Great review!

Since you're looking at the newer model ones, you might as well and see what the next gen X5 will be like. The autoshows aren't that far off. For this gen, there is no reason not to get the 4.4i if you are looking at 2004 and newer models. They get fuel milege that of the 3.0i or better. The next gen X5 will get the new I6 that also has valvetronic.