probably :p:

Have to say though, it's remarkable how far diesels have come in the last decade and how refined they are now (performance and nvh, and the fact that they can hit these emissions targets). Emissions laws sure push development. Common rail and VGT's ftw!

I couldn't say. You would be in a better position to answer that.:dunno:

I suppose the answer would be choice. Like getting a 3.0 rather than a 4.8.
Same body different engines.

35i and 35d is a lot closer of a comparison than 3.0 and 4.8 though. It's actually a pretty darn good comparison.

Again the choice spoken of here is not about
close comparisons. It's about wanting
a totally different driving experience regardless
of well established comparisons.

The driving experiences are identical..up to the point that the tq falls off in the diesel. Which is why the BMW twin-vgt petrol engines win every time. Best of both.

So why no twin turbo 6 gas engine in the X?