[mapman]

I am moving to the mountains of Colorado in the fall and just want to get the collective opinion of 2.8 versus 3.5 for mountain driving. I will be running up and down I-70 regularly and wonder if the smaller engine has any issues with the uphill grades.

Thanks in advance.

[Pitiful Old Man]

We live in Colorado Springs and have a 2011 35i. Have had a 28i loaner for a few days (from Schomp) . No long trips in the loaner, just up and down I-25 over Monument hill. While I much prefer the 35 for its smoothness and effortless power, the 28 had no problem with the hills. Still plenty of reserve and, perhaps downshifting a bit more than the 35, but really not very noticeable.

[flavius]

You'll notice the difference once you try to punch going uphill in a car loaded with adults.

[liverman]

I drove all over Colorado in my old E83 with a normally aspirated 6-cyl engine that developed less power and torque that the 2 L turbo on the new F25 28i X3. I could make it go as fast as I wanted up those hills. Mostly 2 or three people.

A 28i will do just fine. Four adults with full luggage would not be real speedy.

Now that I have my 35i, I wouldn't trade it for the world. Power is seductive and that 35i is very seductive I tested the 28i before deciding on the 35i. The 28i would have worked, but I could afford the extra $ this time and decided on the larger engine. For six cylinders, it is a beast.

If you're going Denver-Glenwood over Eisenhower regularly, that's a 5K elevaton change from Denver to the tunnel. You probably would appreciate the bigger engine. But on the other hand the traffic has been so terrible on that stretch on weekends with the ski traffic that you won't go very fast anyway

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by mapman

I am moving to the mountains of Colorado in the fall and just want to get the collective opinion of 2.8 versus 3.5 for mountain driving. I will be running up and down I-70 regularly and wonder if the smaller engine has any issues with the uphill grades.

Thanks in advance.

The smaller engine will run at a higher rpm climbing hills, if don't mind the sound and the higher rpm, then the 4 cylinder is fine.

[mapman]

Thanks for the comments. I will likely go with the larger engine.

[Schmed]

As with the others....

2.8 is plenty - turbos don't lose significant HP at altitude
3.5, however, hauls a$$, so if you can afford it, the 35i is quite nice

We tow a camper with our X3, so I opted for the 35i. That's the only time that I think you "need" the 35i. And "need" may even be overstated for that.

Welcome to Colorado.

[mapman]

Again thanks. Coming from flatland with a 911, I figure that I will NEED to 35 I.

[n55x3]

With the N20 being forced induction you'll be fine at elevation. You'll be zipping up and down the passes without issue. The N55 would be even better but the N20 is no slouch either.

[Schmed]

Originally Posted by mapman

Again thanks. Coming from flatland with a 911, I figure that I will NEED to 35 I.

Many people confuse NEED and WANT. You, however, did not!

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by Schmed

Many people confuse NEED and WANT. You, however, did not!

Well, you dont even need a N25 engine to get up those mountains, a Toyota Yaris can also climb the same mountain.

[Schmed]

Originally Posted by The X Men

Well, you dont even need a N25 engine to get up those mountains, a Toyota Yaris can also climb the same mountain.

See the smiley at the end of my comment? Tongue in cheek reference to his comment about coming from a 911 to an X3.

[mapman]

Thanks for all of the input. I picked up a 2013 35i in Orlando and drove to Charlotte (No mountains however) and it is great. The sport mode is pretty addictive.

[Roundown]

28i is a great, economical choice but, IMHO, the 35i is so well suited to this vehicle.