nantucketsleigh

Anyone know how BMW gets about 40% more HP from their 3 liter diesels?

dieseldoc

BMW makes two versions of their 3.0 liter diesel. One with a single turbo and one that has twin turbo. they have different hp and torque ratings. Mercedes is a singe variable turbo. the Bmw Twin turbo uses two different size turbos giving it a higher HP.

StevethePilot

Isn't that currently kind of a non-issue in the US? When are BMW supposed to start getting diesels here?

STP

Kaumajet

Don't know about down there, but we're getting them for '09

lkchris

When you're #2 you try harder!

BMW diesels in USA for 2009. 3-series and X5.

grover432

I was told we will also get the 5 series as a 535d.

lkchris

That's what everyone wishes, but only 3 and X5 are announced.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...cedDiesel.aspx

MB Fanatic

USA will get the 335d and 535d. I have driven quite a few of the BMW twin turbo diesels and they really do put the MBZ's single variable turbo to shame. They even put my E320 to shame in sheer power output.

StevethePilot

My friend's 1-series manual with "Efficient Dynamics" was a real monster. Whizzing around doing 45mpg (UK gallons and chipped), there was no way to tell it was a diesel. Let's hope there's a lot more engineering coming to us, whether from Germany, Japan or the US! (Okay, probably not from the US, but still one can hope, eh?)

STP

lkchris

Sorry, no 535D. You've confused this with the X5 SUV. Read the link.

oinick

Having driven the engine that goes into the 330d and will go into the X5 35d, I can tell you it's a great one. It makes something like 265 hp in addition to more torque than the MB CDI/Bluetech's torque. So I have to agree that it's a smoking powerplant and really better than the MB diesel engine we get here.

I love BMW products and have owned more of them than any other marque. However BMW has nothing that compares to our GL. The X5 compares most closely to the ML. The sheer heft of the GL, with a truly usable third row seat, trumps the X5, no matter that the BMW has a better diesel.

I just wish the X5 were larger or that BMW would sell diesels to MB for its GLs.

nantucketsleigh

I can't see MB giving up its leadership diesel position in the U.S. luxury segment to BMW without a fight. My guess is that MB will come with more powerful diesel engines in a couple of years.

dieseldoc

Mercedes has developed a new generation of 4 cylinder diesel engines with the top of the range being as powerful as the current 3.0 cdi in the Gl. If MB applies this technology to the 6 cylinder diesels they are producing,they should have a screamer and catch up with BMW,

thebishman

Well it's a real shame that the 420 CDI isn't sold here as it is a fantastic diesel. Might even get better fuel mileage than the 320 CDI, in real world driving, as the engine has to work less hard to move the bulk of the GL.

Read the other day that the 2010 model of the CLS will be available with a 350CDI with 315 bhp plus lots of torque. Surely this engine will find its way into the GL. It paired to a hybrid drivetrain would certainly move the GL quite nicely.

Bish

lkchris

I rather think that anyone in tune with the current state of the worldwide auto industry realizes that "more powerful" anything is not the future.

Danno4x4

You do have a bit of a point... And as an extreme automobile enthusiast, its a really sad day...

It seems we are quickly headed back in the direction of malaise of the 70s...

I for one will fight it... Speed and horsepower are just too dang much fun. But in my mind horsepower really has its place... Not necessarily stacked behind a 3 ton people carrier, but in a proper sports car, where it belongs.

I will, however, take gobs of torque and efficiency in my people carrier thank you.

oknish

Hear, hear..................

Stumblefoot

On this Sunday I must say, "Amen brother!"

Fifth Ring

Only time will tell. I'm a auto enthusiast and actually would prefer to see the perception of "performance" migrate toward less weight and better handling. We've been on an absolute horsepower tear over the past 10-15 years, but cars have also porked out.

The vast majority of the acceleration and top speed that people are buying today are USELESS on public roads. That's what's great about diesels. They give you the power that you can actually use (0-30), and maybe you forfeit the top end.

lkchris

Your government has mandated that the perception will migrate to better fuel economy and less pollution.

StevethePilot

Yeah, 'cause that worked in the 70's, too.

The market will find (or create) loopholes just like it did in the past. If they think they can sell it, they'll find a way to make it exempt from CAFE standards or do whatever it takes to get it to market. Greed trumps all.

oknish

Don't you like have to be like old to remember like what happened like in 70's.

StevethePilot

You know what they say ... if you remember the 70's, you weren't there!