Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Wevrick
BMW probably figures nobody is going to pay extra for a small diesel just to save $$ on gas over many years. Economy-minded drivers don't buy BMWs in the first place. This engine seems like more of an alternative to the 4.4 V8; should be a great motor for towing.
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The unofficial BMWNA reason for not bringing over the small diesels (or small gas engines) is that they would "cheapen" the brand and they don't want to enter the diesel market with an engine that doesn't match or exceed the performance of their current gasoline offerings. I don't buy it and I'm glad that Subi has benchmarked the BMW 2.0 liter diesel for their upcoming entry into the diesel market.
On a side note, Roundel (BMWCCA's publication) had an excellent 5 series diesel test a couple of issues ago. The compared it favorably to an M5, of course they would never bring it across the pond...