OK well I can confirm that I have the earlier linkage as shown above which says up to 9/2003, only one bitch clip in my application, but still 2 bushings on the shifter arm. So it turns out all 5-speed users will have the older linkage as mine is about 2 weeks before end of 5-speed production, for all I know it was one of the last 5 speeds off the line.
Since I have two new oval bushings from BMW for the shifter arm, I will remove the shifter arm from the car, and install 2 fresh bushings, not Delrin since Rob @ UUC apparently does not recommend it, but I would look into replacing with fresh stock bushings at least, when installing the SSK, its only a few extra minutes of work.
I think Rob is aware of the differences between 5-speed and 6-speed linkage, bc he includes a washer #10 from this diagram, which is not needed in 6-speed kits, and he includes 2 bitch clips in the kit, when only one is needed for 5 speed.
It's friggin freezing on my floor right now but the bitch clip is easily in sight, however the "rod joint" below the shifter arm is definitely blind to get to. I hope mine isn't worn. It looks like the design of the #12 rod joint is now universally made without washers, as the part # has been updated, so you would just need #12 and #11 if you were to replace it. However, with Riggo having higher miles than me I'm not worrying about it too much. If for some reason I can get it off blindly I might replace it, but otherwise I won't worry about it.
NINJA EDIT: There is a definite issue with the way the UUC kit is packaged, depending if you have a 5 speed or 6 speed. You need THIS BITCH CLIP or "Retaining Pin" if you have a 5 speed, 1 of them, you'll see its different.
BMW E53 X5 M54 3.0L Search SiteSearch 25111222375 ES#46772 Shifter Carrier Pin - 25111222375
Rob includes 2 of these in the kit, these are from the 6-speed linkage, note there is a different part number as these are a different orientation in left and right sides.
Note that the 6-speed pins are much shorter, this makes a huge difference on my 5-speed. I will not be able to install the UUC kit without the proper bitch clip. Will be calling Rob on this and hopefully he will start asking whether you have a 5-speed or 6-speed when ordering, to supply the proper securing clip for the shifter arm. This is why I check, double check, and triple check my install procedure and parts before starting a job!
UPDATE (4:39 PM): Just spoke to Rob and told him about the difference in retaining pins/bitch clips from 5 to 6 speed, he thanked me for letting him know and told me that if I was careful I could get mine off without breaking, but I'll just get a fresh one from the dealer as I don't like reusing hardware lol. And YES, he also said "no one believes him" but Delrin bushings is a waste of money on our dual mounted shifter arms. He told me they just simply don't wear like the old style arms from E30, E36 etc, obviously putting fresh stock bushings in for $9 isn't a big deal but he said there is absolutely no reason to spend $60 on 2 sets of his Delrin bushings when you won't see any obvious benefit.
There you have it, I'll get a new clip from the dealer and update when it is installed, and GD, my stock shifter is yours as I'm sure I won't be going back to stock lol!