Considering a 4.4i V8

[sew]

@OP
The E46 M54 car you have experience with is a wonderful car. Our local dealership and independent BMW specialist both say it's the best model/combo that BMW has EVER made. Sadly, IMHO, the same cannot be said of the E53 M62 (or the E53 generally for that matter). Brilliant cars when they work, but very complicated and expect massively increased maintenance costs compared to the E46.
We have just bought another E46 M54 as a result of excellent experiences with that model.
Just my tuppence worth...

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1955 Riley RMH Pathfinder
1974 MG Midget Mk IV
2000 X5 4.4i E53 M62
2002 330iAT E46 M54 (wife's)
2002 3330CiA E46 M54 (new purchase)