IMHO, the difference between the 2.5 and 3.0 engines doesn't justify the price. BMW had to price the smaller one very aggressively to fill the gap left by dropping the 4-cylinder versions and compete with the Audi A4. As a result, the $$ they get for a few more HP is out of proportion to the added power. Unless some 3.0-only option matters to you, it's no biggie.

So don't feel bad. You could be driving a [--] (fill in your favorite other make of car)!