ademitt

Got a call from my favorite Sales Manager today with a real mind teaser.

He just acquired an 06 E61 530xi Carbon Black, MSport, stick, premium with 10,000 km from BMW Canada. I still miss my E39 touring and have always wanted another 5 touring (when I picked up my E60, E61's had not been released in Canada).

Should I pursue this deal or do I give up too much with the dynamic handling package in my current E60? I wasn't sure about AS and ARS until I drove this car for a few months. Now I'm not sure I would buy another car without dynamic handling.

Pros :
Two model years newer car
30 hp more with better fuel economy
Back in a touring
Msport
Somewhat better equipped (PP)

Cons :
Cash outlay of ??
Won't have AS and ARS


Advice from my fellow board members would be sincerely apprecaited!

Freewilly

I will not buy a wagon, it's for soccer mom.

Merv the Derv

Yes go for it. When I bought my first E60 I felt there was something missing as I rushed into buying one out of the showroom that wasn't specced exactly how I wanted it so I took the plunge and ordered exactly what I wanted and now I'm well happy with it. BTW the E61 just looks fab with M sport pack.

LowOrbit

Nothing against BMWs - but I would prefer an Audi S4 Avant (new or used). That way you get not only AWD but great handling and lots of power

As long as you don't find the S4 too small, I think that's the ticket.

And speaking to Freewilly's point, the S4 is much less "soccer mom".

mehall2

Go for the Touring. I love the look, as someone else mentioned with MSport. Carbon Black is an awesome color that we CAN'T get in the states. I would have ordered it instead of the Sapphire Black I have. Also, X-Drive would be worth it for the Snow! I haven't driven a E60 or E61 without Active Steering or Dynamic Drive, but reading comments from this board, I heard they aren't that bad. I mean, the M5 doesn't have active steering, so that should tell you something. Does the M-Sport Package include a faster steering ration? Again, we can't get M-Sport in USA either.

More Power, X-Drive, Better Fuel Economy, Extra Room in Trunk, seems like a no brainer to me.

Let us know what you decide and if you do it, then please post some pictures!

Regards, Mike.

smcd

Your kids will love the huge sunroof in the touring.

ademitt

Forget the kids, I would like the panorama roof. We have it in my wife's X3 and it is the next best thing to driving a convertible.

Thanks for the advice guys.

I will see how the negotiations go and will let you know my decision.

ademitt

The deal is dead before it got anywhere at all. It appears that Msport package in Canada includes the standard suspension in the touring models. Probably got something to do with the AWD. All changes are purely cosmetic and it costs an extra $6500!

I have had one BMW without SP and missed the stiffer ride and handling and ended up selling the car shortly after purchase. Won't go down that road again.

mr_djurgarden

Go for the new one. Now doubt! It's always nice to have a new car. I also think that someday you will need that extra space...