Has anyone seen any indication at all that this may be available in the US? I'm affraid that, to the contrary, all i've seen is that this is unlikely to be an option stateside (see links above in this thread).

I'm certainly holding out hope that this engine will be an option. I also hope that the trend that I see on these boards and on the roads is indicative of a larger change in interest and that we are seen as a market for future "performance diesels" with all of the options and accessories that would go along with this type of vehicle.

I have found it very frustrating, for example, that the diesel is sold in the US with only certain option packages. I happen to prefer the appearance of the X5 with M sport package, or at least with the staggered wheel look and fender flares, but neither is available on the diesel. I know you can do some aftermarket things to get these looks but it seems to me to be a lot of hassle and expense.

Please BMW...recognize that a performance diesel X5 with a matching aggressive appearance is something we want in the USA.

(by the way i know this is unlikely to reach BMW on this forum..has anyone identified a place we can give feedback directly to BMW about these issues? I know I'm only one voice in a crowd and that the decisions about the current model years are proabaly already made, but if they dont hear there is interest for this engine or other option packages then it only hurts our chances in the future...)