BMW X5 (E53)
I Took A Chance (Let’s Say, An Educated Guess)
“I found a 17 year old BMW for $1,700 with 167k miles and no maintenance records. Want it?”
I knew this was the chance to buy a manual X5 and I jumped at it! Earlier in the year, I drove a 6-speed X3 (E83) and loved it. I had heard high praise for the E53 platform and was sure I would enjoy the X5.
A 6-Speed X5! 🤯 Around 4,500 were produced with a manual!
A 6.2L V8 Minivan During A Financial Crisis 🤯
What if I told you that there is a 500hp Mercedes-Benz AMG with under 150 TOTAL PRODUCTION in the USA and it was a MINIVAN? Introducing the 2007 R63 AMG: A 6-seater rocket ship that was released at a really bad time.
The Day I Picked Up The R63 AMG in Detroit!
R63 AMG Maintenance Costs
My Favorite Interior Products For The E46
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Coby Wheel/Ledermanz
The steering wheel is the way you interact with your car. For me, It’s one of the first things I upgrade. Coby Wheel and Ledermanz are my favorite vendors. They have incredible craftsmanship, great communication, and prices that aren’t insane (Wheel wrapping starts at $225 from Colby).
If you already have the steering wheel, Coby is a great option. Link to their store: Coby Wheel
If you need a whole new wheel (Airbag and wheel),I’d go with Ledermanz. Link to their store: Ledermanz
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Headunit upgrades (CarPlay/Android Auto integration)
For me, it’s pretty important to have some modern connectivity options in my daily driver. I’ve tried all the different headunit brands (Seicane, Xtrons, Eonon, the random Aliexpress brands, Joying), but I keep coming back to Avin. They aren’t the cheapest option, but the head units are fantastic quality and really do look OEM. Great install video: E46 install video
Link to the Avin E46 headunits: Avin Avant 4
Another option that is receiving incredible reviews is BlueBus. An I-Bus enabled, fully integrated Bluetooth module for your BMW, Land Rover, or Mini. Link to their store: BlueBus
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ZHP Shift Knob
It’s my favorite knob. Heavier than the standard knob, it’s a pleasure to shift. ECS seems to have one of the better prices around: ZHP Shift Knob
Resources
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E46 Fanatics
The OG of E46 forums. You'll find everything on here: DIY guides, oil recommendations, for sale ads, and plenty of "USE THE SEARCH BUTTON YOU &$*#^&." If you're not sure where to start, check out these discussions:
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RealOEM
It might not seem like much, but RealOEM is THE PLACE for looking up part numbers and names. Detailed diagrams and exploded views of everything. I go here before purchasing almost any part.
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ZHP Mafia
Ah, the ZHP. Some think it's overrated, but once you own one (or 3) you understand why it's so special. Whether or not you have a ZHP, this site is incredibly helpful. DIYs, a great classified section, and plenty of threads to get lost in.
Photos Of My R63
Convertible
Coupe
Sedan