Hello

[Big "J"]

Welcome and with whatever X5 you end up with, you'll find plenty of help and input here.

Best of Luck!

[motordavid]

5 and 6 speed manuals in Xs are rare, and come up for sale even less than rare.

Those of us with the 5 probably all envy the 6 speed version...

As for that specific E53, it is a lot of miles and even a 'one owner' car can have one or two or a few lurking time bombs once it is in a new driveway.

Otoh, there are several older E53s here with serious azz mileage and few surprises; some are well maintained, some are well maintained and lucky.

There are a few hard core cyclists too. You might see JCL's posts on his bike and carrier setup, but I seem to recall it is roof mounted. Can't remember.

NEway, great board with good info and lots of opins, on Xs, cars and nearly any topic under the sun.

Do some reading via the Search Tab and good luck on your search for an older X that won't bring you to tears, or empty your wallet.
BR, mD

[sully42]

Originally Posted by Big "J"

Welcome and with whatever X5 you end up with, you'll find plenty of help and input here.

Best of Luck!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by motordavid

5 and 6 speed manuals in Xs are rare, and come up for sale even less than rare.

Those of us with the 5 probably all envy the 6 speed version...

As for that specific E53, it is a lot of miles and even a 'one owner' car can have one or two or a few lurking time bombs once it is in a new driveway.

Otoh, there are several older E53s here with serious azz mileage and few surprises; some are well maintained, some are well maintained and lucky.

There are a few hard core cyclists too. You might see JCL's posts on his bike and carrier setup, but I seem to recall it is roof mounted. Can't remember.

NEway, great board with good info and lots of opins, on Xs, cars and nearly any topic under the sun.

Do some reading via the Search Tab and good luck on your search for an older X that won't bring you to tears, or empty your wallet.
BR, mD

I think I want a automatic, and it kills me to say that. I am sure all the 5 speed owners are envious of the 6 speed guys, but i don't see it mattering to much. I always wanted a 6 speed, until I bought my 540, then i realised how little it matters. The one I am looking at seems to have a lot of maintenance done. But I am sure it will have a surprise in store for me.
I am far from a hard core cyclist, but I will have to check out JCL's post. This X5 does have the factory tow package, although the owner never towed anything with it. It also has Thule ski and bike roof racks included.
I have been reading a lot on this sight over the past couple of days, and have used this in the past to help out others with their Xs.

Originally Posted by Riggodeaux

Keep looking, they turn up, but it sometime takes
awhile, and you may need to travel a bit to get what you want. Spend some time reading threads here and you'll be an educated consumer. Do note that its become very hard to find OEM trailer hitches, at least for E53s [01-06]. The aftermarkets aren't good for hauling much of anything [most agree ....], so you'll want to look for one equipped with an OEM hitch if you don't plan to roof mount the bikes. Some of us here are advocates for the manual transmission versions [only the 3.0L], but they are quite rare.

I thin I want this to be a auto, as i said above. I am not sure why. The one i am currently looking at has a factory hitch, and also comes with roof mounts for bikes and skis.
for all the skiing i pretend to do.

Originally Posted by Riggodeaux

Just for grins, I opened the Atlanta craigs list, which regularly has X5s posted [ATL is a big market for bmws and suvs ....]. Several recently listed, including this lower mileage E53 white on tan 4.4L, with hitch [claimed]. They are out there .....
2005 BMW X5 4.4i

Originally Posted by Riggodeaux

Also one with a stick! 2003 BMW X5, 3.0 , 6 cylinder,MANUAL TRANSMISSION.,Good Condition

Thanks!
I could fly to ATL pretty easily and cheaply. Something to keep in mind if i can not find anything in my area.

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

I as well also recommend the manual X5. Reliable I6 with an MT is the best combo for long term happiness IMo

Thanks for your input. As for the I6 i think I could live with it. And I would probably be happy with a manual or an auto.