Autoblog

BMW nixing 335d in favor of new 3 Series Hybrid?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Etc., Europe, Technology, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

According to a number of reports, BMW has given up on diesel power for the 3 Series in the United States. Why would BMW turn its back on the torquey and efficient 335d? The reason is supposedly two-fold. It's no secret the automaker is bringing an ActiveHybrid 3 Series to market in the fall of this year. Given America's insatiable, if not illogical, thirst for hybrids, reason would have us believe BMW has switched sides in the diesel versus hybrid fight. Then there's the fact that the turbo four-cylinder gasoline engine in F30 328i now nearly matches the outgoing 335d in both efficiency and power. Those circumstances seem to be a curtain call for any return of the 335d in America.

When we spoke to BMW about the supposed demise of the 335d, the automaker made it clear the ActiveHybrid 3 Series is in no way meant to replace the diesel. While the automaker doesn't plan to release a new 335d during 2012, the company is currently evaluating the case for a successor. Odds are, that means finding a way to make the vehicle a worthwhile investment for both consumers and the automaker.

When asked if that meant a turbo 2.0-liter diesel was an option, Tom Plucinsky, BMW product communications manager, said, "The F30 328i has the same EPA rating as the 335d. We need to up our game if we're going to continue to offer a 3 Series diesel in the U.S. It's a possibility."

So, don't go throwing dirt on the 3 Series diesel's coffin just yet.

BMW nixing 335d in favor of new 3 Series Hybrid? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New BMW 328i actually more fuel efficient than old 335d diesel

Zach Bowman — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Technology, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

Saying automotive journalists like diesel sedans is like arguing the color pink is going to do well with the 5-year-old-girl demographic this quarter. You're not going to find too many dissenting voices. So, it should be no surprise that we love ourselves some BMW 335d. With plenty of power and impressive fuel economy, the outgoing diesel is a mechanical wonder child. And yet, thanks to the new F30-generation BMW 328i, with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, there's some competition for the title of most fuel efficient 3 Series.

Admittedly, the 328i's numbers are a far cry from the 265 ponies and 425 lb-ft of torque cranked out by the diesel-fueled 3.0-liter inline six in the 335d. Even so, the 2012 328i is considerably lighter and more aerodynamic. It also boasts a next-generation transmission, which helps the car get to 60 mph one tenth of a second quicker than the old 335d. That's surprising, but not nearly as surprising as the fact that the 328i manages 1 mpg better than the diesel in the combined cycle. According to the EPA's just-released figures, the 328i nets 24 miles per gallon in the city and an impressive 36 mpg on the highway. The 335i? 23 mpg city and 36 highway.

We'll give you a moment to pick up your jaw from the floor. Now all BMW needs to do, as Automobile points out, is drop a diesel four-cylinder behind the headlights of the 3 Series to go after even bigger green credentials. Fingers crossed.

New BMW 328i actually more fuel efficient than old 335d diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 BMW 3 Series configurator powers up [UPDATE]

Chris Shunk — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, BMW

The all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series is scheduled to hit U.S. BMW dealerships in February, which makes now a good time to option up our dream Bimmer. The 3 Series configurator reveals 15 different 3 Series models from which to choose, including coupe, convertible, sedan and Wagon variants, plus a choice of a four- and six-cylinder gas engines, along with a diesel model and available all-wheel drive. However, only the 328i and 335i rear-wheel-drive sedans are new 2012 models, while the coupes, diesel-powered 335d, any all-wheel-drive model and the M3 are all still based on the prior generation 3 Series and listed as 2011 models.

The all-new for 2012 328i Sedan starts out at $34,900 (plus $895 destination), but just a few options sends the MSRP skyward. Buyers can choose from the Luxury Line model ($2,100), Modern Line ($2,100) or Sport Line ($2,500), plus six option packages that offer everything from enhanced safety technology to an upgraded sound system.

Step up to the 335i Sedan and expect to pay $42,400 (plus $895 destination). The 335i also comes with the choice of Sport Line, Modern Line and Luxury line, but the price tag for those trim levels falls to $1,700, $1,400 and $1,400, respectively. The diesel-powered 335d starts out at $44,150, and the 328i and 335i coupes (still based on the outgoing model generation) start at $38,700 and $45,100, respectively. Head over to the BMW website to price out a new 3 Series for yourself.

UPDATE: Clarification added about which 3 Series models are all new for the 2012 model year.

2012 BMW 3 Series configurator powers up [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW recalls history of 3 Series in new video series ahead of Friday's next-gen reveal

Zach Bowman — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Videos, BMW, Luxury

BMW is busily drumming up buzz ahead of the launch of the next-generation 3 Series. The company has released a slew of brief videos depicting the sketch work behind the vehicle's predecessors. Unfortunately, there's not much to the short clips beyond some pencil lines and a still image robbed from old PR photos, but the videos do a smart enough job underscoring the evolution of BMW design over the decades. BMW is set to pull the sheets off of the next interpretation of the company's midsized fighter this Friday, October 14 via a live webcast. For more information, feel free to check out the company's Facebook page.

Our spy photographers have already given us a pretty clear glimpse of what the vehicle will look like when it debuts, but we're still itching to hear details on future engine options. The rumormill has been kicking full force on the possibility of an ActiveHybrid version of the 3 Series as well as a turbocharged four-cylinder model. Hit the jump to check out the gaggle of videos for yourself.

Continue reading BMW recalls history of 3 Series in new video series ahead of Friday's next-gen reveal

BMW recalls history of 3 Series in new video series ahead of Friday's next-gen reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and... American roots?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

BMW Super Bowl Ad - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

BMW was one of the few companies to keep its Super Bowl advertising plans to itself until kick off time, but the Roundel came to the game packing two 30-second spots. The company said it wanted to get two messages across to Americans: that its diesels are cleaner and more powerful than ever and that the German manufacturer is continuing to invest in America even as the economy struggles to recover. In order to make that happen, BMW enlisted the vocal talents of actor Chris Pine (of Star Trek fame) for the two spots. Pine is now the official voice of BMW advertising here in the States.

The first ad is clearly aimed at distinguishing the 335d from the American perception of diesel - sluggish old Volvo wagons, rough-idling Mercedes-Benz sedans and soot-spewing trucks and busses. The second ad focuses on the company's efforts in Spartanburg, South Carolina, including producing every X3 on the planet. Hit the jump to check out both spots as well as the full press release.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and... American roots?

Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and... American roots? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Local Motors begins deposit-taking for Internet-designed diesel Rally Fighter [w/VIDEO]

Chris Paukert — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Diesel

Local Motors Rally Fighter - click above to watch the videos after the jump

Would-be automakers Local Motors have announced that they are now taking reservations for their madcap Rally Fighter, purportedly the world's first vehicle designed by Internet committee ("crowdsourcing"). Penned by contest-winner Sangho Kim, the Rally Fighter looks unlike any other street vehicle we can recall, taking the off-road coupe aesthetic shown in offerings like the BMW X6M and putting it on a crash course through Baja, or a Bowler Nemesis on a budget.

Your spot in line for the high-powered four-seater can be secured with a refundable $99 deposit, which will get you a place in line. At some point in the future, you, a number-holder, will be contacted to lock in your build date with a $5,000 deposit against the estimated $50,000 build price. Then, if all goes well, the folks at Local Motors and you will sit down to design your own Rally Fighter, a vehicle that is promised to have 20-inches of suspension travel, be road legal, and achieve 36 miles-per-gallon on the highway (30 mpg off-road!).

In order to get the tube-framed, fiberglass-and-carbon bodied Rally Fighter to meet those goals, the off-roadster will feature the twin-turbo inline-six out of the BMW 335d, an engine that should get them the 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque without fiddling, though we can't imagine this is an inexpensive proposition.

This looks like a neat bit of kit, but we'll reserve a large dose of skepticism for the folks at Local Motors until we can learn more. In the meantime, check out the press release and a couple of videos of LM's crew making the initial order announcement and talking about the vehicle's construction, all of which is available after the jump. Hat tip to Mike!

[Source: Local Motors]

Continue reading Local Motors begins deposit-taking for Internet-designed diesel Rally Fighter [w/VIDEO]

Local Motors begins deposit-taking for Internet-designed diesel Rally Fighter [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 BMW 335d proves 'Efficient Dynamics' more entertaining than it sounds

Chris Paukert — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Green, BMW

2009 BMW 335d - Click above for high-res gallery

In recent weeks, America's comparatively stratospheric price of diesel fuel has slid back down to achieve parity with the price of conventional gasoline. One might think this development means it's a great time to invest in a new oil-burner for the driveway, but the reality is that unless you're an OPEC minister, there's no good way to ensure this pricing trend is here to stay. So, allow us to table the fuel economy argument for a moment and suggest a radically different reason for going diesel: driving enjoyment.

While this idea may strike as an inherently foreign concept to most American motorists, the truth is that the torquetastic nature of diesel engines is particularly well suited to the Great American Roadscape - even more so than hybrid drivetrains. You can be forgiven for thinking otherwise - after all, automakers haven't exactly given U.S. consumers a boatload of entertaining derv burners to sample, have they? Thankfully, the folks at BMW may have just the prescription: the 335d.

Gallery: Review: 2009 BMW 335d

Continue reading Review: 2009 BMW 335d proves 'Efficient Dynamics' more entertaining than it sounds

Review: 2009 BMW 335d proves 'Efficient Dynamics' more entertaining than it sounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW announces 335d and X5 xDrive35d pricing

Michael Harley — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:29:00 EST

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW 335d

BMW announced pricing for its all-new 2009 diesel models during a live webcast today. Fitted under the hood of the 335d and X5 xDrive35d will be a 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel rated at 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque (BMW's own flagship 6.0-liter gasoline V12 barely tops it with 444 lb-ft). The torque precludes BMW from fitting a 6-speed manual to the engine, so both models will arrive with a 6-speed Steptronic automatic. The sedan will sprint to 60 mph in just over six seconds with the SAV adding about a second to the time. Base MSRP for the BMW 335d will be $44,725 (the price includes destination fees), while the base MSRP for the X5 xDrive 35d will be $52,025 (including fees). Both vehicles will qualify for the IRS Alternative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit, though the exact amount has yet to be determined. For comparison's sake, the 2009 VW Jetta TDI gets a tax credit of $1,300 while the Mercedes-Benz GL320 BLUETEC gets $1,800. The first shipment of vehicles will arrive at dealers before the end of the year. However, we'll be driving the 335d during the LA Auto Show next week and will be sure to post our impressions as soon as possible.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 335d Advanced Diesel

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

BMW announces 335d and X5 xDrive35d pricing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 BMW 3 Series unveiled

Alex Nunez — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:49:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, BMW

Click above for 40 hi-res images of the freshened 3 series

BMW has unveiled photos and details pertaining to the facelifted, Euro-spec 2009 3 Series sedan and wagon. We touched on the visual updates yesterday, but to recap, the car sports a revised front fascia, a new hood, restyled mirrors, and reshaped taillamps. The changes are subtle, but good. Inside, the new iDrive trickles down to the 3, which also gets BMW ConnectedDrive in-car internet, as well as an 80-gig hard drive. The 3 Series sedans and wagons are available with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The 7-speed DCT doesn't make it into the four- and five-doors at this time, but it becomes available on the 335i coupe and convertible. Read on after the jump as we run down the model variants and engine offerings.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 3 Series

[Source: BMW | Photos: BMW via BMW Blog]

Continue reading 2009 BMW 3 Series unveiled

2009 BMW 3 Series unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 335d caught ahead of U.S. launch this fall

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW 335d.

KPG's crack team has caught the U.S.-spec BMW 335d undergoing testing ahead of its official launch in the States later this year, and according to the shooters, the introduction of the 335d will coincide with the launch of the revised 3-series. Don't expect much from the facelift, as the new 3 will only receive a new front bumper and some tweaks to the headlamps. However, the interior will benefit from the new iDrive interface recently revealed on the 2009 7-series.

The 335d is expected to lose a few ponies when it makes the trek across the Atlantic, so power figures are estimated at 265 hp and 425 lb.-ft. of torque. That kind of twist is nothing to sneeze at, allowing the 335d to hit 60 in around 6.2 seconds and could make a compelling case for gasoline purists to make the transition to oil burning efficiency. Fuel consumption is expected to be 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the open road.

Naturally, BMW will be launching a new campaign when it introduces the 335d to the U.S. market for the first time, so expect to see ads touting BMW's "Advance Diesel with BluePerformance," - with the "Blue" referring to the urea solution that reduces NO2 emissions.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW 335d

[Source: KGP]

Spy Shots: BMW 335d caught ahead of U.S. launch this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: Live reveal of BMW's 335d and X5 xDrive35d

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:11:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, BMW

click above for more images of BMW's new diesels

BMW officially took the wraps off its first US market diesels since the mid-1980s today at the Detroit Auto Show. The 335d and exceedingly awkwardly named X5 xDrive35d are getting BMW's dual turbocharged 3.0L inline six diesel starting this fall. The 265-hp, 425-lb.ft. torque monster will make these vehicles among the most fuel-efficient and best performing vehicles in their class. They will also be among the cleanest being 50 state legal with particulate filters and a urea injection system that BMW is calling BluePerformance. So far no word on pricing, but based on the 535d that AutoblogGreen drove recently, this should be a killer combination at any price.

[Source: BMW]

Gallery: Detroit 2008: BMW diesels

Detroit 2008: Live reveal of BMW's 335d and X5 xDrive35d originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit '08 Preview: BMW does diesel, will show US-spec X5 xDrive35d and 335d

John Neff — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:05:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, SUV, Green, BMW

click above to view more high-res images

Remember when we told you that "Blue" might become the new "Green" in automotive environmentalism? Here's more proof. BMW will be debuting two new diesel-powered models for the U.S. market at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and the name of the technology behind the new-for-U.S. diesel powerplant is BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance. The two vehicles in question are the X5 xDrive35d and the 335d, both of which will be powered by BMW's award-winning twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six cylinder diesel that's also sold in Europe and elsewhere. Don't worry Californians, both vehicles will be 50-state compliant thanks to their engine that manages to satisfy the stricter requirements set by the California Air Resource Board through the use of a urea injection system called AdBlue ("Blue" again!). You can check out what additional tweaks the engine has received in BMW's detailed press release after the jump.

In the U.S., the 3.0L twin-turbo diesel is expected to produce 265 hp and 425 ft-lbs of torque, which is plenty for us. At the same time, it will return 23 city/33 highway mpg and take the 335d sedan to 62 mph in 6.2 seconds. Talk about having your cake and eating it, too. We just have to say how giddy we are that European diesels are on their way en masse and welcome the BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance with open arms. You can bet we'll be first in line to test one, though as a matter of fact, we already have.

[Source: BMW]

Gallery: BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance

Continue reading Detroit '08 Preview: BMW does diesel, will show US-spec X5 xDrive35d and 335d

Detroit '08 Preview: BMW does diesel, will show US-spec X5 xDrive35d and 335d originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW to bring twin-turbo diesel to the U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Green

Those of us Stateside have been deprived of more diesel models than you shake an oversized fuel nozzle at, but it looks like the folks over at BMW may be on their way to curing our high-mileage, high-torque lust. The automaker's 286 HP, 427 lb.-ft. of torque 3.0-liter twin turbo engine may find a way under the hood of various models throughout BMW's lineup, likely to append the "35d" designation to the 3-, 5- and 6-series models. Fuel mileage should be up over 35 MPG, but there's no word on when it will arrive. If we had to guess, we'd say late next year.

[Source: Wards Auto]

BMW to bring twin-turbo diesel to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AC Schnitzer's BMW S3 does diesel right

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 31 May 2007 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Hybrid, Europe, Green, BMW

When the next generation of clean diesels finally make their way into the hands of anxious American consumers, we expect some tuners to welcome them with open arms. After all, vehicles equipped with turbos from the factory are begging to be tweaked, and when it comes to diesels, the results can boost fuel economy, along with performance.

AC Schnitzer is already making inroads with BMW's dual-turbo 3-liter diesel, boosting output of the oilburner from 231 HP to 265 HP through a remapped ECU and a dual exhaust. Their S3 package not only includes tweaks to the engine, but also a fully reworked body kit. Designed for the new 3-series convertible, the kit comes complete with a new front spoiler, rear apron and side skirts, while the suspension gets a strut tower brace and a revised rear stabilizer bar.

An AC Schnitzer makeover wouldn't be complete without some trick rolling stock, so customers can choose between either 19- or 20-inch rims, with the latter sporting 245s up front and 295s in the rear.

While we can espouse the virtues of diesel all day long, what we're really looking forward to from AC Schnitzer is it upcoming tweaks to the twin-turbo three-liter six in the 335i. If the S3 is any indication, good things are on the way.

[Source: InsideLine]

AC Schnitzer's BMW S3 does diesel right originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2007 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuner Thursday: HAMANN's new BMW 3-Series coupe

Alex Nunez — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 13:08:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, BMW

We know we usually do these things on "Tuner Tuesday" but since it's been a slowish news week (broken embargoes excepted), we decided to adjust the moniker with a Thursday twist, since HAMANN's out there issuing press releases and photos. (And here we thought the continent of Europe was shut down for the week.)

So, what's the latest from those folks? The new BMW 3-series coupe, of course. You knew it was just a matter of time before they Hamannized it. Full details are in the press release after the jump, but we'll run down the basics here. All available engines get reprogrammed ECUs, and the two big guns, the 335d and 335i see the biggest power improvements. The 335d will generate 313 horsepower post-upgrade, a figure that's complemented by a rather asphalt-shredding 463 lb/ft of torque at only 2000 rpm. The turbocharged 335i will see its output bumped up to a healthy 380 hp.

Follow the jump for additional analysis and the official press release. For more photos, head over to the HAMANN 3-Series gallery we've set up for you. )

Continue reading Tuner Thursday: HAMANN's new BMW 3-Series coupe

Tuner Thursday: HAMANN's new BMW 3-Series coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Dec 2006 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW has a plan for diesels in the U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Sedan, Green, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz

Matt Davis, the European Editor over at Winding Road, was able to get the low down on BMW's strategy to offer diesels here in the Land of the Brave.

During an event to give U.S. journos a taste of Bimmer's 335d Touring, equipped with a 3-liter bi-turbo diesel, the folks at Winding Road opined the fact that North American consumers would never be able to enjoy a BMW diesel stateside. That may all change when BMW announces their plans for diesels in the U.S., in addition to debuting the hydrogen-powered 7-series and new X5, at the L.A. Auto Show later this month. The soon-to-be-released oil burner in question is the 535d, which currently meets all manner of state and federal acronymed organizations, however, when 2009 rolls along and California enacts a 30-percent reduction in emissions, BMW will have to bust hump to make their diesels as clean as can be.

This move is due in no small part to their cross-town rival, Mercedes-Benz, beginning to offer the Bluetec line of diesels on U.S. soil and Audi's plans on introducing a new TDI engine at the Detroit Auto Show (sorry, NAIAS). However, just like MB, BMW will have to offer some form of urea injection, beyond what it currently employs.

[Source: Winding Road]

BMW has a plan for diesels in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Nov 2006 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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