3.0 with automatic . Looking to buy NICE one.
 

I have a rare 3.0 with Standard shift. I really like the setup.
I also prefer the reliability and ease of maintenance on the M54.
I have a Hangar queen 4.6.

Looking to outfit the daughter in something just short of a Panzer tank.
How slow is the 3.0 with automatic transmission?

Does it wind out like the standard transmission?
The 3.0 With auto are everywhere. Not expensive either.

Of the pre and post facelifts, is the later a 6 speed?
Thinking of a 3.0 for the family.

I have an '05 with the 3.0 and automatic. I believe its a 5-speed auto.

They're great cars for the family, particularly if you know how to make them reliable.
unplug the sunroof and clear the drains and any kinked hoses under the A-pillar.

You didn't mention this, but the 3.0 with the Genuine BMW (Westfalia) hitch, harness and tow module, makes a good tow vehicle also.

You can certainly wind it out, but it is pretty civilized in normal driving.

Be sure to get a rust-free one.

I had mine for 77,000 miles. I'm a speed junkie and only felt under power in the 70-100 range. It's no speed demon 0-60 but the shift points and ability to sport mode/manual shift puts you in control.

For normal driving the m54/5auto is a fine combination.

If you were closer, I would let you test drive mine. City driving is good. The 4.11 gears get it moving smoothly. I agree, power really doesn't come on until 3000+ RPMs. At a swift acceleration, RPM shifts are high. The GM 5L40E speed works well.

E53: a good vehicle, good driver, but with problems due to senescence
 

I agree with the comments above; my M54 with the 5L40E is a good driver, whether in city traffic or on the highway.

Shifts are smooth and clean, and it accelerates onto freeways with no effort. Very nice for a 23 y.o., 212K mile, 5000 lb vehicle (mine has 300+lbs of tools in the trunk, always).

The 4.1 gear in the X is the same as on my '04 Chevy 2500HD, and I believe that the 5L40E shifts smoother at low rpms than the pickup's 4L80E heavy-duty auto (probably due to the difference in the X's having a 5-speed vs 4-speed in the pickup), but higher rpm shifts have the same "snap" in both vehicles.

I've been driving for almost 60 years now, and rate my aged 2001 X5 as one, if not the, "best" of the cars/trucks I've driven or owned, for the overall feeling it imparts while behind the wheel. It feels solidly planted to the road (despite its' height), and still agile around curves and sweeping turns at higher speeds, only limited by the stock 17" all-season tires, but the AWD (first I've ever driven), and the rear-wheel camber pretty much makes up for the tires.

Only the '63 split-window Corvette (327-350hp, 4-speed manual) I had for a few days in '70, and my old '73 Volvo 142 (2.0L, 4-speed, suspension modified for track use...that I never actually got around to) imparted a similar "planted to the pavement" feeling, IIRC. Some other cars/trucks may have had more power, or agility (manueverability?), but for general usage, my X5 might just be my favorite. The previous owner renewed a great amount of suspension and drivetrain parts, while prepping the X for trading for my old '66 Chevelle drag car (unused for 13 years, so it needed to live again), and it feels really good to drive.

If I could ever get beyond all the niggling problems that I've had in the past three years with the X (recurrent lean codes, rear wiper, replacement of mechanical and auxiliary fans, no crank/battery problem most recently), I wouldn't hesitate to use my X more often, go on longer trips, and even give it to a daughter (which I don't have)...but not to my wife, who'd find a way to damage it (she has a history).

That's why I carry so many tools in the trunk (for on-the-spot fixes, if I can), but that's just me.

I got a 3.0i with auto transmission after my 4.6is blew its engine and while initially the lack of torque compared to 4.6is was disappointing, it is mostly prominent with speeds above 50-60 mph. I've also been pleased with the GM transmission. And as you mentioned, the serviceability of M54 vs M62 is a definitely a plus.

I have a 2006 3.0 with the GM 5 speed and 285,000 miles. It gets up and goes good enough for a car of it's weight. It's definitely a tank and if I was looking for a safe car for my child this would be one I'd pick. Be prepared to work on it often as with any BMW they always need something, especially as they age. I agree it feels very planted for as high as it is, but I wanted more planted, so I put coil overs on and lowered it 2". It is totally planted now.