Yes, searching a PDF file is invaluable. Even when I have the printed service manual or owner's manual, I always try (not always with success) to get a searchable PDF.
I don't yet have a PDF for the E53 (do have the hard-bound Bentley), but I was able to find, by googling, one for the E46, which is pretty close.
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2001 X5 3.0i, 203k miles, AT, owned since 2014
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