BMW of North America announced today that it is recalling 2,120 units of the X5 xDrive35d SUV due to an issue with the fuel-filter heater. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration said that the fuel-filter heater could overload and possibly cause a fire.

Models involved in the recall include 2009 model year units that were produced between Oct. 1, 2008 and June 12, 2009.

NHTSA said that the the X5 xDrive35d fuel-filter heater, used for heating up diesel fuel in cold temperatures, could electrically overload and become activated even when the car is turned off. That would in turn cause the battery to die or a vehicle fire.

BMW will inform owners and will replace the fuel-filter heater for free.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

BMW said today that both of their new Advanced Diesel models with BluePerformance technology qualify for an IRS Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Tax Credit. Buyers of the new 2009 BMW 335d BluePerformance will qualify for a tax credit of up to $900 while those interested in the 2009 X5 xDrive35d BluePerformance will qualify for up to $1,800 tax credit.

Both models are powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder diesel that produces 265-hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. That gives the 335d the ability to go from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds flat while the X5 xDrive35d does it in 6.9 seconds. Fuel-economy wise the EPA rates the 335d at 23/36 mpg (city/highway) and the X5 xDrive35d at 19/26 mpg. Both models are capable of traveling close to 600 miles on a single tank.

The 2009 BMW 335d and the X5 xDrive35d SUV are both available at BMW dealerships across all 50 states with pricing starting at $44,725 and $52,025 respectively.

2009 BMW 335d BluePerformance:

2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d BluePerformance:

BMW of North America has just wrapped up the media launch of its new 2009 BMW Advanced Diesel with two BluePerformance vehicles in a live web press conference. First on the list is the 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d BluePerformance. The diesel X5 will be available for sale later this month in all 50 states.

Power comes from a turbocharged 3.0 liter inline-six diesel engine that produces 265-hp with a maximum torque of 425 lb-ft. That allows the BMW X5 xDrive35d to go from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.2 seconds with an estimated average fuel economy of 19/25 mpg (city/highway).

Pricing for the 2009 BMW xDrive35d BluePerformance starts at $52,025 but keep in mind your eligible for a $1,550 rebate for purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle.

Follow the jump for the high-resolution image gallery.

2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d BluePerformance: