*The Official E53 Manual Transmission Registry Thread*

[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.

[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).

[onthefence]

Originally Posted by wuzilla

(I got this one for $2800). .

Seems to be right in line with KBB
$1800 - $3500

https://www.kbb.com/bmw/x5/2001/30i-...condition=good