BMW re-launches diesels in U.S. with 2008 models - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cmac2012 · #1 12-17-2007, 02:22 AM

I re-upped with the BMW car club recently so I could call their tech help. My new copy of Roundel has an interesting article about road testing two diesels in Germany, I believe they were a 330D and a 530D wagon, maybe 35s both, I forget. I don't have the issue with me now, I'll check it later. They described doing 130 mph on the Autobahn while one guy was dozing off. 0 to 60 in around 6 seconds, 30 to 35 mpg. Supposed to be legal in all 50 states. Watch out MB, BMW is nipping at your heels.

I couldn't get the article on line, even with my Roundel membership #, but I did find this article on their site:

The combination of improved engine technology and cleaner fuel has BMW ready to launch – actually, re-launch – diesel-powered cars in the U.S. in the 2008 model year. BMW didn’t say which models or when exactly in 2008 they’ll be out, but there’s both demand and pressure, since Mercedes-Benz is generating considerable publicity with its new, and already-on-sale, Bluetec diesel-engine vehicles.

BMW currently makes and offers for sale virtually everywhere but the U.S. both inline-six and V8 turbocharged diesels that are both quick and fuel efficient. BMW says two-thirds of European sales are diesel engines, helped by advantage fuel-tax rates and currently looser emissions standards for diesel fuel than in the U.S. It’s those tougher emissions standards stateside that has BMW not yet back in the diesel market here. BMW’s position is that it won’t sell a diesel vehicle that can’t be sold in all 50 states. The Mercedes diesel can’t be sold in California and four other states with emissions rules synced to California’s. Cleaner, lower-sulfur diesel fuel became available this year and BMW’s engine and catalytic converter technologies will meet 50-state regulations within a year.

BMW’s diesel history dates to 1983. (Mercedes-Benz’s goes back to the mid-1930s.) BMW redeveloped an existing six-cylinder gasoline engine for diesel use, added a turbocharger, and the 524td was born. It came to the U.S. in 1985 and offered reasonable performance, sort of, for its time: a 0-60 mph time of 13.5 seconds and a top speed of 112mph with a quoted fuel economy of 33 mph.

BMW said it wouldn’t say, until later, which models would get diesels. In Europe, virtually every model except the 6 Series and Z4 offer diesels and the best can reach 100kph in around six seconds. Because of their good fuel economy and torque, they’d be a natural for the X5 and X3, and would certainly help economy of the 5 Series. BMW raced X5 diesels in the Paris-Dakar race and in 2004 they came in fourth and eighth overall, first among diesel-engine entries.

Jim B. · #2 12-17-2007, 02:39 AM

What would be the percentage of BMWs that are sold new in Europe with diesel engines thesee days? Any information about that?

I bet it is a lot of them, even the larger 5ers and 7ers have them, over there, not to mention EVERY taxi. When I last was there, a few years back, they were all over the place, the td ones.

Europeans love to buy diesel engine cars.

cmac2012 · #3 12-17-2007, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

What would be the percentage of BMWs that are sold new in Europe with diesel engines thesee days? Any information about that?

I bet it is a lot of them, even the larger 5ers and 7ers have them, over there, not to mention EVERY taxi. When I last was there, a few years back, they were all over the place, the td ones.

Europeans love to buy diesel engine cars.

The article didn't say but they implied that the BMW diesel engines were a big hit. Much torque, good economy.

The article said something about a 116D model. Now that would get some pretty good mileage.

I wish I could post the article. If you can find a copy, it's a good one.

iwrock · #4 12-17-2007, 03:07 AM

Its a 330D I am pretty sure.

Its a good little motor. Very peppy.

cmac2012 · #5 12-17-2007, 03:11 AM

They said something like, watch out, you let your kid drive one of these, he'll be out drag-racing corvettes for the pink slip.

Torquy as all get out.

iwrock · #6 12-17-2007, 03:16 AM

Those new MB and BMW 6 cylinder diesels are little torque monsters.

There was a CDI at the track last summer. It held its own against those ricers.

Ara T. · #7 12-17-2007, 03:22 AM

A new bluetec MB runs a 15 second quarter mile...anyone ever taken their W123 300D turbo to a strip?

It's a decent time, but my dad's Lexus ES350 (really, really, really nicely dressed Camry, basically) would cover that time in the 14's and still get 22 mpg city and 30 highway. Remarkably sweet V6 engine that one. 3.5, 270 hp, 250 tq. Fairly fast off the line but really wakes up past 3,000 RPM to redline 6000 and it gets great mpg.

The MB would be fun to supe up though... and nothing beats a diesel in town driving, just love all the torque off-idle.

LaRondo · #8 12-17-2007, 06:23 AM

BMW Diesels enjoyed instant popularity when they first came on the market, esp the Wagon model, but also the sedan 5 series, 525 turbodiesel. They really were quick. About the first turbo diesel that would easily hit the 200 kmh barrier.
I was very much interested to buy one maybe 92/93, but somehow the interior space didn't convince me, I prefer pristine classic cars, with patina.
But, I was close. A serious consideration.

I think I bought a '81 Volvo 265 GLE instead, top of the line, fully loaded for a lot less than a new BMW.

Carleton Hughes · #9 12-17-2007, 06:43 AM

A couple of years ago I almost pulled the trigger and bought a 524 5 speed...What held me back was the discovery that the engine used a rubber Gilmer belt instead of a timing chain.

Call me old fashioned but I have seen much damage from belts that were not changed regularly.

Jim B. · #10 12-17-2007, 06:45 AM

Old fashioned!!!

Jim B. · #11 12-17-2007, 06:45 AM

Old fashioned!

Jim B. · #12 12-17-2007, 06:46 AM

Old fashioned!!

I like to mess with you

Carleton Hughes · #13 12-17-2007, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

Old fashioned!

Yeah Sport,you got me there allright.

Lemme tell you,my '27 Buick Standard Six gave me 12 years of reliable daily service with regular valve adjustments and rear axle Woodruff key replacement,most reliable car I ever owned,hell....I might even detail out this '98 E300 albatross,sell it and get a Master Six!

PaulC · #14 12-17-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carleton Hughes

A couple of years ago I almost pulled the trigger and bought a 524 5 speed...What held me back was the discovery that the engine used a rubber Gilmer belt instead of a timing chain.

Call me old fashioned but I have seen much damage from belts that were not changed regularly.

Was it an interference engine?

POS · #15 12-17-2007, 11:29 AM

I read a lot of car mags, and I've been reading about BMW's diesel intro for the past two years. What I kept hearing was that they'd bring them stateside in 2008 or 2009 - I'd guess to say they're right on target. I hope they do.