3.01 vs. 4.4i

[CaptOz]

I went for the 4.4 mainly because it had most of the standard equipment I wanted that were options on the 3.0. I also love that V8 sound . If I didn’t get the V8 then I would have gone for the diesel.

Cheers,

Simon

[fangbosun]

The diesel is great, heaps of torque and 30+ mpg! Unfortunately they don't seem to be available in the US.

[E61Silver]

I would buy a 2004 3.0 before a 2001 4.4.

The newer X5 has a number of improvements and a 04 or 05 X5 is a better way to go.

I still think leasing a new one may be the best option. See my Ice & Snow thread.

[Bavarian]

The V8 is visibly faster. It pulls strong on the highway, too.

But it eats tremendous amounts of gas. Even if you don't have a heavy gas foot, you will still get worse economy than even BMW posts.

The other topic to consider is that 4.4i X5s have much more standard features than the 3.0i. At least in Canada, that's the case. So you should research what features you are getting, aside from the raw engine itself.

I had a 2002 330i before this, which used the same 3L I6 used in the X5s. It is the BEST 6-pot I have ever seen, or heard, or driven. PERIOD. It's incredibly smooth.

EDIT: Now that I have a 4.4i, I would not go back to a 3.0i X5 since I'm used to the V8 power. However, had I been shopping from scratch, the 3.0i would have been more than satisfying. Also had BMW started to offer the new 255hp I6 in the X5, I could switch readily. It would only be slightly slower, but much more efficient. Alas, they will package that with the new-gen.

[ROMEO]

I love my 2002 4.4 I have had it for 8 months now. I may sell or trade my X5 soon but i havent put too much time to advertise it yet..I am still thinking about it if I should or not ..I will post it here if i do... let me know PM me if you want. Thanks

[RobC]

I would have liked the bigger engine if it had cost the same as the 3.0. But it didn't. End of story and what I saved I can spend on other stuff.

[Augustus1a.d.]

This is the first 6 cyl. I've owned & I'm impressed. No need for the Eight.

[blackpig]

I love my 3.0!! The I6 really impresses me when I charge it up to the mountain.

[E61Silver]

Originally Posted by breytonX5

You just about answered your own question. Get the 3.0i and save some money for mods. I've never heard of any issues with BMW V8s nor I6s. Both are awesome engines.

The best Mod is the V8 !

Getting the 6 to spend money on after market mods how does that add up?

[X5Dawg]

Originally Posted by x54.4blue

The best Mod is the V8 !

Getting the 6 to spend money on after market mods how does that add up?

Yep, get the V8 and look like everyone else

We have the I6 in ours and it has been great. We have gotten 20+ mpg on long trips and the power is awesome for 6 cylinder. I have not driven the V8, but I can't imagine what it would be like compared to the I6.