Good question. It is amazing how stupid most american's and policy makers are about this technology. I have been working back and forth between the U.S. and Europe since 91 and quitly watched as the new Direct injection and then common rail diesels came into being and kicked ass. It is a crying shame that with our open expanses that we don't have access to cars like the D5 (Volvo's Diesel ) or even the Lupo which gets close to 100MPG.

I for one am ready to buy but am not spending 50K on an E Class although they are a fantastic vehicle.

In north america?

Hello, Hello!! Not in North America. '07 EPA specs are WAY too stringent. Heavy duty engine manufacturers (Cummins, Detroit, Mack etc...) are having a hard time getting it right. Allow me to rephrase. Having a hard time getting the spec right. I predict Caterpillar will bow out of over-the-road applications and stick w/ vocational. With the new lower sulphur fuel it will be easier but a transition period will ensue with all engine manufacturers. The current EGR systems are bringing engine bay heat levels to new heights. Generally bad for electricals. BMW figured out how to get the emissions right but they had to use a synthetic fluid that was to be injected in the exhaust called Urea. Think about it now. Urea... pee!
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'98 XC '95 855 GLT '83 245 DL (245 for sale! e-mail me if your looking to buy); The Purple Neon has been sold (sniff) All over 120k

He said that diesels are on the way but didn`t have a date. we all know what means, might be forever. Your right, bmw has a great diesel and they should release it to the u.s. market in a year or two. The Mer. benz. e320 cdi is doing good here. I have thought about that car as soon as the used market gets to the low $30,000 market I`ll probably buy that or a volvo diesel. I drive too many miles to spend 50k on a car. The e320 gets 38-40 mpg The s80 or s60 might be a little better. If we get a fuel spike you see alot of disels here.
Later
Lane

nmi

diesels down there now for the world market, just not for us. Once the low sulfer diesel comes in to play(in the fall) we will be getting bmw diesels here. A buddy of mine, a pilot for ups rented a 5? in germany and got right at 40 mpg. I`m buying a diesel from someone, I hope its volvo but it might be bmw or mb.
Later,
Lane