BMW ends V8 diesel production

With emissions and fuel-economy regulations getting tougher on both sides of the Atlantic, BMW has decided it no longer needs to offer V8 diesel engines in its lineup. Officials feel modern turbocharging and direct-injection technology has reached the point where smaller capacity six-cylinder and even four-cylinder engines offer more than adequate performance for customers looking for fuel-efficient diesels.

BMW plans to end production of its V8 diesel engines and will no longer offer the option for its future models, although the current lineup will remain. Speaking with Auto Motor and Sport, CEO Norbert Reithofer said BMW would be focusing on its six-cylinder engines as it attempts to improve its emissions and fuel consumption levels in light of stricter regulations set to roll in over the next decade in both the U.S. and Europe.

The source also claims that Mercedes-Benz is planning to do the same, although no official word has been released.

The move makes sense if you consider that a majority of buyers looking for diesel are doing so because they’re seeking better fuel economy, not more performance. It will be interesting to see Audi’s response as it has just released a new V12 TDI oil-burner and is planning a more powerful version of its current 4.2L V8 unit.