

[Jagu]

Lease the x5 M50. It’s a beast.
If you only need to tow 6000lbs twice a year then rent a capable truck twice a year.

My M550 lease ends in September and my M50i build is very similar to yours.
Consider adding the extended shadow line option.

[MarkerGT01]

So I know it's bad form to resurrect an old thread, but I'm interested to know what the posters on this specific thread ended up with after their M550 lease was up. Any updates for anyone still monitoring this forum?

What about anyone else whose lease is about to end?

Personally, I decided to go smaller and more fun to drive, so I'm down to two options:

X3 M40i - Dealer already ordered for me with no obilgation to buy - sitting on dealer lot now

Porsche Macan GTS - Dealer is read to order with a December delivery - 7.2% off MSRP which in excellent deal for a Macan GTS. Would still end being nearly double the lease payment of the X3 M40.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by MarkerGT01

So I know it's bad form to resurrect an old thread, but I'm interested to know what the posters on this specific thread ended up with after their M550 lease was up. Any updates for anyone still monitoring this forum?

What about anyone else whose lease is about to end?

Personally, I decided to go smaller and more fun to drive, so I'm down to two options:

X3 M40i - Dealer already ordered for me with no obilgation to buy - sitting on dealer lot now

Porsche Macan GTS - Dealer is read to order with a December delivery - 7.2% off MSRP which in excellent deal for a Macan GTS. Would still end being nearly double the lease payment of the X3 M40.

I would go Macan if you want to finance and keep the car past 3-years.

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by jstein55

I would go Macan if you want to finance and keep the car past 3-years.

This.

We lease ours and I keep kicking myself for not just financing it. Very likely we will buy it out at lease end, or buy new when this one matures.

Other than the transfer case problem (which is not that big a deal since it now gets long term manufacturers warranty), it's bulletproof, and sublime to drive. Faster crossovers out there? Yes, but after test driving so many, then getting back in this, it just feels perfect. Plus they have killer resale value, and COBB makes a great tune.

To OP: agree that 7% off is good for this car. Some people can get 10%, but you may need to travel to find that kind of deal, which may negate any savings. I would push for that and finance

[CruiseControl]

2021 alpina xb7 😏

[richard in NC]

I almost pulled the trigger on a 2020 X3M. It just doesn't have the options I want and preferred color combination. Although BMW has great deals on 2020 models, I'll likely order a 2021 as I get closer to lease end.