Yes, I agree. I have been looking for about 6 months at 3.0i sixes, but just recently decided to change my search to a 4.4i V8. That all of the sudden started to feel like I was looking for an entirely different car! lol

We currently have the 2002 3.0i X5 and I own a 2009 Mini Cooper S. My wife was driving a Honda CRV until someone hit her last fall and totaled the car. She then took our spare car, the BMW, and I kept driving the mini on a regular basis. I had purchased the BMW because it was a good family car and good for hauling the boys around from scouting and sporting activities. My wife can't drive a stick (believe me, I've tried to teach her and it's just not happening) so driving the mini is not an option or her. Now that she has the BMW, I'm unable to use it for weekend campouts or other stuff because it leaves her without a car. Now that my kids are bigger, I've simply outgrown the mini cooper. So, I have sold it to a friend of mine who is waiting patiently for me to get another vehicle to replace it with. I'm now getting to a place where I need to make a decision on a car in the next few months. My buddy is cool about it and we have agreed to complete the transaction on the mini sometime before June.

Anyhow, that's the story. I do really like the X5. I had some problems with my 3.0i when I first got it and spent some money getting it sorted out. The problem was the DISA valve. I initially chased my tail on the problem with a local mechanic who just wasn't the guy to work on the car. It was then I remembered a mechanic who used to work on an old BMW 2002 I used to own and thought "why am I not taking this car to him?" He fixed the problem right away and I've been with him ever since. After a couple visits to his place he not only sorted out the DISA valve, but fixed some leaks and a suspension bushing that was making noise. The car has been rock solid and we now have 175,000 miles on it with three trips logged to the Florida Keys and back for family vacation.

It's the boys scouting activities that prompted me to change my search to a 4.4i V8. Scouting dads take turns pulling the 7x14 tandem axle scout trailer we have (It has electric brakes). I pulled it last month with the 3.0i and it did fine, but I felt more horse power would have been better, and maybe some heavier shocks. Several of you already discussed this a few replies back. My thoughts were to equip a 4.4i out to be able to tow the scout trailer when needed. If not for that, I could very well be just as happy with another 3.0i... and I came close to buying one in January but it started having the brake trifecta light issue as we were looking at it, so I backed out.

Getting ready to head out to see this 2003 4.4i. I will take pics and report back. All advice is welcomed and appreciated. I really respect the knowledge you guys have and value what you have to say... good or bad. Thanks for that.