vanos

Lately I have been thinking about replacing the E61, the choices are limited in N.A. The F11 is not sold here and I am not about to get a SUV since I don't like them. The option is to downsize to a 3 Series. So I took the kids to the local BMW dealer (hadn't been to one in 2+ years) for a fit test.


I was surprised with the interior space of the new 3 Series, tried the Sedan, Touring and GT. Touring is out of the question, very little trunk space compared to the E61. The GT is the most spacious but I hate the overall design. The 4 Gran Coupe is a sleek looking machine and a good compromise with the hatch. Is it worth it over the sedan, possibly.


The downside to all models, in Xdrive's are all auto boxes aside from the 335i (which I don't want). Come on BMW N.A., I can't even get a stick anymore???


I walked out of the dealership disappointed and will keep the E61 for a while longer...

Lotus99

The GT 3 series you know is not based on the regular 3 series platform, right? Hence why it's so much bigger than the regular 3 / 3 wagon.

If it's a manual only high end wagon, wow, you're going to be hard pressed. Subaru is out. Maybe try a Volvo?

https://5series.net/forums/e61-touri...-wagon-137953/

norsecarnut

Manual transmissions are going away slowly. Best to enjoy yours or just forget about it. Only new manual wagon I know of is the VW Jetta/Golf. Rumors are the next one might be AWD, TDI, manual. For it's footprint, that wagon has a lot of interior space. Of course they are no where near as comfortable or quiet or built as well but you can buy two new ones for price of a loaded new 328 wagon

E250/350 wagon. More space than E61

While new 3 series wagons are cool, they still won't have some of the nice features provided in 5 series cars such as the more comfortable "20 way comfort" seats.

You mentioned 3 GT but what about larger 5GT? I don't like how they look but maybe the functionality can trump looks for you.

norsecarnut

Sexy but not very big inside for anyone really used to, and needing, the space of our E61's.

Lotus99

I'd have thought maybe it's between a 3 and a 5 wagon in size. Haven't seen one in person.

I agree, but then again, why would you consider a 3 series wagon if you still need the space of a 5... Hence I figured he seems to be ok with downsizing. In our case, the GT's will never work, as we've got a good sized 70 lb German Shepherd!

I've not driven a lot of SUV's, but was pretty impressed with both the handling and the cargo space in the new X3's, and had I not gotten our 5, would have probably got a new X3 a couple of years ago. Wasn't willing to fork out the big bucks for a new E350 wagon at the time.

PS You didn't say if it must have AWD or not... There's the Caddy CTS V Wagon too, besides the Outback which I mentioned earlier. But I'd totally forgo the manual to open up the field. Wagons are pretty rare already!

vanos

^^ The 3GT is much more spacious vs the 3 Touring with more cargo. I don't like SUV's so the X3 and X5 are all out. Don't like the styling of the 5 GT. I do like the 4 Gran Coupe but why isn't a proper manual offered in N.A.

They will be announcing a new Tesla dealership in Montreal soon that will open in 2015. I may just hold off until I can check out the Tesla in person. No more petrol, now I can certainly live with that.

norsecarnut

^ if an electric sedan would be ok then I don't think any of the parameters you mentioned are actually requirements at all. Might as well look at all sedans. Personally I think you should drive an Audi S8 or one of the big diesel sedans.

Lotus99

LOL, yeah, I wonder how we went from a must-be-manual wagon to a fat-ass electric sedan?

vanos

Quite simple when you think about it. The F31 has very limited cargo space and quite pricey for the package it is. The 3 Series GT is ugly, and the 5 Series GT is horrendous.

I like wagons and when you can't get what you want you look elsewhere.

Anyways, BMW's are not what they used to be in my book. I am disappointed in BMW N.A. for the cars they offer and the packages.

Since you laugh at the Tesla do you equally laugh at the BMW i cars?

Lotus99

There's nothing wrong with the Tesla, I just don't understand how you went from I must have utility and a manual to a an electric sedan. Sounds to me as if your requirements in a car, or your needs (driving which ones you'd consider) are a bit all over the place.

For me, for example, handling was important (I came off a boaty feeling XC70 T6, and it even had the adjustable suspension), hence why I had ruled out SUV's (though as I say, you should drive the X3 first I think before crossing it off the list, and this is coming from an SUV hater too ), and utility / cargo space, hence why the 3 series / A4 Avant / a GT wouldn't cut it. We have a dog that has to go in the back. Those are the drivers in narrowing down my choices.