2006 BMW X5 3.0i (E53) AWD - VERY RARE 6sp MANUAL - Panoramic roof, factory Nav

2006 BMW X5 Description

Overview:BMW joined the luxury sport utility vehicle ranks in the 2000 model year with its car-based X5, challenging midsize SUVs from Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. Even though it had permanently engaged all-wheel drive, the SUV wasn't really intended for off-roading. BMW calls the X5 a sports activity vehicle.
Exterior:The X5 exhibits a more distinctive, eye-catching shape than most SUVs, but the front end is strictly BMW with its twin kidney-shaped grille. At nearly 184 inches long overall, the X5 is 5 inches shorter than the 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The two-way tailgate has a top portion that swings up and a swing-down lower section.
Interior:Seating for five people features a high position for the driver and a 60/40-split, folding rear seat. The driver faces a familiar red-lit BMW dashboard. Leather upholstery with power adjustable driver and passenger seats. Options include heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a moonroof and a DVD-based navigation system.
Drivetrain:The X5 3.0i uses a 225-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder,a six-speed-manual, and permanently engaged all-wheel drive automatically apportions power among the four wheels. Hill Descent Control maintains constant speed and grip on steep downgrades.
Safety:Antilock brakes, stability control, side curtain-type airbags and side-impact airbags for the front seats are standard.

This vehicle was originally purchased to be a second vehicle, something to have fun with and tinker with as I do not get to do that with my primary vehicle. The HOA will not grant me a waiver to keep it in a Guest spot so I am forced to sell it. They are giving me until the end of September, so I am certainly not in a "desperate" position and will not entertain low-ball offers. I will provide any/all info that I can about the vehicle including what the previous seller told me, what I have found, and the little bit of work I already had done.
The 'Good':When I took it to Reeves BMW for a diagnostic, the first valet guy went and grabbed a two more guys to show them; while the 6sp manual was standard with the 3.0 V6, it was almost exclusively optioned out for the 5sp automatic. This is a very rare setup and was quite enjoyable to drive. I was very surprised at the way the 225hp engine moved this heavy SUV. The clutch is in very good condition and I would estimate is at 75% or better. The transmission shifts very smoothly with short & precise throws, it is a BMW after all. The vehicle starts right up every time I have started it and idles smoothly. If you were to not look at the odometer, you could easily assume it had 50,000 miles, not 150.
The vehicle has factory standard DVD-based navigation and the premium sound system (with DSP.) I have not had the chance to test out the stereo other than to tune it to a radio station while driving it a few times. The motorized head rotates down to provide access to the tape player (yes, TAPE!) I have plenty of additional pics but am limited to 24 by eBay. The on-board computer which became standard in 2006 appears to work perfectly and the navigation did work very well.
The interior is in very good condition overall. You may be able to see from the pictures that there is some wear on the front driver and passenger seats, but there are not rips/tears/cuts at all in the front or back. The power-adjustable front seats both operate correctly and the driver seat also has a memory function. The rear seats are operated via a toggle-switch on the B-pillar just behind the door on both sides. There are BMW all weather mats in the front and back which show some wear, but that's the whole point of them, isn't it? The carpeted surfaces throughout the vehicle are very good and do not have any rips/tears/cuts. The rear cargo area is all carpeted and is also in very good condition. It is pretty clear that previous owners took very good care of this vehicle.
The vehicle has new tires all around. Matching Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus, 235/65/17. These are 80,000 mile tires and have exceptional reviews on Tire Rack.This is a higher end tire that runs around $150/each. Great value versus so many other used vehicles that will require tires soon. The battery is also new, replaced by the previous owner shortly before selling. I didn't take a photo of it as the battery is located below the cargo area under a shroud behind the spare tire. But these things are heavy duty, so the next owner should be set for 2-3 years at least.
The panoramic sunroof operates flawlessly. I have separate pics of the various stages of operation. If you look at the last picture I included, you will see the glass fully open (a weird angle to take a photo, but that is what it is.) When operating, the front and rear glass can be vented, the front glass can be retracted to be even with the rear glass, or the entire roof can open to the position shown in the referenced picture. This vehicle has been parked outside in these daily rains we are having and has not leaked a single drop of water. All other glass on the vehicle is perfect with no chips or cracks, etc. There has been no water intrusion from any of the windows.
Repairs performed:I spent about $1,000 already having some work done in anticipation of driving it. The AC pressure switch was replaced and with that the system was evacuated, cleaned out, and recharged. The power steering was leaking a bit at the suction hose so the hose was replaced along with the filter in the P/S reservoir and new synthetic AT fluid added. Steering is very good. There was also a small leak at the pinion seal. Mechanic re-conditioned with a limited slip kit and all new Ultra Guard Gold differential fluid.
The 'Less-than-perfect':The remote entry system is built into the vehicle's key. It is considered a "sealed key" and the battery cannot be changed. It requires a trip to the dealership and pricing for a new key is $150-$200. The key works fine and all locks, etc but you cannot remotely lock or unlock and must put key into the door. If I had gotten to the point of driving it several days a week, this might have been annoying enough for me to have fixed, but it will be up to the new owner whether they choose to do that.While the panoramic sunroof works flawlessly, there is an issue with the sunshade that covers the glass on the inside. It is a 2-piece system and apparently the rear sunshade having issues is fairly common. There are actually parts kits for the individual pieces because of this. The previous owner did not disclose any info about it and I did not learn about it until later. The front sunshade is present and retracts in all positions perfectly. I was able to retrieve the rear piece as it was "stuck" in the roof where it slips down to allow the front sunshade to retract over it into the roof. I have the rear piece and it can easily be put back into place but will not be able to retract. I have not looked into fixing it, only that the parts kits exist. I personally was going to leave it as-is.As I have already mentioned, I have driven it less than 100 miles. The AC seems to cool down but was not immediately ICE COLD like we all want in Florida. I have not looked any further into this as HVAC is one of the automotive things I don't mess with. It did seem to cool down after 15-20 minutes, and that was while driving in traffic, but I did not spend much more time than that on a single drive. See under "repairs performed" for additional info.There are two bushings on the front lower control arms that could use replacement. When going over a speed bump, you hear a 'clunk' and upon inspection, the only issue was those bushings. All other joints and tie rods appear to be quite tight. The bushings from the dealership are like $60 each, not to mention their cost to replace. I found the bushings online for around $6 each and if the new owner isn't able to themselves, any shade tree mechanic should be able to put them in for you for less than $100 and/or a 6-pack of beer.
Summary:This is an above-average "facelift" E53. Look through all the pics, schedule to come drive it if you would like, I am happy to show it. If you are looking for a daily driver or just something fun to drive, this will not disappoint and undoubtedly has many years and miles of excellent life left to offer. There is a reserve which I feel is reasonably set. All sales are final and a $500 deposit is due at end of auction. Balance of payment will be either cash in person or Paypal. Cashiers check is an option but title must be held until funds are verified. Title is in hand and vehicle is ready to go and must be picked up within 7 days of the end of the auction. Vehicle is listed locally so I reserve the right to end any auction if the vehicle is sold.