Is there a difference between a 3.0 and a 3.0 si?

Yes model years have different engine setups. The facelift cars have higher outputs. So if you have the budget go for the si/facelift cars.
 
Pre facelift is the M54 231hp engine, facelift is the N52 265hp. In real world driving I don't think there's much difference between the two. I've had a little play with an E85 with the M54 3.0 in my coupe, and there was very very between us. In my opinion the M54 is the better engine as they can be tuned where as the N52 is limited at th mo. But I would say drive the two and see for yourself.
 
I've had both, and i'd say the N52 is a far superior engine. Currently have the M54 in my 330 cabriolet, it just feels a bit strained top end, where as the N52 just feels torquey all the way up to the red line. I've had both engines in Z4's, one a coupe (265bhp) and one a roadster (231bhp) the N52 wins every time for me, its a much more modern engine which is a little bit better on fuel. The M54 has been around since the early 90's in the M52 deritive, where as the N series engine with the magnesium block, are a lot newer & were only released circa 2005.
 
I've also had both engines and agree with the post above that the N52 is much better.

Sounds nicer, more powerful, more economical and keener to rev high.
 
..so to simplify, the 3.0 will likely be prefaceift and SE spec, and the SI will be facelift and either SE or Sport spec.
 
I've not driven the 3.0 M54, but all I can say is the 3.0SI N52 is one hell of an engine, it just keeps pulling through all gears right up the rev range :driving:
 
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