Took the ole 3.0 out for a road trip

[PropellerHead]

My mother in law had a medical event this summer so her '01 3.0 E53 isn't getting a lot of road time these days. We filled it up last week for the 1st time in a few months and I thought we should take it on an upcoming drive. Not very far, just ~250 miles or so round trip.

I recalled the relaxation and ease with which I settled into the 3.0 motor. Still peppy. Maybe even a winner in 100'. Still eager to motivate all that chassis. And happy, ever so happy to run up the speed in near perfect harmony with the sound of the motor in those early gears. I found myself thinking of that 6 cylinder, all balanced in a pretty line. Siiiigh... Why doesn't the E46 make me feel this way?

I don't particularly like the color. The non-premium package manual HVAC controls remind me of the E24's my mother drove. The non sport, non premium, standard, not really leather seats look great. Well, they do except the passenger front which is where every old lady puts their dog.

The sport suspension is still taught even if the 18's she last chose are pretty squishy. And it's *quiet*. It's just so quiet. So firm. The chassis is so sure of just about anything it was designed to do.

Anyway, I've attached some pics from the day we drove it home from an out of town dealer 16 years ago. All this after 16 years in service. A mere 114k miles betray the paint that loves the care and feeding, and 24x7 enclosed storage. I noticed a few X5's on the road. They all looked well cared for. I would have even flashed my lights, but no one knows what that's for anymore.

[dkl]

Nice! The way I see it - the fewer options, the fewer things to fix

[LOWvert]

Wow... Original pictures!!

14 miles! Datum!!

[pearlpower]

Looks great, hope yoir mother is doing well.