I've owned a '01 3.0 (manual), '02 4.6is and my current 4.8is.
Hands down for the E53, the 4.8is is the king in all aspects, driving conditions, etc...

For the E70, we'll see.

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'98 Type R drag car ~1400hp
'01 X5 3.0 silver (sold)
'02 X5 4.6is silver (sold)
'04 X5 4.8is black (sold)
'10 X5 ///M Alpine White