There's A Manual BMW X3 On Bring A Trailer, And Someone Should Buy It

Imagine you are interested in something a bit practical for the family. As an enthusiast, you don't really want a crossover or an SUV. Come to think, you don't particularly need anything new and fancy either, and for whatever reason you think hot hatches aren't ironically cool enough. You want something different from your RAV4-wielding neighbors but would still like some ground clearance, cargo room, and all-wheel drive for those crap weather days. In which case, Bring A Trailer has the quirky solution for you in the form of one of their more recent listings: this 2007 BMW X3 3.0si... And it a has a 6-speed manual.

This appears to be in way better shape than most X3's of this generation.

This appears to be in way better shape than most X3's of this generation.

This E83-generation X3 appears to be a very well-kept example inside and out. It shows 128k miles on the odometer (65k of which were added by the seller), a clean Virginia title, and a Carfax report. Specs include Monaco Blue paint over a Nevada Black leather interior with a sunroof, auto climate controls, heated power seats, and rain-sensing wipers. The interior is in remarkable condition for a 13 year-old car with an abundance of miles under its belt, with no visible seat tears or significant fading on the trim. However, the rear seat shows some dried splatters from what I can only hope are a from a small child's drink.

While plainer than a box of Cheerios, the interior layout seems quite functional.

While plainer than a box of Cheerios, the interior layout seems quite functional.

There appear to be remnants of children left behind in the rear seats.

There appear to be remnants of children left behind in the rear seats.

The most intriguing part of the spec sheet is the powertrain configuration. Tell all the Karens at Whole Foods to shove it with their sub-200 hp, CVT-equipped four-bangers and make way for this X3's 3.0L N52 straight-six outputting roughly 260 hp and 225 lb-ft. Variations of this motor were found across BMW's model range with this iteration of the N52 being shared with the E70 X5 3.0si, E63 630i, and E90 330i. Power is fed to all four wheels through the optional 6-speed manual.

In 3.0si trim, the N52 outputs a healthy 260 hp and 225 lb-ft.

In 3.0si trim, the N52 outputs a healthy 260 hp and 225 lb-ft.

Anyone genuinely considering bidding on a 2000s Bimmer has likely heard of the reliability and maintenance quirks of 2000s Bimmers, however, the vehicle has been maintained by the seller in January of 2020 and reportedly carries 17 service records on its Carfax. The seller does note signs of weeping around the oil pan. The car comes complete with all the included BMW literature and, for some reason, a Bentley service manual.

At the time of writing, there stands no bid. With no reserve, there is seven days to snag a high-mileage but near-immaculate, manual, all-wheel drive crossover with a sport sedan engine. If one finds themselves quirky enough to daily such a thing over CR-V, they can check out the listing here:

- Jeric Jaleco