At $5,700, Is This 2005 BMW X3 with a Six-Speed Manual a Steal?

A 2005 BMW X3 2.5i with 253,047 miles is listed on Craigslist for $5,700, offering a rare six-speed manual transmission paired with a meticulously maintained powertrain. The X3, BMW’s second SUV introduced in 2003, was co-developed with Magna Steyr and features the brand’s X-Drive all-wheel-drive system with a rear-biased torque split. Under the hood sits the 2.5-liter M54 inline-six, which originally produced 189 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Recent work includes a VANOS rebuild and repairs to the oil filter housing, though the seller has removed some details from the listing, such as the airbag light issue and unspecified tire age or clutch wear. The exterior shows minor damage—a scrape on the front bumper—and removable Euro-style vinyl stripes and grille accents. The seller includes new painted bumpers and a bull bar, all matching the car’s silver paint. Inside, the cabin is surprisingly well-preserved for its age, with minimal wear and rubber mats protecting the carpet. Issues include a moonroof that sticks in tilt mode and an intermittent airbag light. The car comes with a clean title, a recent emissions pass, and has been owned by the same person for 16 years. The seller cites space constraints due to inheriting a truck as the reason for selling. The asking price of $5,700 falls within the $5,000–$6,000 range now common for well-driven used cars with character.