These also sound fantasic even unmodified, far better than any diesel. Quite a difference starting my current car to the old daddy bus in the morning!
It depends on what people need from them. As I’ve mentioned previously, a 0-60mph sprint will see the petrol derivative start to edge away very slightly from its diesel equivalent, but from approximately 50mph rolling up to 100mph the diesel will easily reel it back in. The diesel is 2 seconds quicker mid range than the petrol and let’s be honest, once things are moving over a ton things start to get silly, so that’s what I base my experience on. After that, we all know the petrol is quicker to the speed limiter, but at a big sacrifice in fuel compared to the diesel.
As for the spec, a lot of trim level is paired up. They tend to throw more toys at the 3.0’s anyway but memory seats come paired with memory/folding mirrors, Nav Pro comes paired with Harmon Kardon etc and I’m yet to see a 3.0 without front and rear parking sensors as standard. It’s generally the comfort access (wiggle foot under rear bumper to open the boot) that comes as extra, and Parking Pro, (parks itself) both of which I have and never use if I’m honest.
As for power, they are plenty quick enough from the factory, but a larger charge pipe as you said, a larger intercooler and a map to lose the electronic speed limiter will see you on the wrong side of 170mph. Hartge used to do this as a whole package and were a trusted company by bmw but they’ve ceased trading I believe. If anyone doubts the power of the straight six diesel, take a look at the bmw D3. It has monstrous torque and will see the wrong side of 170mph.
Glad you’re more than happy with your choice, they are a nice car to drive and the infotainmen systemt usability is still one of the best in my opinion.