From the golden trio of German premium manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz and Audi, BMW arguably makes the sportiest vehicles. For decades, the manufacturer has been producing BMW wagons that are not only practical and comfortable but also stunningly fast.
It all started with the 3-Series Touring and decades later, the Touring models are some of the most popular BMWs out there. In this article, we look at the 4 fairly powerful BMW wagons that you can find for cheap.
BMW 535i xDrive Touring (E61)
The 5-Series BMW wagon has always been offered with a huge variety of engines. In the US, the E61 range started off with the 528i which was powerful enough. However, it was the 535i that offered the most smiles per mile. This drivetrain was also the top-of-the-range for the Touring models. Unfortunately, this BMW wagon never got the V8s that were featured on the sedan variant, at least in North America.
That said, the 535i offers more than plenty of power. The turbocharged inline 3.0L six-cylinder generates 300 hp and the same amount of torque. This means it can get to 60 miles per hour in under six seconds and reach a top speed of 150 mph. BMW enthusiasts will appreciate that the engine is the famous N54, which offers plenty of room for modifications.
In addition, you could mate this engine with a 6-speed manual transmission besides the traditional Steptronic automatic. As standard, the drivetrain is paired to the class-leading all-wheel drive system called xDrive, which ensures optimal grip in all conditions.
Thanks to the advanced chassis and adaptive suspension, the 535i is not only fast in the straights but also in corners. The body leans only slightly when turning, making it a perfect all-around vehicle. You can have fun even while hauling your family around. The E61 generation of the 5-Series was one of the best sports wagons of its time (the model was in production between 2003 and 2010) and is still an extremely capable and fun car today.
On the inside, you still can’t tell that this BMW wagon has depreciated to the level that it now costs just a few thousand dollars. The general layout of the cabin is identical to much newer BMW models.
Every function can be quickly accessed with the use of a physical button and the iDrive infotainment system is still usable today, as it was extremely advanced when the car was new. This is also true about the rest of the 5 Series’ equipment, as it can feature adaptive cruise control, night vision, and active seat bolsters, which tighten in corners, and thus keep you perfectly in place even when driving fast.
BMW 528i Touring (E39)
This is the oldest BMW wagon on this list, as the E39 generation of the 5-Series started its lifecycle all the way back in 1995, with the Touring entering production a year later. Despite its age, it features lots of creature comforts and drives much better than you would guess. Back in the day, it was the most popular midsize executive sedan, mainly thanks to its unique mix of characteristics.
Let’s start with the most important aspect of a fast BMW wagon, the engine. The 528i is powered by a 2.8-liter straight-6 codenamed the M52. This engine generates 193 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft of torque. These M52 engines are the number one choice for those that want to mod their 5 Series BMW wagon as it has lots of room for additional power, which is great for those that consider the 193 hp as too low.
This was the time when BMW still offered manual transmissions even in their executive models, and when even the base engine in the 5-Series had six cylinders. The manual transmission is quite rare and has five speeds. In a vast majority of the 528is, the engine is paired to a silky-smooth automatic gearbox with the same number of speeds.
The E39 528i strikes the perfect balance between being fast and comfortable. It does not blow minds with its 0-60 mph time but the conviction with which it continuously pulls up to its maximum speed is addictive. The engine loves to get into high revs where it has a nice but subtle sound. It is definitely no slacker. The E39 could have also been equipped with a sports package and stiffer suspension, which made it even better in corners. In addition, the I6 engine is smooth and can be barely heard in the cabin.
As far as equipment goes, this old 5-Series is respectable even today. It has been a truly luxurious vehicle back in its day and offered features such as three-zone climate control, a heated multifunctional steering wheel, and cruise control.
This model is not the typical fast and loud BMW. It is an executive sedan that can get to high speeds really quickly but without “showing off”. It handles perfectly in corners but at the same time, it does not try to grab attention from miles away.
BMW 335i Touring (E91)
The 335i Touring is one of the BMW wagons that prove that estate cars do not have to be ugly, nor boring. With its potent engine and styling that is relevant even today, when the E91 is a model three generations old, it is hard to come up with reasons why it would be a bad buy. Especially with its depreciation, which means it can now be had just for a few thousand dollars.
Compared to the BMW E46, the straight six-cylinder now features two turbos and packs much more power. The 3.0L engine peaks at 302 horsepower at 5,800 RPMs and will generate 295 lb.-ft of torque. The drivetrain is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission which shifts smoothly and quickly at the same time.
As a proper BMW dream car, the E91 330i is rear-wheel drive, which makes it so much more fun on when pushed to its limits. It gets to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds while the car allows you to negotiate corners thanks to its great driving characteristics.
Writing about performance and suspension feels almost redundant, as it is the same story as with the majority of all other BMW wagons. Both on steel springs and the optional adaptive suspension, the 330i Touring provides for a firm sporty drive while not being too harsh on bad roads.
As a Touring, the practicality of this 3-Series is amazing, especially considering its performance and fun factor. It still looks modern from the outside, and it is the same story inside as well. Sometimes you can stumble upon interiors from the BMW Individual program, which puts the 3-Series on par with the midsize 5-Series.
That said, even the regular interiors show high qualities. Soft leather, a simple driver-focused layout reminiscent of BMWs that we know from today, and loads of functions and equipment. Really, what is there to not like about the E91 Touring?
BMW 330i Touring (E46)
The E46 generation of the 3 Series BMW wagon was on the market from 1998 until 2005. In this generation, the 330i was one of the most popular drivetrains and even today, it is sought-after by drivers looking for an affordable but fun car. In addition, the Touring spec gives the 3 Series an unrivaled aspect of practicality, which makes this BMW wagon so versatile.
The 330i badge stands for a 3 Series equipped with the famous 3.0L inline six-cylinder, internally designated as the M54. For a rather compact vehicle, this engine delivers more than enough of power with its 228 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft of torque.
The engine uses natural aspiration and loves to get into revs. Together with the rear-wheel drive and the possibility of a notchy 6-speed manual, this is the ultimate budget BMW. Performance-wise, the 330i is just as comfortable in low RPM during highway cruises, as it is at high speeds during weekend drives.
The silky-smooth engine produces a great sound even through the stock exhaust system. To get from a standstill to 60 miles per hour, this BMW wagon needs just 6.5 seconds and can get to a maximum speed of 155 mph.
When you start to really push the car, you start to comprehend how mind-blowing the 3-Series had to be when new. Even now, the car has no problems keeping up with modern sports-focused BMWs. The independent multilink suspension takes care of a comfortable but firm ride. In corners, the 3-Series barely rolls and leans, even at higher speeds. When it comes to braking, the vented disc brakes stop the 3,100 lbs. of curb weight on a dime.
In terms of looks, especially the facelifted model looks great with its sleeker headlamps and slightly modernized looks. The interior was built to be robust, and it shows. Even after hundreds of thousands of miles, the interior still looks like new and shows very few signs of creaks and rattling.
At such a low price, the E46 330i is simply a bargain. A rear-wheel drive, manual transmission, powerful straight six, comfort, practicality, and great handling. You can get all of this just for a few thousand dollars, and if you take good care of it, it will make you smile for years to come.
Getting Close to Supercar Levels
It is amazing how capable large BMW wagons can be for sports driving. BMW has only recently released a BMW M3 Touring, which is equipped with an I6 engine generating over 500 horsepower.
The M3 Touring can thus accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. A few years ago, this has been a territory of the most hardcore supercars. In fact, this fast BMW wagon is on par with the 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, which needs just 0.2 seconds less. But while the M3 Touring is very expensive, the BMW wagons on this list can be had for cheap. Nonetheless, they will make you look forward to every drive, just like the M3.
