[cairns]

FWIW:

We own two X5s, bought new, both V8s, 2001 and 2008. The 2001 has just over 100K now. We've towed with both (track car and open trailer) and they've done it surprisingly well. Friends have equal praise for the six banger. Both have been pretty trouble free over their lives but the old one now has a tranny problem- it goes into failsafe mode occassionally- I restart the car and it clears but I need to have it looked at.

A relative who is a VW mechanic deplores the Toureag- says they're garage queens with no end of problems and the mechanics hate getting them for service as they lose money.

Our neighbor has a Range Rover and hates it- she says she's getting our car next time. It's in for service constantly.

We have superb BMW service in our area and I have a friend who works on the older car off the clock so to speak. That was a big factor in our buying decisions.

Last time around I tried to have the wife at least sample a Toyota/Toureag/Cayenne/Audi (the last three are superb examples of badge engineering IMO) etc. and she wouldn't hear of it. The first time I tried in vain to have her look at a pickup too- she wouldn't consider it and after driving her first x I don't think I'll ever be able to pry her out of the thing.

I really do believe they offer the best value for the $ among SUVs. They handle and stop superbly, are reliable, powerful and luxurious and can tow just about anything you're ever going to need to. Plus, IMO, they're far better looking than anything else. The six will do just fine, the V8 is fantastic but I would get the diesel if it were available. I think BMW's tow capacity is underrated- any model would tow your setup with ease.

If you want to make her happy- and tow- I wouldn't cross off the X. I'm sure glad I didn't.

BTW the 335 and X5 V6 share the same motor. There is no turbo lag- at all. They use twin low pressure turbos to ensure that. I've driven both and the power delivery is smooth and linear. The 335 smokes...might even best last gen M3.