Reality check : X5 prices !

[billjet]

Can someone explain why there is such a price difference for the same 2008 X5 4.8 ( with the same options / equipements ) from country to country.

Please avoid the corporate mumbo jumbo like:
-Cost of complying with local standards
-Attractive BMW Financial Services Leasing / Financing Programs that are different fron country to country
-Scheduled Maintenance Costs and Warranty that may differ.
-Benefits of higher prices at Resale time in certain countries ( like Canada ).
-Support and benefits from your local BMW Retailer’s investment in facilities, and customer experience.

As of 2007-12-07
All currencies converted to the US$
Comparativly equipped vehicules as per BMW configurator for the respective country ( except for CDN where the quotes are dealer obtained )
Reference price : Base price for a 2008 US X5,4.8 : $55,275.00 ( loaded $71,775.00 )
Base price for a 2008 Canadian X5, 4.8 : $73,500.00 ( loaded $92,745.00 )
Base price for a 2008 UK X5, 4.8 : $109,142.00 ( loaded $135,531.00 )

Base price for a 2008 France X5, 4.8 : $115,848.00 (loaded $135,705.00)
As one can see, in similar markets, France and the UK, the prices are of the "same order", much more expensive than in the new world, but still.
Why is it that the "same order" doesn't apply to the US vs CDN market where the $ are at par?
Are buyers being ripped off in non-US markets?
The US$ is nose diving and almost all other currencies are appreciating a lot against the US$.
But the BMW prices are way out of reality despite the differences in markets!
OK the prices are adjusted to what the markets can bare, but still close to 80% more in Europe !!!
Any good explanations out there?
Is the rest of the world subventionning one of the largest and richest X5 market? The US one.
Why such price variations for BMW and not for other brands?
Example: In Canada, a 2008 X5 is 30% more expensive than the same car in the US with $ at par.
A 2008 Mercedes Benz ML 320 CDI is "only" 10% more expensive in Canada than the US.

The X5 is a great car, I owned three since 2000, but with such a "rippoff" ( in Canada ) I'd rather
drive an ML with 20K more in my pockets!