Diesels...
 

Does anyone know which models BMW is bringing the diesel engines over on? I ask because my mom is thinking of getting a new car. She's in a 2005 Volvo XC70 right now. She likes it, but isn't a fan of the way it drives.. Also, things break and it's generally expensive to fix. She said she wanted a hybrid, but I talked her out of it. I think that a BMW 530xd wagon would be ideal for her. Good mileage, drives well, easier to make up the cost difference over the gas model vs. a hybrid... She's driven several BMWs that I've had as loaners. She liked the X3, but doesn't want an SUV (SAV), and the X5 is too big for her. Anyone know when the diesels are coming?!

LeMansX5 said 2008......

It's really funny, last year at the BMW NA HQ Club meet the director of all the brands said that diesels were a losing proposition....well sure enough BMW announces this year that they are going to start using them. Heck, I say great -- the better gas mileage would be awesome.

I don't think that they will run clean enough to pass Cal & NY air requirements

I doubt that the diesel X5 or X3 are more polluting than a diesel Ford F350 which are authorized trucks in these States.

Try any one of the mass transit buses in the US. Talk about polluting.

I think a Ford F350 is treated as a heavy truck don't think they treat a SUV the same way, but could be wrong.

Europe has new, much stricter requirements coming out in 2007 or 2008 for diesels.. I think they have to cut the particulate emissions from like 400ppm to 15ppm, like on the new MBZ E320 Bluetec. Seeing as BMW is a European company, I'm sure it will have the new "clean" diesels.

A little off topic,but I have a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid, and I have only positive things to say about it. First of all, there is only a 12 gallon tank, and get at least 450-500 miles per tank. /the ride is smooth, and the car has great pick-up for 110 hp. Also, Hybrids hold their value. IMO. Plus when i purchased it, I recieved $4000 back in taxes for owning a environmentally friendly vehicle. Also registration cost me only $36, rather tan $500+.

Something like that is out of the question for my mom. She needs more space, and AWD is a must. Her only other real choice would be a Lexus RX400h, but she doesn't want an SUV...