[rothwem]

Are the E61s just like big E91s with similar failure points and issues as the E9x cars? I've definitely thought hard about picking up a 530xit but I'm always scared off by people talking about "e60 issues". But then again, people that don't own E9x's are always scared by them too. The only real negative I can see for the E61 is that it weighs a lot, I think the 530xit is ~4100lbs.

[Thorin]

I see it as a 530xiT e61 6MT offers about the same mechanical underpinnings as an e91xi 6MT; it just matters what you want to do with it. For a DD with row-yer-own appeal, the e61. For upgrades and sporty pretensions, e91.

The big draw for the 535xi e61 is the upgraded engine (likely why we never got the e91 335i here, as it would cut into sales).

For ultimate rarity find a 535xi e61 with the sport auto transmission (SAT). That was on my short list with manual transmission models of e61 & e91 when I was searching.

[redEYEjedi]

The cars are generally similar in terms of issues, N52 and N54, respectively. Driveabiltiy and feel are slightly different. I think the E61 feels safer, more comfortable, and more planted. A weak point is the expansion tank for coolant that tends to crack over time, but it's a fairly simple DIY that can prevent you from getting stranded. E91 is more nimble and feels smaller with more road noise.

You need to test drive both to see for yourself. If I had kids the E61 would be better imo, but I also don't like feeling cramped. I don't have kids yet but I wouldn't mind having the extra cargo space. I also have an F31 and F15 so would probably use those as the future baby haulers though since they're newer and I would like to think generally safer.

[BlueM3Wagon]

Originally Posted by redEYEjedi

The cars are generally similar in terms of issues, N52 and N54, respectively. Driveabiltiy and feel are slightly different. I think the E61 feels safer, more comfortable, and more planted. A weak point is the expansion tank for coolant that tends to crack over time, but it's a fairly simple DIY that can prevent you from getting stranded. E91 is more nimble and feels smaller with more road noise.

You need to test drive both to see for yourself. If I had kids the E61 would be better imo, but I also don't like feeling cramped. I don't have kids yet but I wouldn't mind having the extra cargo space. I also have an F31 and F15 so would probably use those as the future baby haulers though since they're newer and I would like to think generally safer.

On the kid note, I've had no problem with the e91 and hauling my twins around. Many days I had 2 bikes, dual bike buggy, dual stroller and the whole family in the car comfortably.

[redEYEjedi]

Originally Posted by Michaellcoates

On the kid note, I've had no problem with the e91 and hauling my twins around. Many days I had 2 bikes, dual bike buggy, dual stroller and the whole family in the car comfortably.

Very nice. For me, I just don't like feeling cramped. I already don't like having someone sit behind me in the E91 based on my seat positioning being 6' and being slightly torso short? It's probably just because I've been spoiled with driving alone 90% of the time in the E91.

[BlueM3Wagon]

Originally Posted by redEYEjedi

Very nice. For me, I just don't like feeling cramped. I already don't like having someone sit behind me in the E91 based on my seat positioning being 6' and being slightly torso short? It's probably just because I've been spoiled with driving alone 90% of the time in the E91.

I get it, I'm 6'3" and while it's not uncomfortable with a car seat behind me, I'm not exactly Lounging how I'd be without.

[4 Doors]

Originally Posted by Michaellcoates

On the kid note, I've had no problem with the e91 and hauling my twins around. Many days I had 2 bikes, dual bike buggy, dual stroller and the whole family in the car comfortably.

This is what I needed to read. I am looking at an E91 or E61 in terms of more room/cargo capacity than my E90. Plus soon to be kids, would be nice for more room. Seeing that you aren't having issues with the E91 is giving me hope again; however, an E61 M-Sport is sexy.

[BlueM3Wagon]

Originally Posted by 4 Doors

This is what I needed to read. I am looking at an E91 or E61 in terms of more room/cargo capacity than my E90. Plus soon to be kids, would be nice for more room. Seeing that you aren't having issues with the E91 is giving me hope again; however, an E61 M-Sport is sexy.

They really are sexy, but the base is so blah. Additionally the e61s with the M5 body conversions are just gorgeous!

[redEYEjedi]

Originally Posted by Michaellcoates

I get it, I'm 6'3" and while it's not uncomfortable with a car seat behind me, I'm not exactly Lounging how I'd be without.

I guess the real test is when the twins' get tall enough to start kicking haha.

How do you protect your seats from the car seat bottoms? Kind of curious since my wife and I are thinking 2019 is the year for us to start trying.

Sorry for the tangent guys.

[BlueM3Wagon]

Originally Posted by redEYEjedi

I guess the real test is when the twins' get tall enough to start kicking haha.

How do you protect your seats from the car seat bottoms? Kind of curious since my wife and I are thinking 2019 is the year for us to start trying.

Sorry for the tangent guys.

Full cushioned seat pads protectors. Covers the bottom and backs of the seats.

[RNByrd3]

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto...774120977.html
Salvage title. Looks like pre-LCI headlights?

[rothwem]

Originally Posted by redEYEjedi

You need to test drive both to see for yourself. .

Gotcha. I've owned two different E91s, but the E61s aren't that common, and I'd probably have to wait for a local one to pop up to do a test drive.

I see that all of the US cars have rear air springs, did you ever have any issues with yours?

[redEYEjedi]

Originally Posted by rothwem

Gotcha. I've owned two different E91s, but the E61s aren't that common, and I'd probably have to wait for a local one to pop up to do a test drive.

I see that all of the US cars have rear air springs, did you ever have any issues with yours?

Sorry can't really help you on that since I've only owned an E60 and those didn't have air on the rear. From what I've read from UK owners, they used links to lower the rear. The UK forums or even the Stancework forum might be more help there.

[Thorin]

Originally Posted by 4 Doors

This is what I needed to read. I am looking at an E91 or E61 in terms of more room/cargo capacity than my E90. Plus soon to be kids, would be nice for more room. Seeing that you aren't having issues with the E91 is giving me hope again; however, an E61 M-Sport is sexy.

Same here. I'm 6'3", with 2 kids: one in front-facing car seat, the other in a booster (behind me). No issues. I was able to get the following in the car, on occasion:
- 2 adult bikes (cross bars + bike carriers), bike trailer, 16" kids bike, and a Strider push bike. Plus all 4 passengers.
- Costco trip: 9' pre-lit artificial Xmas tree, plus my littlest one (had to split fold the rear seat, and take the tree out of the box to make it work). Oh and a half a cart of various shopping.
- Another Costco trip - 2 40" wreaths, a 36" wreath, and a full cart, with my bigger kid in her car seat. Did not have to drop the seats, although the car was very festive with the wreath visible in the rear glass.

For a soon-to-have-kids scenario, definitely consider the 2 years of backwards-facing car seat. It sucks for just about any car. If you (or your SO) can deal with for the short time, all the better. We managed fine with kid #2.

[E91WAG3N]

While we’re on a 5er kick... E61 535i 6MT
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/ctd...772653200.html

[Greyfox]

Originally Posted by ubersteuer

While we’re on a 5er kick... E61 535i 6MT
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/ctd...772653200.html

Damn... nice but fracking over priced.

[drawz]

Originally Posted by ubersteuer

While we’re on a 5er kick... E61 535i 6MT
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/ctd...772653200.html

I have a similar E61 6MT wagon in Boston that I'm selling soon. Same color, similar features, same miles. PM me for more info.

[4 Doors]

Originally Posted by Greyfox

Damn... nice but fracking over priced.

Agree. If it was a 2010, Full LCI updates and M-Sport plus last year of 5er-wagons then I could see it.

[david9999999]

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ngId=503233620

Manual, RWD, LCI, 7 grand.

[Barrique91]

Originally Posted by david9999999

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ngId=503233620

Manual, RWD, LCI, 7 grand.

I'm surprised how low the price is. It will be gone by tomorrow I bet.

[CSI]

Is this guy serious or is this some weird joke?

2001 BMW 325i
$26,500
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1def1638

[vilord]

Originally Posted by david9999999

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ngId=503233620

Manual, RWD, LCI, 7 grand.

redEYEjedi Are you on a plane already?