2004 3.0 or 4.4. Which should I buy? Has anyone driven both?
 

I am in the market for my first X5 (2004) but am not sure whether to get the 3.0 or the 4.4 Does the 4.4 get better gas miliage? I have read that the 3.0 handles better. Has anyone owned or driven both?

I haven't driven the 4.4i, but that's the one I'd get. The 3.0i is good enough for city driving, but it lacks the real guts when you have to make a quick turn at an intersection or when you need to merge right NOW in front of an 18-wheeler on the freeway.

Gas mileage may vary, but in most circumstances the 3.0i will get better mileage. On highway stints, the V8 may be slightly better since it doesn't need to work as hard and is geared taller.

Both handle pretty good for SUVs, and both have relatively close 50/50 weight distribution (an attribute of all BMWs). I'd say go for the V8 if you can.

I've driven both and chose the 4.4. The 3.0 is a great engine but the X5 is heavy and the extra power is noticeable when accelerating. The V8 gets a few MPG less.

I've had a '05 3.0, which was totalled at about 18,000 miles, and now have the replacement, an '06 4.4. Both were/are Sports, with 18" wheels and stock tires. The cars are nearly identical in handling and ride, but the 4.4 is quicker, and has better hiway power for passing. Both cars were/are driven on the same streets and roads, etc. The 3.0 got 16-17 in town and 22 on the freeways. The 4.4 gets 16-17 in town and 23 on the freeways. On average, I do not have a heavy foot, but also do not like to be left behind. Hiway speeds usually in the 75-85 range, and usually obey the local speed limits in town. I use(d) mid-range fuel in both as recommended by my local selling dealer. Both use about one quart of oil in 5000-6000 miles. I have had no problems with either car, but did have to replace the BMW Assist transmitter under warranty in the '05.

Personally, I like the 4.4 better because of the extra power, and the SOUND of the exaust. It is sooooo deep and throaty . . . .

Good luck with your selection . . . .

I had a 3.0 as a loaner when my 4.4 was getting prepped for delivery. The 3.0 was functional, but I was surprised, as other posters to this thread were that the 3.0 netted roughly the same mileage. That said I am really pleased with my 4.4 and I'd choose it again in a heartbeat. The ability to accelerate like a giant sports car never ceases to put a grin on my face.

3.0 is severely underpowered !!

Sez the person with a 4.6is :rofl:

:iagree: :nanana: :zoom:

I drove the 3.0 before going with the 2004 4.4i sport and I am happy with the choice. In terms of mpg, on the few occasions that I slow down on the freeways the gas mileage does good and even a few long trip days have not done bad going 85-90. I always like knowing that I can get out of the pack when they bunch up on a long trip.

Go with the 4.4, I've driven both 3.0 and 4.4, and the horses under 3.0 hood are just too lazy :)
And as sagerider already stated, the gas consumption is pretty much the same.