What to choose as a daily driver.

[GuidoK]

Another option would be the 3GT, the platform it's built on is the X5 and it's very spacious inside.

The 3GT is not built on the X5 platform. It's build on basically the same platform as the 3 and 1 series.
The wheelbase/overall length vary a bit.
But it shares no parts or so with the X5 (which is obviously huge compared to these cars, and very expensive to run/difficult to park etc etc)

As for which car to choose, if you want to load large cumbersome things (like that wheelchair), or heave things, a flat loading rear door/boot is a must imho. Some cars have a threshold.

 

[Angie4m]

Another option would be the 3GT, the platform it's built on is the X5 and it's very spacious inside.

The 3GT is not built on the X5 platform. It's build on basically the same platform as the 3 and 1 series.
The wheelbase/overall length vary a bit.
But it shares no parts or so with the X5 (which is obviously huge compared to these cars, and very expensive to run/difficult to park etc etc)

As for which car to choose, if you want to load large cumbersome things (like that wheelchair), or heave things, a flat loading rear door/boot is a must imho. Some cars have a threshold.

I can only go with what I was advised by someone from BMW UK at launch when looking. I said platform but ment chassis as that's what they said, I've never looked into it further as I never ventured into buying one. It's bigger than a standard 3 series, taller and longer and with 3 full size seats in the rear and a good boot size it could be ideal but yes if lifting a heavy wheelchair in and out it could be cumbersome but then we are assuming it's going to be a heavy chair being lifted in and out but it is a really nice driving position and feels very comfortable.

All we can do is make suggestions for the OP to consider and take a look at, maybe try getting a chair in and out to see how practical a car it would be and then narrow it down. I know that when I've needed a boot to fit certain things, I've taken something of a similar size and weight, if not the item to the dealership to see if it's going to work for me.

 

[GuidoK]

I can only go with what I was advised by someone from BMW UK at launch when looking. I said platform but ment chassis as that's what they said, I've never looked into it further as I never ventured into buying one.

3GT and x5 dont share anything. No chassis (cars dont have real chassis anymore), no suspension parts etc etc
Everything on a x5 is massive compared to a 3gt and has a totally different technology. It has to be due to size and weight.
If someone at bmw said that he/she.... well... should be fired or something unless it was a cleaning lady or so.

The 5GT is basically build on the F01/F10 platform (5 and 7 series). But with all those platforms, like I said, wheelbase may vary a bit, as well as the total lenght of course, or height for that matter. As for boot space and practical placement/use of the boot, the estate usually wins. Fridge shape seems to be optimal :lol:
But its not to everyones personal taste.

If you go for a used volvo (the first thing that comes to mind in 'fridge shaped :roll: ), you can get a 5 cylinder (diesel or petrol). They are engines with character and extremely reliable, especially the diesels (but dont expect a sporty ride, they are build for comfort and practicality).

 

[foregoneconclusion]

+1 for something bigger than an estate.

Have a Mondeo estate at the moment and it's big, but to be honest I think we're pushing it with only 2 kids and 1 dog! A recent trip up north for a few days meant taking two cars (great excuse to take the Z4 ).

Other than the Skoda Superb I can't think of another estate that offers more space than what we've got, so when the time comes to change I think we'll have to go bigger (if the Skoda doesn't work)........possibly the S-Max.

Wtf did you take?
I went for a 3 weeks to Burma with only hand luggage!

Hey, I'm more than happy going over the four day threshold for a pair of boxers. The rest of 'em aren't

 

[domsz4]

+1 for something bigger than an estate.

Hey, I'm more than happy going over the four day threshold for a pair of boxers. The rest of 'em aren't

:-o lol

 

[MACK]

You would be surprised what will fit in the back of certain cars and won't fit in others. I mentioned earlier that my farther in law's wheelchair wont fit flat in the back of my Dad's 2011 AUDI A4 Avant. However the same chair would fine in the boot of my wife's E46 330 CAB. After it fitted in the BMW we thought the AUDI was a shoe in, nope! Has to be propped up against the back seat to get it in. Strange but true.

What I have done is measure the chair's length/width when folded and headed out with my tape measure around various dealers etc every time the missus wants a new car.

If you hadn't mentioned the dogs, or if for the occasional journey's you mentioned you don't need the back seat you may find your not too limited in choice at all.

The point I'm making don't limit your options till you have to. A lot of saloon/hatch cars may come back into the mix. Maybe all you need is actually a 3/5 series saloon for example

 

[Porthoz4]

Once again thanks for all your input it's really appreciated. I think I have a lot of garage visits ahead of me, which actually isn't much of a chore as I do enjoy looking at cars and fortunately I live within a reasonable distance of them.
I still have a fancy for an estate having had a Tiguan and x trail previously and I know the rear space isn't great in them,also got to think about height of getting in and out . The process might take a while but when I do decide I'll let you know .

 

[stevo///m3]

I'd go for something different, Dave. Think E39 touring - they look great in silver (most of them are silver from what I've seen) and hopefully large enough for your passengers and you'll probably save £18k which you can put towards the fuel a 530i will want to drink!! I must confess to having a soft spot for the E39 range, can't help it. Good luck with your search.
Stevo

 

[Flyingfifer]

Not the sporty choice but the Ford Grand C Max (titanium X spec) is very spacious, seating is customisable 7 seater or 5 seater with huge boot or 4 seater with through load/crawl-way, the turbo diesel won’t be a slouch but will be economical add to that the sliding side door will help the wheelchair user get in and out easier and you can get one that is within budget while being very well equipped and you can get one with delivery mileage.

Have a wee look

Clicky 1

Clicky 2

 

[LeeZ4MR]

Another vote here for a 5 series touring and I really liked mine(I would go for a bigger engine than the 20d if I had another though), had a X5 too and liked the higher driving position but the touring was a far nicer steer though.

 

[walker1c]

I'm driving my second 5-series Touring, so obviously I'd recommend one. Not the most exciting choice, but it's really an extraordinarily good car. In between the Tourings I had a 5-series GT. Very spacious: the back seats have massive leg-room. The boot is rather small, but the load floor with the seats down is bigger than a 5-series Touring. But it's a huge car with poor rear visibility, which I found nerve-wracking. Both have the shortcoming of most so-called 5-seaters: the middle seat in the back isn't great. I'd expect that to be even more true of a 3-series.

I used to own a Mazda 6 estate. Not a bad car, but terrible road noise and very flimsy bodywork.

 

[Porthoz4]

Cheers for the suggestions all have their pluses and minuses,will have a look at a few of them and try to narrow the list down. Thanks folks!.

 

[Porthoz4]

Well it took a while ,but with things getting harder at home I had to make the ultimate sacrifice. The beloved Z has gone to a good home and been replaced by an Audi A6 avant 3.0 tdi Quattro s line black edition. First impressions are it's brilliant and will easily do the job required.
I know I have only been around a year but I would like to say a big thank you to all of the people who made me welcome on the forum and on our many hoons out. The highlight of course being our fantastic trip around the highlands of bonny Scotland in June,4 days 75 degrees and no midges top down all the way. Also a big thank you to all who gave me help in making my mind up on this thread.
I hope to return to the fold sometime as I really enjoyed my Z in the meantime to all of you "drive safe".

 

[mr.tourette]

gutted for you but family comes first bud...the audi looks a fine motor

 

[Mr Tidy]

Nice choice OP - I didn't realise the Quattro system was so grippy, or was the car in Oz? :lol:

Seriously though I hope it does all you want, and then you can return to Z4 ownership!

 

[paulgs1000]

Only just seen this post Dave . . .

Looks a lovely Audi - my mate swears by them.

We had some memorable runs out - stay in touch

 

[Porthoz4]

Thanks for that guys, in the end it has to be the right decision, and yes hopefully I will be back in a Z sometime.

 

[LeeZ4MR]

That looks a cracker, it will shift too with that 3 litre in it.