BMW to introduce 4 cylinder diesel in North America

13 November 2009

BMW will introduce a 4-cylinder diesel engine in the North American market, according to Tom Baloga, vice president of engineering for BMW of North America. The 4-cylinder engine would be used not only in the 3 Series, but possibly in a number of larger models, including the 5 Series, the X3, as well as the X5.

The 4-cylinder engine will be a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel, which should match the acoustic qualities of 6-cylinder engines, while performing better in terms of fuel consumption and emissions. To achieve performance comparable to 6-cylinder engines, BMW plans to reduce the weight of the vehicles. One of the biggest problems facing the project is the expensive emission system. In it's current American diesel models, the 335d and the X5, BMW uses urea-SCR technology for NOx control.

BMW unveiled a new 4-cylinder diesel for the European market at the Frankfurt Auto Show a few months ago. In the 320d Efficient Dynamics vehicle, the 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter diesel produced 163 hp and 360 Nm of torque, while achieving a fuel consumption of 4.1 l/100 km (57 mpg).

Current and future fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards have been driving the engine downsizing trend. Mercedes-Benz also intends to replace 6-cylinder diesel engines with 4-cylinder units in several models. A concept E 250 BlueTec vehicle featuring the new Mercedes 4-cylinder 2.2 liter diesel engine was showcased at the New York Auto Show earlier this year.

Source: insideline.com