Thanks all for the replies.
The X seems to require a bit more love than an E46. Since I'm doing my repairs myself, that translates into more time in the garage to fix stuff. I hope my wife doesn't read this.

Like Fraser said, 'research and patience' is the key in finding a good vehicle. That's where I will have to improve myself, because I easily fall in love with vehicles when I see them and they look good.

Maybe I'll miss the E46 for the occasional access ramps fun, but I won't miss it for the bad roads we have here coupled with the race springs that are on the car.

I think I may have more chances to have a better price for my E46 in springs, with the wide tires/mags installed and a fresh coat of wax than now. In the meantime, I will monitor what is selling around my place.
I find that the prices of X5s move with the seasons. This summer I was seeing 2004s going for 14K, and now approching winter, they are more like 20K! I don't know if it's a normal trend or just because the economy is restarting, but I'll keep an eye open.

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