BMW introducing new pair of efficient diesel engines

BMW first introduced the North American market to diesels way back in 1983, with the introduction of its 524td. Under the hood of the E28 5 Series was the automaker's M21 turbocharged diesel, a 2.4-litre inline-six rated at 115 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. It was mated to a standard four-speed automatic transmission. At the time, BMW claimed it was the world's fastest production diesel-powered car, but its numbers look rather pathetic today. Its 0-60 (96 km/h) time took about 12 seconds and reached a maximum speed of 112 mph (180 km/h). It was sold for just one model year.

In an effort to convince buyers that diesel was a sporty alternative to gasoline, BMW reintroduced a potent diesel powerplant to North America in 2009. It was the automaker's M57 twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six rated at 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. Mounted in the nose of the E90 3 Series sedan and mated to a six-speed automatic, the 335d helped the automaker redefine oil-burning performance here in North America. Hitting 0-60 (96 km/h) took just 5.3 seconds with a top speed governed to 130 mph (209 km/h). The X5 35d crossover, fitted with the same engine and strong performance soon followed, with a respectable 0-60 (96 km/h) in 6.9 seconds.

But BMW doesn't really need to prove diesel's performance anymore, as fuel economy sells. With that comes the announcement of two fresh, and more efficient, oil-burning BMW powerplants. A new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder will likely be rated at 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, while a new turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder is expected to make 255 horsepower and undisclosed torque.

According to our sources, the 2.0-litre (similar to the one pictured above) will find its home in the 3 Series and X1, while the new 3.0-litre will replace the M57 under the hood of the X3 and X5 (with eight-speed gearboxes). Expect the engines to spread across the BMW lineup if well received.

News Source: Bimmerfile