Ive been looking for a good highway cruising vehicle to do my biweekly drive which is 314 miles each way and all highway,
I have been using my 318Ti, 5sp with a DASC and I was pulling 30 to 33 Mpg depending on wind speed and direction,
So while I have been looking only at wagons, Mercedes, BMW and even a
Saturn or Volvo
It needed to get OK mileage and be able to cruise at 75 to 80 for 4.5 hours without breaking a sweat,
The 318Ti as you would have guessed is running at nearly 4000 RPMs for that 4.5 hours and I was about to install a 2:93 limited slip rear in it to lower the Revs, But the DASC would not be as fun as it is with the stock 3:41 rear....
It seems as though a 3 series wagon or a mercedes wagon is what I could afford BUT the 3 series wagon is small, Too small so I kept tossing about a Mercedes or Volvo V-70, or Saturn,,,, But I really wanted the BMW,
THEN
This one showed up.
a 1999 528IT with 5sp trans, New tires, Cassette and 6 disc cd in back and overall nice clean condition,
A deal was made and while I need to do a couple things to make it 100% right I am happy with this Aspen Silver wagon.
Its a base model with no sunroof, No heated seats and no wood trim,
While I would have liked heated seats, They are not needed, BUT I ABSOLUTELY love the looks of the interior, Its black on black with black accents.
I ran the car today for 314 miles back to Phila from Pittsburgh at 75 Mph even and got 26.5 Mph which I know Ill get better after I replace the seals on the Vanos unit and change the plugs,
Overall very smooth and quiet car compared to the 318Ti at 75 to 80 for 4.5 hours,
So, The 318Ti will get a break and Ill rack the miles on this wagon,
OK,
Yes here are some pics.