Hi, I'm a regular over on the 7er forum. I currently have an e66 and had 01 e38. Needless to say, I like comfort!

As my search for another car goes on, I am taking a serious look at the 5er wagon. CPO from 06 or 07. Are there any options I should look for? Stay away from? Is there a special version I should look into? Was there an "M" version? I really have no idea!

Some things I will be getting:

Nav
Sirius
PDC
Cold weather
Rear entertainment if it was an option
and anything you might point me towards.

I will be staying away from:
HUD
Night vision
Active cruise

I am assuming that all of these were options for the years I am looking at. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks in advance for your input!

Well since you have already have a e66 this will be somewhat of a downgrade. My sister had a 06 wagon-Two major issues (as least to me) the touring models in the us only come with the 3.0 engine and it's all wheel drive. The engine is a decent engine in the saloon, but the touring model is way too heavy and the addition of the all wheel driveshaft really takes a toll on the car as far as performance and handling. Only real option worth the money is navigation and comfort seats. Unfortunately you won't find to many with either of those option at a good price. I thinking about getting the 535 touring-I have test drove the 535 and it's a major improvement over the heavy 530xi touring. You'll probably enjoy e60 over the e66 for which the e60 technology was alot simpler and reliable.

FYI, sport package is nice but the wagon doesn't have the sport-tuned suspension unlike the sedan. Better seat (but not much better).... and some other cosmetic (i.e. matte black trim).

No rear entertainmant AFAIK.

Comfort access is nice.... But if your biggest need is to have the seat, mirror, etc. adjust to your setting as you enter the car, you don't have to have comfort access. Pressing open button on your remote would make the car adjust itself.

If money is not an issue, go w/ 535xi.... like dello said, engine improvement over 530xi is huge. IIRC, wagon is about 300-400 lbs heavier than sedan. So yeah, you should be able to feel it.

Thanks for the input so far. I could see where the smaller engine would be an issue however, have you driven an e66? The engine isn't too strong in them either! Okay, enough of that. I'll take a look at the 535.

The e60 will become my daily driver. Kids, dogs, stuff like that. This is all assuming that my big dog will fit in it. I have to take some measurments this weekend to confirm this. I will take a look at the sport version too. My e38 was a sport and it rode a little rougher than my non-sport e66 but it was not that much different. It did handle better but as you say, the wagon doesn't have the suspension to match the sedan version.

Thanks again!

what type of dog to you have? My sister has a husky and he seems comfortable in the back, but then again he an old stiff. It really a hassle of getting in because of his age, but once in he's happy like a child with plenty of room to stretch around. Your best bet is to invest in a thule cargo roof rack because the cargo space in the touring is not that great. I have one for my 325it, and I use the back cargo space for my son's stupid toys. The sport touring models are just external add ons and sport seats-trust me you will definately want the comfort seats, as the e60 head rest is just plain insufficent. Another thing to be mindful of is any car that's equpied with runflats, especially the e60 models. I have a preferance for them since I drive in ny alot and i need the extra insurance of the stiff sidewalls. Yes they are noisey, expensive, and rob you of some performance, but if you can live with them then go for it.

I've got an '06 530xiT, 6 sp. manual with most goodies. Our golden rides in way back everyday.

I understand the 535 is faster, but I specifically went with the 530 because I didn't want the turbos. The 530xiT is still *plenty* fast for me, smooth, and handles better than any wagon on the road - with the exception of an m5 wagon, I suppose.

Been lovin' the heated steering wheel in these 19 degree mornings!

I like the idea of the turbos but, I may pass them over. They do seem to be a good bit harder to find than the 530 also. There is a huge price difference too. HUGE!

As for the dog, its an over standard (WAY over standard) Bernese Mountian Dog. (35 inches at the shoulders and averages a little under 150 lbs. He does not jump either. :( )

I'm not a big fan of the run flats either. I would likely swap the wheels out for larger style 32's or some Alpina classics if I can find them.

I like the sports seats that were in my e38. Are these the same seats in the sport version of the e60? The seats in the e66 are awsome if not a bit over the top. Heated seats and wheel are a must. I can live without the cooled seats like in the e66.

Rear video screens weren't an option huh? Rats! Guess I'll have to go AM for those. I would never travel with the kids not having these again. They are a soul saver.

Well, thanks again for the input. The search continues.