Quote:
Originally Posted by bimmer_buachaill
I've been thinking more about this.
What I've picked up so far:
1. The US market is the only location with the old 6 speed diesel for 2011 (maybe Canada too?).
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Yes, Canada too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bimmer_buachaill
2. The 35d was delayed getting EPA/CARB inspection - I suspect BMW made some last minute changes to cause this, like getting a US emissions surprise on the 40d.
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CARB certification happens yearly whether something is new or not (see
this site).
Quote:
Originally Posted by bimmer_buachaill
3. The 40d has better hp, torque and mileage (8 speed transmission).
4. bmw.com (the international site) doesn't even mention the X5 6 speed or 35d anymore. the 35d must be on the way out.
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I don't think Europe has a 35d offered to them. They have a 30d and a 40d. The 30d has
less hp, torque, mileage than the North American 35d. The 40d has
more hp, torque, mileage.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bimmer_buachaill
I suspect BMW ran into trouble getting the 40d ready for US 2011 launch so changed it out for the 35d for now. The question is - when will they switch to the 40d and make the 2011 35d a less desirable car in the US market. In model year 2012 (September 2011) or some time before then. Seems doable unless they don't want to deal with a mid model year change. Any historical precedent for stuff like this?
Conspiracy theorists apply here.
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It's not a question of "trouble" doing it, it's a question of whether it's worth going through the expense of selling it over here. The exact numbers are quoted differently depending on where you are standing but to generalize, 63% of BMWs sold in Europe are diesel (no specific percentage for X5 35d). 30% of X5's in USA are diesel. See
BMW Group Diesel Profile.
It's about economics. If it's worth it for BMW to certify and sell 40d's here, is the main question. The 35d created a market segment in North America. Will the 40d split that market segment or will it create a new one? I think BMW AG thinks it is still too early here so it won't come while the 35d is here. IMHO, BMW will be forced to go to the 40d (or 45d?) when they move the full line to an 8-speed transmission (the 40d is the same engine with better tuning and an 8-speed transmission after all) but I'm not sure we will see a 35d and a 40d (or 45d) at the same time in any model year in North America.
According to the
BMW Worldwide 2009 Annual Report, world-wide 43% of BMWs are diesel. Europe is 71%, Portugal 95%, France 93%, Italy 91%, Belgium 90% and Germany 63%. USA can't compete at 30% for one model.
Of course, Canada is a smaller market and we just do what you guys so so thanks for that
