BMW to offer ultra-clean 3-series

Posted Sun May 11 2008 5:18 AM by Ralph Hanson

With plans for similar emissions-based taxation schemes like London’s congestion charge as well as tough new low CO2 emissions regulations planned for Europe from 2012 onwards, carmakers are focused on cleaning up tailpipe emissions as well as offering more models with lower CO2 levels than currently provided. One of the most active is BMW, which has already shown a 119g/km of CO2 1-series and is now reportedly set to release a sub-120g/km 3-series saloon.

According to latest reports, BMW is prepping a version of the 318d that will have a sub-120g/km CO2 level. The current 318d produces 123g/km but with some minor revisions, such as improving the aerodynamics and gearing as well as adding lower rolling resistance tires, BMW will be able to reduce the emissions, reports AutoExpress.

Such a vehicle would receive a 100% refund on London’s congestion charge as well as lower registration tax also in the UK as it would qualify for the Band B taxation category. A BMW spokesman also revealed that any revisions made to the 3-series would flow-on to the 1-series, making the compact hatch even cleaner, and could potentially feature on other models within the line-up.

Reader Comments

Sun May 11 2008 11:31 AM
Gus says

But how well does a 3 series with a 1.8 liter diesel really work? I'm asking an honest question here, not being sarcastic. We don't have this model here, so I'm wondering, is it an absolute dog or just ok or peppy?
Sun May 11 2008 12:32 PM
rnsaza says

I haven't driven a 318d but have driven a 320d and it does not hang around. It's no ZR-1 but gets to 100km/h(62mph) in about 9 or 10 secs, enough to get to the shops and back without causing a traffic jam! Midrange acceleration is where the smaller turbo diesels work best.
Sun May 11 2008 3:17 PM
Oeds says

This BMW makes more sense than the new Cadillac CTS-V series,( and Audi RS6, Merc's AMG models, BMW M series, etc,, etc........)
Another 0.xx seconds faster than model XYZ. on the Nordschleife ? Nonsense !
Speed limits in most EU countries are 120 or 130 kmph.
Why do we need cars that can do well over 230 kmph ?
Sun May 11 2008 5:50 PM
Gus says

Top speeds aren't the problem, especially in the US, but decent acceleration wihtout too much clatter is.
Sun May 11 2008 5:52 PM
Foxfire says

Gus, I drive a 2006 318d (or a 2007 MY in American speak, I guess :). I'd rate it ok to good, depending on your expectations. I'd say it's exactly right there in performance where you get the sense you drive a BMW 3 series, but it leaves you wanting a bit more. But definitely better than 316i!
BTW, it's actually not a 1.8 liter engine as the designation would suggest. Rather, it's a detuned version of 2.0 engine found in 320d. 2006 318d had 122hp but in 2007 they bumped it to 144hp and added start-stop tech.
Sun May 11 2008 6:11 PM
NaBUru38 says

The 318d does 0-100 km/h in 9.3 seconds, 0.2 more than the 318i. And the 1000 meters from standing times are 30.4 and 30.1 seconds respectively.
Sun May 11 2008 8:01 PM
Gus says

9.3 seconds is ok for an economical car...
If I had to deal with the London congestion charge, I would be happy to drive it...
Mon May 12 2008 2:51 AM
rnsaza says

also expect good consumption. In the reagon of 60 MPG...WITH 143HP & 0-60 IN 9.3
Mon May 12 2008 5:06 AM
Dan says

the 318d and the 118d are 2.0 4cyl diesels but in a more rconomical form
Mon May 12 2008 3:55 PM
Steve says

BMW is obviously ahead of the game with the 318i. This is the exact auto for enthusiasts at the right time. Sure, it doesn't have explosive acceleration, but with fuel prices going through the roof we can sacrifice a little performance to be able to take a nice Sunday drive through the curves and not go bankrupt at the same time.

MotorAuthority