Unlike in the US, the european BMW 3 series engine sizes start at a 1.8 liter, not the 2.8 offered in the US. My question is, does BMW plan to release the 318 and 320 in 2009 to the US? Also do they have plans on selling the diesel models? Thanks

Probably not..the engine is too small to give perfomance in the cheezy USA gasoline.

Beemers in germany run on 99 unleaded.

No - 4cyl engines for the US went out with the 318 is M44 motor back in 1999 and will most likely never be seen here again. Unless of course gas reaches $6 per gallon.

Diesel power arrives in the US at the end of the year with a 335 and X5 d.

Definitly not in 2009, maybe in 5 or so years. Yes they are bringing diesels into the USA this year. The reason for not bringing 4 cyl is over is because the way BMW is are marketed in USA. They are marketed as luxury cars with power. Introduce a 4cyl and that image is gone. l think in time BMW will realize there is a high market for them and bring them over.