Rumormill: BMW considering four-cylinder 3-series for U.S.
Four-cylinder BMWs are commonplace in Europe, but here in the States you can't buy anything Bavarian with less than six pistons. Inside Line is reporting that the German automaker may change that by adding the direct-injected 2.0L four-pot from Europe to the 3-Series. The 170-hp engine powers the 320i and 120i across the pond. The models are well-received there, and for good reason, too. The ultra-efficient powerplant averages over 38 mpg in the European combined test cycle while still providing the razor-sharp handling that is BMW's trademark. BMW project director Oliver Friedmann said that a four-cylinder petrol Bimmer would have a "desirable effect" here in the U.S., but didn't commit any concrete plans for a U.S. four-banger. He did say that the U.S. probably isn't ready for a diesel four-cylinder, but we beg to differ. Our friends at AutoblogGreen had a blast in the twin-turbo 123d and managed 37 mpg while thoroughly testing the oil-burner's limits. We think the petrol 2.0L would be well received as well. While four-cylinder luxury cars were taboo just a few years ago, high fuel prices have given Americans plenty of motivation to welcome a 2.0L Bimmer with open arms.
[Source: Inside Line]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Avinash machado 12:02PM (9/04/2008)
Not a bad idea. But what about the brand image?
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Lou 12:13PM (9/04/2008)
Valid point, but BMW's US popularity started with models like the 1600, 2002, and the 320i. Get people in a lower priced model and they will be more likely to move up to a 5 series later on.
3seriesisking 12:28PM (9/04/2008)
I couldn't have said it better myself Lou. I think people forget that those awesome cars were powered by fours because BMW has centered on sixes in the U.S. market for a while and made quite a following out of them. BMW's fours were good engines and I'm excited to see BMW considering bringing them back to our shores.
matt 12:34PM (9/04/2008)
so far the tritecs in the minis have been doing well... even though BMW didn't develop those exclusively they have something to show in the US saying that they can do 4 cylinder engines well
Frank 1:42PM (9/04/2008)
they should consider bringing over the 1 series 4 door and drop it in there, that is a sweet car.
jgp 1:46PM (9/04/2008)
BMW sold a 4-cylinder 3-Series in the US all throughout the 1990s.
rwdmtparkingonly 3:18PM (9/04/2008)
BMW built its brand image in the US while offering the 318i for sale. The problem is that the Germans have given up on the "amazing quality and enginering at every price point" brand image and traded it in for the "ha, this car might be mediocre, but you can't afford it brand image".
There is a huge market for a basic I4 RWD sedan with cloth and low option content, but strong safety. The problem is that between the strong euro, asshat dealers and cannabalization BMW can't offer that car.
Luckily the Miata and Solstice Targa, along with the Hoondai and Toyobaru and possibly others soon, offer the RWD inline-4 fun that BMW can't.
If bmw does start to offer affordable (mid-to-high-20s) inline-4 cars in this country we will all owe CAFE a huge debt of gratitude.
JZeke 12:03PM (9/04/2008)
FTW!
I'll buy one BMW, seriously. Ive been eyeing the 128, but a 120ti? F**k yea!
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Lou 12:08PM (9/04/2008)
About time for a 320 or 120. Will work if it is significantly less expensive than current 3 series. How about one that has roll up windows, CD and AC for about $23K. That would be a keeper.
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Epyx 12:12PM (9/04/2008)
Roll up windows? That would be ridiculed by almost everyone, even the crappiest Suzuki has auto windows and locks.
freckles 12:27PM (9/04/2008)
+1, a no frills euro would be awesome
Bluestreak 12:36PM (9/04/2008)
Power windows are overrated anyway (except at toll booths). I'd go for a 120 stripper so long as it had AC, and I could do without the CD player if there was a port for an MP3 player.
Val 6:43PM (9/04/2008)
$23k... A Porsche for $35k would also be awesome, but it ain't gonna happen
Red 12:11PM (9/04/2008)
Interesting. Some at Cadillac are against offering a 4-cylinder for the reasons BMW wants one. Then again, though, perhaps Cadillac just doesn't want another Cimarron (sp).
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deKub 2:53PM (9/04/2008)
Cadillac still doesn't appeal to the young either though, at least not like BMW.
Epyx 12:10PM (9/04/2008)
I had a buddy in college that had a 4 banger BMW. Not the Ti but a regular coupe 3 series. It was a nice enough car. It may delute the 3 series a little but it would be cool to be able to buy a 3 series for $25K.
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Ligor 12:14PM (9/04/2008)
well, i doubt a 320i would be $25k
the one series is $30k, adn I predict if a 320i came it'd be $32-33k
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Aaron 12:53PM (9/04/2008)
I think you have your pricing off. The current 328i is $32k and the 128i is 28k. This would put a 320i at a likely 29k and the 120i at 25k. Of course, I would expect them to come with a few less standard features at those prices.
Eddie 12:15PM (9/04/2008)
A turbo 4 would make sence. I bet they could squeeze 210-220hp out of it. If Audi can sell a 4 cyl A4, why can't BMW sell a 4 cyl 3 series.
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MD Drew 1:27PM (9/04/2008)
If Subaru can get 250 hp out of their 2.5L turbo Boxer 4, I'm sure their Bavarian counterparts could do at least as well...