Quote:
Originally Posted by YolkyPalky
Can someone explain why this model wont be available to U.S. customers, even though it is produced here lol? I keep hearing the word "homologation", but I don't fully understand what that means. Seems to me if you qualified the car for California emission standards it would surely pass every other state. I'm so bummed we won't be able to buy an "M"-diesel here in the U.S.!
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It means that the model has to be tested according to the US emissions regulations, and get a certificate as having passed. It isn't a cheap process. The M50d isn't just a small variation on the 35d, it is a whole new engine and so would be a major undertaking. This model won't meet US or California emissions standards as it is currently designed.
Given how many they would likely sell, BMW appears to have decided that it isn't worth the bother, ie it would cost more than they would make in profit. There are likely additional variables involved, but that is the essence of it.
Where it is produced doesn't matter at all. All the diesel X5s made from start of E53 production were made in the US, but they weren't legal there.
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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White
Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue
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