Blue Angel, there was a a nice 6 speed with dual axel air and sport for sale about a month ago in california. It was on auto-trader. The only other EHC ll I've seen is Ricky Bobby's.

When you get that specific, a nation wide search is the only way to go especially for the three pedal variants. I've had my fair share of cross country road trips for manual cars. Good luck and keep us posted.

Blue Angel,

Good luck in your hunt. Manual E53 are a bit more common in Europe, I'm pleased with my 2002 3.0 diesel. With respect to the air suspension, my car has the rear only air system. No issues in terms of performance, actually handy when you load the back with heavy things. My rear bags were showing signs of the (age & time induced) cracking, but not leaking. I proactively replaced them myself with Arnott air springs. Easy to do and not too labor intensive.

I also had an air suspension warning light on the dash as well, but using INPA software it was VERY easy to diagnose the cause - the RR height sensor. Also easy to replace, erase the fault code and smooth sailing.

I'm at 253.000 km, original clutch & water pump. Suspension bushings and arms replaced, as is required on an E53. All fluids changed, including the "lifetime" ones. Next "gift" is my UUC short shifter - planned for today, as the weather is warmer.

RB - not sure if you are saying that all sports had at least rear air as standard but I have sport package 6 speed with no air.

I'm always willing to be corrected and learn, but you have a rare build as well because most of the sport package cars I've seen come with the rear suspension airbags.

Nice to know you could have sport and coil springs all around!

No worries - I am getting the impression that it is quite a rare build and may be why I am finding the ride to be a little on the obnoxious side of firm. I find the rear especially to be pogo-stick like on frost heaved local roads in the 30-50mph range.

I have the Sport Package with coil springs all round, and you're right, the ride is so ridiculously harsh, especially in the rear - passengers in the rear are thrown up and down like a pogo-stick going over the slightest bumps...

I test drove a new 911 and ride felt so soft and supple in comparison...

I'm in this thread because I'm jealous of everyone who's got Air suspension, and I'm wondering how much work it'd be to retrofit Air suspension? :dunno:

The company that made my rear springs for me can make a softer spring for you. They have tested the original and can make a more comfortable spring rate. I am running a softer spring rate on the rear of mine. These custom rear springs were surprisingly not that expensive. It took a while to get them. I had to send one of my originals so they could test it to determine the original specs. Now that they have the specs, they can make any spec you request

Thank you for the information , what is the name of the company, and how much did it cost you ?

You could also retrofit the BMW air suspension parts (or use Arnott equivalents) and just use aftermarket management like Autopilot V2

Thank you Ricky Bobby, that would be great, but the expense and time...
I might be better off looking for an e53 with air suspension already fitted...

Or maybe find softer springs and shocks ...

Oh, and I recognise your name from a CBR500 forum, that's next on my list!:thumbup: