Considering a '05 3.0i - thoughts?
 

Newby here....

Looking at perhaps replacing our car w/ a 05 X5 3.0i w/ Sport Package and 30,000 miles on it.

How does the 3.0 do w/ the larger body of the X5? I know it does pretty good w/ the smaller X3. I do a lot of highway miles here in UT (75-80mph) and have a few Mtn passes to deal with on a pretty regular basis and don't want the engine wound out all the time - I won't have a chance to take one for a test drive for another week or so.

I would like the 4.4 but most of the ones locally have similar miles but a going for a bunch more $$.

Thanks for your input

after having a 98 323 (2.5L engine) with a few mods, i was very surprised to find just how well the 3.0 worked. i give alot of credit to having the 5 speed transmission. it pulls really well. i think you will be fine.

BTW, Fact:4.4 eats same or less gas than 3.0i.

yes, I m aware of the mpg of the 2 versions - my big issue is the overall cost. I can get a 3.0 w/ 25-30k for the same as a 4.4 w/ 50-60k+

Alpine, our old '01 3.0 still hauls azz...I have never thought to myself,
"Jeeessh, if this was a V8 I wouldn't have had that problem or trouble."

We have made long trips loaded to the gunnels, it climbs our Appalachian
mtn roads without ever breathing hard, etc. Ours is the 5 spd manual, but
other than automatics being more complex and occasionally glitchy, I don't
think you would miss the 4.4 unless you are towing. Not anti-V8, as I love
my Vette, but I simply have never felt I missed the boat with this 3.0 in
7+ years.

If a V8 is in someone's shopping ballpark, go for it, but the IL 6 3.0 is a
remarkable motor. And, if you like manuals, I think the 6 spd manual was
around then and while they are rare, no one wants them on dlr's lots.

Whatever you get, I would shop hard, bargain hard, etc.: there are lots
full of these for sale out in America, imo.

If you hit Search Tab you should find pages of this 3.0 vs 4.4 debate, historically...
GL,mD

Can't say how the 3 liter compares to a V8 in the X5 but I had the 3.0 in a 3 series and thought it was very refined. Probably the 2nd best 6 I've ever had and one of the top 5 engines overall for me. Smooth as silk.

Good luck.

Alpine i have the 3.0 2005 x5 AT, it works fine for me it moves now that i found the sport mode function it hauls a--i love it i bought mine with 40k its been okay since and its a hobby if your into mods

I got a 04 3.0 with the 6Spd manual, and I must say i'm pretty content with it. I don't haul boats or anything but I think even with its 200+ HP it can do the job. However, my bro just got a 06 4.4i 28K miles for $26K, and I love how it takes off from a dead stop with ease.