Looking to get a wagon, either 06-07 530xi or 07-08 535xi. I know those n54 motors were plagued with issues as well as the first smg trans back in 04. I won't be modding so my question is, is the 530xi more reliable and the 530xi transmission is less prone to issues than the smg?

 

Get the N54 based xi. Much more power and driving experience is superior.

 

Did they make manual wagons in either the 530xi or 535xi?

 

Both were offered with manual, but they are pretty damn rare.