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By Denis Flierl Jul 15 2012 - 7:15pm

BMW bringing two new diesels to U.S. in 2013

BMW will be offering two new diesel options in the U.S. beginning in the 2013 model year.
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Americans are finally embracing diesels and are figuring out what our friends in Europe have known for decades. The diesel is one of the most efficient internal combustion engines produced today. And BMW is paying attention to the increase in sales in the U.S. and is responding by bringing two new diesel engine offerings to the U.S. in 2013. According to Bimmer File, BMW announced that the U.S. market will see a 2.0-liter four cylinder oil burner, and 3.0-liter inline six diesel engine in the next twelve months.

Diesel engines have been widely used in Europe for decades and this is what they drive; small, maneuverable, fuel efficient diesel cars. And Americans are finally getting it. From information compiled by HybridCars and Baum and Associates, they report that sales of diesel cars in the first quarter of 2012 have jumped an impressive 35 percent.

As diesel technology continues to evolve, we’ll continue to see diesel engines being used more here in the U.S. In fact, diesel engines are the most environmentally friendly power source available today. BMW isn’t the only German manufacturer who is producing the fuel-efficient powerplants. Mercedes-Benz and VW have two award-winning diesel engine offerings here in the U.S.

The report says that BMW will be offering a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 180 horsepower and 280 lb. ft. of torque. The oil burner will feature the latest direct-injection technology and will be turbocharged. BMW says the new engine will be their highest mileage engine and will outperform their hybrid offerings.

BMW will also offer a 3.0-liter in-line six diesel engine that will pump out 255 horsepower with an undisclosed amount of torque. But you can expect it to be over 400 lb. ft. BMW claims the U.S. variants will see “significant mileage improvements” over the current 35d engine found in the 3-Series and X5. The engine will likely come matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Both diesel engines announced by BMW will utilize SCR to reduce emissions in order to make them legal in all 50 states. The reason why we haven’t seen more diesels in the U.S. has been because of low sales in the past, and the EPA has more stringent requirements for controlling NOx (Nitric Oxide) than in Europe. The technology exists, but it’s expensive to develop and raises the sticker price of the car considerably. And with the cost of diesel outpacing gasoline, few of these cars have been certified for sale in the U.S. BMW didn’t say which models will be motivated by the new diesels, but the X3 and 5-Series are good possibilities.

Things are beginning to change here in the U.S. as diesel sales continue to grow. Look for more diesel offerings from BMW, Mercedes-
Benz and Volkswagen.

Source: BimmerFile

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Comments

danwat1234 wrote on July 15, 2012 - 8:57pm
Too bad they won't instead make the diesel 1.6L or so and make it a hybrid to make up for the lack of acceleration and more MPG. VW uses 2L TDI as well but only 140HP. MPG isn't as good as the Prius. If BMW went with a smaller diesel and a hybrid at that, then it might be better than the Prius 16 minutes ago · Like
Anonymous wrote on September 2, 2012 - 2:41pm
BMW is The Ultimate Driving Machine. I believe they would say that any comparison with a Prius is ridiculous. VW is the place for a 1.6L.
David R. wrote on September 3, 2012 - 10:01pm
I just purchased my second VW TDI which have 2.0L powerplants. My first was the 2011 Golf TDI 4-door with DSG transmission. This is a GREAT powertrain. I averaged 38 MPG with a fair amount of communter time on the freeway. And, it is fun to drive. My second purchase is the 2013 Passat TDI SEL. I just got back from a highway trip to NC and averaged 47 MPG which is EXTRAORDINARY for such a large and roomy car. I took two passengers with me in complete comfort! Diesels are not about horsepower, they are about torque. There is plenty of scoot when needed. Diesels work half as hard as gas engines with twice the results and twice the lifetime. What more do I need? I don't understand the widely American perception that I need 300, 400, or 500 horesepower to go get groceries or pickup the kids from school. 99% of these high output powerplants will never see a race track. Who are we kidding?!
Anonymous wrote on September 6, 2012 - 7:19am
I have been contemplating the TDI, in fact the SEL trim level. I am glad to here of the HWY mpg. I only I can get that sort of mileage I as drive quit a bit every Week. Thanks
Anonymous wrote on September 6, 2012 - 7:19am
I have been contemplating the TDI, in fact the SEL trim level. I am glad to here of the HWY mpg. I only I can get that sort of mileage I as drive quit a bit every Week. Thanks
Anonymous wrote on September 6, 2012 - 7:20am
I have been contemplating the TDI, in fact the SEL trim level. I am glad to here of the HWY mpg. I only I can get that sort of mileage I as drive quit a bit every Week. Thanks
David R. wrote on September 3, 2012 - 10:33pm
I just purchased my second VW TDI which have 2.0L powerplants. My first was the 2011 Golf TDI 4-door with DSG transmission. This is a GREAT powertrain. I averaged 38 MPG with a fair amount of communter time on the freeway. And, it is fun to drive. My second purchase is the 2013 Passat TDI SEL. I just got back from a highway trip to NC and averaged 47 MPG which is EXTRAORDINARY for such a large and roomy car. I took two passengers with me in complete comfort! Diesels are not about horsepower, they are about torque. There is plenty of scoot when needed. Diesels work half as hard as gas engines with twice the results and twice the lifetime. What more do I need? I don't understand the widely American perception that I need 300, 400, or 500 horesepower to go get groceries or pickup the kids from school. 99% of these high output powerplants will never see a race track. Who are we kidding?!
GMAN wrote on November 5, 2012 - 4:12pm
The VW 2.L TDI has 140HP but has 236 ils of torque. On the highway I drive my Jetta TDI 75-80MPH and get 46mpg. The Prius will not give you that kind of mpg at that speed. At 55mph I have reached 50-52mpg. It all depends on how you drive. My Jetta is a manual. I am waiting for the 2014 Passat Diesel with the Bi Turbo engine. That will rock!