E60/61 questions
Discussion
So, I'm thinking of getting a used E60/61 5 series as a fun family car, to replace my hugely practical/tedious 6 seater MPV (Honda FRV). It will mainly be used for weekend trips, a combination of motorway and b-road hackery.
I'm considering a used 535d SE or V8 petrol at around £24k.
Questions...
- Will it comfortably fit 2 baby seats and a teenager in the back?
- Is road noise in the Touring irritating due to lack of rear bulkhead? I could probably get away with the saloon space-wise, but the Touring seems like "all the car I'll ever need".
- Is the ride in the Sport versions as poor as is often reported? Roads here in Ireland are often badly surfaced compared to the UK.
- Is the Touring a PITA to manoeuvre in multi-storey car parks? It looks very long.
- Are these cars fun (interactive/involing) at legal-ish speeds (say <85mph), or just a nice place to waft along? I've never owned a performance saloon before. I am also considering a VXR8 (in a few months when they are £25k used) which might be more "characterful" but will be nigh on impossible to shift here in Ireland if I ever get bored of it.
- Excluding fuel consumption (which doesn't really bother me), which is a "best" engine - the 35d or one of the petrol V8s? If someone else paid for your fuel, which would you choose?
John
I'm considering a used 535d SE or V8 petrol at around £24k.
Questions...
- Will it comfortably fit 2 baby seats and a teenager in the back?
- Is road noise in the Touring irritating due to lack of rear bulkhead? I could probably get away with the saloon space-wise, but the Touring seems like "all the car I'll ever need".
- Is the ride in the Sport versions as poor as is often reported? Roads here in Ireland are often badly surfaced compared to the UK.
- Is the Touring a PITA to manoeuvre in multi-storey car parks? It looks very long.
- Are these cars fun (interactive/involing) at legal-ish speeds (say <85mph), or just a nice place to waft along? I've never owned a performance saloon before. I am also considering a VXR8 (in a few months when they are £25k used) which might be more "characterful" but will be nigh on impossible to shift here in Ireland if I ever get bored of it.
- Excluding fuel consumption (which doesn't really bother me), which is a "best" engine - the 35d or one of the petrol V8s? If someone else paid for your fuel, which would you choose?
John
my replies:
1. dunno
2. I don't think so; it's quite quiet to me.
3. I have conventional tyres on my sport and the ride's very good and supple and composed. I think it could be stiffer without sacrificing much comfort.
4. It is a bigger car and if it's a small multi-story it can be a challenge. Parking sensors front and rear help!
5. hard to assess this one; it's very much a personal choice. I like it just fine for what it is: a spacious, comfortable mile muncher.
6. petrol engine is less complex but quite thirsty; the 35d has huge torque starting down low which is where you need it and then it keeps pulling like a freight train. again, you need to make your own choice.
1. dunno
2. I don't think so; it's quite quiet to me.
3. I have conventional tyres on my sport and the ride's very good and supple and composed. I think it could be stiffer without sacrificing much comfort.
4. It is a bigger car and if it's a small multi-story it can be a challenge. Parking sensors front and rear help!
5. hard to assess this one; it's very much a personal choice. I like it just fine for what it is: a spacious, comfortable mile muncher.
6. petrol engine is less complex but quite thirsty; the 35d has huge torque starting down low which is where you need it and then it keeps pulling like a freight train. again, you need to make your own choice.
phelix said:
I have conventional tyres on my sport and the ride's very good and supple and composed. I think it could be stiffer without sacrificing much comfort.
Do you carry a spacesaver or can of gunk? Is there a wheel-well in the boot? I had runflats on my Mini, and hated the damn things.Thanks for the answers, most illuminating!
John
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