WTB: 535xiT or 530xiT w/ Manual Transmission

Title says it all.

Looking to buy a 535xiT or a 530xiT with a manual transmission. Have cash in hand and willing to travel for right car.

For the 535xi Wagon:

08 model year - Must have Nav/Voice Command and Premium package/Cold Weather. All other stuff not essential.

For 09/10 model year- Must have Value & Premium. Nav not necessary.

For the 530xiT-Must Have Nav/Voice Command and premium/Cold Weather Packages.

While Sport or M-Sport trims would be nice, not going pay premium for these.

Warranty: CPO for 535xi model is desired, but not critical. 530xi will almost certain not have a warranty.

Mileage: Lower the better: For 09/10 MY < 40K, 08 MY < 55K, for 530xi < 75K.

Know about the Autotrader and Cars.com listings already. Looking for those that may not use those services or forum folks that may be thinking of selling theirs or knowing someone that is.


Thanks in advance.

Pearson10M

Good luck with your search. Finding a manual transmission car here in the US is getting harder and harder, particularly with more upscale cars.

Keith

If I have time I'll check the Roundel for sale ad tonight; some BMWCCA member usually drives manual. The other way is contact your BMW dealer and tell them you are serious about it. The salesguy or CA will locate one, it may not the cheapest route but nothing is when finding rare vehicle.

I am a member of BMW CCA and check the classifieds very frequently. I have also walked into several local BMW dealers and told them of my desire to acquire a MT wagon. Their response is always "Wagons are hard to find themselves. I have never seen a MT one" or something similar.

They are out there, just need to be patient. There are a few in PA right now that I may go look at. I saw a local one last w/e that was in literally off the assembly line condition. 28K miles, but fairly limited on options and warranty. Not my ideal exterior color, but could live with. Dealer wants $43K, which I thought was pricey.

I think Manheim Imports has a pretty strong hold on all manuals showing up at the auctions on our side of the country. They understand what those cars mean for some folks and are happy to charge the premium. Talking to them and looking at what they have to offer at the moment (btw, CW98254 showed up there yesterday with very very low miles) might not be such a bad idea.

The only car better than what I've seen at Manheim was the white '10 that popped up at ebautobrokers.com a couple of week ago (CW98296, a brilliant ZMP example with rare stuff like vented seats and HUD) - it was gone within a week, taking the trip from Seattle to its new owner in NC.

Originally Posted by HPIA4v2

If I have time I'll check the Roundel for sale ad tonight; some BMWCCA member usually drives manual. The other way is contact your BMW dealer and tell them you are serious about it. The salesguy or CA will locate one, it may not the cheapest route but nothing is when finding rare vehicle.

These are the two least likely ways to score that kind of car.

Originally Posted by Pearson10M

I am a member of BMW CCA and check the classifieds very frequently. I have also walked into several local BMW dealers and told them of my desire to acquire a MT wagon. Their response is always "Wagons are hard to find themselves. I have never seen a MT one" or something similar.

They are out there, just need to be patient. There are a few in PA right now that I may go look at. I saw a local one last w/e that was in literally off the assembly line condition. 28K miles, but fairly limited on options and warranty. Not my ideal exterior color, but could live with. Dealer wants $43K, which I thought was pricey.

You nail it, patient (if you shopping for price not car).

I was casually looking at X6 50i, and told the CA, from whom I bought two new cars from of my OK interest. He ask me how serious cause not many are lease return, I said if I can get good price, and well he hasn't called. Like I said before, all CA will not do the leg work until he knows you are ready to buy if you are just kicking tires...

I have just traded up to a 2010 6 MT 535xiT and have a black sapphire , black dakota leather 6MT sport with 59,000 miles in excellent condition. 18 inch wheels with anthracite maple trim and front and rear cold weather package. No nav or premium package but does have the 20 way comfort seats. CPO expires next month. Has had 7500 milke oil changes and manual transmission fluid changes. A great car but I ws lucky enough to find a 2010 that I snapped up. Send PM if interested.

I got my 06 530xiT (loaded with manual transmission) through Craigslist, in New Hampshire north of Boston. There's a few unauthorized Craigslist search engines, that scan thru regions to find your listing rather than you having to do the legwork. Also check in with these guys http://www.classicmotorsports.us/default.aspx and these guys http://www.concordmotorsport.com/ as they both had cars I was considering, but wasn't quick enough to check them out. Neither place has your car today, but let them know you're looking. And yes, the 5-wagon shifters are rare cars.

Almost pulled the trigger on a 530xiT with MT, but it was in a little rougher shape than I hoped.

Any leads appreciated.

I would rather take a higher mileage car that's well taken cared of than one that is low mileage and rough. Getting it back to the pristine condition always entails a lot of work and money.

Originally Posted by RIHI

I would rather take a higher mileage car that's well taken cared of than one that is low mileage and rough. Getting it back to the pristine condition always entails a lot of work and money.

The mileage on the one I almost pulled the trigger on wasn't high (70K for an 07), and it was in good mechanical shape, but had just a little more cosmetic stuff than I wanted. A few other minor "issues" cropped during the test drive, which I didn't know how bad they could be or become or the exact cause at the time.

Greetings,
Took me three months to buy a 2nd owner, garage kept, just off CPO, 80k manual.
Six weeks negotiating price. Cars.com, craigszoom,a autotrader, manhiem if you can get access.
Believe to have had less than 250 manuals imported in 06 and 07 but they are out there.
Great forum

Bump

Originally Posted by Pearson10M

Bump

Have you talked to Wilbraham Auto?

I have seen this wagon. Showroom condition, really. One very small mark on it. I think it is a little pricey ($42.9K) without NAV,CPO, and some other features. Not my favorite color, but workable if the price is right. I talked to the owner, and he understands what he has, so I am not sure he is ready to heavily discount. It has been on the market for a while though.

Thanks.

Check this guy http://www.bmwcca.org/classifieds/listings.php?id=4870 - Autocheck doesn't show any new title, so it may not have sold yet.

Will look into.