So I dealt with carrying my drumset in the G37 last night. It does fit, but getting the kick drum in the backseat is a tight fit, and the trunk is just barely big enough to carry all my gear, and I didn't actually have the full thing with me. A wagon would make hauling that a lot easier so would probably be my best fit. Backseat legroom isn't really that much of an issue for me. Actually, I would still probably go for a 7 just as a great highway cruiser if not for my hauling needs. But I do think that puts the 7 off the table for me.

So I have owned a few 5 series, including one E39 touring - it was a 99 540iT non sport package. That was the best road trip car I've ever had. Comfortable for long drives, plenty of space for my family and still very fun to drive. 7 would take it up one more notch, but the E39 touring is a great platform. I think I just talked myself into it!!

Only wildcard I keep exploring in my head is this 30K mile 06 R350 benz crossover van thingy at a dealer near me - they are asking $24K for it. That is $10K more than the E39 touring, but 30K miles is quite low, and that move would get me back into the X5 because the wife could use it for her weekly carpool duty. That would make a pretty good highway cruiser in it's own right. Trading some driving dynamics for comfort and amenities for the passengers. And even more spacious than a 5er wagon or X5 for cargo and matches rear seat legroom of the 7 too.

On the downside, they are really ugly vehicles, look like minivans, wife hates minivans, and wife doesn't like Mercedes as a general rule....

So E39 touring sounds like a pretty good call!!

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2003 4.6is - SOLD
2003 M5 Imola
2008 Mini Cooper S
2011 Mazda CX9