Prospective X5 buyer, with a few questions.

[mike_dmt]

Title says it all, I'm in the market for an X5. The only other BMW I've owned was a one owner E36, which my wife and I enjoyed for about 6 years.

I searched through this site for a couple of hours, and see that people recommend the '04 and newer X5's. My questions are these:

I would prefer a V8 in this one, my E36 was kind of a dog, what is the M.P.G. difference I can expect between a 4.4 and the 3.0?

Second, the tranny's. Sounds like some people have more problems with the pre '04's.. Should I worry about it that much?

Third, I notice that '04+'s hood is different, can I put an 04+ hood on an earlier model?

Thats about it for now, thanks in advance!