Does anyone have any information on the US getting a faster Touring model? Thanks!

 

I doubt it - BMW doen't sell too many wagons in the USA - compared to a heck of a lot of X5s. So far in 2006 I believe BMW has sold about the same numer of wagons in the USA than M5s. You can figure where the profits are!

They offered two E39 wagons:The 525iT and and the 540iT (or was it 545iT). As I understand it, it is very expensive to got through the testing/chrashing etc. for the EPA and DOT so they only offered one wagon/engine combination for the E61. As I bought one, I thought the 530xiT was a very good comprimise - though I wish they offered the 535dT here!

Though, earlier this year, I had heard that they might bring in the M5 Touring (would that have eneough go power for you ) Time will tell

 

Thanks for the reply. The cost of going through regulation must explain why the 550 isn't here already! What a bummer. We have an M3 right now... I'd love to have an M5 Touring, but at 12 MPG I'd think twice.

 

Do you find your 530xi has enough power?

 

Stanford:

I find it sufficient, even though I came from an M5 - it was a 1991 with only 310 HP.

My wife and I drove to Colorado last summer. The car served us well - it was happy to cruise over three digits (MPH) when the bears were hibernating, carried much luggage etc, and took us up the mountain passes with ease. Only once or twice on some two lane roads would I have liked more power to pass with ease.

No you will not win many stoplight grand prix nor beat a 535d around N?rburgring - but I get about 19 MPG (US) (US 10% ethanol blend - ugh!) around town (suburban driving) and we got 24-25 MPG on the highway, averaging > 80 MPH.

Of course you will have to define what you mean by sufficient! I think I am past the boy-toy stage ? for me the 530xiT is Great Transportation. I can?t wait for the first snow.

BTW it would be most helpful if you post your location (i.e.: small town Bavaria, East Coast USA, New South Wales, Australia, Manhattan etc.)

 

Best of all might be a 535 Touring with the twin-turbo six. Less weight, better handling, and better fuel economy than a 550, with roughly the same acceleration. Probably more likely than a 550 as well.

 

Do you mean the 535 diesel or 535 gasoline?