Commuting Barge - Alternatives?
Discussion
Ok done the Volvo thing for a while now and my current commute hack is a S60 D5 manual (02). It was picked up cheap but has reached its point where it needs more spent on it than its worth.
I do 20-22k PA and need upwards of 42 MPG to keep fuel costs sensible.
I set myself a budget of 5k and so far I am stuck on a E39 530d Sport, got one in my sights but pondering alternatives (call it buyers jitters).
I chose the E39 as even with 100k on the clock I should get at least 2 yrs out of it. Its got a decent turn of speed and I like larger capacity diesel engines (its offsets the pain a bit).
Family is a consideration as is decent seats - am I missing another car before I bite the bullet?
PS no french stuff - been there - bad and not doing again!
I do 20-22k PA and need upwards of 42 MPG to keep fuel costs sensible.
I set myself a budget of 5k and so far I am stuck on a E39 530d Sport, got one in my sights but pondering alternatives (call it buyers jitters).
I chose the E39 as even with 100k on the clock I should get at least 2 yrs out of it. Its got a decent turn of speed and I like larger capacity diesel engines (its offsets the pain a bit).
Family is a consideration as is decent seats - am I missing another car before I bite the bullet?
PS no french stuff - been there - bad and not doing again!
E39 
Although don't expect one with 100K on the clock not to need some suspension work. That said, coming from a high miles S60 you'll probably not mind the slightly wallowy feeling they can start to pick up above that mileage! I changed the front control arms on mine and it noticeably improved handling and steering.
I think this is a one horse race too...
Although don't expect one with 100K on the clock not to need some suspension work. That said, coming from a high miles S60 you'll probably not mind the slightly wallowy feeling they can start to pick up above that mileage! I changed the front control arms on mine and it noticeably improved handling and steering.
I think this is a one horse race too...
crofty1984 said:
I had a 530i (not d) It was fantastic. Could spend hours and hours behind the wheel.
Same here. Best all round car I ever had. Only required basic servicing / tyres / fuel (although the previousl owner had sorted a new cooling system)
A very pleasurable 3yrs / 75,000 miles.
The one I have found had new injectors (all six!) and turbo at 80k from BMW.
Its thereafter had the usual bits like a battery, passenger seat fuel pump and propshaft coupling.
Added bonus is new discs/pads and vortex breather being changed every service after first turbo failure.
So in summary no idea why I asked really
Its thereafter had the usual bits like a battery, passenger seat fuel pump and propshaft coupling.
Added bonus is new discs/pads and vortex breather being changed every service after first turbo failure.
So in summary no idea why I asked really
confused_buyer said:
I assume it is a manual as there is no way the (more common) auto will do 42mpg.
It is indeed, I wouldn't mind an auto but they can get shonky I believe plus a clutch is cheaper to sort.I am hoping for 45mpg in my normal commute which is mostly 27 miles of being stuck in traffic at 50-60 mph.
If not its no big deal, I cant expect miracles from such a big car
"sigh" my landmark 1000th post based on MPG, I need an M5 to shake the cobwebs off.
halo34 said:
Family is a consideration as is decent seats - am I missing another car before I bite the bullet?
I was considering an E39 a few years back, but two things put me off. Crappy wooden veneer on the dash, and a relative lack of rear seat space - the A6 Avant didn't have any crappy veneer, and surprisingly more usable rear leg room.Thanks guys - it has wood, but thats not a problem as its quite easy and cheap to replace if it bothers me.
The problem I had was finding a manual in the right spec, I eventually realised flex on the spec instead and not to get too hung up on it.
As for rear space, honestly it cant be worse than the S60/V70s I have had, which for their size are almost comically tight in the back.
I did consider a leggy A6 avant, but really fancied seeing what the E39 is all about first.
The problem I had was finding a manual in the right spec, I eventually realised flex on the spec instead and not to get too hung up on it.
As for rear space, honestly it cant be worse than the S60/V70s I have had, which for their size are almost comically tight in the back.
I did consider a leggy A6 avant, but really fancied seeing what the E39 is all about first.
Well - I should be posting saying wow what car etc etc etc
But no, deal fell through as seller had to pull out, good reason but still gutted.
I only have a very short time to source a car now so options are very limited, back to the searching.
As this is 2nd e39 manual missed out on it may not be!
But no, deal fell through as seller had to pull out, good reason but still gutted.
I only have a very short time to source a car now so options are very limited, back to the searching.
As this is 2nd e39 manual missed out on it may not be!
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