Really? A poll?

This comes down to what an owner wants/chooses to do with their X. There is NO "better/worse" X!

3.0 MT; Those who light tow or choose to have 50% less torque then the 4.4 V8. They also value the driver involvment of the 3rd pedal.

3.0 auto; See above minus the last line.

4.4 M62/N62; Like the additional torque for acceleration/towing. And the V8 sound.

4.6/4.8; REALLY like the additional torque/sound! And don't give a crap about MPG.

With breakdown/repair info online, the owner "chooses their poision" on reliability.

NO BEST, NO WORST..........personal CHOICE!!!

FWIW, I went with a V8 sport pkg, last month of M62 production (was looking at 4.4/4.6, '02 & '03). Did not want the added complexity/additional repair time for similar repairs n62 vs m62. Also valve seals and int shaft lever issues.

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'03 X5 4.4 Sport, last of the M62s (8-03 build date)
I believe in deadication to craftmanship in a world of mediocrity!