[aem kei]

BMW May Sell 5-Series Hybrid in U.S. Next Year, Confirms 5-Series Diesel for U.S.

http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradv...el-for-us.html

By Danny King, Contributor

BMW may sell a hybrid version of its popular 5-Series sedan in the U.S. as early as next year, as the German automaker looks to make headway in meeting more stringent domestic fuel-economy requirements over the next few years.

In addition to a 5-Series hybrid, BMW, which sold 17 percent of its cars to the U.S. during the first quarter, may also introduce a four-cylinder 5-Series sedan to the U.S. in the ensuing couple of years, confirmed BMW North America spokesman Tom Kowaleski, who emphasized that no plans have been finalized.

Meanwhile, Willem Rombauts, product manager for the 5-Series, X5 and X6, said two more models in the U.S. will offer diesels. "The 5-Series will definitely be one of them," he revealed at an event covered by Edmunds' Senior Editor Bill Visnic.

Currently, the 330d and the X5 xDrive35d are the only two U.S.-spec models fitted with diesels. Both use BMW's twin-turbocharged 3-liter inline 6-cylinder diesel that generates 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. Both have been on sale since 2008.

As to the matter of which diesel the U.S. 5-Series will get, it's almost certain it will be one of the straight-sixes already offered in Europe, either the twin-turbo job we already know from the 3-Series and X5 or a slightly less muscular single-turbo 3-liter.

BMW is considering selling more economical variants of the 5-Series, which accounted for 12 percent of its first-quarter vehicle units, as it looks to meet U.S. fuel-economy regulations. Those regs require industry-wide fleets to boost their collective gas mileage for the 2016 model year to 34.1 miles per gallon.

The automaker in March unveiled a 5-Series ActiveHybrid concept car that paired a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with a 40-kilowatt electronic motor.

While the company did not disclose any performance details for the 5-Series hybrid concept, fuel-economy fans hope the production version gets better gas mileage than either the ActiveHybrid X6 Crossover that BMW started selling late last year or the 7-Series ActiveHybrid slated for the 2011 model year.

The 485-horsepower crossover gets 18 mpg in combined city and highway driving, while the 455-horsepower 7-series hybrid is expected to get about 21 mpg.

BMW said late last month that it would start selling its Megacity vehicle, an all-electric version of the automaker's 1-Series coupe and the first zero-emissions vehicle within the BMW brand, in 2013. The company also said the previous month that it would develop a hydrogen fuel-cell-gas-powered hybrid version of its 1 series.

[rocco90]

A great news... finally. Can't wait to see what the specs will be...

[GreenPlease]

Here's the link:
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/official-...ded-to-the-us/

Hopefully they bring over either the 520d or the 535d I either want extreme fuel economy or extreme performance damnit! The 535i is already a perfect jack of all trades car.

Edit: whoa! Accidental double post. My bad.

[bdardashti]

I think BMW might bring over the 20d since they'd be able to use it in the next 1er, next 3er, and the upcoming (to NA) X1 as well. The 35d is possible too since the engine is already certified. The 30d was recently updated wasn't it? If that's the case, they can bring that engine over and use it in the 5 for now, and then the new 3, X1, X3, and X5.

[rocco90]

I doubt that BMW will introduce the 20d engine in US. Especially with low fuel prices. I think that it will be either 30d or 35d. As first diesel F10 in US they will try to offer more performance so they can convince drivers to save money and the planet keeping the performance high. The interesting part is that 30d has a performance very close to 535i. So if they offer 30d at same price like 535i I guarantee a lot of people that are already convinced to the new F10 will take advantage. Especially since the diesel version will give you more than 30% better economy. Here is a F10 catalog (page 29) with the EU Fuel consumption data where you can see the difference between 530d and 535i.

[cosmos515]

BMW has the slimmest profit margins with anything less then the V8's here in the States. They will not bring over any small displacement diesel engines because they will have to lower the MSRP and make even less money. My money is on the biggest displacement diesel engines so BMW can still have nice profit margins. So I say the 35d.

[bdardashti]

Originally Posted by cosmos515

BMW has the slimmest profit margins with anything less then the V8's here in the States. They will not bring over any small displacement diesel engines because they will have to lower the MSRP and make even less money. My money is on the biggest displacement diesel engines so BMW can still have nice profit margins. So I say the 35d.

I'm not saying your claim is not true, but where did you get the information? Are you sure it's accurate that they don't have good profit margins on the higher models? I do agree the 5, 6, 7, X5, X6 and M models probably have much higher profit margins, but don't know about the particular engines.

[cosmos515]

It costs BMW just as much to make a 6cly as it does a V8. The base price of the higher displacement cars are higher. The cost of the additional "standard equipment" does not offset the MSRP enough for the lower priced cars. No matter how you slice it this has been the definitive reason why BMW has always been hesitant about bringing 4cly cars over here. Not for the tarnish of the brand or the fear that 4cly cars don't sell, its as simple as BMW just does not make enough coin on each car. With the new 3.0l Diesels BMW can charge just as much, (if not more) then the petrol cars and will be happy.

[bdardashti]

Originally Posted by cosmos515

It costs BMW just as much to make a 6cly as it does a V8. The base price of the higher displacement cars are higher. The cost of the additional "standard equipment" does not offset the MSRP enough for the lower priced cars. No matter how you slice it this has been the definitive reason why BMW has always been hesitant about bringing 4cly cars over here. Not for the tarnish of the brand or the fear that 4cly cars don't sell, its as simple as BMW just does not make enough coin on each car. With the new 3.0l Diesels BMW can charge just as much, (if not more) then the petrol cars and will be happy.

Hmm interesting. Do you know that as a fact? If I'm not mistaken, you are suggesting that for example the engine in the 118i is very close in cost to the engine in say a 130i? (I picked those since both are petrol and non-turbo). Interesting.

Edit: Are we talking development or production costs? Production is the key in this argument.

[nycport]

I had a chance to drive the 530d in the states a couple of years ago. It was a great car! I'm still shocked it isn't here yet. People would buy them...Alot of them.

[npd2983]

The article incorrectly states the 330d and X5 xDrive35d are sold in the United States. The 330d is not sold here, but a 335d is.

My hopes are on a 535d and maybe a 123d???

I think the 335d was introduced first for two reasons:
1. Three series is the best selling "series" in the U.S.
2. 335d defies comparisons to either VW (smaller) or Mercedes (bigger) diesel sedans.

Going forward a 535d would be compared to the Mercedes diesel E class (no biggie), but...the 123d would be compared to the diesels from VW and almost certainly get hammered on the price and interior room. Not sure if BMW will go there. It would help their CAFE though...

Cheers!

[raleedy]

335d was a mistake, as the sales figures confirm. 530d would make sense, as would 320d, especially if BMW is interested in lowering its fleet fuel consumption averages. You won't see a 1-series diesel because BMWNA can't wrap its little mind around the idea of a 2-door diesel, much less a convertible, and they're equally closed to the idea of a 1-series with 4 doors. Don't count on them to make a sensible decision on diesels for the US — they haven't yet.

[hubble bubble]

Originally Posted by raleedy

335d was a mistake, as the sales figures confirm. 530d would make sense, as would 320d, especially if BMW is interested in lowering its fleet fuel consumption averages. You won't see a 1-series diesel because BMWNA can't wrap its little mind around the idea of a 2-door diesel, much less a convertible, and they're equally closed to the idea of a 1-series with 4 doors. Don't count on them to make a sensible decision on diesels for the US — they haven't yet.

I disagree. At least in Canada, the 335d is selling great in Canada. Selling out everywhere. There is a good chance I'd buy a 335d if I were buying today. But our higher gas prices are probably a contributing factor.

I could easily see my next car being a 535d. Sounds like a fantastic road trip car.

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by hubble bubble

I disagree. At least in Canada, the 335d is selling great in Canada. Selling out everywhere. There is a good chance I'd buy a 335d if I were buying today. But our higher gas prices are probably a contributing factor.

I could easily see my next car being a 535d. Sounds like a fantastic road trip car.

Maybe it works in Canada; maybe the pricing is different in relation to the other models. But in the US, the 335d is a sales disappointment despite incentives.

[Oulixes]

Diesels are great for long distance touring and for people who are concerned about the longevity of their car. Hopefully, they will become more popular than hybrids.

[Raja Ventureshield]

wonder when they will bring it over. time frame wise. I was disappointed with e60, when they cancelled the diesel in the usa. Shame! Hope this time around they do it sooner.

[amdmaxx]

Ye, 300hp diesel and even more efficient and more torque.
I want that engine in 335d.. But its not certified.. I hope it will get certified..

Originally Posted by bdardashti

. The 30d was recently updated wasn't it? If that's the case, they can bring that engine over and use it in the 5 for now, and then the new 3, X1, X3, and X5.

[bdardashti]

Originally Posted by amdmaxx

Ye, 300hp diesel and even more efficient and more torque.
I want that engine in 335d.. But its not certified.. I hope it will get certified..

No no you're talking about the updated 35d, which they dubbed 40d this time around. That engine very likely won't make it in the 3er. It's only in the X5, X6, and 7 at this point.

[e46e92love]

THANK GOD!!!! YES!!!! Great call BMW, great call!!!!

Cheers,
e46e92

[rocco90]

Originally Posted by raleedy

335d was a mistake, as the sales figures confirm. 530d would make sense, as would 320d, especially if BMW is interested in lowering its fleet fuel consumption averages. You won't see a 1-series diesel because BMWNA can't wrap its little mind around the idea of a 2-door diesel, much less a convertible, and they're equally closed to the idea of a 1-series with 4 doors. Don't count on them to make a sensible decision on diesels for the US — they haven't yet.

Do you have an official information to confirm it?
If so what about X5 35d? how are the sales and expectations there? I've heard that they have a great success there.

BMW should rush with diesel version otherwise other German automakers will bring diesel engines for cars like Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6.

[npd2983]

Originally Posted by raleedy

335d was a mistake, as the sales figures confirm. 530d would make sense, as would 320d, especially if BMW is interested in lowering its fleet fuel consumption averages. You won't see a 1-series diesel because BMWNA can't wrap its little mind around the idea of a 2-door diesel, much less a convertible, and they're equally closed to the idea of a 1-series with 4 doors. Don't count on them to make a sensible decision on diesels for the US — they haven't yet.

How do the 335d sales figures indicate a mistake? Here are some April sales figures for diesels in the U.S. Admittedly VW is on the top of the heap, but their diesels sell for a lot less than most diesels on the market:

Volkswagen Jetta 3,622
Volkswagen Golf 553
BMW X5 483
BMW 335d 427
Mercedes GL320 302
Audi A3 297
Audi Q7 226
Mercedes ML320 192
Volkswagen Touareg 186
Jeep Cherokee 68
Mercedes R320 60
Mercedes E320 8

[bdardashti]

Originally Posted by npd2983

How do the 335d sales figures indicate a mistake? Here are some April sales figures for diesels in the U.S. Admittedly VW is on the top of the heap, but their diesels sell for a lot less than most diesels on the market:

Volkswagen Jetta 3,622
Volkswagen Golf 553
BMW X5 483
BMW 335d 427
Mercedes GL320 302
Audi A3 297
Audi Q7 226
Mercedes ML320 192
Volkswagen Touareg 186
Jeep Cherokee 68
Mercedes R320 60
Mercedes E320 8

Do you happen to have any information for the 335i? Also, do you know if BMW still had their eco credit ($4500 or w/e it was) available in April? I don't think it's fair to judge the success of a product if heavy rebates were applied to move it. I'm not suggesting it wasn't successful; I'm just saying we need to look at the overall picture.