Originally Posted by JCL

Leaving the global warming comments aside, North American emissions laws kill the diesel on particulates. That, and the requirement that they still be clean years after initial sale. Particulate traps and similar technologies that require maintenance hang the manufacturer on liability several years down the road.

The diesels that have been sold here in cars (leaving aside pickup trucks and heavier vehicles, which incredibly are not covered by most emissions laws) are the low-tech, underpowered ones that most won't buy in Europe. You have access to the VW 1.9 tdi at something like 90, 95, 105, 110, and 130 hp. We got it at 90 hp, that's it. I had the 130 hp red badge Passat in the UK, and it was fine, FOR A DIESEL. There is no way that it is as refined as a petrol engine. Same for the various rental cars I get every month in the UK. Nice mileage, but drive the two back to back and see the lack of refinement in the diesel. I had a LR Discovery diesel (BMW engine?) that was about as refined as my brother's antique Ferguson tractor. OK, it was the 2.5 litre, not the 3.0, but it was embarrasing on a cold start.

Personally, I hope BMW never brings a diesel to North America. I would much rather see them invest in further generations of DI technology, and possibly the petrol/steam hybrid (co-gen) technology they are working on.

Jeff