ZGator, further comment - The Z3 (E36/7) Message Board

I like the 2nd link...What that Pasch Consulting is doing to try to generate sales leads for the 1 Series diesels...So I guess you're not alone.

How would they be paid?

In any event, definitely more coherent than the letter campaign Roundel took credit for, bringing the E36 M3/4.

The first link could be rumor. Could be BS. B-b-b-but, I got the impression that you'd presented it as fact.

VW of America sales. Have you actually seen VW's sales?

For YTD'08 thru July, the only models that aren't *down* are the NB Coupe, Eos, R32, and Tiguan. AFAIK, diesel is N/A for all of 'em. Therefore, since sales for each & every other VW model (incl. diesels) are down, I'd say either A) Diesels aren't impacting sales substantially, or B) Sales would be worse if not for diesels - however, no evidence.

Mercedes-Benz. M-B recently announced the CLC.

Should we believe that they'll export 'em here? iDunno, I really don't pay too much attention to MBUSA topics. BTW, there are CLC 200CDI & CLC 220 CDI models.

MINI

To reiterate, IME, it doesn't make sense for BMW AG to export lower Series diesels here, under current conditions.

Personally, again to reiterate, I'd like to see the MINI d (1,000 kms on single tankful!).

Here are a couple articles (or one expanded), from AutoWeek. Note the effect recent GBP/USD levels are having on the supply of MINIs, and how urgent BMW seems to be in bringing a diesel variant here (Not!).

"Mini: Prices will rise as inventory dwindles"

"Dealers fresh out of Mini Coopers"

BMW NA pricing. NA just released MY'09 pricing. FYI, the 335d & X535d aren't listed. Seems curious, if they're to be released in November.

535d? Seems like next diesel candidate after the above two, since they've already shipped some here for testing and outsider evaluation...Yet not included.

Spy pics? Have we seen a pics of an 118d/120d[confirmed!] in the US, sporting "mfr" tags? If not, then years away...If ever.

Given Americans' established aversion to hatchbacks and 4cyls, on top of how current EUR/USD trends are affecting BMW decision-making, an 120d wouldn't make sense, IME.

On a practical matter, where be breakeven? Assuming a $3,000-$5,000 MSRP premium for a diesel, and a $0.20+/- per gal. surcharge for diesel over 89, how many mi. would it take to b/e? It's my understanding that most consumers keep their new cars <50K mi.

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~bmv