Colorado 3.0 and 4.4 owners chime in?

smileyboy · #1 03-16-2011, 01:52 AM

I'm still searching for a x5. I want a 4.4 with the cold weather package in blue, silver or white. So hence the long search.

My concern is it seems like the cost of owning a 4.4 is quite substantial over the 3.0 (plus I keep finding 3.0's all over the place). Seems like things tend to break a lot more on the 4.4 and most of the tranny complaints come from 4.4 owners.
My other concern in the performance of the 3.0 going up i-70 for ski trips, mountain bikinkg etc.. Any experienced feedback would be great. Thx.

sunny5280 · #2 03-16-2011, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smileyboy

I'm still searching for a x5. I want a 4.4 with the cold weather package in blue, silver or white. So hence the long search.

My concern is it seems like the cost of owning a 4.4 is quite substantial over the 3.0 (plus I keep finding 3.0's all over the place). Seems like things tend to break a lot more on the 4.4 and most of the tranny complaints come from 4.4 owners.
My other concern in the performance of the 3.0 going up i-70 for ski trips, mountain bikinkg etc.. Any experienced feedback would be great. Thx.

I've got a 2001 4.4i which I purchased last February with 108K miles. Today it has 118K (10K trouble free) miles. Upon purchase I did have to do some repairs (all identified during the PPI) and some maintenance (fluids, spark plugs).

I can't speak to how the 3.0 would perform going up I-70 but the 4.4i doesn't want for power

The 3.0 doesn't get much better fuel mileage than the 4.4i so I see no reason to go with it over the 4.4i. I haven't seen any numbers showing the 4.4i to have more problems than the 3.0.

And finally, if you need one, I've got a great mechanic who specializes in German cars who will treat you right.

If you have any specific questions let me know. Happy to help.

Did you sell the Land Cruiser yet?

smileyboy · #3 03-16-2011, 08:22 AM

I've got a potential buyer this week. I can't say that him worried about the fuel savings, more so the cost of ownership of the 4.4. Plus I'm seeing sooooooo many 3.0's it's making me think twice.

sageriders · #4 03-16-2011, 11:49 AM

Although I live in Western NY, elev 600 feet, I've driven to and in Colorado many times. I had a 3.0 until it was totalled by an errant pick-up, but now am in a 4.4. Both were/are automatics. From my experience, you won't notice any difference on the interstates. I've driven west from NY on I70, I80 and I90, I25 south to Raton and NM, north to Wyoming, etc., and there will be little, if any noticeable difference. But there will be a diff in the mountains. I've taken both to the top of Pikes Peak, and do notice the stronger pull in the 4.4. Remember, though, that every engine loses 5-6% of its power for every 1000 ft of elevation. So if you live in Denver, at 5200 ft, and drive to Aspen or Vail, you'll notice a loss of throttle response at elevation. This happens with all cars, however, so it will be less noticeable relative to other traffic. You'll just be pushing a bit harder on the "go-pedal" at higher elevs. The fuel mileage diff is negligible, except in the mtns, where the bigger engine will tempt you to push harder and mileage will fall off accordingly. More power in the 4.4 equates to more fuel when you push it, which is almost always in the mtns. I like both pretty well, but the 4.4 a bit more - only for the extra power. Here in the flats of NY, the 4.4 is stronger than the 3., but much less noticeable at elevation.

smileyboy · #5 03-16-2011, 01:06 PM

Good to know. I think i'll drive a few 6's today.
Thanks

sunny5280 · #6 03-16-2011, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smileyboy

Good to know. I think i'll drive a few 6's today.
Thanks

Take both up the hill. There are a number of places on the west end of Colfax where I'm sure you can find one of each. Keep in mind you'll be carrying additional weight on your trips.