*The Official E53 Manual Transmission Registry Thread*

[Leghab]

Originally Posted by wuzilla

Been lurking here for a few months while I debated my next vehicle choice. I knew I wanted/needed something bigger then the GTI I was leasing for my 2 dogs, and for the "project" house I just moved into. Dreaded getting into a generic SUV (was considering everything from an FX35 to a XC90). Luckily, an old X5 with a stick makes SUV life just a little more interesting! I also knew that I wanted a 3.0 (I used to own an E46 wagon - manual of course) and am used to working on these motors. I know they're pretty stout cars once you figure out all the fiddly things.

There were 2 local to me for sale on FB marketplace, both for easy cash buys. Ended up settling on a 2001 with 145k miles!





Car had been sitting for a while, so ended up replacing the battery. Also needs brake work, a clunk in the front suspension fixed, and some other dash lights taken care of so I can pass inspection. Also minor things like door locks are funky, the single key fob doesn't work, and at least one window regulator replaced. But motor and drivetrain (the important parts) are strong, the body is nearly perfect (seriously, haven't found a dent or scratch yet, and the paint is fade free), and interior will probably be cherry after a minor detail.

Of course, winter hit Rochester early so I guess I need to either get my garage serviceable, or hold off until spring to start some of these projects!

PS - a quick search on FB marketplace in the NE had a handful of other manual X5's for sale throughout the NE.

Nice! Was this the one in Amesbury?

[wuzilla]

Originally Posted by Leghab

Nice! Was this the one in Amesbury?

This one was in Syracuse. I recently moved from MA, 2 months ago, hence the tags. I *may have used the plates from my old car for photos, and definitely not to make a perfectly legal trip from Syracuse to Rochester. This was sitting long enough that it didn't have plates, nor a current inspection sticker (still doesn't have this since half the dash is still lit up!)

I did see the one in Amesbury, but I think it had much higher miles and was pretty high on price (I got this one for $2800). There was a sorted one in Buffalo for $2k with 200k miles (but no options), but that disappeared the week before I pulled the trigger (not to mention the guy was a bit of a pia to communicate with).

[Jps1995m3]

Hello everyone! I have a 3 pedal (5 speed) X5 2002 with 160,xxx miles Color exterior white interior black.

[acroil]

Originally Posted by acroil

Hey Everyone, I'm new here trying to track down a manual transmission E53. If anyone is thinking about selling theirs, or knows of one for sale, please let me know! Really just want something that has been well maintained and has no rust.



I sold my E36 M3 about a year ago and want to drive a BMW again - I think an E53 will fit my needs perfectly.



I'm located in Southern California.

Found one! I just drove it 500 miles home. 2005, sport package, 93K miles, 6 speed manual. Has a weird steering wheel shake right around 70 mph (thrust arms just replaced, so I'm hoping it's just alignment or wheel balance), but otherwise feels rock solid.

Here are some photos:



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[EODguy]

That shake if it's like mine will be a combo of bad belt in the tire, alignment and balance. Also find a shop that will do road force balancing.

For me getting it figured out took forever and included rebuilding the steering rack...

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[bcredliner]

Looks good!

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by acroil

Found one! I just drove it 500 miles home. 2005, sport package, 93K miles, 6 speed manual. ...

Nice find! Love those Style 131 wheels...

[Leghab]

Found one!
Paid $3,400 for a 2006 6MT with pano roof, adaptive lights, and (it looks like?) all options except the sport package.

Has a newly rebuilt engine which is leaking NO OIL. Drove it home, and I'm super psyched about having it here now.

It's sterlinggrau, which... kind of sounds like sterling frau. And so her name is Grey Lady.

Now all I need to find is the tow hitch...

[franccesco30]

Hello All,

I've been debating to sell or not sell my long time friend. I'm the second owner of the 2001 with 160k miles. I've taken care of it since 2008 always garaged kept and in extreme cleaning and shape condition, many upgrades to list.

Hard to say good bye to an old friend but priorities have changed, don't have the time to drive it as much as I would like to, so generally it seats in the garage with occasional weekend drives. I have of course the winter and the summer tires set. Check it out, an older picture with the old cross bars, upgraded since!

[Eurocarnuts]

Miklos, Honesdale Pa, 2002 X5 Sport Pkg5 speed. Currently 212K miles on the clock, daily driver.
I also came across a 2003 X5 Sport Pkg 5 speed, 165K miles on the clock but has bad engine. gonna use it as a cadaver and parts vehicle.