X5 diesel on USA Configurator.

[rh71]

^ I think people like to have the power available to them should they need it. And it greatly depends on what vehicle they are coming from. Me, I had a 175hp heavy SUV that gets 14mpg anyway so even a 3.0si was an improvement. In addition, I'm not a very wasteful guy (learning from the 14mpg the last 13 years) so if I'm flooring an SUV at a red light, I'm killing myself to do it. The only time I really take advantage of the engine is on highways jumping into spots when I'm already at speed and the 3.0si did it for me. But again, it's what people are used to, their driving style, and what they like to have available. 350hp was way overboard for me on these roads... I guess I'm not a typical BMW driver eh? Then again, I see too many V8, 360hp BMWs just cruising slowly in the right-hand lane too. Style was definitely priority for me, so I spent the few grand extra doing that instead. My neighbor has a new white M3 but I really dislike the darkened wheels in contrast and E90 sedan-version taillights that look like they come from Hyundai. Not really jealous just because it can go like hell - doesn't look as good as it should for all that money - different people, different priorities.