Clarkson on the X5 4.8i

[Brisbane]

Sorry I don't have the source but I saw it in Roundel a few years ago.

BMW (and I'm sure most car makers) keep very close tabs on these sorts of things but the results are rarely made public. I also recall reading a similar result many more years ago when the Honda plant in Ohio was first producing cars- I think in the Wall Street Journal. There have been similar articles and data for union v. non union workers.

[rayxi]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

Oh that's very easy.

A 535xiT. And it's a pity we don't get it here, but I'd actually take the 550iT M-sport with a 6MT if I could.

Yes, I'd take a either 5 'er as well but it's a moot point since we don't have that choice.

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by rayxi

Yes, I'd take a either 5 'er as well but it's a moot point since we don't have that choice.

Um you guys also get the 535xiT. And according to the BMW CA website, the 5 Individual as well.........

Honestly, I think the 5 touring looks better than the 5 sedan.

Interestingly, if I could get my hands on a '02-'03 540iT sport, I would actually consider buying it. I mean, that would be really cool. Motoring around campus or driving kids around, having them ask "why did you buy a wagon?". And then I'd go on my whole TV-like spiel about the handling, motor, blah blah blah, while they're holding onto dear life because I'm going around corners quickly. I find it funny when I surprise teenagers

[Brisbane]

It's fashionable in the UK to bash the American car industry and Jeremy gets more attention with controversial statements. While he has some points I think we can rest assured that the X5 suits our purposes perfectly, is built even better than its German counterparts (according to BMW's own studies) and, from, all I understand, actually handles better than it's predecessor.

I like Jeremy and watch him often but often don't agree with his opinions. I suspect he likes the X5 much more than he admits- he's an entertainer after all. And a bloody pommie.

[vinuneuro]

Originally Posted by Brisbane

is built even better than its German counterparts (according to BMW's own studies)

Do you have the source on this one? I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with you.

[R8DX5]

Clarkson never liked BMWs. He raves about everything British. Anyone who watches Top Gear knows this. He criticized the X5 for being big and heavy yet he prefers the Range Rover, which is bigger and heavier.

[Fredo]

Originally Posted by R8DX5

Clarkson never liked BMWs. He raves about everything British. Anyone who watches Top Gear knows this. He criticized the X5 for being big and heavy yet he prefers the Range Rover, which is bigger and heavier.

Not strictly true.....he raved about the M5, nearly bought one too. Despite the "flappy paddle" gearbox.

And he certainly doesn't rave about everything British....ever heard him say a nice thing about TVR or Rover ? Nope

Nor is he picking on the X5 because it's American as someone suggested earlier in the thread. Did he say that? He would classify the X5 as German...that's it's DNA.

[mkar]

On the other hand, I bet no kid has ever said, "I want to grow up and drive a car full of children loaded to the brim with all their shit" either.

[STALKER]

Clarkson is entertaining, and thats it.
Please do not read his reviews/comments and actually think for one moment they are actually based on any real insight or logic.

[AzNMpower32]

So there we have it. If you want a good looking vehicle that can carry cargo, transport your kids safely, and handle all-weather conditions........buy a 535xi sports wagon!