TOTAL NUMBER OF X5 E53 PRODUCED

[HalifaxMike]

I had a used car salesman tell me my E53 ('01- 240k kms) was going to be worth less because it has the 5spd. I didn't stick around that shop long. I love mine when it is all in good running order but find the continual little things of driving a 15 year old car can be frustrating. Sad to be seeing my first signs of rust at the door bottoms though

Mike

[squidzilla]

Originally Posted by HalifaxMike

I had a used car salesman tell me my E53 ('01- 240k kms) was going to be worth less because it has the 5spd. I didn't stick around that shop long. I love mine when it is all in good running order but find the continual little things of driving a 15 year old car can be frustrating. Sad to be seeing my first signs of rust at the door bottoms though

Mike

You are basically driving a unicorn. You can always get used doors on ebay with the same color. Since they made so many e53 models over the years, used parts will be in abundance for a while. Except for OE trailer hitches and manual transmissions. I bought mine since I prefer a manual over auto, and because manual transmission cars in general are on the endangered species list.

[StephenVA]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

The 3 pedal X5's will only appreciate for enthusiasts and on well cared for examples who want the reliability and easier maintenance of the I6 mated to it - I don't think it will be an E30 M3 or E39 M5, but I think well cared for, tastefully modded OEM+ examples can fetch a good price

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by HalifaxMike

I had a used car salesman tell me my E53 ('01- 240k kms) was going to be worth less because it has the 5spd. I didn't stick around that shop long. I love mine when it is all in good running order but find the continual little things of driving a 15 year old car can be frustrating. Sad to be seeing my first signs of rust at the door bottoms though

Mike

A good body shop can fix the rust at the bottom seam of the rear doors for probably 200-300 bucks per door on the high side - I'm starting to get it as well on my 13 year old 5MT X5 and he told me no need to repaint the whole door or replace it - complete the repair and it will outlive the truck - so over the summer I'll be going for PDR (nagging dents I can't stand them) and to get the doors repaired -

I still even after owning this X for 4.5 years now have yet to find a car that I really want to drive more than this - and its rock solid reliable with the engine and trans combination and my maintenance regimen - add a Dynavin and drive it to the ground, the new cars don't have the soul and I can't bring myself to get a car payment.

[luvmy03E53]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

... I can't bring myself to get a car payment.

Best feature of my '03, if you ask me.

I'll give up driving my baby when I'm in the ground.

[iansanderson]

I'll get rid of my 04 6MT when the wheels fall off or someone steals my OEM hitch. Both would be equally as devastating in my opinion.

[Gregory891]

Good overall question (manual vs. automatic) but regardless of the 3.0d (not for North America) you have sample bias. ALL E53 with V-8 were automatic only, so that will automatically (no pun intended) shift the % of manual lower.

You could look at the 3.0i (sold worldwide) and look at the %
You could also look at the 3.0d (sold in most countries aside Canada & US) and look at the %.

[HalifaxMike]

That's why I like it here, you guys are good for my soul