- BMW official says technology could play a key role in CAFE regulations.
- Model designations are key to understanding new BMW engine technology.
- BMW 3 Series wagon won't be offered in the U.S.
MUNICH, Germany — BMW's head of sales and marketing, Ian Robertson, says BMW is considering introducing a 3 Series diesel in the U.S. Speaking at the unveil of the new 3 Series, Robertson told Inside Line that "the diesel infrastructure is progressing well in the U.S.," and "the negative historical baggage associated with diesel is being removed."
"The X5 diesel is doing well in the U.S.," he said. "From month-to-month it accounts for a third or half of sales. It is still an issue of getting bums on seats. U.S. buyers are still astonished by how good a modern diesel is." The BMW board member also admitted that diesel technology could play a critical role in meeting forthcoming CAFE fuel economy standards.
While the introduction of diesel remains a possibility, BMW has no plans to import the forthcoming 3 Series Touring, despite its accounting for almost half of 3 Series sales in Europe. Robertson says BMW's own figures suggest they'd be unable to sell more than a thousand a year in the U.S., making the model unviable. "The sport-activity vehicle is still dominant in the U.S. There would need to be a major change in behavior to make the Touring a success."
Robertson also said the industry's historical obsession with engine capacity and cylinders needed to change. "We've all been guilty of it but these measures are becoming less and less relevant. It's about giving people the performance that they want." Robertson said BMW's model names would offer a guide to performance instead of capacity. The new 328i, for example, features a 2.0-liter turbo engine and the 335i has a 3.0-liter turbo.
Inside Line says: A 335d might just be the way forward for the U.S.
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bmwlove says:
09:55 AM, 04/10/2012
I wish all Americans would get on this diesel train so BMW would do more with it over here!!!! We bought an X5 diesel a year ago and loved the engine so much that we hunted down a 335d as well. The outstanding torque of this engine 425 makes it a blast to drive without sacrificing fuel econ. We get 25-35 mpg on both the X5d and 335d. Yes they are a bit more than most are comfortable with in cost but the handling, mpg and the "fun to drive" factor are well worth the cost.
roar02ram says:
12:50 PM, 10/18/2011
Yeah, the 335d was too expensive and quite frankly too powerful, but I'm not convinced that BMW would sell a lot of diesels regardless of how much the car were to cost or how much power it were to have. Case in point: Lexus' efforts to Market frugality and performance simultaneously with their car hybrids largely failed. It's a much easier sell (and Lexus proves this point, too) with utility vehicles or for mainstream/conventionally engined vehicles (Ford's Ecoboost and BMW's own Efficient Dynamics campaigns, for example). I really can't think of an example where the market embraced an alt.-fuel engine which valued sport. BMW has spent millions marketing itself as sporty...I just don't know that it would work.
nyccarguy says:
11:19 AM, 10/18/2011
"A 3 series diesel would work in the US if it is NOT the most expensive 3 apart from the M3.
Like last time..."
You hit the nail right on the head - BAM -! I think if BMW were to offer a smaller diesel to sell alongside a 328i (now with the turbo 4), instead of making another $50K 335 they might get more "bums in the seats."
velocity_x says:
10:49 AM, 10/18/2011
@classicduc73:
BMW North America sells the X1 here in Canada with the so called "twin power turbo four" engine and its 8-speed automatic.
I really don't know why the X1 is not sold in the US.
Interestingly, quite a few manufacturers offer models for sale in Canada that the US doesn't get.
For example, Honda sells an Acura version of the Civic here called the CSX (though I think that particular car is pretty pointless).
Check this link for more info: http://www.bmw.ca/ca/en/newvehicles/x1/x1/2009/allfacts/engine/technical_data.html
classicduc73 says:
10:06 AM, 10/18/2011
As the previous owner of an E46 touring and current owner of an E83 with manual transmission, I have grown quite fond of the BMW marquee. I would consider the F31 as a suitable replacement for my current X3. With recent news of BMW dropping their last wagon from the lineup, I will look at other brands for my next vehicle. New X3 is cost prohibitive with the options being tied together and consider the versatility of a wagon a must. I consider the 5 series GT a complete failure and would never consider the new 3 series GT as my next vehicle. BMW should offer a greater lineup of engines to include more economical diesel engines as a means to increase market share and not give up on the wagon market. I would also like to encourage BMW to market the X1 for the U.S. Not really sure if BMW corporate reads the blogs all over the net but I think there is an overwhelming sentiment of disappointment with BMW over their future U.S. lineup.
k55 says:
09:51 AM, 10/18/2011
and offer a MINI diesel too while they are at it.
abloud says:
07:17 AM, 10/18/2011
BMWNA should, as stated by desmolicious, bring to the 320d estate BUT not with every friggin option and price it out of the market. Heck, BMW, must like most European makers, not realize the interwebs exist and many many folks know what's available and want the best choice. Audi's A3 TDI, VW's TDI's and BMW's own X5 diesel are selling very very well.
Bring to the US the top voted car several years in a row by the Euro press. It seems like a no brainer!
boost4 says:
06:04 AM, 10/18/2011
Let's let the slip about the diesel 3 series being new slip. Us commenters know better.
I couldn't agree more that this series of diesel offering needs to follow the lead of the 328 and switch to a four cylinder or add it as an offering to the 335d.
In European trim the current 320d is good for over 140 MPH and good for over 40, almost 50 MPG. I experienced both recently in Germany, in the heaviest body of 3 series, the hardtop convertible.
Hint to BMW product planners: when analysing the market for other near luxury compacts that acheive high fuel efficiency, note the real reason the Lexus CT200h isn't selling well. It's not because it's powered by a four cylinder. It's because it's boring. You're product does not have this problem! Invest in US federalizing it immediately!!
velocity_x says:
06:03 AM, 10/18/2011
@ northsparrow:
You are right, I probably should have been more diplomatic.
It's just that I cannot understand how articles like this get posted online.
Maybe some member of IL's editorial staff will be forthcoming with an explanation ?
northsparrow says:
05:11 AM, 10/18/2011
I have to agree with velocity_x though I might have put it a bit more diplomatically .
320d and 320d Wagon are the top sellers in Europe for a reason .