BMW Wagons : Family Car Worthy?

[Rev Run D]

When we got married we had a BRZ and a e30. Wife wanted something bigger when we had our first, so we compromised and e30 and e61 are what we drive now. Originally I wanted a e39, but if you can afford it, a e61 535xi is a great wagon. 300hp 3l Twin Turbo AWD and comfort. Thought about a e91 wagon, but it was too small and not as comfortable as the e61, which is cheaper.

The only thing I don't like about the e61 is how complicated it is. the e39/e46 were the last of the 5s and 3s that were simple to work on.

[Hansel]

In reference to 4runner,

more reliable? yes

more comfortable? nope

FJ100 land cruiser.

More reliable and pretty damn comfortable.

I just picked up an '06 at the beginning of summer.

'99-'02 ones are pretty cheap now also.

[ST1G]

I think the 4runner is comfortable. It's also less expensive in both the long and short run.

[chrisca70]

We have an e46 wagon. My wife does not like SUVs. We have one kid. So far (3 years) the wagon has shown to be a good choice. We have hosted plenty of family visits (we live in the Caribbean) and we have packed that car with a lot of stuff. Plenty of power, stable, comfortable, and yes fuel efficient, combined 25 mpg. I keep it well maintained and the car has been quite reliable, it has now 130K.

For me the only reason to have an SUV is if you have to drive through dirt roads or areas that require a high clearance from the ground and unstable terrain...

[TimeMachinE30]

If I get an SUV, I know what I will get.

Thing is most SUVs are geared towards those with hopes or intentions of towing. I like the space but do not need to tow anything.

[MoreMayhem]

What Suburban you get?

Mine is the base model 1500. 2005 model year. Last body style with chrome bumpers. Bought it in 2007 with about 30k miles on it, have racked it up to just over 100k since. Basic maintenance only, no problems yet. Doesn't leak any fluids, is still rattle and clunk free. Didn't come with a tow hitch but I added one for a bike rack and very occasional light duty towing. Average mpg on the last trip from SoCal to Lake Tahoe (700-800 miles round trip) was 17.3, but I'm a mellow slow-lane driver when my family is in a car with me.

Only major complaint is the cruise control. It downshifts too much & too harshly.

Had an Expedition too, before a suburban. Really liked it until the dealer had to buy it back under the California lemon law.

[TimeMachinE30]

Mine is the base model 1500. 2005 model year. Last body style with chrome bumpers. Bought it in 2007 with about 30k miles on it, have racked it up to just over 100k since. Basic maintenance only, no problems yet. Doesn't leak any fluids, is still rattle and clunk free. Didn't come with a tow hitch but I added one for a bike rack and very occasional light duty towing. Average mpg on the last trip from SoCal to Lake Tahoe (700-800 miles round trip) was 17.3, but I'm a mellow slow-lane driver when my family is in a car with me.

Only major complaint is the cruise control. It downshifts too much & too harshly.

Had an Expedition too, before a suburban. Really liked it until the dealer had to buy it back under the California lemon law.

Thank you.

Seems X5 gets poor reviews as I can tell. Leave it to the USA for the big-rig SUVs :D

[slammin.e28]

Lr3 > x5