Considering a '05 3.0i - thoughts?

[AlpineSMB]

Newby here....

Looking at perhaps replacing our car w/ a 05 X5 3.0i w/ Sport Package and 30,000 miles on it.

How does the 3.0 do w/ the larger body of the X5? I know it does pretty good w/ the smaller X3. I do a lot of highway miles here in UT (75-80mph) and have a few Mtn passes to deal with on a pretty regular basis and don't want the engine wound out all the time - I won't have a chance to take one for a test drive for another week or so.

I would like the 4.4 but most of the ones locally have similar miles but a going for a bunch more $$.

Thanks for your input

[sprocket1200]

after having a 98 323 (2.5L engine) with a few mods, i was very surprised to find just how well the 3.0 worked. i give alot of credit to having the 5 speed transmission. it pulls really well. i think you will be fine.

[LeMansX5]

BTW, Fact:4.4 eats same or less gas than 3.0i.

[AlpineSMB]

yes, I m aware of the mpg of the 2 versions - my big issue is the overall cost. I can get a 3.0 w/ 25-30k for the same as a 4.4 w/ 50-60k+

[motordavid]

Alpine, our old '01 3.0 still hauls azz...I have never thought to myself,
"Jeeessh, if this was a V8 I wouldn't have had that problem or trouble."

We have made long trips loaded to the gunnels, it climbs our Appalachian
mtn roads without ever breathing hard, etc. Ours is the 5 spd manual, but
other than automatics being more complex and occasionally glitchy, I don't
think you would miss the 4.4 unless you are towing. Not anti-V8, as I love
my Vette, but I simply have never felt I missed the boat with this 3.0 in
7+ years.

If a V8 is in someone's shopping ballpark, go for it, but the IL 6 3.0 is a
remarkable motor. And, if you like manuals, I think the 6 spd manual was
around then and while they are rare, no one wants them on dlr's lots.

Whatever you get, I would shop hard, bargain hard, etc.: there are lots
full of these for sale out in America, imo.

If you hit Search Tab you should find pages of this 3.0 vs 4.4 debate, historically...
GL,mD

[X5rolls]

Can't say how the 3 liter compares to a V8 in the X5 but I had the 3.0 in a 3 series and thought it was very refined. Probably the 2nd best 6 I've ever had and one of the top 5 engines overall for me. Smooth as silk.

Good luck.

[ALOVERR69]

Alpine i have the 3.0 2005 x5 AT, it works fine for me it moves now that i found the sport mode function it hauls a--i love it i bought mine with 40k its been okay since and its a hobby if your into mods

[NJ04e53]

I got a 04 3.0 with the 6Spd manual, and I must say i'm pretty content with it. I don't haul boats or anything but I think even with its 200+ HP it can do the job. However, my bro just got a 06 4.4i 28K miles for $26K, and I love how it takes off from a dead stop with ease.