No more 5-Series Wagons to be Sold in the U.S?
07-09-2009, 06:19 AM
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Originally Posted by swajames' post='936938' date='Jul 8 2009, 10:39 PM
BMW are making some ridiculous decisions lately... The reason the E61 sells poorly in the US is blindingly obvious. It's only available as a xDrive35i.
No normally-aspirated I6, no V8, no sport pack (the xi sport pack being cosmetic only). The one model they offer is a great car if that's what you want, but for those looking for something with a little more enthusiast appeal it's hardly surprising it's not flying out the showrooms given the appalling lack of engine and suspension choices...
The 5GT is hardly a replacement - it's an utter abomination destined to last a model year or two before being deep sixed. It's almost criminal that BMW can release the GT while letting the E61 die.
No normally-aspirated I6, no V8, no sport pack (the xi sport pack being cosmetic only). The one model they offer is a great car if that's what you want, but for those looking for something with a little more enthusiast appeal it's hardly surprising it's not flying out the showrooms given the appalling lack of engine and suspension choices...
The 5GT is hardly a replacement - it's an utter abomination destined to last a model year or two before being deep sixed. It's almost criminal that BMW can release the GT while letting the E61 die.
I have to agree, with limited E61 options there was no way that BMW could ever meet their sales goals. That is disappointing because the E61 is actually very attractive, would be a good option for my wife if we could find one available. Then there's the fact that it's only in X drive, which is just as useful as skis in SoCal. The 5GT is not a replacement, mainly because it's ugly, the 5er wagon (if available in all the trims) would probably have a much broader appeal.
07-09-2009, 06:19 AM
#12
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Originally Posted by brabusw209amg' post='936993' date='Jul 9 2009, 02:37 AM
wow, the GT is pretty damn ugly. the x6 is beautiful...not the GT
x6 is way too expensive @ 86k i think is a rip off.
07-09-2009, 06:22 AM
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Originally Posted by RJH&CO' post='937184' date='Jul 9 2009, 07:19 AM
x6 is way too expensive @ 86k i think is a rip off.
07-09-2009, 06:25 AM
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My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
Originally Posted by pjinca' post='937183' date='Jul 9 2009, 07:19 AM
I have to agree, with limited E61 options there was no way that BMW could ever meet their sales goals. That is disappointing because the E61 is actually very attractive, would be a good option for my wife if we could find one available. Then there's the fact that it's only in X drive, which is just as useful as skis in SoCal. The 5GT is not a replacement, mainly because it's ugly, the 5er wagon (if available in all the trims) would probably have a much broader appeal.
07-09-2009, 06:30 AM
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My Ride: 2008 550I LOADED, all options except HUD and NV
Originally Posted by swajames' post='937191' date='Jul 9 2009, 07:25 AM
Absolutely - I really like the E61 too, it's probably the perfect family car.
07-09-2009, 06:33 AM
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My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
Originally Posted by pjinca' post='937197' date='Jul 9 2009, 07:30 AM
You realize that since the Hyundai Genesis thread we are actually agreeing a lot - scary.
07-09-2009, 06:34 AM
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My Ride: 2008 550I LOADED, all options except HUD and NV
Originally Posted by swajames' post='937201' date='Jul 9 2009, 07:33 AM
Ha!! That's true!
How about we just don't discuss Hyundai's, then we could probably get along just fine.
07-09-2009, 06:35 AM
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My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
Originally Posted by pjinca' post='937203' date='Jul 9 2009, 07:34 AM
How about we just don't discuss Hyundai's, then we could probably get along just fine.
07-09-2009, 07:32 AM
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Originally Posted by xBMWx' post='937021' date='Jul 9 2009, 02:16 AM
As a side note, here in Denmark "wagons" seem to be extremely popular in general, much more so than in Germany. They certainly do not have an image issue over here.
danes and swedes love their wagons, in Sweden the Volvo V70 is by far the best sellling car.