Newb with Questions--but good ones!

[PSUEng]

Hey guys, I just signed up hoping to get some info before I make my X5 purchase.

I currently own a 2003 M3 coupe, that is not my daily driver. I'm looking for a good X5 to replace my civic DD.

That said, I drive about 60 miles a day, mostly highway to work. No offroad, no towing anything, etc. I just want a good, solid vehicle that will do well in some light snow, rain, and take a hit if I get in a wreck.

So, I've narrowed my choices down to 2004 or 2005, without air suspension and possibly without sport, since I want the Xdrive and I like the facelift models. 2006 is too new and while I'd love a 4.8is, it's not economical.

So--I've driven a 2004 3.0 non sport, and a I am driving a 4.4i non-sport this weekend.

My questions then are these:

1: Which engine could I expect more life out of..the 3.0 or 4.4i?

2: If I buy a 3.0, when would I wish I had a 4.4? Vice versa?

3: How firm is the sport package suspension? Is it suitalbe for DD?

I know these are newb questions--but I'd like the subjective opionions of as many people as possible. I personally only know 1 person with an X5 and she is clueless. She just drives it.

[motordavid]

-If you tow or have to have a V8, you may miss the 4.4 ...but, in our 8 yrs with our
X, I have never said, "jeesshh, I had to have a V8 to do..."
-Go drive a Sport pkg car, of either engine before you dismiss it. If you are commuting
on washboard roads, with kids in the back seat being bounced by the firmer ride, I understand;
if not, try the sport on a few ramps.

No opin on which engine has "more life". If you can find a rare manual, you avoid any auto trans niggling problems.
GL,mD

[ncsucarjock]

I *love* my 2004 4.4i without the sport package. Almost every other option. Great highway car, i've put 28k on it this year so far. I needed the V8 for towing. It gets relatively lousy mileage - 14 in town, 19 on the highway, 13 towing 6000# at 75mph. Ultimately, you have to decide if you want the power, and if the power is worth paying for. I can't imagine driving one of these with the 3.0L, but I'm an acceleration junkie, and I use the V8 to it's full advantage.

If you can find one CPO, it buys some piece of mind. Knock on wood though, I've not had to fix anything that was broken on mine yet, except a rear brake light that burned out. I have done a bit of general maintenance (brakes, tires, fluids, filters).

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by PSUEng

My questions then are these:

1: Which engine could I expect more life out of..the 3.0 or 4.4i?

With proper maintenance, I dont see why the V8 would have any less life than the inline 6. It may cost slightly more to maintain (more plugs, ignition coils, gaskets, etc). Due to the 3.0 having to work harder to get the heavy X moving, fuel economy is roughly the same for the 3.0 and 4.4.

2: If I buy a 3.0, when would I wish I had a 4.4? Vice versa?

If you have an e46 M3, I would think performance is important to you. The 4.4 feels more like a beast, whereas the 3.0 is just adequate, IMO. I have a 4.4i and wish it was a 4.6is all the time.

3: How firm is the sport package suspension? Is it suitalbe for DD?

My 02 4.4i has the sports package. The seats are a little firm, but the suspension is absolutely fine for everyday driving. Once you have decided which engine you are going with, I strongly suggest driving one with and without the sport package to determine for yourself. I personally prefer the sports package on all BMW's.

I know these are newb questions--but I'd like the subjective opionions of as many people as possible. I personally only know 1 person with an X5 and she is clueless. She just drives it.

Good luck!

[zracer196]

My .02...

I had 2 M3's...An 02' SMG and an AA Supercharged 05' 6 sp. I LIKE performance.

Just spent some time looking at these...Settled on an 06' 4.8is.

Drove the 4.4i with sport. NICE car...VERY comfy to me. I thought I was done. Made the MISTAKE of driving a 4.8is. HAD to have one. Still VERY comfy especially if you are coming from an M3. Mine has the 20" wheels...Again, drives VERY nice. I put 20K miles on a car in a year (daily driver).

I did not even THINK about the 3.0 (sorry 3.0 guys). I wish I had not driven the 4.8is, I could have saved $5K+!!

BTW...From what I have heard, the 8 cyl gets better fuel mileage than the 6!

Reliability? From what I have read, all of them are not immune to issues. Overall reliability is good.

IMO...4.4i SPORT at least for you or you will be bored or just have basic transportation. Again, sorry 3.0 guys...Unless you have had an M3 or similar, it probably does not matter.

[PSUEng]

Thanks guys. In my area, these are kind of hard to find--no 3.0s or 4.4s with sport anywhere close, but I will drive both engines with and without the sport. I'd really like the 4.4--it's just going to be a cost thing. I'm not looking to spend a bunch on a super nice one. Just a decent one with good maint history. Like I said--they are hard to find around here and it seems that prices have firmed up since gas got "cheap" again.

[anerbe]

Note that all 4.4 and 4.8's have rear self leveling suspension, so only way to go old school is with the 3.0 without the option.

If you do 3.0, get the Manual - it's fairly fun, and 1st gear has pretty decent pull. You also don't have to worry about potential auto trans issues.

Note that with the sports package, it's recommended to get a separate set of winter wheels/tires. Non-sports, you can get away with the A/S that come on the 18's.

Also came from an M3 - X5 is a great compliment to it. Pretty fun, sporty (even the non sport) and has the classic BMW looks. If it wasn't for the wife who is emotionally attached to her Jetta, I would also get a E90 or an E60 545/550 manual.

[jcm3]

I see you on m3forums...I have an 04 3.0 non-sport but i added in wheels and lowered the suspension. The truck is my daily and no matter if it I had a 4.4 or 4.8 it will never feel like an M. If i want to go fast I drive the M if i want to cruise around or there is inclement weather the X is out. I average 18mpg with 50% hwy and city. If you do tow or haul alot the extra torque on the v8 would be better but the 3.0 I know inside and out.

[jst2878]

go with the 04 and up 4.4. however it will have air suspension but the ride quality is second to none

[PSUEng]

Originally Posted by jcm3

I see you on m3forums...I have an 04 3.0 non-sport but i added in wheels and lowered the suspension. The truck is my daily and no matter if it I had a 4.4 or 4.8 it will never feel like an M. If i want to go fast I drive the M if i want to cruise around or there is inclement weather the X is out. I average 18mpg with 50% hwy and city. If you do tow or haul alot the extra torque on the v8 would be better but the 3.0 I know inside and out.

And that is my intent with the X. Just something for utility, inclement whether or added comfort. When I want to play, the M3 comes out. I was thinking of a 3.0 with a set of 19s or 20s for the summer, and lowering it since the shocks/struts would probably need replacing. Thanks for the confirmation on that idea!