My '96 965 (bought used) handles great, but has a somewhat harsh, stiff ride compared to the 8 BMWs I owned previously (as comparison). It also rides more stiffly/harshly than a couple 200 Series cars (244s) I owned in the past, but handles MUCH better.

Possibly the ride is due to it's being a station wagon, or because the struts were replaced at some point with aftermarket struts. 964 sedans I've driven rode slightly softer and less harshly (I'd call the 964 a "sporty" ride.), possibly because they weren't designed for carrying cargo like the wagon. I recently borrowed a '99 BMW 540iT (Touring car/wagon), I noticed it had a stiff ride comparable to my 965 as well (though not as harsh), so Euro wagons may be biased toward this suspension characteristic.

For comparison, my 965 is less choppy than, say, several newer Ford Explorers (non-IRS models) I've ridden in lately. The ride I describe is in no way objectionable to me or my wife, just to put it into prospective. On the other hand, it is by no stretch a ride of a luxury car, however, which is fine, since it's a wagon, not a luxury car.

At only $37,000 new (and dirt cheap on the used market), the 965 was a pretty cheap car by "luxury car" price standards (the 540iT I mentioned cost nearly $25,000 more), and though it has some luxury touches, I don't view it as a luxury car; it is a Brick, afterall! My wife's XJ-6 Vanden Plas (wich we also bought used) does ride and handle like a luxury car, but then it sold new for double the 965's price. Apples and oranges.

Try a 965; I think you'll love it like I do.

Bob