The first generation X5 definitely will not go down as the best-looking BMW ever produced, but I’d argue that it’s also not the worst looking of the high-riding ‘activity’ vehicles out there. And in some respects, they make a lot of sense. Pull up next to a modern full-sized trunk in an E30 or similar vintage ‘mid-sized’ car, and you’re looking directly at running boards. The X5 offered 5-series driving style with a commanding road position, and while it wasn’t really an off-roader let’s be honest – very few of the millions of SUVs you see out there ever see more than a gravel road.
What the E53 did offer, though, was a cross-over to the Sport package available in the E39. Because of that, you could opt for the 3.0-liter M54 hooked to a five-speed manual, and unlike the E39, you could opt to get those two hooked to all-wheel drive. They’re hard to find, but one popped up with some neat mods and in a neat color combination. Is it worth consideration?
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2002 BMW X5 3.0i Sport on eBay
Year: 2002
Model: X5 3.0i Sport
VIN: 5UXFA53572LH79993
Engine: 3.0 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 183,400 mi
Location: Addison, Texas
Price: $17,995 Buy It Now
WOW…THIS…is a 2002 BMW X5 3.0i, finished in Titanium Silver with a custom Imola Red leather interior the Odometer shows 183,xxx miles. It drives like new! This is the cleanest X5 for similar year available. Also the Rarest one! This X5 is equipped with the extremely rare 5-speed manual transmission. The included AutoCheck vehicle history report shows an accident-free history and a clean title. It confirms that the prior owners were in California, Oregon, and Washington. This E53 X5 has several terrain focused modifications, including a 1.5-inch Fluid Motor Union lift kit, Slimmbones front skidplate, Rallyarmor mud flaps, and a Yakima Megawarrior cargo basket. This X5 also has the rear bumper from a 4.6is model, and rides on 17-inch wheels with Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires. The seller has also reconditioned and replaced much of the interior with pieces from a lower-mileage donor car. Most notably, the seats are dyed Imola red to match the special X5 4.6is interior. This 3.0i model is powered by the M54 3.0-liter inline-6, which produces 225 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered via a rear-drive biased all-wheel-drive system. Equipment All-wheel-drive system 5-speed manual transmission Sport package (sport steering wheel, anthracite headliner, white turn signal indicators and side marker lights, shadowline trim, and body colored door handles) Cold weather package (heated front seats, headlamp washer system) Automatic climate control Cruise control Power driver and passenger seats Power rear seat seatback Power sunroof Park Distance Control Modifications Fluid Motor Union’s lift (1.5-inch lift) 17-inch wheels with Falken Wildpeak tires 25mm spacers at all 4 wheels Rear bumper and flares from a 4.6is X5 Gold painted calipers Slimmbones OEM replica front skidplate Aftermarket headlights and taillights Clutch Delay Valve (CDV) delete OEM roof rails with Yakima megawarrior Xpel Prime XR window time (19% front, 16% rear) Yellow lamin x film on fog lights Clear side marker lights OEM window vent visors Completely refurbished interior, with some items pulled from a lower mileage parts car. Fully cleaned and reconditioned items include the dash, carpet, seats, and trim. Seats dyed Imola Red; matches 4.6is/4.8is Imola Red interior except that the armrests here are also dyed red. Wood trim wrapped in brushed aluminum vinyl. Pioneer double din radio with DSP bypass and a rear-view camera (Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatible); the seller notes that the stock radio is wired and in the glove box. As a part of this modification, the 6-disc CD changer was moved to the trunk. OEM BMW ZHP shift knob Custom weighted shifter selector rod Rallyarmor mud flaps Refurbished tri-stitch power steering wheel Coby Wheel emergency brake handle Known Flaws A few dings, including on the hood and a few on the doors. Paint is chipping at the top of the windshield seal. Some rock chips in the windshield that have been filled. Sap drip on driver’s side rear quarter panel; the seller has wet sanded and polished it. Recent Service History The seller reports the following recent maintenance: July 2020: Oil and air filter changed June 2020: Replaced windshield and headlight washer pumps March 2020: Greased lower ball joint, and fixed driver’s seat leather creases January 2020: Replaced all shifter bushings January 2020: Installed new accessory pulleys December 2019: Replaced thermostat, metal radiator drain plug, and expansion tank September 2019: Replaced and cleaned valve cover gasket May 2019: Replaced driver’s side axle April 2019: Differential and transfer case fluids replaced April 2019: Bled clutch and brakes, oil level sender gasket replaced, and driver and passenger door handles replaced. Other Items Included in Sale 3 keys, 1 with a new roundel and a leather pouch Owner’s manuals Stock wood grain flap for near the CD changer, if the buyer wishes to revert to the stock radio set up. At Double R Cars , we take pride in selling hard to find luxury and sports cars , while ensuring that our clients get the absolute best customer care! Your buying risks are reduced thanks to a CARFAX BuyBack Guarantee. The BMW X5 is the benchmark all other SUVs strive to meet. With exceptional power, towing and handling, this SUV can handle anything thrown at it. Once you see this BMW, you’ll quickly see that this is the perfect vehicle for the outdoor junky! You’ll even feel relaxed knowing that this All-Wheel drive vehicle will get you to where you are going no matter what may come your way. Also, with this BMW X5’s dependable control you’ll be able to drive into the sunset without a care in the world! One of the best things about this BMW X5 is that it has low, low mileage. It’s ready for you to truly break it in. Being a boutique independent car dealership that is family owned and operated, we are proud to serve you and make your car buying experience with us one to remember! Come experience why our extensive buying experience guarantees quality in our hand selected inventory. We will show you that we are dedicated to offering a level of customer service not usually found in the automobile industry! Check out our amazing indoor showroom, full of cars for you and your family/friends to enjoy! Call us if you have any questions about our VERY SELECTIVE INVENTORY or would like to set up an appointment, 469-287-8717! ————————– Double R Cars offers very competitive financing , nationwide shipping , shipping overseas, and if you happen to fly in to pick up your newly bought car from us, we will personally be there at the airport to pick you up! You can g et pre-approved in no time by filling out a credit application on the finance section of our website. Feel free to ask us about our many different AND affordable extended warranty options. ————————– 15304 Midway Road Suite B Addison, TX 75001 OPEN MONDAY – SATURDAY (9 AM – 6:00 PM) CALL/TEXT: 469-287-8717 EMAIL:
So the base of this one is really a rare package; the 3.0i 5-speed and Sport package are hard to come by at all. This one is Titanium Silver Metallic, which is pretty standard, but inside is red leather – except that it wasn’t supposed to have that originally. According to the VIN this car originally had gray leather, but honestly looking inside they either did a really nice job swapping or dying the interior, or the decoder is wrong. It looks really sweet, and generally it appears to have held up well. Outside some rugged-looking Fifteen52 wheels and gnarly tires are met with a lift and a cool rack. It all pulls together well and gives you a splash of style out of the ordinary without going over the top, at least in my way of thinking. It’s definitely not an off-roader – but I wouldn’t mind driving it all winter, with those comfy heated sport seats and no worry about slush.
It also appears to have a robust recent mechanical history, at least according to the selling dealer. That’s good, because you’ll need it. Our site owner Dan owned an E53 and loved it, but also admits that it broke a few times recently – and this one is now old enough to vote and has the best part of 200k on it. Don’t plan on it being the most reliable car out there. The truck market is still going bonkers, so it isn’t with a huge amount of surprise that I see the $18,000 price tag. Would you have to be nuts to pay that? Yes, consider that this newer 6-speed with half the miles sold for around $6k in 2019. This looks like it would be a fun winter warrior, but the price would have to be a lot lower to make it really compelling.
-Carter
They do note the dyed seats in the ad, but that said, as much as I like my 3.0Si X3, I don’t think the extra heft of the X5 would leave much of a sporty feeling “sport package” or not. If it was the V8 with a stick different story.
Looks really clean and love the red interior! The price is bonkers unless the mods are exactly what you want and you don’t want to waste time sourcing your own vehicle. Otherwise, you could save a ton of cash waiting to buy one and doing the mods yourself, including some actual good tires like Ko2s.
Good spot @fstntq – I skipped right over that. Came out pretty well for a dye job.
Regarding the pricing, this one sold at auction in August for $12,700 (https://carsandbids.com/auctions/KPeMXRdo/2002-bmw-x5). Looks like the winner took it to Texas and is trying to flip it.
The only good thing I ever hear about these I6 X5’s is how smooth the engine is. Thanks but no thanks. I’ll stick to the 4.8is.
Hey everyone, I was the owner the sold the car on cars and bids. This is a dealer who bought it to flip it, I upgraded the car. Ask me questions if you wish.