E30's Too Small for Kids. Suggestions?

[ClayW]

If not an E30, what?

After shoe-horning a child-seat into the `91 sedan, I realize that I'm just going to need a bigger car. You can't really fit anyone next to the seat in the back and I'm already pushing the driver's seat up a bit more than I'd like just to drive. After a few comments from the wife, I can tell that it would behoove me to find a bigger car before she goes into minivan mode.

Don't bother with the "Get rid of your wife" or "Tell the family to suck it up" comments; I'm seriously asking for suggestions.

I just need a safe, reliable car that isn't soul-sucking to drive and gets at least respectable fuel mileage. I considered an E46 wagon, but have been cautioned about potentially heavy maintenance issues. At this point, I would consider a non-German car. I'm thinking 5-10 years old and less than $12K.

Any ideas?

[slammin.e28]

E34 or e39 (non V8 on both), touring if you can.

E46 is a bit small for a car seat, IMO, and yes, I have experience first hand with car seats in e34t and e46 sedan. Kids mean a bump up to the next level, a five series.

[fronton]

slammin beat me to it. E34 touring.

[ClayW]

E34 or e39 (non V8 on both), touring if you can.

E46 is a bit small for a car seat, IMO, and yes, I have experience first hand with car seats in e34t and e46 sedan. Kids mean a bump up to the next level, a five series.

Damn, my wife's boss drives an E34 Touring and we both are less than pleased with it. Of course, he doesn't take care of it, but I'm still a little non-plussed with the fuel economy (average is something like 16mpg around here).

Anyone have experience with an E39 Touring?

[nando]

I have two car seats in the back just fine?

E46 is probably a reasonable choice.

[slammin.e28]

Damn, my wife's boss drives an E34 Touring and we both are less than pleased with it. Of course, he doesn't take care of it, but I'm still a little non-plussed with the fuel economy (average is something like 16mpg around here).

Anyone have experience with an E39 Touring?

I'm getting about 20-23 with my e34t now, that's with a 186k mile M50TU and auto garbage trans. I commute 12 miles each way for work, 5 days a week. They're so simple, IDK how you can get a bad one. Only real weakness is the hatch wiring harness, but that's a good Saturday project to rewire it and upgrade the wiring so it doesn't break again.

I've driven a few e39ts and I like them too. IMO go for a 530, facelift car. I'm sure the others are fine, but I just don't like the smaller engines.

On both, make sure the trans doesn't slip, and make sure to check reverse. They like to drop reverse gear, e34 and e39. Of course to me, that's an excuse to do a manual swap, but sounds to me like you just want a good, stock, family hauler with no fuss.

[naplesE30]

I had a minty e34 touring m50 and it was dead nuts reliable. Avg 22 mpg combined like clockwork. I used it like a rented mule. It hauled everything with ease. Im talking 1500lbs of brick pavers down the highway at 70mph without a hiccup multiple times. Should have never got rid of it..... Stay on top of cooling system, rear hatch wiring, reverse is the first sign on the auto to go(could also be a sign that a hose/orffice in the tranny is plugged but the trany is a weak point) sls suspension in the 92(easily deleted) double sunroof is best kept closed if it works at all, make sure the h2o pump is switched to one with a metal impellar, and stay on top of the timming chaing spring. My vote would be e34 when cost and maint being taken into consideration. Stay with a 6clyinder model whith whichever you choose imho.

[Poorboyz]

I had a E46 coupe and I ripped the interior covered molding which is part of the door seal putting carseat in and out of the car. Maybe a 4 door E46 is better.

[BobombETA]

I know there are reliability concerns, but what about a Passat or A6 wagon?

Available manual transmission and AWD. Nice interior with a good amount of room.

[agent]

Anyone have experience with an E39 Touring?

Paging Swanny...

[graveshaker]

I'll have to agree with slammin on the e34 or e39.

[QUKBMER]

I had a car seat in the back of my coupe for 5 years no problem. Then i bought a 2000 disco II ;D

[graveshaker]

^^^changed the head gasket on that disco yet? If not you will soon.

[slammin.e28]

^^^changed the head gasket on that disco yet? If not you will soon.

It's no that bad. Just ask Inufaye!

[flyboyx]

i like the e34 touring over the e39. it is simpler and has better suspension. you can swap in bigger engines and better transmissions easily in either car.