2004 3.0 or 4.4. Which should I buy? Has anyone driven both?

[vegasX5]

The only thing I would trade my 4.4 for would be a 4.8 plain and simple.

[bimmerFanatic]

if you get the 4.4i, you'll automatically also get 6 gears, Dynamic Xenons (they turn with the steering wheel), Titanium grills, and 4 exhausts.

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by JCL

That is just a little insulting. I bought an X5 3.0 because I prefer the inline 6 cylinder, it is smoother than the V8. The V8 isn't balanced. I couldn't see the point of getting a larger engine in an X5, because if I wanted to go fast I wouldn't start with an X5. It would be much easier to take weight out than to add hp, and then it would handle better as well. I never saw my X5 as an appliance, and yes, I do know the difference. I don't know about a zillion 325s, but our E46 325xi had plenty of power, with the manual transmission. For more performance, we had a Z4 3.0, faster than any X5 and infinitely better handling.

No disrespect to those who like the V8, but price wasn't at all a factor for me, the 3.0 just made a lot more sense. That puts me in the majority, as the 3.0 outsold the V8s by two or three to one most years.

Carry on.

No intention to insult you. I meant to talk about the people who simply buy a BMW for the badge to get from A to B. I do like the inline-6 very much (it is my favorite of all engine configurations, sad to see it go on the new M3) and the sounds it makes. But you have to admit. A lot of BMWs on the road are driven by people who walked into the dealership on a Saturday morning, said "I want a BMW X5, I'll take the silver one" and drove off in one that afternoon without even test driving it. They couldn't care less about what options it has, what kind of wood trim to pick, or how fast it can corner. Heck, a lot of people still say "My BMW has a Vee-six"

[keeverjr]

I have owned both. Get the 4.4.

[bimmerheart]

I'm in the market for the same vehicle. I think I made my choice.

[slpmotorsports]

IMO it depends on your type of driving you do.

I have both.... a 3.0(wifes) and 4.4(mine)

If you do alot of in-town driving and in alot of stop and go traffic then go with the 3.0. It runs fine and has enough torque to manuveur in and out of traffic. Not to mention save you alot of cash when buying it!!!

If your on the hwy alot then no doubt the 4.4 bacause it is a blast to drive when you have room to open it up!!

I personally like driving my wifes in town because it is quicker off the line to me and in stop and go traffic and i appreciate it more. But, if we are driving to another city for the weekend or whatever we take the 4.4 because merging into traffic from an on-ramp is a night and day difference between the two!

My opinion for what its worth.....

[mdrobc13]

I had an 03 X5 3.0 with the Dinan AT and Performance software and 20" Type 87 wheels and it was okay for day to day but I really hated things like merging and passing cause the engine is just plan slow...for the size of the car and the speed of highway traffic in my opinion. Yeah it gets to 80 mph but dang if it doesn't take too long to get there. Alot of times I can remember watchin the 18 wheelers bearing down on me and looking at the speedometer and pleading for it to go a little bit faster! So I got the car in Aug 2006 and traded it in Feb 2007 for an 03 4.4i and haven't looked back since! The v8 is smooth, gas mileage is basically the same give or take 1-2 mpg's and the extra torque is very nice! They even upgraded it to the Dinan Performance AT and Upgraded engine software too on my 4.4. so other than the extra $$ spent refiancing a newer car...it was an overall pleasant and worthy experience!

I'd do it again most definately without thinking!

PS...also looked at the new 2007 X5 3.0 vs 2007 X5 4.8 but IMHO wasn't worth the cost they're askin for those right now.

[bjo]

A 3.0L with 17's or 18's will be ok acceleration wise. I have a 3.0L with 18's and it is fine for merging on the freeway. The larger wheels like the 20" hurt the acceleration if you run them on the 3.0L.

[fln8tive]

We love our 4.4i and it gets better mileage than our former six-cylinder Touareg. I have never driven the 3.0i.

[Georg300]

I have a 2002 X5 3.0, no complaints whatsoever on the freeway, in fact I always told the x5 was done for driving on the freeway (more than city driving), it "floats", no problem with the 3.0 passing cars... it's sweet.