3.0 vs. 4.4

[JCL]

I never wished for more power with my 2003 3.0 X5. If I wanted to go faster, I wouldn't have been in an X5, I would have been in something that didn't weigh close to 5000 lbs.

But since the topic is reliability, I don't think that the weight of the X5 caused a decrease in reliability of the 3.0. And if I was going for high miles, I would pick a 3.0 over a V8.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by JCL

I never wished for more power with my 2003 3.0 X5. If I wanted to go faster, I wouldn't have been in an X5, I would have been in something that didn't weigh close to 5000 lbs.

But since the topic is reliability, I don't think that the weight of the X5 caused a decrease in reliability of the 3.0. And if I was going for high miles, I would pick a 3.0 over a V8.

I am just a V8 type of guy - I always prefer a V8 in a car or truck. But that's just me. I agree the 3.0 is simpler and should prove to be more reliable going for 200K+ miles, and generally cheaper to run over that timeframe. But the V8 is more fun to drive, IMHO. It's a trade off, but that said I don't think you give up that much in reliability or overall operating costs between a 3.0 and 4.4i. No matter what, when pushing 5K lbs you are not going to be breaking any mpg records, and maint costs are not that much more for a V8. Worth it to me. But that is a personal decision for sure.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by c4racer

I am just a V8 type of guy - I always prefer a V8 in a car or truck. But that's just me.

Yeah, I knew that, but I figured I would leave the Corvette comments out

I have never wanted a BMW V8. The only one on my desire list is a mint condition Z8. I would really like one of those some day, V8 and all.

[Lucky7]

Guys thanks for all of your input, there are some very valid points. Just looking for the right vehicle to come along 3.0 or 4.4 I'm pretty confident either will do.

[JimG]

A few months ago i bought a 2003 X5 3.0 after test driving both the v8 & the 6, as I drove the v8 first - it was a "rocket" - I was concerned about how well a 6 cylinder could move a 6000lb car. I was very presently surprised that it does it very well indeed!
I don't know how BMW does it, but the car is very lively, has good passing performance and still gets around 22mpg highway!

Several mentioned that the v8 would be more expensive to maintain, possibly due to the temptation to "Heavy Foot" it, but the one I looked at needed valve cover gaskets for $600!

I would recommend having any used car, especially a luxury car, checked out by an dealer or reputable independent.

[dragoncoach]

Funny. We have 2 BMW's and both have V8's. Repairs aren't really bad if you expect it but it can get expensive. Don't expect it to be as reliable as a Japanese SUV. Two totally different animals. As for gas mileage, it sucks. But hey, it's a V8 with 325hp hauling around 5100lbs! I always believe you need a larger engine than a I6 to get the X up to speed when merging on the freeway. That being said, when you step it down on the freeway at 70, it WILL kick down and respond with a surge of power you won't experience in a I6. It's all about the BMW and the driving experience. But, as mentioned before, to each his own.

[Naz24]

I really like the 4.4i engine. A friend of mine has the I6, its power difference is very noticeable. Especially going up hills. the 4.4 just humms right up, whereas the I6 has to go above 4k rpm to make up in decent time. Oddly enough, my SA said that they see more tranny issues on 3.0i than 4.4..i find that hard to believe (maybe its because there are more 3.0i on the road?)

[imola38]

Ive had two BMW's with M62 V8's (My 4.6is and an E38). I personally think that the sporty, yet slightly muted sound of the M62 is one of the best around. It's also got to be one of the smoothest V8's available, especially when compared to a Merc. I have drivin quite a few E53's with the M54 6 cyl and I wouldn't say they're by any means slow, just not near the same driving experience. The GM transmission in the 6 cyl version is obviously geared to haul the weight. One of the turnoffs to me was that the 6 cyl seems to be constantly shifting even at normal driving, and most of those shifts are happening around 3k rpm. The V8 is extremely flexible as it will lug along at 1500 rpm or scream to 6800 with plenty of torque curve inbetween. The M54 gets most of its power at the higher end of the rev range which is great for an E46, not the best for a pig like the X. Again, simply my .02 here.

As far as reliability I would say the M54 6 cyl is probably less maintenance overall as theres only one valve cover and that itself is much less labor to replace. No valley pan; a common M62 leakage area which requires removal of intake, water pump etc. Most of those cooling sytem parts are much less work to replace as well on the M54.

The M62TU in itself is a wonderful engine in my opinion. It seems much less affected by overheating like the M54. Its just the cooling system and rubber parts around it that seem to have a relatively short lifespan. I've seen a few of them with over 250k myself, as long as the cooling system is kept up to date and engine is kept sludge free and clean internally with on-time oil changes. I dont know of any bottom end or internal failures with either engine unless they're just mindlessly abused.

I would drive both and just use the "seat of the pants" feel. Let us know what you decide

[JLW]

I love power and have many V8's (including my M5). But the tranny comment? I don't buy it. Service advisor means nothing to me. It should be illegal to include "advisor" in that title. Search "transmisson" on this board, the V8's will rule.

[Lucky7]

So I drove a GX470 and I just can't bring myself to buy it...I'm pretty much sold on an X5 at this point. My only worry is will the X leave me stranded several hundred miles from home? I know there's AAA but I really want piece of mind in a vehicle. Someone please just tell me I've read too much on this forum. I mean Christ I did buy a 745i.