Good point Zerochief, I wasn't sure about the earlier years. Would you say the front air is superior/inferior/neither as compared to the non-air on the front?
Also, by facelift, do you mean the 2004 refresh? And what was the stock horsepower on your model?

I'm not sure about how the full air compares. Perhaps some other members can chime their opinion on that. However I do know that the my full air is one smooth ride! (and it handles like a BMW should).

Yes facelifted models are 2004-06.

Stock HP on the 2002 4.4i is around 290
Stock HP on 04-06 4.4i's is 320

I drive an 02 E53 X5 3.0d euro with self levellng suspension. Ride is very comfortable even if I upgraded my rims from 17" stock to 19".