spdexter

The chap selling it on trademe did such a good job with the photo's I didn't seem much point in taking any more at this point. Its been good getting to know the car. It has some funny little quirks like a fairly hard shift down to first when pulling up to lights. I've read some posts about being able to put the transmission into "learning mode" bit that seems to have made no difference. I had the opportunity to have a good drive on some bendy country roads over the weekend and god these BMWs love a corner don't they!!

The C32 AMG was awesome, the super charger made it really a strong engine and the suspension is nearly good enough to handle it. My 530i is an M Sport and on Bridgestone RFT's is a little firmer than the C32 all up and handles a little better but I guess as a result of not having a power plant asking so much of the suspension and steering.

W211 is certainly more comfortable, better seats probably a big part of that, but I find the handling all a bit loose, too much like an aussie station wagon for my liking. Perhaps the E350 station wagon is a little more "wallowy" than the sedan? Don't get me wrong, a midsize family wagon is never going to be anything close to a sports car, but the 530i has the capacity to bring a smile to my face from a driving experience that the E350 never could do. And the sound of the straight 6 just better to my ear than the V6 in the E350. Totally agree E60 v E61 shape, unless it were for an M5 I don't think I'd go for the sedan.

Just purchased a Jap import 2005 E61 530i and am very happy with it. Previous cars, Mercedes E350 wagon Sports Edition (basically a silver hearse) and prior to that a very satisfying period with a Mercedes C32 AMG. While in theory the E350 and the 530i are direct competitors, to my mind there's no comparison. The 530i as a total driving experience is just vastly superior. I'll probably look to do the Nav/Bluetooth conversion soon and perhaps an exhaust mod to extract more of that beautiful exhaust note at some point in the future.