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.