BMW's 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesels coming to NA

[Road Ruler]

Looks like the new BMW 3.0-litre variable twin-turbo diesel straight-six is coming to North America in 2009.

This powerful engine generates 286 horsepower, 427 lb.-ft. of torque and will sip 25% less fuel (and thus emitting 25% less CO2) than a comparable gas-powered engines.

A number of Airstream owners are using the X5, X3, 3 and 5 series sedans/ wagons as TV's and this new powerful diesel option could be icing on the cake for these great handling, stable vehicles. 0 to 60 times are under 6 sec.






There are a number of net articles out on this. Here is one of them..

CanadianDriver: BMW Twin Turbo Diesels Canada-bound in 2008

[HowieE]

I would defiantly want an exhaust temperature gauge on that puppy. I am towing with my 3rd diesel, all of which were twice the size of the BMW, and I could melt the tops out of the pistons if I did not watch the exhaust temperature.

That engine is set up for speed not long tern power.

[Silvertwinkie]

Besides the obvious, given the wheelbase I am always reminded that engine power is but one aspect of the total package. Though BMWs are notorious for great engineering and such, adding a 25' or larger trailer really isn't, IMHO where the smart money is. Not that you can find a lot of tow specifications on the BMW site, but I'm pretty sure they also don't advocate towing a 7300lb RV with even the diesel.

Nice SUV though...perfect for the grocery getter, mild off road and light to mild towing.

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by HowieE

I would defiantly want an exhaust temperature gauge on that puppy. I am towing with my 3rd diesel, all of which were twice the size of the BMW, and I could melt the tops out of the pistons if I did not watch the exhaust temperature.

A good point Howie but the X3 and Airstream in the pic above would weigh at least 3 tons less than what you are using plus it is more aerodynamic. That makes a lot of difference.

[Whizzo]

I've been following these closely, as a small turbo-diesel is great match for our size of trailer. While our German cousins Mercedes and BMW (with US assembly plants) are offering them in medium SUVs now, I wonder how soon Detroit will field some torquey little rascals like these?

[Westfalia]

To add to the mix, Volkswagen is bringing their 3L V6 TDI in the Touareg stateside next year. Sounds like they are going to have some healthy competition.

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by Whizzo

I've been following these closely, as a small turbo-diesel is great match for our size of trailer. While our German cousins Mercedes and BMW (with US assembly plants) are offering them in medium SUVs now, I wonder how soon Detroit will field some torquey little rascals like these?

Agree completely Whiz. This size of engine has the grunt (+), lighter weight, and exceptional fuel economy for our towing duties.

Now that they have the technology to run clean, have low odors, and sound like a sports car, I'm interested. Will be interesting to see if the locals can get it together and compete. I hear good stuff is coming from the domestics as well. Will have to wait and see.

[yakman]

Peppy diesels? A little too late IMHO. They would have been a hot ticket in 1996 when the price of diesel was less than gasoline.

I just don't think too many people will buy a high priced BMW/import at a premium price and fill it up with diesel at $3.79 per gallon when the price for unleaded is a dollar or more less. It was over $1.20 less earlier this week.

Folks will buy the big tow vehicles (BIG 3 trucks) and pay the difference, but they will not buy the grocery hauler that doubles as the tow vehicle with a small diesel under the hood.

yakman

[Ike T]

Will these models come equipped with the "I drive a BMW; therefore, I own your road" feature standard?

Tim

[Silvertwinkie]

As I said in another active thread, I'm holding off for the Chevy Volt as my next car. Sure I'd love to have the mileage diesel can get to offset the fuel prices, but I think electric is really the way to go.

[cameront120]

Originally Posted by Ike T

Will these models come equipped with the "I drive a BMW; therefore, I own your road" feature standard?

Tim

Funny, none of the people I encounter dawdling in the left lane of the highway drive BMW.

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally Posted by cameront120

Funny, none of the people I encounter dawdling in the left lane of the highway drive BMW.

Come drive the highways around Chicago and you'll get a first hand view of what they are talking about.

[Mikethefixit]

Its Ok U guys go drive your short wheelbase BEAMERS and whatever,that are 1/2 the weight of what U are pullin and When I see U tied up in a knot in the median strip I will not even slow up, Cause then I'd have to tell ya "I TOLD YA SO"

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by Mikethefixit

Its Ok U guys go drive your short wheelbase BEAMERS and whatever,that are 1/2 the weight of what U are pullin and When I see U tied up in a knot in the median strip I will not even slow up, Cause then I'd have to tell ya "I TOLD YA SO"

LOL....ya, ya , ya, and you probably think eating 4 inch nails for breakfast is nutritional.

For sure some short wheel based vehicles are not great TV's (thinking of the original Ford Bronco). But others make stellar TV's. This Porsche Cayanne seems to shine. Airstream, Inc :: Why Buy?

[xrvr]

Is the soon to be VW diesel the same as in the Sprinter? I think VW vans in Germany are made by MB? zz

[Bob Thompson]

Perhaps what we're seeing here is a belief in bio-diesel for the future? Seems reasonable. What doesn't make any sense is "why are the Japanese and Germans leading the way on this while GM, Ford, and Chrysler seem to be ignoring the medium size diesel engine markets!" On a similar thought, Chrysler has had a great engine in the Sprinter Vans, but why didn't that engine make it's way into some Rams or even a Sprinter extended cab pickup?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Mine's better than yours, yeah but mine's bigger.

Rag-on gang....it makes for entertaining reading.

[Westfalia]

Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi

Is the soon to be VW diesel the same as in the Sprinter? I think VW vans in Germany are made by MB? zz

No.

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by Bob Thompson

Perhaps what we're seeing here is a belief in bio-diesel for the future? Seems reasonable. What doesn't make any sense is "why are the Japanese and Germans leading the way on this while GM, Ford, and Chrysler seem to be ignoring the medium size diesel engine markets!" On a similar thought, Chrysler has had a great engine in the Sprinter Vans, but why didn't that engine make it's way into some Rams or even a Sprinter extended cab pickup?

Right on BOB. In Europe they have Chrysler 300's with powerful 3.0L Diesels. When will we get the option???

Chrysler 300 CRD - Features - Diesel Power Magazine

[Bob Thompson]

Nice link! A Chrysler 300 with a combined fuel economy of 29mpg! About the same as a Chevy Cobalt!