DIESEL: Is the 4k worth it? It depends.....

[tim-atl]

answered my own question here:

http://www.smartmoney.com/personal-f...-credit-23794/

"Remember that a buck worth of credit is much more valuable than a buck worth of deduction--because a credit reduces your federal income tax bill dollar for dollar"

The Merc's are listed but not the Bimmer's. I suppose it's because the article is from September.

Tim

[Craig]

Tim, I'm also going to receive the $1000.00 credit from my BMWCCA membership. The footwell lighting was like 740.00. I didn't order it. It was a light bulb on each side under the dash, so when you opened the doors, you could see your feet LOL! I thought I made a pretty good deal on the diesel. The longer I waited, the price kept coming down. One dealer started at MSRP and I told them to take me off their list. They called back about a week later to let me know they would offer a small discount. I told them, I don't want a small discount, I want a big discount. I ordered it out of town, not from my local dealer. This is my 4th BMW, and I haven't been able to purchase any from my local dealer. They have one coming in that's not sold. They said, we have a list of buyers if you don't want the car. I said OK, call someone else. They only have allocation for one diesel for the whole model year.

Craig

[grover432]

On the issue of diesel performance, fuel economy is it worth it? I think the point made by BMW in this piece from Edmunds (at the LA Auto Show) is interesting:

"The 2009 X5 xDrive35d, er, diesel X5, comes in at $52,025, but since the base X5 lacks the company's twin-turbo gasoline inline-6, the price jump is easier to swallow. BMW says the diesel X5 will hit 60 mph in 6.8 seconds -- as quick as the V8 X5. Rated at 19 city/26 highway, it's vastly more efficient than any other BMW X5 past or present."

So for those opting for the 4.8, I say this. You get a vehicle (35d) that will all but match the 4.8 in acceleration and best the fuel economy by 40%+ on an mpg basis. After you adjust for cost, you'll still be 20% ahead, with a vehicle that costs $7,000CAD less than the 4.8. That's why they are going to sell and have better residuals than the 4.8. It get my provisional (until I drive it) vote.