BMW is following in the footsteps of other carmakers with diesel cars, like Volkswagen and Mercedes, by qualifying its two diesel models for income tax credits by the federal government.

You will receive a $900 credit on your next tax return for the 2009 BMW 335d sedan, and $1,800 on the 2009 X5 xDrive35d SUV.  Both of these cars use BMW’s 3.0-liter, twin turbo inline six cylinder diesel engines and both are eligible for these credits under the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle tax credit program.  The X5 is rated 19/25 mpg and the diesel sedan gets 23/33 mpg.

This sounds wonderful, however you have to remember that the 335d costs $43,900 including new car warranties and the X5 xDrive35d has a base price of $51,200 with an auto warranty.  It’s doubtful that a savings of $900 will really do much to help stimulate the economy.