I think we need another car...

[Nick M3]

I agree that on merit, I should consider the X3, but I just can't get over how it looks.

Anyway, looks like we have a deal on that X5. If we end up not liking it, it'll be easy enough to sell. The 6MTs are rare as hell and sell for pretty dumb money in the right places.

[Jeff_DML]

Originally Posted by equ

An old x5 manual is sadly, also, f*** no. I test drove one ages ago. The whole gearing/shifting etc felt all wrong. Stump puller first. Maybe you could change the ratios or the final drive.

probably similar to my e46 325iT MT, BMW seemed to have made the gearing really short to improve acceleration but ended up always shifting and high revs at highway speeds. At least that X5 has a 6MT

[robg]

Originally Posted by Josh (PA)

Well not that specific one, but a '09-'10 e83 X3 manual. I'm really impressed with how old school bmw ours feels. Rides much better than my E90 LCI did. No crashiness at all. Decent size, updated n52 engine, etx.

+1

Had an 08 x3 for about a year and still regret selling it. Really nice size, ride and good build quality (no rattles, etc). Looks grew on me as well and now I think its the best looking of all the X3 gens.

[JST]

Do you still have an S62?

[Nick M3]

Originally Posted by Jeff_DML

probably similar to my e46 325iT MT, BMW seemed to have made the gearing really short to improve acceleration but ended up always shifting and high revs at highway speeds. At least that X5 has a 6MT

My understanding is the the X5 got the diesel gear ratios, which are a little bit weird.

I'm much more used to aggressive gearing than most, though. I suspect that I won't be bothered. The 6MT is only slightly shorter on the highway than the auto. (.83 vs. .75)

First gear is a little short, but not *that* short.

[Nick M3]

Originally Posted by JST

Do you still have an S62?

No, long gone (I traded that high mile S62 for a low mile S54). Not interested in modding this. I have access to a whole bunch of warranted parts that'll go on this, but otherwise the plan is to use it as a beater at least until Alex can go front facing.

[zach]

Nice work Nick!

[wdc330i]

Set a new speed record for perseveration!

[robg]

Wondering if any used German car really qualifies for cheap,, reliable beater service? Thinking your answer might lie with some Toyota or Mazda product? Become a cliche here, but a used CX5? Used Mazda6 wagon?

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by robg

Wondering if any used German car really qualifies for cheap,, reliable beater service? Thinking your answer might lie with some Toyota or Mazda product? Become a cliche here, but a used CX5? Used Mazda6 wagon?

Too mundane.