Just saw a 2003 at the Facebook marketplace, and the roof motor hasn't been moved. Alan? Alan?If you can, the 2006 or later facelift 3.0i with N52 engine is the best. You can upgrade the 3.0i to 3.0si with retrofitting the 3 stage manifold and simply flash 3.0si tune to boost 215hp to 265hp. But this setup only seems only being sold in US. In UK you can find N52 engine facelift 2006 and later 2.5i and upgrade to 2.5si with 3 stage manifold and flash. Will boost 174hp to 215hp. Plus the facelift model had steering control button and 6 speed automatic trans, also more advanced DSC system module.
FWIW we never got a facelift 3.0i in the UK, they were all 3.0Si. But he's right about the facelift 2.5i upgrade to 2.5Si power. The bonus with facelift cars is all the Sport models have the M-Sport seats as standard.