3.0 vs 4.4

I'm looking to buy an x5 in the next week or so, and will probably be getting a 2001-2002. Finding a specific used car has definitely been a pain in the ass, and money is a factor too because I am only 19 and buying this myself. Despite the fact that I am paid VERY well for what I do, I am still trying to keep this car in the under 32K range. I'm looking for a black/black, with premium and sport packages. My question is, 3.0 or 4.4? I can find the 3.0 a lot more easily and affordably, but I think i will always regret buying it and not waiting for the 4.4. Can anyone say anything to talk me out of the 4.4? PLEASE DO. thanks

You didnt mention this but the 4.8 vs the 3.0 is like night and day. If you got the 4.8 the sound of the engine is so unbelivable compaired to the 3.0. And with 355 some odd HP under the hood with a 4.8 you can surprize alota those ricers with the big whoom whoom mufflers. Im positive you would love the 4.4 much more then the 3.0. I personally dont care for the X series but that 4.8 is just trippy.

ya, the 4.6 and 4.8 are WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY out of my price range, unless i buy one with around 100K miles, which would be ridiculous

does the sport package really make a huge difference in handling? It's been one of the main things that I have been looking for in a car, but if its not that important it would make my life a lot easier. Is the sport package worth it, and if you had to choose between sport and premium packages, which is more important?

If your looking for handeling, I dont think SAV's are one of the best things. Expecialy since S A/U V's are sorta top heavy and tend to roll over more then cars. You might wana look at 5 series if your looking for handeling. But its whatever you want, if you like the room of the X5's but you want the handeling, BMW's are good in all those areas but the SAV's arnt the best.

I have a 2005 4.8, it was recently in for an update on the computer after it would not start a couple of times. Anyway, they lent me a 3.0 x5 surprisingly well equipped; all I can say is that you might enjoy the 3.0 if you never drove a 4.4, but for me driving it was hell. Sluggish and heavy, you really get used to a more powerful engine (the 4.8 rocks) and, if you can afford it, you will always regret getting the lesser engine. My dealer says they sell ten 3.0 liters for every 4.4, and only around 500 4.8 are made each year (though I suspect it is more). Truth is you can get a cheaper luxury car that is much more functional (like a Lexus - if you dont care about acceleration but would like to store two cups of coffee), BMW is fun because of the engine, why get the smaller engine?

I just purchased a '02 3.0 and I am thrilled. The 4.4 has too much power if you intend on going out with it in heavy storm. It is also a bit of a gas guzzler. Although, It is a beautiful automobile I would make sure it is well budgeted for. I would also like to say that if you were to purchase a V8 I would go with the sport.

BMW is running a great program on certified pre-owned cars.

I just bought a 2002 3.0 two weeks ago. I drove several cars with both engines. No doubt that the 4.4 has a LOT more power, but the 3.0 does just fine. Also, there are a lot more 3.0's to choose from to find one with exactly the options/mileage/price that you are looking for.

Best of luck!

If you are interested in handeling, something you might want to do would be to put some after market springs on it, something that is not overly expensive yet improves handeling.

does the sport package really make a huge difference in handling? It's been one of the main things that I have been looking for in a car, but if its not that important it would make my life a lot easier. Is the sport package worth it, and if you had to choose between sport and premium packages, which is more important?


You need to test drive them and decide for yourself. Go to a dealer and test drive the new ones its not that much different from the 01 and 02 models. They have more horsepower but you can get the idea of power difference.

I bought an 01 3.0 for my wife brand new and she has loved it. If I had to do it again I would have gotten the 4.4. After I put all of the options on her 3.0 - xenon, 19 inch wheels, premium pack, cold weather pack, etc. it was almost the same as a 4.4.

If you want top of the line handling go with the sport package, but if you do be prepared to give up a lot in comfort. The regular 3.0 and 4.4 have very good handling capabilities and are usually fine for most BMW drivers.

You need to test drive them and decide for yourself. Go to a dealer and test drive the new ones its not that much different from the 01 and 02 models. They have more horsepower but you can get the idea of power difference.

I bought an 01 3.0 for my wife brand new and she has loved it. If I had to do it again I would have gotten the 4.4. After I put all of the options on her 3.0 - xenon, 19 inch wheels, premium pack, cold weather pack, etc. it was almost the same as a 4.4.

If you want top of the line handling go with the sport package, but if you do be prepared to give up a lot in comfort. The regular 3.0 and 4.4 have very good handling capabilities and are usually fine for most BMW drivers.


Also check out Roadfly.org they have a lot of helpful people who can give you additional info. Just to let you know most people on that board will tell you to go with the sports package.

I want buy X5 4,4l model year 2000 till 2002. i am from Europe. Is some good URL for it, (useles cars ), is posible buy in USA and export to europe ??? In Europe wos price high. THX for answers and good Types.

I drove a 4.4 and a 3.0 one right after the other and chose the 3.0. I'm no speed freak so I don;t miss the extra HP (yet?) - but the 3.0 felt lighter on its feet and tighter than the bigger 4.4.

Think hard about looking for a deal on an 03 with under 50K miles. Still has some warranty and if these posts have any truth in them - it is that you will be glad you had it at 60K. :2cents: