The analogue TV reception is average unless you are in a good signal area, and the Freeview Digital TV one can be much worse!! Not exactly a great TV antenna fitted!! I have an '05 3.0D Auto with almost all the toys and it does suffer from Digital TV reception issues, as does tother half's E46 Convertible so from that I would say that yes it's a common issue. Not really a problem in my view as I don't tend to use it that much.

The E46 has Sports Seats and the E53 has Comfort Seats - which I much prefer being 6'4" so I know what you mean.

Good luck with finding a good E53 in a private sale. There must be more than a few around now as all of the dealers around here are full of them so prices must be low.

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Me:
Current: 2011 E71 40D Vermilion Red/Beige Nappa

Wifey:
Current: 2012 R80 Countryman SDX Green/Cream