MUNICH, GERMANY - BMW will begin selling two new performance-oriented diesel models in North America in 2008--the 335d sedan and X5 3.0sd SUV, according to AutoWeek.

Both vehicles run a specially adapted version of BMW's existing 3.0Linline six-cylinder common rail diesel engine. The diesel is fitted with an oxidation catalyst, particulate filter and a system to reduce nitric oxide output, which allows the powertrain to be sold in all 50 states.

The new engine is part of a broad based push by BMW to meet a growing demand for diesel models in the United States. It will be marketed under the name AdvancedDiesel Blue Performance. It is likely that other diesel engines, including a new 204-hp twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, being added to the lineup in the near future.

Power for BMW's new U.S. bound six-cylinder diesel engine is put at 265 hp, with torque peaking at 425 lb-ft. It's enough to propel the 335d sedan from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds while providing average fuel economy of 23 mpg on the city cycle and 33 mpg on the highway cycle. In the X5 3.0sd, the engine provides 0-60 mph acceleration in 7.2 seconds and fuel economy of 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway.