On US e60s there's a plate on the inside of the boot/trunk showing a schematic of how to fit in 4 golf bags (which, of course isn't 3 bags and two trolleys)...

ABC

 

Don't get me started on why only the Americans would need this to be written down for them.



Perhaps in Ireland the schematic is how to fit 5 people in?

 

This is exaclty the dilema I'm having - do I buy the touring to fullfill possible future requirements with the slight sacrifice of performance / economy? I suppose I could get a roof rack rack

 

Got to agree with KAF above, consider the future. Maybe the estate is best .

Just one observation about those side blinds for the children. The integrated ones are neat . But as you search for a car you will often find dealers offering configured cars or stock (new) cars at better discounts than a factory order. It makes it harder to go for the factory order!

 

Leaves your load insecure and hammers your fuel consumption.

There is no sacrifice of performance or economy with the Touring worth worrying about.

In fact a saloon with roof rack will probably suffer a greater power and MPG loss than a touring without due to the messing up of the aerodynamics.

And when your kids want a dog..................................

But I would go for the sports suspension set up and an LCI model if you can.

 

Minty,

I too came from an E46 Touring (330d), and I was in a quandary about Saloon/Touring. In the end, it was mainly up to the money - in my bracket, there were no E61 530d's. Being a private car, I consoled myself with the fact that if I didn't get on with the Saloon, then I'd sell it and get an E61. So far, it hasn't been too bad. My kids are teenagers, so don't have much in the way of buggies etc. My dog (the reason for getting a Touring in the first place) is good enough to stay on the floor, and doesn't get on the seat, although I have seen him bracing himself with one paw on the edge of the cushion when I am enjoying the drive. (Makes a change from seeing him slide from side to side in the mirror, poor thing. Never complains though.) The Good Lady isn't too keen on the restricted leg room the dog brings, but hey, we've got to get our priorities right haven't we?

So. Go for the Saloon ONLY with a load through. I have found the car wanting a couple of times in this respect. I even considered taking the rear seat out once.

I had a top box for the E46, and it didn't make any noticeable difference to the fuel consumption! Even when cruising at high speed. I know aerodynamics are a little different on the Saloon, but for the number of times you would use a box, it won't make much difference.

BTW, glad to hear that you're getting a manual 'box. Join the club. E61 Manual's are as rare as rocking-horse-bob. I've only ever seen one, and that was when I went to pick up my own car. If only I'd seen it before I said "yes" to mine, I'd have been ?9000 poorer. Hmmm.


Mike

 

I had a similar dilemma when I bought mine as a company car last year. My reflections on the difference between the ride and handling between SE and M-Sport versions was similar to yours, however I found the Touring to be rather "fidgety" at the rear and far less assured than the saloon. Because I was buying the car because I needed a cheap 5-seater rather than because I wanted a 5-Series I went for the 2.0 diesel. It is cheap, but adequate. The six cylinder engines esp. the 530d up are excellent and a far nicer to use. For the majority of the mileage I do they wouldn't cut any journey times and the extra in tax didn't seem worth it to me. The saloon's boot is plenty big enough for most things. In hindsight the touring would have been better because we now have a dog, I could then have given the 5er to the Mrs and sold her A4 Avant to finance something a little smaller for me. I might still do it.

Overall then.
M-Sport
Saloon
3.0d

Choose your toys wisely, comfort seats with full leather are great value, sat nav and advanced air con are not.