The Elusive Manual E53

[Joshdub]

Hey guys,

I am new here and come from the E30 world. I have been on the hunt for a manual X5 for a few weeks now, checking craigslist/autotrader/autotempst from California to the Mississippi, as well as putting out WTB threads on all the BMW forums I can think of. Unfortunately I have come up with squat.

I did find the perfect one in California. It was an 02 3.0 5spd. Only option was the sport package, had 80k miles, service records, clean title, and was just under 10k. I was ready to fly down there with his full asking price asap but he changed his mind about selling. That was pretty disappointing and I haven't found one like it since.

My only requirements really are that it has less than 100k miles, clean title, and be asking roughly around 10k. I'd like the sport package but that stuff is easy enough to add on later. I'd prefer to not have the SLS, nav, or panoramic sunroof (did the 3.0 even have those as options?). I'd also prefer the pre-face lift as it is more in my budget than the face lifts. And no gold, but any other color is okay.

So what do you guys think? Am I chasing a wild goose? I know 100k is pushing it for an 11-14 year old car. Other than that I think I am rather reasonable. There just doesn't seem to be much out there manual wise. Should I just suck it up and get an auto?


And since threads are worthless without pics, here is my E30 and the reason I am on the hunt for a X5.

(89 325is)


Archer, Rottweiler and Border Collie Mix. This was roughly 10lbs ago


Needless to say, the E30 is getting pretty cramped pretty quickly.