To Buy or Not To Buy? That Is The Question
 

So I have been looking for a 3.0 MT5 for ages and haven't come across much at all. One option was a blue one with 150k but very few options with a broken transfer case for $5500 shipped from IL to MN. The other two are listed below. I have owned an e36 and an e46 with similar engine and transmission layouts hence why I would prefer this. Any insight on what would be idea at this point? Over 150k scares me a bit but if everything else seems maintained I'm not too worried.

BMW X5 2001 Mint condition

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/da...267012951.html

My personal opinion on used vehicles is that when you get to 10 years old it's not so much the distance it has travelled as opposed to the age of it. Most of the maintenance is for degraded parts which is generally plastics and rubbers. And they will degenerate at roughly the same rate regardless of distance travelled. Basically what I am saying is that the distance travelled is reasonably irrelevant when considering your maintenance schedule and so if you would buy a 2001 with half as many K's on it then buy this one. As you've owned BMW's in the past you'll know to prepare yourself for a reasonable yearly expense per year, if you don't need it..... bonus.

There have been two X5s with 5 speeds in Minneapolis Craigslist recently. A silver one with 150k asking $8k and a black with 180k asking $7k iirc.

I believe there is at least one or two other stick shift X5s on forums and eBay. They are around, I trust you'll find one if that is what you're after.

While I do agree that mileage isn't everything, the reality is that the higher the mileage the more likely you are to have failures.

Since you know about the 3.0 you know what it will need over time. Assume that the average X5 owner has no clue how to properly maintain the X.

Let me keep an eye out for you, I know I've seen a few more for sale. Brb.

2002 BMW X5 Manual 5 Speed - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum

This truck is also on eBay for another 13 hours.

Buying from an enthusiast is such a huge advantage compared to buying from a stealer. As you can see this guy replaced some key components and the wheels totally transform the truck.

Good luck, I'll keep an eye out for you. Let me know if you want to drive my 4.6 to get a feel for the X5. You are sure to love it.

I have a hard time believing that anyone who test drives a V8 X5, especially a 4.6 or 4.8, will every be satisfied with a 3.0. Stick or no stick. Better he doesn't drive your car.:D

You know, I'm normally such a huge fan of driving stick that I would seriously consider a 3.0 for that reason alone.

To be fair, I just wanted to show off my truck. :rofl:

To the OP,
I would keep looking; neither of those are real deals, and some fixing needed.
They are out there, as are a few older pre-face lift X3s with the MT. The real score is a rare 6spd MT from late '02-'06, if my memory serves...

The final drive is 4.10, and both the 5 spd and the rare 6 spd have the same stump puller 1st gear ratio, which may be quite different in terms of 'take off' from your experience with your E36 & E46, fwiw.

I have driven several Xs, and while the 4.4, 4.6, 4.8 et al do haul azz, I have never felt underpowered in our '01 3.0 MT, in eleven years. If I really want fast, I take the VetteVert or one of the m'cycles.

Good luck on your search, but they are out there.
BR, mD

2003 BMW X5 Need to Sell ASAP

2001 BMW X5 3.0 (overpriced)

2002 BMW X5 64,000 mls. price drop need it gone. (low miles)

2001 BMW X5 3.0i blk/blk 110,700 mi 20+mpg (black on black)

2002 BMW X5 - 5SPD MANUAL TRANS (black on tan)

2001 BMW X5 AWD SUV (white on tan)

And you thought X5s with manuals were rare???

Wow thanks everyone! MY dad has also helped me quite a bit so I need to hunker down and start driving a few.

epdarks, They are a hell of a lot mroe rare than the Autos! By the way, I have PA soft on my laptop so if you ever need codes cleared or anything coded I could help ya out.

Nice, thanks for that, I'll be sure to keep you in mind.

If you expect your search nationally you'll really do yourself a huge favor.

I have purchased both of my previous BMWs out of state and I loved the adventure of flying out and driving them home. Have a PPI done before hand.

Good luck!