Recently my wife and I have been discussing getting a new wagon down the road, and while for some time it seemed like Audi would be the natural choice, the dearth of recent Audi wagons has had us looking other places. BMW? Sure, the new 328 Sport Wagons in either turbocharged inline-4 or diesel configuration are nice, but have you checked out the prices? Staring at $42,000 for the cheapest, it’s not hard to brush up against $60,000 – for a 3-series. It certainly makes options like the awesomely better looking new Volvo V60 look much more appealing. But I’ve also looked backwards a bit, to see if there’s something older that could suit the needs. I’m putting together a wagon roundup of some options I’ve come across for later this week, but this particular example was too good to pass up. From the great looking E39 chassis, this 528i Touring also features the Sport Package and a manual transmission. Granted, this isn’t the speed freak’s weapon of choice, but a clean example of a very nice classic design:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2000 BMW 528i Touring on eBay
Year: 2000
Model: 528i Touring
Engine: 2.8 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 132,910 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction
Condition: Very clean car, everything works. Everything!
Features: Five-speed manual transmission, aluminum suspension (self-leveling at rear), no sunroof. I’m an avid bicycle rider, so I had a custom 2″ trailer hitch receiver installed to accommodate my two-bike rack. There is no electrical connection at the hitch.
History: I purchased this car used from Ferrari of Seattle in 2004 shortly before I retired from Boeing. I have driven it daily ever since. It has been maintained by me (I’m a mechanical engineer) and by Car Tender of Seattle. I have replaced the rear subframe bushings, sent the MID display out for repair when it failed, upgraded the headlights to Angel Eyes halogens, and replaced brake rotors and pads most recently.
Gosh, it certainly does look clean! I’m so used to seeing these E39 Tourings dilapidated that I often don’t even look for them. But here’s a great example with reasonable mileage, the nice options and in well above average condition. No surprise, bidding has been hot and with a day to go this no reserve auction has already crested $5,500. But that’s not far off the price that I paid for my Passat wagon, and honestly though it has less miles and is in equal condition I can certainly see the greater general appeal of the BMW. It’s not the fastest or best looking wagon BMW ever made, but as a package this is one really tidy and desirable daily driver.
-Carter
Carter,
Which BMW wagon do you consider better looking? Even in Alpine White, this E28 seems pretty tops, far nicer than an E91 or the F31!
With its horrible rearward visibility the Volvo is sailing perilously close to the reefs of looking like a A3-crossover hybridization. I don’t like it and it bet it’s murder to be inside and try to drive around without getting killed or killing. And I wonder if the headroom stinks? I like the BMW much better; it’s more honest about itself. But no to a new BMW four-banger hamster on viagra, how embarrassing for BMW.
Sport package? Seats don’t look right…
@Maxwell, I really like the look of the E91 Sport models, especially in blue. Like: http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f256/minimania04/IMG_9962.jpg
But, you’re right, this E39 looks pretty slick overall! And it’s much more affordable.
@RPM, the steering wheel, BBS RCs, lower ride height and shadowline exterior trim all agree with the Sport package. Apparently, from what I read the comfort seats could be optioned in. Maybe that is the case here?
@Maxwell, I think I misunderstood what you asked. To me, the E34 M5 Touring is the best looking wagon BMW made.