^ 4k rpms in 5th gear!?? that is pretty high. WHen on longer trips i usually stay around 80-90 +- 20. not sure id be able to live with that missing gear

Okay it is an '05 so it is a facelift and has the 6spd!! Thanks for the link regarding towing I think I will have no problem with what I am looking to do.

It is black on black which is the same color combo as my current car. Black leather interior is awesome because it is so easy to keep clean (exterior is a different story but I only drive black cars). As far as options it has the winter package and panorama sunroof. It also has the rear window sunscreens which I think is maybe part of the winter package? Anyways I def want winter package because I have grown very accustomed to heated seats. I like the panorama sunroof a lot now but I am sure the novelty will wear off and then it will be just a hassle so that one is a wash to me. I am happy that it doesn't have nav cause that's one thing I don't need to mess with. No maintenance but that is cause I haven't looked into it yet. Very early in the proess.

The real question is is 10.9k (obviously I am going to try and talk them down either way) a reasonable price for a 2005 x5 with a 6spd manual. This is exactly what I want as far as options and color and obviously the manual means it is rare but I still do not want to pay more than it is worth just because I like it. It is at a dealer but 4 hours away. So I am thinking that maybe I will make a trip to look at it and potentially make an offer this weekend. Its sort of a good destination city for me so I can get some friends to go for a day and if I need more time to think after a test drive and inspection I have enough airline miles that I could catch a free flight to pick it up on a later date.

Does it have sport package? (black headliner, 3 spoke steering wheel, Shadowline window trims?) Xenons?

If so, and its in good condition i'd probably give 10.5 out the door, for a later model with the above options, as they are getting harder to come by.

Very easy to know if it has cold weather package, check the center console buttons above the ashtray, should have one for each seat.


But yes, if it has cold weather, xenons it sounds like a good deal, desirable color combo, etc. Sport package is a plus but not necessary, I just love the black headliner and sport steering wheel/B pillar trims though.


Artem, yeah about 4k at 85 mph, 3800 or so at 80 mph, the 3.0 is smooth and quiet though so its not like the roar of a v8, I'm actually amazed at all highway driving to get close to 20 mpg with it screaming at 4k rpm's!

It took some getting used to but now I don't even mind it, and the higher rpm's are actually advantageous on the highway as I don't have to downshift to pass, ever.

I'd look into someday swapping the differentials from a 4.4 (3.4 or 3.64 final ratio) to bring down the rpm's a bit, its been documented from a user who did this on the forums before. However, taller gearing does mean it probably won't have the acceleration like it did before, its definitely a give and take.


OP, I love my manual X (look up the manual transmission registry for about 50 other Xoutpost members who love theirs too!) and there are plenty of others who do as well, if you get it post some pics and put yourself in the registry!

Alright well now I'm just pissed. . I took a closer look at the pictures and its an automatic. What I don't understand is that that is a fairly common thing. How stupid do you have to be to work at a dealership and not know the difference between and automatic and a manual.

UGHH so now there is one that is basically the same car (this is def a manual) but with 60k on the odo. Trouble is it is listed at 17k which I really think is to much. It is only an hour or so away so maybe I'll try it out but I would have to talk them down some. I mean the mileage is nice but that is just more than its worth.

Fwiw, I have seen many dlr listings that note an X as 'manual', when it is clearly an auto...

If you have the Jones for one, keep looking.

Agree with RB that non-sport is not a deal breaker, but Sport pkg does have some benefits, both cosmetic and suspension firmness, imo.

Also, not sure what years had rear air suspension std or optional, but I recall reading posts that suggest rear air suspension is preferable over non, for towing. YMMV...
Good luck on your hunt.
BR, mD

And yes, that ~$17k is dreaming, imo.

I am not so much concerned about the whole sport package bit. I believe air suspension was only standard on the v8's and maybe just the 4.8s but I think all of them had it. I don't think the 3.0's ever had it. Anyways I don't want it because it is just one more thing to break that I really don't need. For what I am talking about towing I really cannot imagine it would be an issue.

17k is definitely a long shot, if its absolutely pristine with 60k, maybe 12k if its one owner and loaded, but I don't see any reason unless it has every option checked. For what it's worth, my '03 5-speed is basically loaded, but doesn't have Navigation, and I have 70k miles on it. I wouldn't fetch more than 9k-10k if I were to sell it, and that's being hopeful.

And yes, in my 6 month search for a manual especially on ebay listings, cars.com, and autotrader.com you 100% cannot trust if the listing says "manual" in the description or not, I know it sounds trivial but I think sometimes these dealers that list the cars like to just put manual because "you can shift the auto yourself" lol.

You literally have to look at pictures of the center console to see the shifter in your quest I'm afraid, or have a dealer go out and physically look at the car.

For what it's worth, this X5 is in Cleveland, I know you don't like anything but black, but its local, has heated seats and tow package, and looks clean, at $9,500 buy it now, might be hard to pass up:

BMW x5 AWD 3 0i 6 Speed w Clean Carfax | eBay

Our '01 3.0 has the rear air suspension...when I load up the trunk, it adjusts. Have never had an air suspension issue.

Sport, besides cosmetics, brings a slightly stiffer/firmer suspension, which over time, becomes less firm. The non-sport/softer oe suspension may be mini van like, after time, otoh.
GL, mD

^huh that's interesting I was unaware.

Def appreciate your info / opinion on pricing. These things are def hard to price given the rarity. Def appreciate you guys throwing out listings for me. Even if they aren't local I have no problem flying (only sine I haev miles to burn) / driving long distances for a car I want. That thing is kind of tempting but that color combo (no offense cause this is just my personal opinion / preference) just screams 50 year old suburban housewife grocery getter. I'd probably go for it if it was anything other
than a tan interior.

I am def thinking that I will take a test drive of this one that is an hour away to feel out how I like these and give them a reality check on their price. Worse thing they can say is no.

My thoughts on a manual X5 are simple: Do it. :thumbup:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ry-thread.html