For whatever reason, BMW USA severely limits X3 models and options to the U.S. market. It's slightly better in Canada as we still have two models available here (in '06 it was the 2.5 and 3.0i, this year it's the 3.0i and 3.0si) but that's diddly compared to what's available everywhere else, it seems. The 2.5 is still available elsewhere, and when I was in London last month I believe I even saw a 1.8 (or something thereabouts, I can't remember exactly), as well as the sweet diesels they get over there. I also find it strange that they make choices such as not allowing a heated steering wheel to be ordered with the sports package in the U.S., while it can be ordered with the S.P. in Canada.... huhhhh???? It's one big North American market here, so why do they shut out the U.S. when it comes to product diversity?

One nice thing about the U.S. is that car prices are about the cheapest in the world. "Thirty eight grand" for a 3.0si is an absolute steal. Up here the base is $51K (equivalent to $46,000 U.S.) and once you add in a few options it's easy to hit $60K ($53,000 U.S.). Over in the U.K. prices are considerably higher than even that.