Manual E53

[Pete]

I'm mulling over getting a manual 3.0i X5 and would welcome your feedback on them. I notice they are cheaper and the demand is less than the Auto Transmission but it really wouldn't bother me. I've seen a couple of low mile(for age)/low owner cars for sale and I'm really tempted.
Thanks in advance.

[jamesturner]

Hi

I purchased a 2005 3.o diesel Manual in estoril blue last October and so far so good. I bought mine from Big Motoring World ( a swear word on the old X5 site). It is very economical 30 + to the gallon on average. I have nothing bad to say about having a manual and actually waited nearly a year to find a facelift model manual in estoril blue.

Good luck and keep us informed

Jt

[Sanj]

Hi Pete,

You know that most X5's suffer teh common gearbox and turbo issue - this choice would wipe that out. But as you say there are few of them about and demand is not that high (unless buyer specifically searching). If iy doesn't bother you at all, go for it - just remember purchase price and subsequent resale value should be considered...

Make sure you read AW8's X% Guide as well.

[x555]

Get it cheaper sell it cheaper...simples no different to buying a more expensive auto and selling it for more than you would a manual.You do have to consider that it may take longer to sell being less popular and that the fuel economy wouldn't be great even if better than an auto.I think if i were to buy a petrol it would be a v8 mind,some of the threads on the old forum had evidence to support not much difference in economy between the 3.0i and it's bigger brothers.

[Sanj]

I don't think the V8 was ever available as manual though - auto as standard.

[pvr]

Correct, only the 3.0 models could be delivered in manual.

When I ordered mine new, I was tempted to get a manual but the sales guy talked me out of it. In basic terms, he said that if I ordered the car manual or without comms pack - don't bother trying to trade it in with them.

However, second hand and an older model I would be more tempted then when new though.

[Pete]

Thanks for the replies, I'll keep you posted on whether I get it. I originally wanted (and would still prefer) a V8 but I am too worried about the gearbox failing as it seemed a recurring theme on the old site. I love the style and presence of the X5 and with a limited budget I think it's probably the safest option for me at this time (another baby due in Dec so the Mrs will be having 12 months off work).

[CondorX5]

[quote=""x555""]I think if i were to buy a petrol it would be a v8 mind,some of the threads on the old forum had evidence to support not much difference in economy between the 3.0i and it's bigger brothers.[/quote]

Speaking from my very own very recent experience, that is absolutely true.......my 3.0i (it was the auto version) gave me 23.8-24.4mpg, very steady consumption, which wasn't bad for a 6-cyl heavy car, but the big 4.8is is returning an amazing 22.9-23mpg, I've had it for 10 days now and clocked up about 800 miles in that time, so its not a huge mileage to check the fuel usage but its still really good for a V8..... I think its because the 3.0 engine has to work really hard in the X5s big body, while the 4.8 has the same size car body to move around with a lot more power.......whatever the science is, its crazy that the 3.0 fuel usage is almost the same as the 4.8.

[pvr]

I used to get 26 out of my old 740, which is prob a little lighter. The big engine models do very well with fuel consumption I must say.

[Pete]

I noticed this 4.4 V8 today that claims to be a manual so maybe they are out there:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

Too old for me though.

[Pete]

Saying that though, looks to have a massive brake pedal so I think it's listed incorrectly.

[Chompers]

As said before, the V8 never came with manual Pete