Nice find!

New X5 owner
 

I just recently bought a 2002 X5 3.0i with the 5-speed manual. I'd always wanted a 1970's BMW 2002 but never got one. As I was looking for another vehicle a couple months ago, I learned that the E53 came with a manual after seeing one on Cars & Bids. I've loved the E39 540i as well, so seeing the E53 with a manual was a compelling choice and I was lucky enough to find one in good shape. I've already been to the salvage yard picking up parts to refresh some of the worn items and made my first orders from FCP Euro. I was even luck enough to buy a set of style 214 wheels from an E70 that will go on it as soon as some other other mechanical work is done.

Welcome!
 

Welcome! That's a great find. Mine (an 06) has been trouble free and a lot of fun. You'll find it is truly 'tossable' on back roads, it's like a well mannered and reserved version of my M3. It's all about the driver. Enjoy!

*The Official E53 Manual Transmission Registry Thread*
 

Welcome to the three pedal crowd!

Nice find!

you will probably need hub centric rings for those 214 wheels

I put 214's on my 2006 and needed 74.1 to 72.56mm hub centric rings

It never clicked for me that your X is a manual, I'm quite jealous now.

These E53 X5's hold up very well. I've had my 6MT '06 since '12 and have driven it regularly the whole time (trips to Montreal, Miami, Toronto, the Catskills in upstate NY, etc) and even now at 15 years old with 90K I wouldn't hesitate to take it for a cross Country trip.

It has the same basic engine as my '95 M3 yet it doesn't suffer from the same shortcomings (cooling system hoses and radiator, overflow, temps, etc).

It's a great SAV!!

I missed out on a white 6 speed a year and a half ago and have been kicking myself since. Although because I missed out on it I ended up with my 4.6 so I can't be too sad. My dream is to find a nice 6 speed and hold on to it until my son is old enough to drive so he can have a sweet 1st car and know how to drive a car with 3 pedals.

Came across one in Portland OR while wasting time. If anyone is close by and has any interest. https://www.82ndautomall.com/invento...-4dr-AWD-3.0L/