30D Turbo, V8, V6 ... which one?

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by Tymatk

Hi all

I've never own an SUV before, i'm new to the scene and looking to purchase an X5, around 02-04 model.

I've been looking at the V8, simply because they're really affordable these days, luxury and the towing capacity but i'm a bit worry about fuel consumption.

Now i'm starting to look at the 3lt diesel, what are they like? Are they straight 6 or V6? Much less power than the V8? What's their off road capacity like? I don't really go off road but now that i'm buying a SUV 4WD, i'm thinking of going fishing somewhere far and remote but not really hardcore off road.
Please shed some light for a newbie

Thank you

If you want any sort of off-road ability, the post-04 facelift E53s are the pick. The facelift added xDrive ( ie. a self-locking locking centre diff), the diesel engine (the best choice by a mile) went from 135kW/390Nm to 150kW/480Nm plus both gearboxes added an extra speed (from five to six). The standard (235/65 R17) tyre and wheel spec is also the best choice for off-road. Running the 17s also means that your spare will be an exact match for the road wheels, again handy off road. Finally, the standard, rather than the sports suspension is best off road.