I've been mulling this over for some years now - I've had a fantastic run with 75s and ZTs, and have loved every one.
I've since owned a few cars, and my findings are as follows:
- VW Phaeton 3.0 Diesel. Fantastic car, but very very big and lots to go wrong. Spent more time fixing than driving...
Absolutely ruinous in terms of fuel economy if you boot it, but can do 30MPG on a run. Unstoppable in snow as they're 4 wheel drive.
- BMW E46 330d. Another great car, and sharing lots of DNA with the 75/ZT makes them quite 'familiar' to drive and work on. I know BMW is indeed a swear word here, but for all their flaws they do make some very good cars.
Easy to work on, cheap-ish to run and very, very quick. I have a 330d Saloon for winter, and a 330Cd convertible for the summer... both very old and battered (but it wouldn't be me if they weren't!)
- E61 LCI 530d (Tourer, 2008). Absolute machine for pressing on with, very good on fuel for the size (similar to the 330d) and comfort in spades.
I only borrowed this car for a long distance run to Inverness and back, but I really enjoyed it.
Personally, I'll be popping myself in a BMW E61 at some point - in 530d or 535d format. There's a lot of stigma attached to them, but they are a very good motor.
