[Ed Bighi]

You don't need the 8. My mother was looking for a wagon last year and only wanted something that looked like a BMW. She wanted nothing to with the E50 abortion. That meant E39. At first she looked at the 540 touring m-sport package. While fast, really fast actually, we settled on a 525 sport touring. It also helped that there were far more 6's with sport than 8's. While it might seem real heavy for that motor, it's actually plenty quick. Turns out we really don't care for the sound of a V8. While the power is nice, V8's are bread and butter. Every other car has one. But a screaming inline 6 in what is the last good looking body BMW will make is actually something you don't walk away from. Go find another car of similar capabilities, styling and quality with an excellent inline six today. You can find a V8, V6 but not an inline 6. Also, only the 6's have rack and pinion steering. There is a difference. So go for the 6 cylinder I say. My mother found a black sport touring with black carpet and light grey seats and door accents. Never seen another one like it. It's been a year without a single expense other than tires. Great car that looks really good. Get'em while there are enough out there to pick and choose. The last 5 series that looks like BMW.