welshoneder
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Anyone own 3 or 5 series estate (touring)
I'm looking at getting a new car (new to me!) but needs to be big estate as I have to fit my two large dogs. Anyone own on of the BMW's, are the boots that big, they don't look very large in pics I've seen. Also are the diesels that economical? I currently own zafira GSI so anything above 30mpg would be an improvement! Cheers
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dementia
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Re:Anyone own 3 or 5 series estate (touring)
2011/03/17 06:54:13
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Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body... but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting Holy ****... What a ride!!"
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Rosc0PColtrane
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Re:Anyone own 3 or 5 series estate (touring)
2011/03/17 07:20:25
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When the touring concept hit production on the e30 in the mid 80's, it was never intended on being an estate. The car is exactly the same length and width, same chassis as a standard 3, with the additional room to take extra baggage, for longer distance trips. Hence 'touring'. The original 3 series touring (having first tried the concept with the 02 models in the 1970s) had a nearer 50:50 weight split and better aerodynamics. It combined the improved stowage without compromising the legendary driving and handling characteristics. The reason for the memory lane indulgance was to explain the 'touring' concept. They were never intended as true estates. Without looking for dimensons, I'm only 80% sure the ethos is still applicable. Look at it as a bigger 3. If it has enough room for your needs, then great. Though IIRC a 5 touring is truly cavernous!
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Play
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Re:Anyone own 3 or 5 series estate (touring)
2011/03/17 08:06:25
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I had an E36 one a long time back and was a lovely car. Think it was on a P plate at the time. Before that i had a normal E36 and when i was driving the estate most the time i forgot i was in that as handling was still excellent. Im not 100% but im sure the back seats folded down, not completely flat like you see in some cars these days but was still very good. I really like BM's in general though and some bargins about now aswell
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JKING
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Re:Anyone own 3 or 5 series estate (touring)
2011/03/17 11:16:32
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E39 530d :) Also, one of the guys of pistonheads I am friends with has a E39 B10 Alpina. Fairly decent boot space as he is in a wheelchair.
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eagleman
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Re:Anyone own 3 or 5 series estate (touring)
2011/03/17 13:29:34
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Ive got a 51plate 330 touring petrol ...great car but mega thirsty great performance... but to your ? Not massive inside by anymeans....for us a pram and a travel cot lots of baby stuff and its soon full
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rudie654
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Re:Anyone own 3 or 5 series estate (touring)
2011/03/17 13:56:03
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I've got a e36 328 touring. plenty of space with the back seates folded down, but you're right - if you don't do that the boot isn't exactly massive. lovely car to pootle about in.. even if i do average about 22 mpg (heavy right foot!)
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huskyboy
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Re:Anyone own 3 or 5 series estate (touring)
2011/03/17 16:22:03
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the 3 series is next to useless if you are looking at putting dogs in it unless they are terrier sized, my Husky was comfortable in the back of mine on her own but her and the shepherd together would have been impossible as they have been lying on top of each other the 5 series is fiine for a couple of decent sized dogs, nice sized boot, although the E class Merc i think has more room if you are not fixed on BMW and there is the Volvo V70, thats what I'm hoping to get once cash allows, the XC70 or V70 deisel
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welshoneder
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Re:Anyone own 3 or 5 series estate (touring)
2011/03/17 16:53:56
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Cheers for your inputs, I suspected the 3 series would be too small I got two malamutes, so need to be pritty large at the moment the fit in the zafira with no probs. I need room for the baby in the back so can't fold seats down to accomidate dogs in any car I buy. I'll head out and look at 5 series on weekend. Didn't really fancy the E class, as there doesn't seem to be a frugal engine type, even the diesels are thirsty and as thats the reason I'm getting rid of the zafira then fuel economy is pritty important. I'll have a look at the volvo's but I don't think the wife will like them! lol. Cheers all
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klein
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Re:Anyone own 3 or 5 series estate (touring)
2011/03/17 17:00:53
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Audi A6 Avant has a huge boot that you could prob fit your house in never mind your dogs! Will get a frugal diesel in the range too... more classy than a BM in my opinion, great grip too if you get a Quattro.
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