BMW confirms 4-cylinder engines for the U.S., four banger 3-Series coming in 2012

Posted: Sep 16, 2009

Filed under: BMW, Hybrids, Green News

2009 BMW 3-Series

Rather than just covering vehicle debuts at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, there is a lot more news you can pick up here from company executives attending the show. In one such situation, BMW of North America’s CEO, Jim O’Donnell, confirmed that the luxury German automaker will offer 4-cylinder in the U.S. before 2015 to meet stricter fuel economy rules.

Under new federal guidelines revealed yesterday by President Barack Obama, automakers will have to improve the fuel-economy of their fleet by 5 percent annually before the national standard of 35.5 mpg takes place in the 2016 model year.

The 4-cylinder engines will be equipped with BMW’s next-generation twin turbochargers, reports Automotive News. That “is the goal and we will do it,” O’Donnell said.

He said that BMW will add a 4-cylinder variant of the 3-Series in the U.S. by spring 2012. The automaker is also considering 4-cylinder variants of the X1 and the X3 along with the 1-Series.

- By: Kap Shah

kabluey

The 328 and 128 already achieve, what 28 mpg? Isn't that acceptable??

Name

28 mpg is nothing compared to 40+ for the 335d and with this we get 0-60 in 6 seconds. THE OIL IS RUNNING OUT FASTER THAN YOU THINK! But then again with a comment like that you don't think do you? Keep aiming low and maybe Chrysler will hire you.

kabluey

AND maybe you didn't think of the higher costs of the diesel engine in the 335d and the premium at the pump for diesel fuel, which doesn't recover costs for at least 50,000 miles in most cases. Furthermore, if oil to run out--then would an EREV not be the best choice??

I dislike a four cylinder for it's coarseness and limited power--especially in a nicer vehicle in that such as a BMW.

mlevere1992

I would love to see a 4 cylinder 1 series. Now make it a 4 banger oil burner and you have a sale.

zermatt

No one should have the expectation that a four cylinder 3 series or 1 series will be less expensive than the cars that have sixes now. Development of turbo fours that provide improved fuel economy and performance will cost money that will be reflected in the base price of the cars.