E91 in Rear-wheel drive in the U.S.?

jakeramovitch · 11-24-2005, 01:36 PM

Hi.
just spoke to my dealer and he says that BMW will not make the E91 rear-wheel drive available in the US in 2006. Has anyone heard anything different? I live in the south -- no need for the extra wgt, $, and traction of all-wheel.

thanks.

LEDZEP · 11-24-2005, 03:35 PM

Hmmmm... I haven't heard. Kind of a shame if they don't.

fragra · 11-24-2005, 03:45 PM

There seems to be persistent mummurings that the 325iT will be available in the spring of 2006:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=118454

Here's hoping. It would be nice to have a choice.

ward · 11-24-2005, 05:06 PM

so few takers on the wagon anyway, they probably don't want to bother with both options

E24 · 11-24-2005, 09:18 PM

I wonder if the anti-wagon (sorry touring) stigma will ever end? With the anti-SUV craze absorbing this country and my personal hatred of mini-vans - there needs to be a compromise. I have an almost 4 year old and a dog - so the wagon (sorry touring) is a must for me. Given the fact that BMW has given this vehicle pretty much equal driving dynamics to the comparable sedan and the added versatility this car provides - you'd think the wagon would be a no-brainer for a lot of us. Well then - I still think they should re-introduce the El Camino and Ranchero

ffej · 11-24-2005, 11:22 PM

Personally, I would love an e91 330 RWD wagon, and the current issue of Roundel makes me think it might be a reality. The question is: will they actually sell the thing in the US?

I love my e46 wagon, but the difference between that and the e90 330 is enormous.

LEDZEP · 11-25-2005, 07:06 AM

I love the fact that not many people want the E91 in the U.S., and I like that the number imported is kept very low. I like mine being rare! Don't buy one!

jrct9454 · 11-25-2005, 08:27 AM

Well, let me put it this way - our dealers had a clear schedule for the RWD E91 to be released in the US market by March. If not, then I guess I won't be a BMW customer - it's the only car I'm interested in. Don't need or want AWD, and refuse to pay for it.

stressdoc · 11-25-2005, 08:34 AM

I am with jrct9454. RWD E91 or bust. I cannot imagine BMW importing an M5 T, but not offering a RWD E91. My guess is that the E91 would start with about 6% of the E90 sales, but increase to double that, especially if diesels move from the SAVs into the car lines.

jakeramovitch · 11-25-2005, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrct9454

Well, let me put it this way - our dealers had a clear schedule for the RWD E91 to be released in the US market by March. If not, then I guess I won't be a BMW customer - it's the only car I'm interested in. Don't need or want AWD, and refuse to pay for it.

JRCT9454 - do you mind passing on the name of your dealer? sounds like they have the 411 and I'd like to chat with them.

Also, if BMW does NOT bring the rw-drive wagon to the US -- does anyone have suggestions for alternatives? My brother has been driving BMW 3-series for 20 yrs now and I have had my heart set on the E91. But, I've got to have a wagon (not an SUV!). Audi A4 ? Not too thrilled abou the SAAB and Volvo mid-size wagon options.

Bimmerista · 11-25-2005, 09:36 AM

If you don't want AWD why get the Audi (wagon is only in AWD).

The Saab 9.3 combi is nice looking, but I am unsure about build quality and I have read (see StewtheBassman) that the service is atrocious.

fragra · 11-25-2005, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakeramovitch

Also, if BMW does NOT bring the rw-drive wagon to the US -- does anyone have suggestions for alternatives?

The only comparable rear-wheel drive wagon I can think of would be the MB C-class. I compared one when buying my e46 Touring - it was nice but it didn't really turn my crank. I'm not exactly young, but I don't think I'm old enough for that car yet.

FWIW, my rep and another dealer I talked to both indicated to me that the rear-drive e91 is coming in the spring. In the meantime keep doing the deprived North American BMW nut dance:

Bring over the rear-drive e91!

Bring over the 1 series, already!

Bring over the d*mn diesels!

LEDZEP · 11-25-2005, 02:09 PM

While at the dealer today, I saw two new E91's in stock. One was jet black, the other Sonora. Both very pretty... but still glad we went with Arctic!

jrct9454 · 11-25-2005, 05:11 PM

Both Portland OR dealers [Kuni and Rasmussen] had the same scoop - RWD E91s in the Spring. I've neither read nor heard anything to the contrary, except, ironically enough, in this forum.

The C wagon was discontinued in the US market, or I would probably be driving a new one right now. I have tried the Volvo V50 and the Audi A3 - both very nice cars, each different in their individual ways. If someone held a gun to my head and insisted I buy something currently on the market at this very instant, I would select the A3 with the DSG transmission - quick, smooth, reasonably economical, but a very tight package in back, though all the cars in the class are tight in the back seat.

If you want RWD, the E91 just about stands alone, which is why I've been waiting....we'll see...

LEDZEP · 11-25-2005, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrct9454

Both Portland OR dealers [Kuni and Rasmussen] had the same scoop - RWD E91s in the Spring. I've neither read nor heard anything to the contrary, except, ironically enough, in this forum.

People here (I'm guilty too sometimes) will spout some ridiculous things and pass them off as fact. Like "RFT's cannot be repaired", etc. I personally think it's cute when they give legal advise (Atty accepted) and advice on how to handle insurance claims.

Gotta be careful and take everything with a grain of salt. Unless of course I say it, in which case you can consider it carved in sand.

11-24-2005, 01:36 PM	#1
jakeramovitch New Member 3 Rep 12 Posts Drives: mercedes e320 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (0)	E91 in Rear-wheel drive in the U.S.? Hi. just spoke to my dealer and he says that BMW will not make the E91 rear-wheel drive available in the US in 2006. Has anyone heard anything different? I live in the south -- no need for the extra wgt, $, and traction of all-wheel. thanks.
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11-24-2005, 03:35 PM	#2
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 417 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	Hmmmm... I haven't heard. Kind of a shame if they don't. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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11-24-2005, 03:45 PM	#3
fragra Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 212 Posts Drives: 2013 328xi Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver BC iTrader: (0)	There seems to be persistent mummurings that the 325iT will be available in the spring of 2006: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=118454 Here's hoping. It would be nice to have a choice. __________________ 2013 328xi Mineral Grey/Everest Grey
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11-24-2005, 05:06 PM	#4
ward Major General 155 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	so few takers on the wagon anyway, they probably don't want to bother with both options
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11-24-2005, 09:18 PM	#5
E24 DUBYA 28 Rep 352 Posts Drives: 2012 328I - 6MT Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Texas iTrader: (1)	I wonder if the anti-wagon (sorry touring) stigma will ever end? With the anti-SUV craze absorbing this country and my personal hatred of mini-vans - there needs to be a compromise. I have an almost 4 year old and a dog - so the wagon (sorry touring) is a must for me. Given the fact that BMW has given this vehicle pretty much equal driving dynamics to the comparable sedan and the added versatility this car provides - you'd think the wagon would be a no-brainer for a lot of us. Well then - I still think they should re-introduce the El Camino and Ranchero
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11-24-2005, 11:22 PM	#6
ffej Equally disturb-ed/-ing 3 Rep 24 Posts Drives: Various E36 "Projects" Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Austin iTrader: (0)	Personally, I would love an e91 330 RWD wagon, and the current issue of Roundel makes me think it might be a reality. The question is: will they actually sell the thing in the US? I love my e46 wagon, but the difference between that and the e90 330 is enormous. __________________ Grab a handful of $100.00 bills, light them on fire and flush the ashes down the toilet. When you can do this with one hand quickly without burning your hands, you have mastered the basic technique to buy a race car.
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11-25-2005, 07:06 AM	#7
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 417 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	I love the fact that not many people want the E91 in the U.S., and I like that the number imported is kept very low. I like mine being rare! Don't buy one! __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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11-25-2005, 08:27 AM	#8
jrct9454 Enlisted Member 1 Rep 47 Posts Drives: Considering E91 Wa Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Vancouver WA iTrader: (0)	Well, let me put it this way - our dealers had a clear schedule for the RWD E91 to be released in the US market by March. If not, then I guess I won't be a BMW customer - it's the only car I'm interested in. Don't need or want AWD, and refuse to pay for it.
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11-25-2005, 08:34 AM	#9
stressdoc Moderator 617 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	I am with jrct9454. RWD E91 or bust. I cannot imagine BMW importing an M5 T, but not offering a RWD E91. My guess is that the E91 would start with about 6% of the E90 sales, but increase to double that, especially if diesels move from the SAVs into the car lines.
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11-25-2005, 09:36 AM	#11
Bimmerista Major General 82 Rep 5,732 Posts Drives: superstock Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada iTrader: (0)	If you don't want AWD why get the Audi (wagon is only in AWD). The Saab 9.3 combi is nice looking, but I am unsure about build quality and I have read (see StewtheBassman) that the service is atrocious.
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11-25-2005, 02:09 PM	#13
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 417 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	While at the dealer today, I saw two new E91's in stock. One was jet black, the other Sonora. Both very pretty... but still glad we went with Arctic! __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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11-25-2005, 05:11 PM	#14
jrct9454 Enlisted Member 1 Rep 47 Posts Drives: Considering E91 Wa Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Vancouver WA iTrader: (0)	Both Portland OR dealers [Kuni and Rasmussen] had the same scoop - RWD E91s in the Spring. I've neither read nor heard anything to the contrary, except, ironically enough, in this forum. The C wagon was discontinued in the US market, or I would probably be driving a new one right now. I have tried the Volvo V50 and the Audi A3 - both very nice cars, each different in their individual ways. If someone held a gun to my head and insisted I buy something currently on the market at this very instant, I would select the A3 with the DSG transmission - quick, smooth, reasonably economical, but a very tight package in back, though all the cars in the class are tight in the back seat. If you want RWD, the E91 just about stands alone, which is why I've been waiting....we'll see...
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