Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
The 5-series estate is a great looking wagon:
The 4.0L V8 in the 540i would be fun to drive, but offers more in the way of headaches. A 530i would be more sensible, but as with any E39, there are maintenance items that one needs to be cognizant of, which, based on much of what you've said, may be a deal breaker.
So barring that, a Magnum with the 5.7L would be a good choice if you don't mind the gas mileage. Generally, they are pretty reliable, albeit nowhere near as nice inside as the bimmer.
I've had a 1999 528i wagon, not sure I want to go down that road again. It was not a happy experience.
First, the entire front end had to be overhauled at about 110K miles. It's made of aluminum for weight savings but junk. I've never seen any other car that needed it. Usually you wait until about 180K maybe. That was substandard.
Then it had that weird issue with the engine, something or other hand to be replaced in it. Their version of the EGR valve. Even simple things like replacing the spark plugs were not simple at all, you had to take that thing off the top first. It has been 6 years so I longer remember.
The oil filter was not just twisted by hand but you needed a special socket. I had 1000 and 1 sockets and wrenches but not that one.
Radiator had to be replaced, and another not a DIY job, I didn't know how. Needed that special wrench again. etc. etc. etc. It's the BMW way, I got the gist let's take a simple thing and complicate it as much as possible.
constant electrical problems, something signaling the tailgate is open while it's closed, the battery in the trunk not in the engine bay...
all in all the quality was not higher than that of a 1980s Ford Taurus.
I don't rhyme with the BMW way..
