My disappointment is in my absolute outrage with my experience in shopping for my new X5.

Firstly, I found the Sales Rep, pretty knowledgeable but rather crass and ill-mannered at times. I really feel that he was not doing this intentionally as I would not have placed my business there. But the thing that irritates me the most is the fact that BMW, a supposed industry leader of auto manufacturing, does not seem to care that the buying experience is really an embarrassment when you have to beg/haggle for the simplest of optioned amenities that should be otherwise standard. It was rather telling when I had to request power passenger seats and some other miniscule items only to find them as additional extra charge items. Through my years of vehicle ownership, I can not recall ever having felt such cloak and dagger salesmanship when discussing available options.

Moreover, the most shocking absent standard option was a safety feature such as auto communication with a center such as OnStar. Surprisingly it was only available requiring the purchase and installation of the NAV system.....!

I am sure some of you will come to the rescue of BMW and say to me, "then why continue with the purchase?" well I like the look of the X5 and wanted one but if BMW wants to improve it's future offerings, then it has to take positive criticism from Consumers like myself and effect the appropriate changes.

My only hope is that the X5 will outperform my expectations....

Thank you all for your insights and information.

Greg-in-NY