BMW goes on four-cylinder diesels for better fuel efficiency

Andy Panait — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:00:47 +0000

In the midst of new rules and tougher laws aimed at lowering emissions and improving efficiency, BMW is taking action. Known as one of the world’s biggest fuel guzzlers, along with Mercedes I might add, the German maker is apparently trying to move with the times and score better in efficiency ratings.

BMW is going to four-cylinder diesel engines in North America as it seeks to improve fuel efficiency and match the performance of its current six-cylinder gasoline engines. 1 series, 3 series and 5 series sedans and possibly the X3 crossover and Z4 roadster are the families of cars in view for the shift, said Tom Baloga, vice president of engineering for BMW of North America. His words below:

“You’re going to see it in the 3 series, and the 5 series is a good possibility,” Baloga said. “If the performance is sufficient in the X3, U.S. customers would likely accept it in the X5 as well.”

In the United States of America, Federal rules will regulate the amount of carbon dioxide per mile, based on an automaker’s fleet average. The rules call for an average of 250 grams of C02 per mile by 2016, which equates to 35.5 mpg.

BMW Series 1: to be powered by a four-cylinder in the near future?

It seems BMW will be ready to comply with emissions rules, which are coming tougher, more expansive and surprisingly fast for law changes of such amplitude. There is no precise date for this cylinder change but BMW is sure they will cope with new rules and meet and exceed consumer’s hopes.

But what about power? I mean, you’re getting a nice new BMW luxury sedan and expect to roar down the road, Federal Eco rules or not! Don’t worry, BMW will make no compromises when it comes to ferocity, for example they plan to use a special turbocharged 2.0-liter model tuned for performance on most sedans currently on six-cylinders.

Sceptics should also take into account new engine technologies, lighter materials used, smart space design and so on. Here’s how it all goes from Baloga:

“Our four-cylinder diesel will be so good that people will readily accept it as a replacement for six cylinders, with the weight reduction, performance could be similar to the turbocharged six-cylinder [gasoline engine] if we pushed very hard.”

Baloga didn’t disclose what technology would be used — a diesel particulate filter or a selective catalytic reduction treatment with a refillable on-board urea tank as in the BMW 335d.

In addition, think of how things stand for BMW and diesel sells in Europe.Baloga said BMW will aim for a substantial increase in its diesel sales mix in North America. If we hit 10 to 20 percent, we would be happy,” he said. Unlike fellow German carmaker Mercedes-Benz, which began selling diesels here in 1960, BMW waited until this year to introduce a really clean efficient 50-state diesel engine. BMW’s only prior U.S. diesel was the 524td, sold as a 1985 model.

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BMW goes on four-cylinder diesels for better fuel efficiency