Hey mate,

I have a 2005 3.0D with 132,000kms on it and LOVE it. I ride my bike to work, so the X spends most of the time parked.

I have a car trailer and rally car which with tools+spare tyres etc weighs around 2200kg: the x5 3.0d pulls it without breaking a sweat. I'm really happy I got the diesel because of the towing power, but more importantly, the fuel economy. I can get 13litres/100km TOWING THE RALLY CAR! Just amazing. I get about 8litres/100km driving Melbourne<->Adelaide without the trailer.

The 3.0d's low down torque is great (can beat some cars off the lights, even while towing!). I can also drive Melbourne to Sydney towing the car, and never have to drop below 110kmh.

Advantage of petrol is that it's a fair bit quieter, but the 3.0d diesel noise is one of the lowest on the market.. If the relative loudness of the diesel compared to the petrol bothers you, then go for the 4.4.

I'm not sure if it's an urban legend, but I think diesel engines last longer than petrol: not sure about that.

I haven't driven an E70 so can't comment on them..

My car is 5 years old now, and I've had it for a year now, but it still feels and drives like a new car; every time I get in it, I say ahhhhh, and grin. Only car that ever did that for me before was a Porsche, and that was more a moan, than a relaxed ahhhh...

I recommend you go get a 2005 3.0d!

Cheers,
Scott.