New guy looking to buy an e53

[oldskewel]

Here's a craigslist X3 6-speed for $2200
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto...843289816.html

[Crowz]

Originally Posted by oldskewel

Here's a craigslist X3 6-speed for $2200
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto...843289816.html

I would be leery of that one. Salvage title and signs of a something coolant wise letting go under the hood at one time plus it is leaking/overheating from the description.

[andrewwynn]

Unlike the E90 which prevents driving when overheating, X3 doesn't have that at least not that old of one so I'd agree with that.

[rmepilot]

Originally Posted by Crowz

I would be leery of that one. Salvage title and signs of a something coolant wise letting go under the hood at one time plus it is leaking/overheating from the description.

^^ This

[rmepilot]

Originally Posted by Crowz

I'll do a bit of looking later tonight and see what I can find closer by.

I decided to go after an e83 X3 w/ 6MT, instead of the e53. Every time I find one worth looking at it, it sells before I can get the time to look at it or the thing is a POS.

Any chance you have the time to search through your contacts? I'm using Tempest and a few others, but not much is showing up w/o being an auto or way over priced.

Thanks,

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by rmepilot

Any chance you have the time to search through your contacts? I'm using Tempest and a few others, but not much is showing up w/o being an auto or way over priced.

Thanks,

They aren't overpriced as 6mt's. You pay a premium for that feature. It's an unfortunate reality of the market. Scarcity and desirability lead to an upcharge. I was looking for a 6MT e61 wagon. Cost was 120% (asking $18000) more than an auto unless with a salvage title (still asking $12000). The wife and I ended up just buying an auto.

Edit: Here is, what looks to be, a solid 5MT X5 with low miles.

https://xoutpost.com/classifieds/bmw...85k-miles.html

[rmepilot]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

They aren't overpriced as 6mt's. You pay a premium for that feature. It's an unfortunate reality of the market. Scarcity and desirability lead to an upcharge. I was looking for a 6MT e61 wagon. Cost was 120% (asking $18000) more than an auto unless with a salvage title (still asking $12000). The wife and I ended up just buying an auto.

Edit: Here is, what looks to be, a solid 5MT X5 with low miles.

https://xoutpost.com/classifieds/bmw...85k-miles.html

They are out there and reasonably priced, but get picked up fast.

I briefly looked at that add and yes it's a good looking car, but I decided not to go with an e53, based on availability and comments from here.

FWIW, there is 2004 e53 w/ 5MT in ATL, just like the one you posted for $4k.

[ddvil0]

Originally Posted by rmepilot

New guy here looking to buy an E53 with manual transmission, for my daughter to learn to drive on on.

Is there a combined list of common problems listed anywhere?

I previously owned an e46, so I''m aware of window regulators and water pumps. What else should I be looking at prior to purchase?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Hey there I just posted mine for sale. Feel free to check it out I will soon post all the work
I've done to it so far. Only 85k miles on it. I just did the water pump.

I've posted it for sale here in the classifieds if you search for it. Price is negotiable of course.

Ive also posted the car for sale in the letgo app https://letgo.onelink.me/O2PG/654a54ba

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by rmepilot

They are out there and reasonably priced, but get picked up fast.

I briefly looked at that add and yes it's a good looking car, but I decided not to go with an e53, based on availability and comments from here.

FWIW, there is 2004 e53 w/ 5MT in ATL, just like the one you posted for $4k.

Yeah, they are out there. If in no hurry you'll find something. I don't think there were nearly as many e83 X3 MT's but could be wrong about that. Don't seem to run across them nearly as much as X5.

But having owned an auto Mtech X3. They are great. Drive like a 330i but are way more practical. Good luck on your hunt.

[Crowz]

If you can get an auto cheap enough just convert it to manual.

Cant be much harder than when I converted my 323i from auto to manual. I almost converted it to awd while I was at it. Probably should have.