Why did BMW abandon the Rover 75 after just 12 months?

The Rover 75 is a car with a identity crisis. Is it the laid-back, easy listening, pipe and slippers Rover 75, the hard-driving, death-metal, V8 monster that is the MG ZT, Or is it the wannabe Chinese Bentley sold as the MG7? Identity crisis or not, why was a car that received more investment than any Rover before it dropped like a hot brick by its parent company barely twelve months after it was launched, while it was receiving glowing reviews? This video covers the Rover 75, MG ZT, MG ZT-T, Roewe 750 and MG7.
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#Rover75 #MGZT #MGZTT

[@BigCar2]

The use of "personality disorder" at the start was a poor choice of words and I regret any offence caused. A better choice would be "identity crisis", and I've updated the description to show this.

[@azharimuhammad69]

Rover the best

[@martynm.449]

I've been diagnosed with BPD, and I certainly took no offence.

[@DanielMasmanian]

We're in silly times. Probably nobody with a cause to take offense, will. But everyone who has time to be offended on someone else's behalf, doubtless will. Surely all the outrage will create a brave, new, kind, considerate, and purely altruistic world. Can't wait.

[@TheMuzikall]

Your choice of words was Perfect....Personality Disorder👏👏👏

[@gerarduspoppel2831]

No problem. Keep up the good work

[@Sct5mn]

I was a MG Rover apprentice when this car was launched. We all loved it and I always enjoyed driving them when I had the chance. Unfortunately I was also a MG apprentice when they started closing dealerships to try and avoid administration and our dealership was one of the ones to be chopped. I will always have a soft spot for Rovers and MGs. It's a real shame to see MG become a cheap Chinese budget car company.

[@Michael-4]

I've had a ztt for years. I can't find anything to replace it so I just keep going. Handles better than many of its so called peers.

[@theone7644]

SCT5MN people like you didn’t know how work so they went bankrupt

[@Michael-4]

@Moey M I've had one for nearly 7 years. I've had a new battery, tires, pair of springs, driver's seat bolster repaired, wipers, rear light cluster replaced and that's about it. It's 16 years old.

[@piotrmalewski8178]

I still see many of these on the roads in Poland, and I think the reason is the way the car looks, because Polish mechanics don't like Rover engines (to be fair, they don't like anything but getting drunk, and if something can be screwed up, they'll screw it up). But the infamous Rover K-series engines were also mass used in Poland's Polonez cars, and among modern fans they're known as powerful engines that can take a lot of punishment if only a driver is not an idiot and doesn't floor the throttle before the engine builds up the heat, and doesn't turn it off overheated.

[@Michael-4]

@Moey M mine was a chipped diesel. In fact the worst thing about it was in the winter you struggled to get much heat in the cabin. Temp gauge rarely reached normal.

[@weaton25]

One thing that I hate Top Gear for slagging off the Rover 75 I always thought it looked really classy

[@fiveowaf454]

It wasn't a bad car if used as intended, too much emphasis was put on race track type handling for cars that weren't meant for that sort of us.

[@gerarduspoppel2831]

Ik love this car. IT is beatiful

[@paulrobinson3528]

Clarkson was 2 faced about the 75. He slagged it off something cronic. Strange really when all the 75 under pinnings,suspension,brakes, ecu's and engine if diesel etc were bmw 3series and he loves bmw. Another example is a bit like him slagging off a vw passat but loving the audi a4, same car really just a different badge. He slagged Rover off to but the 400/600/800 were all Honda and we all no how reliable Honda are. I like watching clarkson for enertainment but wouldn't take any advise of him.

[@gerarduspoppel2831]

@@paulrobinson3528 me too. The Guy is a idiot

[@piotrmalewski8178]

This car is still popular in Eastern Europe, for it's looks, even though people know the engine's head gasket is not very durable, and mechanics throw insults at customers when they hear about Rover (because they're too lazy to learn how to work on something different than VW)

[@lucjanssens9685]

We got one of the first 75 sold, and it was by far the best car i've ever driven. It served us well for 13 years and almost half a million kilometers. The car was low and wide and felt like it was glued to the tarmac, regardless of the state of the road or driving 240 kmh on the autobahn. Once we took a "shortcut" in Alsace, in the Vosges mountains. After a half hour drive over sand and stones, climbing, descending and twisting like hell we arrived at a mountainhut where they serve fabulous blueberrypie. So we stopped, got out casual, ordered pie and got nothing but questions from the other guests, wondering how the hell we drove this 75 up to that place... there where some other cars around, all heavy 4x4's. We even got applauded by the crowd when we drove of into the mountainous wilderness as casual as can be. My wife and i allways joke... if they sell the 75 again in Europe, we buy one immediately! By far the best car we ever drove.

[@jamesdavidson4135]

Two of my neighbours each had one of these cars that are still running that only proves how capable the 75 was.

[@dave6467]

I had one as a company car about 18 years ago. Got teased by a few mates who saw it as a bit "pipe and slippers", but it was actually a really good car. Far better than my other option, the Vauxhall Vectra.

[@skylined5534]

@JOHNSON Chodenseider Oh my, your comments, idiotic at best.

[@jaymorris3468]

I agree. Stunning car compared to the Vectra, I wish they would bring it back, just the shape alone turned heads,

[@lundsweden]

Vauxhaul Vectra, yikes!

[@Ampex196]

What's wrong with 'pipe and slippers' ?? I've traveled Worldwide wearing nothing (on my feet) except Nordika house-shoes. The 75 was very well built indeed. Shame about the K Series engines.

[@alundavies5171]

vectra was a real pile of shite u made the right decision!

[@christopheredmonds9000]

My parents bought our 75 in 2003 when I was 2. I’m almost 19 now and it still goes. It also looks better than most modern cars (both inside and out). Gives less problems than a modern Mercedes. Bring back Rover to the UK

[@flybyairplane3528]

Christopher Edmonds I will NEVER OWN ANYTHING from MB,,in USA,,they rip you off with service, god forbid you own one of their diesels ! YOU neeD A MORTGAGE FOR SERVICE,,,,, Cheers from NJ,USA

[@robloxisthebest5588]

Yeah! My neighbor had a mg zr (litreally the same car as a rover 75) and when I was in a pram and I saw. The headlights I RANNN BRO I USED TO GET SCARED OF THE CAR but I am not scared anymore and I want it back

[@luluejpgmail]

maybe Boris Johnson gone bring it back

[@marnuscoreyempanadaslooseb6760]

Bimmer better Rover 75 ok but it was behind all its competitors and it looked weird

[@bobbyrayofthefamilysmith24]

I have a 2010 Mercedes E class and it doesn't give me any problems

[@garrycane1170]

I saw one just this week, pulling a caravan. All these years later it still looked stunning. Luxury and refinement.

[@kenlee-97]

The owner is dellusional, they are Fwd cars!!!

[@PaladinCasdin]

Funny you mentioned Top Gear - I discovered the 75 from the comments made on that very show. Fell in love with the styling and when it came time to find something new a few years back, hunted down a 2003 2.5 Tourer (very rare here in Australia), and I've never regretted it for a second. I've driven a 3 Series, a C Class and an X Type from the same era and honestly the Rover is a nicer drive than any of them. 50k kms later and it hasn't given me any serious trouble at all. Fantastic car with more personality than anything else I've driven and it's a crying shame that it all went so wrong.

[@gaffnaldo1]

That sounds plausible

[@tommot7236]

My V6 ZT was one of the best cars I've ever owned and it never let me down. So easy to rubbish anything British and if it had worn a Continental badge they would have raved over it. The styling inside and out was great and it still looks good today.

[@davidhay9699]

Loved the 75...classy,understated & proper... A gentlemen's express.

[@JamesAlexander14]

@JOHNSON Chodenseider Stands back and rolls eyes trying to unread this gibberish🙄

[@rowanthomas4978]

Express is probably the wrong word

[@matthewlewis2072]

@JOHNSON Chodenseider yeah, undercooked and bad for you

[@roverenderalligator9104]

@JOHNSON Chodenseider l've had my P5B nearly forty years & have an S2 P6B & an S1 2000TC. I also love my '02 75 1.8 Connoisseur which is on 157,000 miles & still going strong. Go figure.....

[@nomayor1]

So said our dear David, and then he bought his 5-series.

[@johnhooton8299]

I had a 75 auto and it was the most relaxing drive, I used to do hundreds of miles a day for work, I used to arrive totally relaxed, as it was a smooth ride easy to drive and very comfortable.

[@pauljones8218]

me to nice drive

[@ronaldl9085]

Personally I think the Rover 75 is one of the most beautiful cars ever. The soft lines are gorgeous IMHO.

[@ronlowther4911]

My next car just has to be the Rover 3.5 litter coupe. This must be the absolute King Pin of all Rovers rts. It's interior just wonderful and the Smell "to die for ".

[@torstenscholz6243]

i agree, plus the design has aged really well after more than 20 years now, and still looks fresh and elegant today. I'd prefer a classy, elegant 75 over those boring BMW, Audi and Mercedes limousines of today anytime.

[@mattmorris2867]

You need to clean your glasses.

[@steveshields8647]

Hi I've owned my 75 Rover nearly 15 year it's coming up to 255,000 miles soon .Only renewed clutch at 223,000 miles original one. Car only 3 years old when I bought it. It's the 2001 model before horrible facelift. I still enjoy driving it and it has been incredible reliable.

[@flaw3dgenius222]

Couldnt be the 1.8t? They blow the head gasket constantly... Luckily i took an extended warranty out on mine and got a brand new engine put it. Gave the car to my brother a couple of years later and it went again... This time now insured so off to the scrapyard it went.

[@Jablonski277]

You are right, the facelift did not do anything good to the car.

[@manofthehour6856]

Cheers Steve Shields! I am American and watched this car from afar through Motor and Autocar magazine back in the day. I would have liked to have seen it arrive here. With US car importation laws the way they are, I could get one that is 25 years old or more when that time comes. Never say never!

[@heledraku]

talking about V8 while showing not even 6 cyl acceleration figures, more like 4 banger, ah ok

[@barrierodliffe4155]

@@flaw3dgenius222 Only because BMW penny pinching caused the problem,

[@kardy12]

We had a 75 shortly after it was released, and I have to say it was a wonderfully smooth cae to drive. Far nicer than most cars I’ve driven since.

[@Hattonbank]

I agree, I was in a nre 5 Series lately, I swear they had rocks in place of coil springs and shock absorbers.

[@mikeh2006]

Sad how it played out for Rover. The 75 wasn't a bad car. Good looking inside and out too.

[@torstenscholz6243]

That's the tragedy of it - for once it wasn't Rover's fault that the car failed as the 75 was really well-done and could and should have saved them. But the way BMW handled it killed it off at birth.

[@mountainhobo]

"BMW's reputation for bullet-proof cars" - Boy, how the times have changed.

[@MattyT_86]

*laughs in broken cooling system parts*

[@Boric78]

Don't forget to stick an Arse on it to. I LOL when I saw the new one.

[@ram64man]

Just check out the hoovie playlist to see how bad bmw has got, engineered to break is one way of putting it, maybe with its swap to ev things may finally improve on the reliability

[@axidhaus]

BMW is what every douche bag desires

[@AmigaA-or2hj]

BMW-Endless money pits! Scotty Kilmer.🤣

[@AndrewSowerby]

Always thought they were lovely cars, inside and out. Maybe they looked a bit like they were more for "the older gentleman", but once you'd been in one, that was soon forgotten. Such a great ride, with a cabin that was so comfortable to sit in and whisper quiet.

[@stokey50]

the mini had the same retro styling

[@ClassicTrialsChannel]

I had a Rover 75 CDT Connoisseur SE. the best car i have ever owned.

[@MG-Rovernut]

I still own a 75 Turbo 1.8. I've had it for 17years and 98000 miles. It's had two head gaskets replaced and love it too much to change to a eurobox.

[@marnuscoreyempanadaslooseb6760]

You must not haves too many cars

[@stevenharris4498]

Agreed , I bought mine new on a Y plate and ran it for nine years covering 140000 miles , great car !

[@skylined5534]

@@marnuscoreyempanadaslooseb6760 You make that stupid, near identical comment too much.

[@jaymorris3468]

With TV and electric blind at the back, and thats 20yrs ago, great car.

[@stephengray2000]

The 75 has aged well.. Still looks stunning especially the pre face lift version.. A future classic for sure

[@kingcurry6594]

I want an MGZT V8 to complement my TVR Chimaera so I can give friends a lift.

[@ianfrearson2261]

I agree. Rover really hit the nail on the head with the 75's design.

[@janetrutherford8568]

Myself owned a 75 rover and from day 1 never ever broke down a fabulous car it was like driving a jaguar smooth and easy l truly regret selling it as was going to live abroad lovely looking car.

[@ianrutherford878]

I'm only replying 'cos of yr name.

[@janetrutherford8568]

@@ianrutherford878 hi we mighty be related which part of the world do come from.

[@ianrutherford878]

@@janetrutherford8568 N .England...I'm on facebook..beard,purple face paint :)

[@kenlee-97]

Are you gonna live on one like a yacht?

[@Dunstire]

I couldn't care less what people say,i think the 75 was,and still is,a lovely looking car both inside and out.If i had some spare cash kicking about,i would buy the V8 model without a second thought

[@markboyle9769]

They are a nice car. Very comfortable

[@piotrmalewski8178]

I agree. It just looks classic, and different to everything else.

[@torstenscholz6243]

I agree. Definitely one of the most beautiful and harmonic designs on a middle-class limousine ever, way better than those aggressive-looking designs of today that only consist of huge grills and "evil-looking" headlights.

[@mgytitanic1912]

same here

[@Neil070]

Lovely car, and nice to drive, I had to drive various cars when I worked for transport contractors at MGRover

[@Riso-Musik]

I've still got a 75 Connoisseur SE, 189000 miles and it still works. It refuses to die. Oh and a full service history of 1. Rover went bust 2 months after I bought it ha ha

[@ibz49]

If it is left hand drive and you are interested in selling, let me know. William

[@alexrankin2235]

Well, I’m new to the 75 experience, having owned my car for only a few months. My initial reaction on my first drive home was, how has this excellent car escaped my attention? I’ve owned many many cars of various brands, and I think the 75 is my favourite of them all. The fit and finish is excellent, right up there with the very best, and the ride and comfort surpasses them all. 😊

[@terrymackenzie6784]

I worked on the software for this car and the reason it was dropped wat it was better and cheaper BMW equivalent; the only downside is it had engine management software was based on technology developed in the eighties. I worked at MG-Rover on a 2.2-liter turbo version of this car up to its demise in 2005 and then later worked for SIAC on an update to the software to improve the fueling at altitude but didn’t know if this ever got to production in Chania, a lovely car for the price and that’s why it was good.

[@NextSound170]

Always appreciate the insight for engineering

[@moneyshifters]

I’m not sure how it could be both cheaper and better considering it did nearly everything worse than a 5 series from a driving perspective

[@samr977]

My dad used to own a 2003 rover 75 v8, he loved that car, when he had to downgrade tp a vauxhall vectra, he was deerly upset, to this day though that car is still running

[@wetlettuce4768]

I too would be deeply upset at being dragged out of any car and being made to drive a Vauxhall. When I got a promotion to a job that came with a company car they tried to give me a Vauxhall Signum.... I got them to throw my Volvo S80 onto the company's insurance policy and agree to do the servicing on it.

[@soundseeker63]

To be fair, a Vauxhall Vectra is a downgrade from most cars. Must have felt like driving around in a lump of coal after the 75.

[@joesimo11]

I know it's probably a bit sick, sad and rather delusional... but I thought they were a bonny fine looking car.

[@bodkinofnurk8898]

Sure was, I had two consecutively. A 2.0 V6 Honda powered petrol estate and a 2.0 BMW powered diesel estate. Loved them both.

[@fastasfox]

Im with you.

[@michaelpielorz9710]

Yes it is.It is really a true british car and i`m proud to drive one.It is simply driving in style - and not in plastik.

[@rossfreeman1307]

The Rover 75 is looking alot better than Jeremy, these days!

[@MG-Rovernut]

@@bodkinofnurk8898 V6 was a Rover engine.

[@wonky3854]

My Dad had one of these when i was in my early teens, and his Dad got a bit jealous, cos it looked very similar to, if not better than, his much more expensive Jaguar S Type

[@ascelot]

had the 2.0l diesel version, the 1.8 k series engine i avoided due to gasget failures, think shame of it was for me, the air intake for the diesel seemed purposefully restricted to make it slower, unfortunately, got rid of it due to abs fault which couldnt find reason why

[@jjlasne]

No surprise there considering that the S-Type was based on a Mondeo. I had the chance to drive a Lincoln LS and a Jaguar S-Type in California and the LS was the better car but then, it did come with a V8 which kept on pulling and pulling. Ironically, both brands were owned by the Ford Motor Company.

[@chriskappert1365]

Thats funny ! I own a 75 Connoseur in Arden Green with Sandstone lether . Around the corner lives an old man who owns an S type Jag , also in Green . Once when I was bussy washing the Rover , he walked by and made some downplaying noises . I just smiled at him . That Rover has all the classic chroom bits in the right places , were the Jag has nothing , whitch makes the Jag looks dull and cheep , specialy those flat doorhandels can be found on every cheep hatchback . Pitty , Jaguar could have made the S so much better looking ......... Greetings from Holland .

[@WhoIsDlol]

This car is my childhood, many people didn't get to experience it.

[@kenlee-97]

Did you live in one of these cars as a child?

[@rickh8380]

I live in the United States and I really liked the look of the car. I wish they would have sold them here. Yeah the Top Gear review say James May really hated on it. I would have bought one .

[@Avrelivs_Gold]

The interior is one of the best ever The exterior is timeless classic.

[@Commentator541]

RVINDVNCE I adore this car!

[@marnuscoreyempanadaslooseb6760]

You mean the interior materials and ok exterior?

[@skylined5534]

@JOHNSON Chodenseider Derived? How is it Derived from and the gauges are just fine.

[@Hattonbank]

@JOHNSON Chodenseider SD1 dash was poor, 75 was classy

[@lukem118]

The Rover 75 is so underrated! My grandad had one when I was growing up. He would drive me to McDonalds every Saturday. Sitting in the back felt very luxurious.

[@danmorley6517]

Sounds like a legendary grandad as well, taking you to McDonald's every Saturday.

[@uglyboy4067]

I past my driving test in January this year and bought myself a rover 75 1.8 se. It's a lovely car, done a fair bit of work to it and I intend to keep this beauty on the road for as long as possible.

[@metalman4141]

The 75 and ZT were and still are wonderful Britain motor cars before people rush to dismiss them need to try one out I’ve owned three of these wonderful cars and enjoyed every single one .

[@metalman4141]

@JOHNSON Chodenseider Because you have no idea

[@skylined5534]

@JOHNSON Chodenseider Your comment is one of the dumbest things I've read today on KZbin... and I've seen several of your comments already.

[@bargepoled]

@JOHNSON Chodenseider because finance is literally throwing money away. You've a lot to learn.

[@Hattonbank]

@@bargepoled Agree, its surprising how many people these days have no idea how to handle money.

[@glenjones6980]

I used to deliver a lot of Rovers to dealers and around the auction circuit in the early 2000's, always liked the ZT Tourer but mere minutes in a ZS would cripple me. I used to like the Omega estate too (with the big engine), maybe I just had a thing for RWD estates.

[@KPMCV]

I've had my 2003 Rover 75 diesel for seven years. It's still a head turner and a conversation piece, especially when I take it to Germany. How ironic is that after watching this video. The car also bears the registration OPA (German for grandad). I have two other cars, but can't bring myself to sell my 75.

[@phillarsson8253]

know what you mean. I bought my 2002 75 Tourer when it was 4 years old and I'm still riding it today (480K on it). Can't imagine myself driving in another car altho I do sometimes drive one of our companies modern cars... they just don't compell to me with all them plastics and electronic stuff which makes you feel like you're not really DRIVING anymore. Getting back into the Rover feels like I'm at home before I even get back at home. :-)

[@robertbrynin9451]

I gave my 2005 Rover 75 the registration AR05VER, but no-one ever notices it.

[@williamfurniss6442]

@@robertbrynin9451 Haha well done , brilliant cars

[@tonykeogh6139]

I remember thinking at the time that Rover were completely shafted by BMW and had they gone in to full partnership with Honda we would have had cars built with both style and quality. BMW just wanted the MINI name and they got it.

[@captainchaos3053]

Not sure about the Honda stuff. The Honda parts in the 800 were pants.

[@torstenscholz6243]

Not only did they get the Mini, there was also a new compact car in development at Rover which, after the demise of MG Rover, eventually became the basis for the BMW 1 series. So in the end BMW really managed to cash in on the Rover relationship as it helped them get access to great technology for fwd smaller cars.

[@ValladolidArde]

they also got the valuable 4x4 technology , bmw's move was sly, its legal theft and a carefully orchestrated blow to the UK industry/economy (sweet revenge for loosing WW1 and ww2), it was all carefully planned, they never had any intention of helping the uk brand. Their intention was to steal technology and destroy its competition by taking total advantage of the serious flaws amongst the UK management and engineers.

[@fantscher]

@@torstenscholz6243 the 1 series is RWD... Or at least was so until the latest generation. The 3 series compact, which eventually became the 1 series was also around before they had anything to do with Rover. The only compact class thing they got out of this deal was in fact the mini badge & tech... Took them until 2019 to marry the 1 and the mini with the same platform.

[@frechesSchnitzel]

​@@ValladolidArde Sure and i heard BMW also wanted to steal the advanced technology from Lada and Yugo at that time. The UKs (car) industry blows itself for decades all alone without much help from others (u cant avoid global competition), but maybe its the easier way for u to come across that fact... "...helping the uk brand..." UK=birth nation of capitalism! iam surprised... helping isnt the main goal of the economy, you make investments/industrial partnerships and expect "benefits" (for both sides) and since BMW is an (BMW-) AG=Aktiengesellschaft you also have to act in the interests of your (international!) shareholders. I think BMW maybe underestimatet the problems and to avoid losses they quit and of course takeing the best (brands) out of it. vice versa u think Rover had done it in another way with BMW?

[@robertellis8561]

Interesting video. And it really helped that the narration was delivered to a professional standard... unlike so many documentaries on youtube!

[@vivasimion4166]

2019..I'm a happy owner of a 75 diesel

[@vivasimion4166]

@its all greek to me Friday This one is my 3th till now :)

[@michaelpielorz9710]

Me too.Boght it in 2003.First engine,2nd Clutch.427559 km.The Volkswagen Group would not understand this.

[@justthink5854]

still see them in Romania. lovely timeless design.

[@aakeister]

As with other Rover cars, I worked in development on this car. I must pick you up on a couple of points. BMW didn’t design this. At, it was already designed and with a better more rounded rear which BMW wanted changed. They deliberately moved the indicators and lights down,so that a more sport version could not be made, in fact the ZT and ZTT required a complete redesign of the front end to allow the car to have a sporty stance and ride. I couldn’t believe when, at the motor show launch of the 75 BMW announced they didn’t think Rover could survive, killing what was a fantastic car on its launch. They took money out of the redesign of the 200 and 400 so that only cosmetic changes could be made on an old model BMW only wanted bits of Rover, the 4WD system they couldn’t design, the front wheel drive system, they cannibalised Rover as it was cheaper than designing from scratch. I have nothing but contempt for BMW

[@BigCar2]

Thanks for your input Alan, very interesting.

[@gustavmeyrink_2.0]

what a complete pile of BS you wrote there in the 2nd paragraph.

[@orucreyisguven9672]

1995 yılında bir Rover 620ye sahiptim sonrasında rover 216 coupe kullandım . Nefis otomobillerdi . 75 satın almayı planladığımda Rover kapatıldı. yazdıklarınızda haklısınız. BMW Rover ı satın alarak o zaman SUV piyasasına girmek için bedavadan Land Rover teknolojisini almış oldu ayrıca Mini ye de sahip olarak büyük paralar kazandı . BMW den daha şık ve genleri BMWden daha elit olan Rover’ı ise kendisine zarar vermesin diye öldürdü.

[@Perkelenaattori]

It's very common for car companies to add rigidity to the body by using a tunnel. Flat floor cars are harder to make rigid.

[@robertwilson8365]

Yes somewhere for the exhaust to go as well

[@kenlee-97]

BMW chassis from 3 series of the time.

[@ParityCheck365]

Great video. I worked at the ops department in Longbridge as part of work experience and I worked on the weekly figures and stories for the 25, 45 and 75 to the run up to their launch. The 75 was codenamed "Oyster" but I forget what the 25 and 45 were called but they were similar to the 75. It was highly anticipated.

[@tonygarrett7214]

What a car. I owned a 2 litre V6. Smooth as silk. Nothing to beat that drive home from work on a cold winter’s night. Quiet, warm and relaxing. The lovely classic colour of the lit instruments and a choice of CDs from the 6 disc unit. Power, grace and comfort. I miss my 75.

[@michael5089]

Really informative as always. Well spoken and not rushed!! 😊👍👊🤙

[@andrewstones2921]

Roewe is pronounced “Ro way” which is the closest Chinese speakers can get to Rover. Great work, thank you, I learned so much. It’s such a shame that such a good car came too late to save the company.

[@Boric78]

I can fix that for them. For a quid I will iron their tongues - so they can pronounce it. Ok 1.50 given the additional risk - someone dropped a testube, ate a rare bat - you know. Ready with my trusty Tefal, given there millions of them I reckon I am quids in.

[@torstenscholz6243]

It didn't come too late, it was rather the awful way BMW killed it off at birth that made it go down the drain, although it would have had great potential if introduced to the market in the right way.

[@MrDuncl]

It was competing with BMWs own market. Notice that they kept, and still have Mini which was completely different from anything BMW were making at the time.

[@The-Tall-Photographer]

Of course, what we're missing here is BMW's original game plan which was to get their hands on Mini. However, I agree with most here and that was the 75 was a good car.

[@Hattonbank]

Correct about Mini. They waited until it was fully designed and engineered before pulling the plug on Rover, and kept the Cowley Mini plant and then gave the impression that they designed the car. Ever wondered where they got the technology for 4WD? Well they owned Land Rover for a while as well.

[@edwardp.2642]

@@Hattonbank Right, BMW have got Land Rover only for 4WD technologies for their X5.

[@Stargazer221160]

I worked at a MG Rover dealership throughout the 90s and we all knew that BMW were only after certain technologies that Rover had, the new Mini was designed and developed by Rover with all the costs being met by Rover. The Rover 45 replacement was also being developed by Rover only to become the new 1 Series after BMW got what they wanted and discarded the company. I left the motor trade shortly after and now work in a different industry and guess what, another German company has bought us and are now wanting us to develop new products, paid for by us, but not really investing in the long term future,. I suspect as soon as we deliver the product we will be discarded like MG Rover were by BMW.

[@kenlee-97]

@@Stargazer221160 but 1 series was RWD until recently -2019 , the rover 45 was a FWD car...

[@Stargazer221160]

@@kenlee-97 The 45 replacement was only in the early stages of development so could have easily been changed to RWD

[@jorgehahn2948]

So professional! Thanks 4 such a broad description and quality info!!!!!

[@PB200559]

I owned the V6 MG ZT and it was one of the sweetest engines I've ever driven. I've predominantly owned Audis and Mercs since and had a brief fliratation with Porsche but I still have fond memories of the MG - much maligned and wrongly pigeon holed by some in the motoring press.

[@TheInstructor66]

Rover 800: I’m agening... Mini: Dramaqueen!

[@ElM079]

I am an owner of MG 750 from 2015 and have already driven 40K kms. The SAIC group made the interior of the car luxurious with all seats equipped masage and heated. It still uses Rover 75 engines with a little bit improvement. Gear box is Japanese. Pretty reliable car with old British path in it. Overall this particular car is for the enthusiasts of British cars.

[@CheeseScout]

well... too bad it is one of the extremely few good cars from SAIC.

[@RUfromthe40s]

mine is all leather inside ,the engine was bmw v8 gasoline but diesel is the only who had honda but also a good engine this the MG 75, but prior to this had a Rover 600 my favorite with 1.8 turbo-diesel engine from BMW

[@rogerdodger1790]

Cheap Chinese scrap

[@OmmerSyssel]

So honestly not much British technology making this luxurious model successful?

[@MetalTrabant]

The 75 was a true dreamcar for me when it was launched, I'm a total sucker for retro design, and this was one of the peaks of it! Those antique gauges, the beautiful wood, leather, and just the right amount of chrome trim was utterly gorgeous for me! I'd still love to have one today, but they're almost extinct now here in Hungary... I see mostly V6 versions in good shape, they were probably more cherished. The beaten up cheap ones have probably already met their fate in a junkyard... there were much more cheap ones a few years earlier, but I wanted something more reliable as my daily. Anyway, I'd love a 75, or an S-type, same type of retro charm. Although maybe the Jaguar would be a better choice for everyday use, as the company still exists, and the S-type was basically a Mondeo in disguise, so non-specific parts are probably cheaper.

[@burpp13]

The Rover 75 is a very nice looking car. I asked my dad in the late 90s to take me to the Rover dealership in Guadalajara, Mexico and I fell in love with it.

[@charliesadv8493]

Pity this car didn't last a longer time. Loved the styling and classy looking image of the Rover 75

[@RUfromthe40s]

they still are seen on the streets either honda or bmw engines are good but if one brakes the door handle ,what to do?

[@CrankCase08]

@@RUfromthe40s breaks

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly, my father-in-law had 2 diesel 75's. Best company cars he ever had for thundering up and motorways in the 🇬🇧 he said at the time.

[@mariokrstovic5459]

I was a young boy when it went out. I remember when I looked at it, it was a very beautiful car.

[@TheZisco]

Nice video, easy to follow. Well expalined. Thanks !

[@petergouldbourn2312]

Great show about the Rover 75. I really enjoyed your breakdown of everything that happened to the Rover 75. Thank you for entertaining me although it hurts to consider what might have been if Rover had had been managed better. Pete UK

[@alanblanes2876]

Much appreciation for providing this excellent report. I've been looking from afar in Canada wondering what's been happening for the past couple of decades.

[@artistmac]

All these mergers and acquisitions -- it's like musical chairs. And it rarely makes the vehicles any better or less expensive.

[@nicksmith9371]

My dad had one and I loved it, it was like driving around in an armchair. I still love them now.

[@g00dfeeling]

Always loved 75. It was much nicer than Jaguar X-Type.

[@flybyairplane3528]

g00dfeeling hello, you do realize that ,that all where drive system in the JAGUAR Type X, was taken from VOLVO, when FORD OWNED VOLVO., Cheers From NJ...USA

[@patagualianmostly7437]

@@flybyairplane3528 You mean as in Ford who practically destroyed Volvo. Few, including many Americans, rate Volvo any more thanks to Ford's cutbacks on quality & reliability. That's the clear impression I get from around the world.

[@nigelcharlton-wright1747]

We used to have an X-Type that made feel special, a lovely mis-understood car. We never had any trouble with it bar some mysterious misfire, after the car was serviced by a local garage, (strange thing was there was another one on the forecourt, and the car's radiator needed to replaced, the idiot should have spotted that one, or did that one get swapped for a duff one from the other car? Part exchanged with an XJ6 TVDi, sub-lime car but a money-pit. Sold that brought a low mileage 75 Classic 1.8 with just over 6,000 miles. Done an extra 8,000 miles in just over a year, and the engine seized up. Now in for a bill over £2,600. So much for low mileage car. An excellent, beautiful car, with strange quality control, funny fabrics for example, and the dash with it's white dials is abit daft. Wish I kept the X-Type,

[@gerarduspoppel2831]

Ik agree. The jaguar is also Nice

[@shifty2755]

The xtype was a mondeo basically.

[@patrick9761]

We love this guy very informative and interestigly engaging

[@TheSamPeople]

The rover 75 was my third car, and the first one I picked myself as a 19 year old, cost me £800 kept it for 3 years cost me £20 in repairs over the time I had it. I'm not sure i ever felt so invested in a car and would buy it back in a heart beat

[@yemalad1.]

Just found this channel today, love it 👌

[@positronicfeed]

"Both the 600 and 800 were deeply reliant on Honda technology. Something BMW were understandably keen to move away from." I think I found where the problem started.

[@tedburnard841]

Levent Taskan I think that happened before with the 400 series. My sister and brother-in-law had a 400 (416SLi 5spd manual) - looked like a Civic but had a crappy Rover/old BL engine that decided to blow its head gasket on the M25 on my way to Gatwick. Two mechanics lamented that it didn’t have the Honda Civic engine

[@ep1929]

@@tedburnard841 I'm sure the 1.4 was BL engine, the 1.6 was Honda and the diesels were Pegeot

[@skylined5534]

@@tedburnard841 If you had a 416Sli it likely had a SOHC Honda engine. What year was it? No 90s Rover had a 'BL' engine unless you count the last few 1.3 Maestros and the highly modified and frankly electronic sophistication heavy A series in the late Classic model Minis.

[@tedburnard841]

@John Cleland it was an R plate (96/97?) and I am pretty sure it was a 416SLi not a 414. It had a five speed manual and drove OK

[@skylined5534]

@@tedburnard841 In that case the engine was a Honda D16.

[@MicrobyteAlan]

This channel is Absolutely Fabulous

[@BigCar2]

Thanks. And I programmed on a VAX back in the 90's!

[@MicrobyteAlan]

I was a VAX field service engineer for digital. FYI I have a low mileage 1999 BMW Z3 2.8. I love machines and history. Thanks from Florida’s Space Coast.

[@Inthemixmedia]

With a British workforce and cutting edge British management. How could it go wrong?

[@fredericksaxton3991]

I always liked the 75's, even though I am a Jaguar man. I sometimes feel the 75 is better looking than the S-type of the same era. I always thought that Rover ought have introduced a new Marque, called Triumph and to produce a 2 - Door Hot Coupe and call it The Stag. In Hard top and Open Soft top with a V8 under the bonnet. That Coupe at 12:30 looks fabulous. pipe dreams...

[@roverenderalligator9104]

@Frederick Saxton The 75 has aged much better than those 'tribute' Jaguar's.

[@torstenscholz6243]

Ironically, the 75 and the new S-Type premiered around the same time, but unsurprisingly, the 75, despite being much cheaper, managed to steal the Jag the show. The 75's design was much more harmonic, combined old and new much better and has also aged much better, while the retro look of the S-Type seems rather forced and bloated.

[@davidsirett5560]

I saw a Rover 75 on my way to work driving on the A127 a few weeks ago and I have to say it looked awsum. I liked the look of the 75 when it was launched.

[@Hitrate]

Your content is awesome Sir !

[@mohmoudfarah1897]

+1 Informative; thank you for sharing it with us.

[@mrbigarms]

I've always rather liked the Rover 75, at the time of writing there are still lots of them about and they seem to be aging well. A much better car than people think.

[@ianrutherford878]

I saw an unusual looking car here in a car park in Sweden.Had to check the badge---Rover.Looked quite smart.A bit like some upmarket American models I see here.Guess it was one of these and about 15 years old

[@shawardara]

I had a diesel 75. It was a flying machine. Loved it.

[@Shane-zx4ps]

Great video fella, very intuitive. My favorite was the Rover 216 GTi...

[@dirigentmaarten9381]

Good story, good video, thanks. A few weeks ago I was able to buy a beautiful Rover 75 (2000). I always loved it, but never had the money to buy one. Now I have because... it was sold for 800 euro. With a new APK (Dutch MOT). Lucky me, but in fact it's a shame these lovely cars are worth nothing... I work as a musician, and I look forward to driving back home after rehearsals in quiet luxury... I also have a MG ZS 180, but that's another way of fun driving. Something like a giant kart, to cruise the country in the summertime!

[@keithpearson8355]

Loved my 75 one of the best cars I've ever own

[@justinobrien5594]

It was a fab car... looking back still love it

[@pug2322]

I had the 75 1.8 SET connoisseur in sky blue, it was quick, lovely ride, and looked stunning, sat nav, tv, the whole package for a fraction of the price!

[@flaw3dgenius222]

Had 1 of these... Absolutely loved it. Had a tv in it as well. Brilliant.

[@maxflight777]

The commentary is spot on ! Congratulations

[@markskoda8862]

My 75 diesel gave me many miles of reliable motoring between the U.K. and the Czech Republic. 12 return trips a year. A problem with the E.C.U. had the car laid up for a week at a small garage in Upper Bavaria, very near the Czech/German border. I returned with a refurbished E.C.U. the garage having had a good look at the car. Their curiosity led to them pronouncing it a beautiful vehicle "typisch englisch".

[@bargepoled]

Check the plennums Most ECU issues come from blocked plennums corroding the ECU.

[@robertnw7698]

The ECU is located under the scuttle panel in front of the windscreen. The water drain off the windscreen goes through the scuttle panel and is drained via three small hoses under the car, when the hoses get blocked ( very common ) the area fills with water and damages the ECU. Unbelievable crass design

[@christinesyamah9264]

I bought mine in 2004. Still going strong and I love it.

[@leejohnstone1126]

I had the ZT V6 estate - loved it. What a car :-)

[@YourCRTube]

Love how this car looks inside and out.

[@bouzidaniraouf653]

This car looks it was designed yesterday. A sad story for a beautiful car.

[@kenlee-97]

More like 80 years ago mate.

[@tompraisan7642]

Mission impossible, find one with V8 under the hood then add a turbocharger and an intercooler.

[@skylined5534]

Or find a dreadnought supercharged version!

[@adamwampler2135]

As a car enthusiast, I love your content. Well researched and delivered every time. I've not seen a single video that wasn't superb.

[@BigCar2]

Just checking... you've seen the awful comedy bit at the end of the Sierra video, right? 😉

[@adamwampler2135]

@@BigCar2 I have a warped love of terrible, stupid dad comedy. Right up my alley. You, sir, are the real deal when it comes to automobile enthusiasts. Worthy of respect in my opinion, from one enthusiast to another

[@user-go3ue4el5r]

Thanks for another great video mate! A bit of a sad story, though. I was around when those Rover cars were a thing here in Glasgow, wish they handn't been left on their own this way..

[@raymaybury5337]

I used to have a 2.0 litre diesel model. I loved it and regret ever selling it.

[@petrosE75]

Your videos are addictive.

[@paulaus]

I wasn't expecting to be that interested in this but I watched all the way through. Well presented, good work.

[@BigCar2]

Thanks

[@snakehandler87]

I'll always love the 75 line

[@vittorio5062]

Thanks for the interesting video! Rover 75 (and its derivatives) is a great project, well manufactured by MG-Rover Group.

[@Gandeloft]

I'm from Croatia, livin' here 'n all. I always thought the Rovers looked way better than what they're going for price-wise and also attention-wise. These cars are beauties, could it be possible that BMW acquired Rover just in order to overtake the Mini?

[@Nthstar]

Probably

[@andrewmarshall9340]

BMW were desperate to enter the market for small front wheel drive cars (i.e. Mini) , and the 4WD technology from Landrover enabled them to bring out the X5 to take on Audi, Mercedes and the Japanese. A cynic would call it asset stripping, but LR was finally offloaded to Ford for just under £2 billion, while Rover was sold off to Phoenix Consortium for a symbolic £10 together with a £500 million loan to help keep the company afloat in a predicted return to profitability which never happened.

[@edwardm9227]

You don't think 😱

[@astronomenov99]

@Andrew Ball I don't think the X5 has a transfer box. It's just a bloated 5 series with normal road 4x4 plus traction control. The Discovery 2 is a 1969 Range Rover with traction control. And therefore is the last of that line. Beam axles, transfer box, ladder chassis. Can be fixed with hammers (and welders...obvs 🤔)

[@nickgood8166]

@Andrew Ball X5 does not have low range gears, ergo it does not have a transfer box.

[@MaverickSeventySeven]

Very informative presentation!!!

[@paulwestcott2579]

Fascinating video - as always.

[@AmigaA-or2hj]

I’ve wanted to buy one back in early 2000. They were expensive, so ended up with a 600.

[@jonchristie7623]

On my 4th 75/ZT and have owned them since 2004. Best kept secret in the British motoring industry. Luckily I currently own an early 2001 ZT 190 which is a keeper. Other loss because of some rubbish unjustified comments has been my gain. Nice video, glad I found your channel. By the way the early ZTs were 51 and Y plate

[@carljinksdrivingskills7217]

I have the MG ZTT V6 SE, I've owned it for around 7 years and it's a great vehicle, a great smooth rush of power on acceleration, with a lovely burbble sound from the twin exhaust on down shifts, its metallic grey outside and grey and black leather interior, not many around now and always feels like an event when taking it for a spin, and it always gets admiring looks when its out and about.

[@Tube-Shots]

Cool video this is good history and well presented