Short rant
 

Why do the Canadians get an X3 3.0i with the 215hp, while we here in the US are stuck with ONE model? Although I see BMW is trying to move upmarket in the US, there's no reason to price an X3 even higher and not offer something a bit more comparable to price to it's competition. Americans are willing to pay more for the BMW marque because it drives well, but there's going to be a point when people step back and think with their pocketbook. The vast majority of Americans aren't enthuasists that realize the advantages of the X3 versus oh say, an Acura RDX or an Infiniti FX35, and thus they vote with what matters most to them: their checkbook.

I love recommending BMWs to friends and family. However, when they ask for the base price, I cringe and anticipate their reaction when I say "Thirty eight grand". And some of these people who are interested in the X3 live off teacher salaries. Honestly, 215hp is not lacking power in the X3.

:rant: Ok, end of rant.

For whatever reason, BMW USA severely limits X3 models and options to the U.S. market. It's slightly better in Canada as we still have two models available here (in '06 it was the 2.5 and 3.0i, this year it's the 3.0i and 3.0si) but that's diddly compared to what's available everywhere else, it seems. The 2.5 is still available elsewhere, and when I was in London last month I believe I even saw a 1.8 (or something thereabouts, I can't remember exactly), as well as the sweet diesels they get over there. I also find it strange that they make choices such as not allowing a heated steering wheel to be ordered with the sports package in the U.S., while it can be ordered with the S.P. in Canada.... huhhhh???? It's one big North American market here, so why do they shut out the U.S. when it comes to product diversity?

One nice thing about the U.S. is that car prices are about the cheapest in the world. "Thirty eight grand" for a 3.0si is an absolute steal. Up here the base is $51K (equivalent to $46,000 U.S.) and once you add in a few options it's easy to hit $60K ($53,000 U.S.). Over in the U.K. prices are considerably higher than even that.

The millions spent on market research is probably why the US never sees large varieties of diesel models, IMO. Name all the diesel cars (not trucks) available in the US, I'm betting the list is SHORT compared to gasoline rides.

Very True but i heard that's about to change in 2008. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-f...lines-business