what to do!?

Long story short, I have an auto transmission and a manual would be waay more fun to drive.
So I've been thinking and researching and thinking and researching more, and I believe I have two options: 1) trade-in for a manual car, and 2) 5-spd swap. Unfortunately I now can't trade in for much because someone hit me a week ago, so it seems like the most cost-effective thing to do now would be to drive my car into the ground rather than trade it for a low price..

I would be perfectly happy to drive my e46 forever...if it was only a stick shift! I've read other 5 spd-swap threads but it looks complex and expensive at best..anyone have ideas? Anyone have a good swapping-experience?

It's a 325xi, why are you so intent on having a stick. I know they can be more fun and handle more power but I say just stay what you have for a while.

I see people driving their Ford Taurus or Honda Accord that takes them from A to B. They don't enjoy the ride, but it's cost-effective.

330Cic 5 speed and enjoying every minute between A and B.

swap that attitude of yours and be happy for what you have.

with the money and effort you would need to invest to swap, you can sell your 04 privately for whatever you can, and purchase a manual that will have no complications

Do it if you want, you would be doing a 6 speed not five speed conversion though...