Autoblog

BMW 328d confirmed for New York debut

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

Late last year, some of BMW's future diesel plans for the US market were leaked, and we learned that a diesel-powered version of the 3 Series sedan (pictured above in 335i guise) would be coming in the first quarter of 2013. That report appears to be holding true, as BMW has just confirmed the debut of the oil-burning 328d sedan as part of the company's New York Auto Show plans.

The 328d will be powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine good for 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The rear-wheel-drive sedan will hit 60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds and fuel economy numbers could "well exceed" 40 miles per gallon. (Official EPA numbers will be released closer to the car's launch.)

Elsewhere on BMW's New York stand, the company will show off the 3 Series Gran Turismo that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, as well as the Concept Active Tourer that we first saw in Paris last fall. Scroll down for the official press blast.

Continue reading BMW 328d confirmed for New York debut

BMW 328d confirmed for New York debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #291

Dan Roth — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts

Chris Shunk's last show, BMW Diesels, Jeep Grand Cherokee moose test, Malibu Eco dislike, smaller Nissan Z

Episode #290 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week is a sad one, since it's Chris Shunk's last show before moving on from Autoblog. Chris, Dan, and Zach are joined by Autoblog editor-in-chief John Neff to chat about some of our reminisces with Mr. Shunk over his tenure, as well as bit into news topics like BMW sending more diesels, a lighter, smaller Nissan Z, the dislike heaped upon the Chevrolet Malibu Eco, and Jeep Grand Cherokee moose test dust-up. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #291:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2012 Land Rover Range Rover
2012 Nissan Versa
2013 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible
2012 Toyota Camry

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, John Neff

Runtime: 02:02:47

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Autoblog Podcast #291 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pair of diesels headed for BMW U.S. dealers

Michael Harley — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Diesel

BMW first introduced the North American market to diesels way back in 1983, with the introduction of its 524td. Under the hood of the E28 5 Series was the automaker's M21 turbocharged diesel, a 2.4-liter inline-six rated at 115 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. It was mated to a standard four-speed automatic transmission. At the time, BMW claimed it was the world's fastest production diesel-powered car, but its numbers (0-60 in about 12 seconds and a maximum speed of 112 mph) look rather pathetic today. It was sold for just one model year.

In a renewed effort to convince buyers that diesel was a sporty alternative to gasoline, BMW reintroduced a potent diesel powerplant to the States in 2009. It was the automaker's M57 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six rated at 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. Mounted in the nose of the E90 3 Series sedan and mated to a six-speed automatic, the 335d helped the automaker redefine oil-burning performance (0-60 in 5.3 seconds with a top speed governed to 130 mph) here in America. The X5 35d crossover, fitted with the same engine and strong performance (0-60 in 6.9 seconds), soon followed.

But BMW doesn't really need to prove diesel's performance anymore, as fuel economy sells. With that comes the announcement of two fresh, and more efficient, oil-burning powerplants. A new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder will likely be rated at 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, while a new turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder is expected to make 255 horsepower and undisclosed torque. According to our sources, the 2.0-liter (similar to the one pictured above) will find its home in the 3 Series and X1, while the new 3.0-liter will replace the M57 under the hood of the X3 and X5 (with eight-speed gearboxes). Expect the engines to spread across the BMW lineup if well received.

Pair of diesels headed for BMW U.S. dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diesel-powered BMW 7 Series headed to U.S.

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

According to a report in Car and Driver, the refreshed 2013 BMW 7 Series will be offered with diesel power here in the Untied States. The flagship BMW will be powered by the same 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six that's found elsewhere in the Roundel lineup, though as of this moment, it's still unclear what sort of power or fuel economy figures are expected in the 7 Series. Expect the production model to wear either 735d or 740d nomenclature.

For reference, the BMW X5 xDrive35d with this same engine produces 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel-drive X5 crossover is able to achieve up to 26 miles per gallon when equipped with the 3.0-liter diesel engine. The 7 Series is indeed a big boy, but we expect it to achieve better fuel economy numbers than the X5.

Car and Driver says that the diesel 7 Series should arrive in about one year's time, where it will compete against the Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec and Audi A8 3.0 TDI for diesel-powered luxury supremacy. The rest of the updated 2013 7 Series range goes on sale this summer.

Diesel-powered BMW 7 Series headed to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW reveals new 6 Series diesel with xDrive

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Luxury

BMW and its commitment to maximizing the potential of every model continues with the 2012 640d xDrive. It's the first time the 6 Series has used a diesel engine, and it sound like it won't disappoint if 'sporty' and 'oil-burning' are your prerogatives: the 3.0-liter inline six with TwinPower turbos throws off 313 horsepower and 465 pound-feet, with all that twist available from around 2,000 rpm. Working through the standard eight-speed automatic will get you from 0 to 60 in five seconds, and the coupe will return an estimated 40 U.S. mpg.

This is also the first 6er to be fitted with Intelligent xDrive, which routes 60 percent of the power to the rear and 40 percent to the front in normal conditions. However, it can shuttle power from front to back and side to side depending on traction and the sporting intensity of your cornering. It will be available in convertible form as well, though we don't expect either to show up in U.S. showrooms any time soon.

A press release after the jump breaks things down in typical Bavarian detail, or there's a huge gallery of high-res photos for you visual types.

Continue reading BMW reveals new 6 Series diesel with xDrive

BMW reveals new 6 Series diesel with xDrive originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:30:00 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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New BMW-Toyota deal doesn't include diesels for Lexus

Zach Bowman — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Technology, BMW, Lexus, Toyota, Diesel

Automotive News reports Lexus won't be getting any diesel engines from BMW as part of the new collaboration between parent company Toyota and the German automaker. BMW and Toyota are set to team up on next-generation green technology, though the two will apparently stick to crafting a new lithium-ion battery instead of swapping diesel tech. BMW will serve up a few small-displacement diesel engines for use in European Toyota models, but it won't supply direct-competitor Lexus with any oil-burning lumps. Right now, European buyers can expect to see 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter BMW diesel engines to show up under the hoods of certain Toyota products soon.

That should help Toyota immensely in a market where 52 percent of all vehicles sold are diesels. Lexus, meanwhile, will continue to focus on plug-in hybrid and hybrid models to position itself as a niche innovation company. Automotive News reports Lexus has nailed down a European market share of just 0.2 percent over the past 11 months.

New BMW-Toyota deal doesn't include diesels for Lexus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 BMW 550dx to be AWD torquemonster with 516 lb-ft

Zach Bowman — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, BMW, Rumormill, Diesel, Luxury

A BMW dealer in the Netherlands has leaked what it says is a tasty bit of information on the upcoming diesel 5 Series. According to 5post.com, the vehicle will boast a tri-turbo inline six-cylinder oil burner good for around 381 horsepower. That number is a far cry from the 500-pony speculation that had been making the rounds until recently, but that doesn't mean that the big 5 Series will be any slouch on the road. The dealer also let slip that the vehicle will arrive packing 516 pound-feet of torque, which should be more than enough for the big sedan's all-wheel drive system to rip up massive handfuls of asphalt to throw at lesser machinery.

Speaking of all-wheel drive, word has it that the 550d will only be available with all four corners turning, at least initially. Production is set to kick off in March of next year, and true to form, there's no telling whether or not the big, powerful diesel will be available to U.S. buyers. There's also some indication that this potent engine will show up in hardware like the next-generation BMW X5 and X6, though there are no fuel economy estimates to be had at this time. Presumably, a Touring variant like the one shown above will be on offer overseas, as well, making it this Bimmer a covet-worthy alternative to a premium crossover.

2012 BMW 550dx to be AWD torquemonster with 516 lb-ft originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Local Motors Rally Fighter channels its inner General Lee

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW, Specialty, Diesel, Off-Road

2010 Local Motors Rally Fighter - Click above to see video after the jump

Local Motors hasn't generated a whole lot of publicity since it debuted its crowd-sourced Rally Fighter off-road coupe at last year's SEMA show, but that doesn't mean the small-scale, forward-thinking builder hasn't been busy. We haven't managed to convince them to hand over the keys to one of their lunar buggies just yet, so we're still patiently waiting in line to get behind the wheel. Who wouldn't want to drive a giant 3,100-pound dune buggy with a fighter-plane-inspired sports coupe body and a torquey BMW diesel under the hood?

When we finally do get to drive this fun and funky beast, we promise not to paint it orange or to put a big "01" on the doors or even a Confederate flag on the roof. We can't promise, however, that we won't try our best to replicate this Bo and Luke-worthy stunt. The company has sent along a video to show that the Rally Fighter does indeed have off-roading chops, in case you doubted it after their previous nine-minute video release. So check out the short clip after the jump and turn your sound up so you too can hear John Fogerty while it spools up and Waylon Jennings wailin' while the Rally Fighter soars.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Local Motors Rally Fighter

Photos by Frank Filipponio / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Local Motors]

Continue reading Video: Local Motors Rally Fighter channels its inner General Lee

Video: Local Motors Rally Fighter channels its inner General Lee originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW may bring diesel 5 Series to America

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 13 May 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, BMW, Rumormill, Diesel, Luxury

2011 BMW 5 Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

The new 2011 BMW 5 Series hasn't even gone on sale yet here in North America but there are now reports that BMW might add a diesel engine option. According to Inside Line, BMW will add diesel engine options to two more models in addition to the X5 xDrive35d and 335d already sold here with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six diesel.

The 3.0-liter with 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque would be ideally suited to the new 5 Series and has already been calibrated to pass U.S. 50 state emissions regulations. We drove a previous generation European specification 535d two years ago, which was quite the stormer while also being extremely fuel efficient. A 535d would also go a long way towards helping BMW meet new CAFE regulations here in the U.S.

The second diesel addition could be one of several models. Diesel versions of the 7 Series and X6 both seem unlikely since BMW is already offering hybrid versions of both. The more likely scenario is the installation of the company's 2.0-liter inline four- cylinder diesel in either the 1 or 3 Series. In twin-turbocharged form, this engine produces 204 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, plenty for either car with a combined fuel economy in the 35-40 mpg range.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 BMW 535i

Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Inside Line]

Rumormill: BMW may bring diesel 5 Series to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 May 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carbon Motors to use BMW diesel in new E7 police car

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, BMW, Police/Emergency

Carbon Motors E7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in 2007 when Carbon Motors announced it would build the first purpose-designed police vehicle, the spec sheet called for a twin-turbocharged inline-six cylinder diesel engine. As any existing automaker will tell you, certifying a diesel engine to meet current U.S. emissions regulations is no trivial matter, so Carbon Motors would likely have to find a supplier with an engine already certified. But the number of companies currently selling passenger car diesels in the U.S. can be counted on one hand with some fingers to spare.

At a press conference in Washington D.C. on Monday morning, BMW and Carbon Motors announced that the German automaker would supply its highly regarded 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder diesel for these new police vehicles. Carbon has placed an order for 240,000 units of the same diesel engine used in the BMW X5 35d and 335d. In current U.S. emissions legal form, the diesel produces 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque.

Powered by the BMW diesel, the Carbon E7 is expected to achieve up to a 40-percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to current police vehicles. While this diesel-powered E7 will certainly be fuel efficient, it will also be substantially more expensive to buy than current police cruisers. Performance, however, should not be a problem and 0-60 miles per hour in the mid-six-second range should be easily achievable with all that torque. Based on our experience with the 335d, combined mileage in the upper 20-mpg range and highway mileage in the 30s should be easily achievable, making this a potentially very thrift highway patrol vehicle.

Between this, the new EcoBoost-powered Ford Police Interceptor, the Zeta-based Chevrolet Caprice and current Dodge Charger police offering, the cop car market is going to get very interesting in the next few years.

Check out our comparison chart of the upcoming police vehicle offerings here. We'll add the Carbon Motors E7 once we know a few more of its specs.

Gallery: Carbon Motors E7

[Source: Carbon Motors]

Continue reading Carbon Motors to use BMW diesel in new E7 police car

Carbon Motors to use BMW diesel in new E7 police car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Europe, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows, Police/Emergency, Design/Style, Diesel

AC Schnitzer BMW 123d Tune It Safe! police concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

High performance vehicles like Porsche 911s being used for pursuit duty on Germany's autobahn is nothing new. As such, in order order to grab the attention of Essen Motor Show attendees, the Tune It Safe! program's annual police-liveried show car needs to go a step further. Past efforts have included rides such as a police-liveried Brabus Rocket and a TechArt-prepared Porsche 911. This year, AC Schnitzer got the call and it has unwrapped (or perhaps wrapped is the better term, given the side graphics) a police car concept based on the BMW 123d coupe.

Naturally, Schnitzer couldn't leave the stock, 40 mpg 204-horsepower twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel alone, and so it has boosted the show car's engine to 241 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. They've also applied an array of their appearance upgrades including a front splitter, rear spoiler, and a bigger wheel/tire package. The body has been dropped 30 millimeters, which should help compensate a bit for the extra drag of the light bar on the roof. Inside, racing seats and carbon fiber trim are accompanied by a cover for the iDrive knob that matches the wheel design.

We'll pass on the light bar and the graphics, but take the rest of the car, please. Not sure about it yourself? Take a look at the high-res gallery below and a video available after the jump.

Gallery: AC Schnitzer BMW 123d police package

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

Continue reading Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO]

Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW plans to offer four-cylinder diesels in the U.S.

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Technology, BMW, Diesel

BMW X5 xDrive35d - Click above for high-res image gallery

To mechanics of the Seventies, the phrase "Oldmobile 350 Diesel" is enough to cause heart palpitations. For many Americans, that particular engine was their first - and most definitely last - exposure to diesel. Doomed from the start by both a lack of a water-separator (you ever try compressing water?) and the head/headbolt pattern from the Olds 350 Rocket (which expanded from the heat of the non-compressible water), few engines have done more to destroy a brand's reputation quite as thoroughly as that engine. In many ways, General Motors is still paying for that corner cutting blunder.

But man, talk about unfair! First of all, those bad old GM diesels were designed and built over thirty years ago - much has changed. Furthermore, slightly more than half of all the cars sold in Europe today are glow-plugged oil burners. And diesel owners simply love their cars. Why not? Lots of torque, fantastic mileage and no spark plugs to change, ever. But we would be mistaken not to point out that there is a section of the automotive landscape still not smitten with diesels, despite all of these advancements. Who? Driving enthusiasts, that's who. Hey, it's hard to love a 4,500 rpm redline when all you want to do is pound it at 9/10s.

BMW is looking to change all that - at least partially. According to Erin Riches at Inside Line, the brand from Bavaria plans to introduce four-cylinder diesels mit turbos to the U.S. in a few years. Says Tom Baloga, vice president of engineering for BMW North America, "This engine needs to match the acoustic qualities of a six-cylinder, and it needs to match the performance, as well as performing better in terms of fuel economy and emissions."

You can expect to see these new engines in both the truckish X3 and X5, as well as the all important bread-und-butter 3 Series and maybe even the 5 Series. All we need to hear is the middle part, because if BMW puts the new four-banger turbodiesel in the 3 Series, the motor simply has to be sporty. Them's the rules. Note: the Inside Line article never explicitly mentions turbos, but does say, "Our four-cylinder diesel will be so good that people will readily accept it as a replacement for six-cylinders. The target is to produce enough horsepower to be comparable [in performance] to our N54/N55 six-cylinder turbos." So, obviously, these new diesel fours will get paired with some sort of forced induction goodness.

Can't wait? BMW already offers the stonking 335d in U.S. dealers right now.

Gallery: 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: BMW plans to offer four-cylinder diesels in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW looking at cheaper 5 Series Gran Turismo, rules out M model

Chris Paukert — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill, Diesel

BMW 535i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

The famed automotive pot-stirrers at Autocar are at it again. According to two blurbs from the UK publication, BMW's new 5 Series Gran Turismo may spawn at least one less costly, less powerful variant, but a high-performance M version is apparently off the table.

On the fuel and financial economy front, Bimmer is reportedly considering adding four-cylinder powerplants to the controversial new five-door, including the 175 bhp diesel from the 320d. A twin-turbo diesel may also be in the cards. The fear here is that the premium-priced 5GT may in fact be priced too aggressively, as it stickers above a comparable 5 Series Touring model. In any case, we don't expect to see the less-powerful diesel Stateside, although we wouldn't be terribly suprised if the company chose to shoehorn in something like the twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel already on offer in the 335d.

On the M side of the equation, Autocar says that the gasoline V8-powered 550i will remain the pinnacle of the range, as BMW has "ruled out" a M-Technik variant. Given that BMW has recently seen fit to move M beyond traditional cars (see: X5 and X6) and that these higher performance models often have thicker margins attached, this strikes us as somewhat curious decision - especially as the 5GT figures to be the most dynamically promising of the bunch. This source also doesn't jibe with what we heard from BMW officials just last month when we drove the car in Portugal. At that time, the official line was that no decision had been made, but knowing glances and meek smiles seemed to indicate that things looked good for the model.

In other words, we'll believe it when we (don't) see it.

Gallery: First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo

[Source: Auto car]

Rumormill: BMW looking at cheaper 5 Series Gran Turismo, rules out M model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW to introduce more powerful and efficient version of twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Diesel

BMW has just announced an upgraded version of its 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine. The new version retains the same displacement, yet output for the European spec version is increased from 286 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque to 306 hp and 442 lb-ft. At the same time, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced by four percent compared to the previous version.

BMW has updated the fuel injection system to its latest generation common rail system. That means the injector pressure has been bumped from 1,600 BAR (23,000 psi) to 2,000 BAR (29,000 psi), allowing for even more precise metering of the fuel flow. The dual stage turbocharger system is now also more efficient. Since BMW only just introduced a version of the previous engine with U.S. legal after-treatment systems in late 2008, it seems unlikely that the U.S. will receive the upgrades in the near future.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW to introduce more powerful and efficient version of twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel

BMW to introduce more powerful and efficient version of twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW considering diesel 7-series for U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Green, BMW

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 BMW 7 Series

While we were visiting with BMW at the LA Auto Show, the automaker made a big deal about its diesel engines, suggesting that the oil-burners would be an alternative to hybrids in the United States just as they are in European countries. Although it wasn't initially in the plans for the U.S. market, BMW of America is getting some pressure from its dealerships to bring a diesel version of its range-topping 7 Series sedan, completely redesigned for 2009 and equipped with a twin-turbo 4.4L V8. That's an impressive engine no doubt, but after getting a drive in the Euro-market 730d, some dealers didn't even realize there was a different powerplant underhood. That bodes well for future diesels from BMW.

Soon, the Bavarian automaker will import diesel versions of its 3 Series and X5 utility vehicle with a twin-turbo six cylinder engine. On average, a diesel-powered Bimmer is about 20-25% more efficient than its gasoline-fed sibling, so diesels make sense both for consumers looking to lower their fuel bills and also manufacturers needing to adjust their CAFE fuel mileage statistics. In other words, it may be more surprising if an automaker like BMW didn't announce that it was working on more diesel engines for America.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 750Li

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

BMW considering diesel 7-series for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:59:00 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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Rumormill: BMW diesels on sale in the U.S. mid-October

Michael Harley — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Green, BMW, Rumormill

Click above for more images of BMW's new diesels

The BMW X5 xDrive35d and 335d, both revealed live at the Detroit Auto Show, will be coming to the States in mid-October according to the latest rumor. The common engine will be BMW's dual turbocharged 3.0L inline-six diesel, good for 265 hp and 425 pound-feet of torque. According to BMW, these two vehicles will be among the most fuel-efficient and best performing in their respective classes. In addition, with their urea injection system and particulate filters, they should be among the cleanest too.

We called our contacts within BMW to confirm or deny the rumor, and as expected, our sources could only reiterate BMW's previous official statements that the cars would be "out by fall."

Gallery: Detroit 2008: BMW diesels

[Source: BMW Blog]

Rumormill: BMW diesels on sale in the U.S. mid-October originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:29:00 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

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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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Diesel's on our doorstep: Audi lays out TDI intitiative for the U.S.

Chris Shunk — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Green, Crossover, Audi

While Japanese automakers have the hybrid lead, the front-runners in diesel are companies of German descent. Mercedes is bringing home the bacon with BLUETEC, BMW is slapping twin turbochargers onto a 3.0-liter diesel, and Volkswagen will implement BlueMotion into five different VWs. Audi intends to join the oil-burning club here in the States with the introduction of the 3.0 TDI, which is good for 240 HP and 406 lb.-ft. of torque. With all that twist, tires should scream from rubber-stripping takeoffs, but even aggressive driving won't translate at the pump as bad as their gasoline counterparts. Audi expects a 35-percent fuel economy bump vs. similar gasoline powerplants.

The 3.0 TDI has an ultra-low emission system in the exhaust tract, which kills NOX gas by means of a carbonic acid diamide solution, helping the diesel to meet the LEV II Bin 5 classification. That means each of the 50 states will accept the 3.0 TDI as a salable vehicle. It's hard not to get excited about an engine that takes off like it's shot out of a canon and also gets up to 40 MPG on the highway. Expect the new Audi diesel to arrive first in the Q7, and later in the A4.

Audi's press release is after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Diesel's on our doorstep: Audi lays out TDI intitiative for the U.S.

Diesel's on our doorstep: Audi lays out TDI intitiative for the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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