Did they offer a 6 speed in the 530i? Obviously the 540/545 transmissions wont work because they are V8 transmissions.

will be watching this one closely, happy with the '01, wish it had 6sp -OR- taller gearing in diff, amen to the stump-puller 1st, not at all BMW-like.

Did you buy your E53 5speed in Ohio by any chance?

I'm not a BMW model intelligentsia, but pretty sure they did.

No, had an '04 pano/6sp lined up in Ohio, but couldn't work out the details..
Couple people have thought that my sig is a slam, it's not, just reality-check for anyone considering buying one.

General Auto Recycling in RI, Sambucci Bros. in NY, Charlies Autoparts in MA to name a few that have trannies for e46xi cars for $400

Not sure about fitment but if the OP wants to retain AWD then an RWD tranny won't work. I'm considering a 6 spd 540i tranny in my X5 but I'm on the fence about converting to a RWD X5. We don't get much snow here but we do get ice...

IMO I think your mad, altho I admire your enthusiasm . You'll be opening a massive can of worms to try and get the electrical/sftwr to work along side the manual box let alone getting all the mechanicals to fit and work. Sell and buy a manual if your that hell bent on having one. Again only my thoughts....
Dweeb

Wrong...ever mod a BMW before?

No, but I know people who have tried the gearbox swap and all have had a right job to get everything to work correctly. I also dont think it would be viable to do it either..........