What a load of :bs: ... You guys are funny.
I think the doors close nicely- it's one of the first things I noticed when sat in the car. Wanna hear a japaneese door thwack go try the doors on the new MDX - The doors on the X5 are lighter than the older version (my neighbor has an 04 3.0) but they still have a distinctly BMW thud when you close them. Maybe it's in a different key than you're used to...
Try to compare the interior of the Acura, or the MB GL - then say the interior looks cheap... What color were you looking at, which seats? Was it leather or the standard simulated leather in the 3.0si? Maybe you didn't like the color- Given there's a wide range of options on interior with colors, with simulated leather, dakota, perforated dakota and napa leathers, what were you looking at and what percisley made you think it seemed cheap or cheaper than last years? :dunno:
Kids with greasy fingers asside, some people don't care about wheels as much as others. They give you the standard ones and allow you to upgrade with the sports package to 19's or for $800 more to 20's. If you want it, you at least have the option of paying for it, if you don't want it, you don't have to pay extra- they call that an option. I don't know why you have a problem with it - you get a nice upgrade with the sports package. I don't get it... how 'bout complaining that when you spend $70K on a car you still have to buy floor mats? get over it....
I didn't check the flex on the hood, I guess I'll keep that in mind if I need to climb on top of it. Ever open the hood on a ferrarri? I'm glad they decided they could save a few pounds by making the hood as thin as possible - probably costs more to do.
Plastic bumpers don't dent as easily as steel. if it buggs you that much, there's a steel tubbing protector as an add on for the front and back ... look in the accessory catalogue posted on x5world...
You can order the automatic electronic rear hatch closer for $500 extra if it means that much to you- I suppose those who take head's up display and 20 way ventilated seats might wanna throw that in - whatever floats your boat - I'm glad I don't have to pay a penny more for that feature, and no, I won't be getting the hands free key either but if you want it you can pay for it .... thanks BMW for giving me the choice on that one...
The funny thing is I don't hear anyone complaining about the experience behind the wheel.
I think a few of you are just looking for sympathy posts cause it's going to be a few years before you ante up for the new version. I'll bet when your leases are up or loans are paid off you'll all be in line for the new version and you'll be saying gee, I'm glad I waited a year or two till they got the kinks out.... in the mean time I have a special place for you misinformed whiners in the 3rd row of mine....
But really, do us all a favor and get behind the wheel and drive them all (3.0/4.8 and a sports package if you can find one) before you start whining about the inferior direction of the leather grain on the '07- and then if you don't like the direction of the leather grain, at least make sure it's leather you're looking at - tell us which of the 3 seat types, 4 coverings, and 4 interior colors you saw and be so kind as to tell us what you're comparing it to before you make a statement like "it looks cheap"....
BTW: Last week there was still an '06 4.8si left over on the showroom floor at Westchester BMW. They were willing to take about 4 or 5K off the sticker- with the '07's in I'm sure they want to move the '06 out... Three reasons I didn't bite: 1) it was black, 2) it was black and 3) it was black. The old model was great- all of them, the 4.8si was gorgeous - in fact I regret not leasing one 3 years ago- i'd probably be buying that lease out if I did, but after 7 years it's time for an update. It's not the same as your old X5, but I don't think it's fair to say it looks cheap or cheaper- just different....