Yep, I read that too in Auto Week.
And that's why I'm jumping on an '03 Touring right now.
I like the fact that they (Tourings) are rare. It makes them exclusive, like the Tanin red in my cab.
The fact is I would have purchased one in '01, but I was going to patiently wait until either the M3T or 330iT was released. Doesn't look like either will be coming here in the near future, so we're springloaded to snap one up this fall.
The fact is AG and NA screwed up royally in not releasing the 330iT to the NA market. Whatever sales that the 330 would have taken away from the 5er's would have been more than made up for in volume, especially if the M packet front spoiler had been the standard spoiler with the sports package.
Now all we'll get is a stupid X3 SAV, that will be about as exclusive as a Lexus RX300, Honda CRV or Ford Escape.
Sure, sales will probably skyrocket, but you can't help but moan and lament about what might have been had the wagon been marketed correctly.
So if anyone else is contemplating getting one I would recommend you not stall too long. If this SUV trend continues they may never pass this way again.

:bawling:
Once the 3er Tourings are axed how far behind do you think the 5er Touring will be.