Report: BMW considering four-cylinder 3-series for U.S.

Posted Wed Sep 3 2008 10:56 PM by Nelson Ireson

Germany's strongest premium brands in the U.S. sell cars at home that wouldn't fit their image abroad, including tiny city cars and any number of diesels. Nevertheless, the rise of fuel efficiency as a primary buying criterion has reportedly driven the company to consider introducing a four-cylinder 3-series to North America.

The move would almost certainly boost sales, since the European 320i, powered by a 167hp (124kW) petrol four-cylinder is already one of the company's strongest-selling models. The same powertrain in the 120i also collects good sales results, and would make sense, though at present only the 3-series is being considered for U.S. sale, reports Edmunds. Rival Mercedes has already decided to bring four-cylinder cars, including its new diesels, to the U.S. and Canada in 2010, proving even luxury and premium brands aren't entirely immune from the more mundane considerations of efficiency.

BMW won't be bringing its small diesels to the U.S. any time soon, however, content to rely on its four-cylinder petrol engines for now. Rising CAFE standards may push even that decision forward, as their efficiency is undeniable, though so too is the difficulty in certifying particulate emissions to meet the standards of all 50 U.S. states. The company also doubts its typical American buyer is truly ready to contemplate the idea of an oil-burner lying under the hood of his or her luxury-performance sedan.

Reader Comments

Wed Sep 3 2008 11:09 PM
NoNameDenton says

Bring the small diesels BMW, we are ready and add a turbo to them gas 4 bangers for some extra oomph.
Wed Sep 3 2008 11:10 PM
NoNameDenton says

Oh and bring the 1 series 4 bangers as well, that way they really will be entry level Bimmers, instead of prices in the 3 series area.
Thu Sep 4 2008 7:59 AM
Dane says

Wow, like a real BMW was years ago.... anyone remember the 316i, 318i, 320i..... They were the ones I watched and liked....

They (BMW) have lost their way somehow... They are very successful in sales, but they don't have that 'got to have it' edge to them anymore... This might help, especially to us 'children of the eighties'....
Thu Sep 4 2008 9:06 AM
Jim says

+1 on 4cyl for the 1-series and a 4 door while their at it.

This child of the 60's would like BMW to return to cars like the 2002 and 318i, rather than the bloated messes that litter the current show room. The Mini is closer to the spirit of the iconic BMW's than anything in the current lineup is. Alas its FWD.
Thu Sep 4 2008 9:17 AM
mlevere1992 says

They really need to bring the 120d turbo over in the coupe. They also need to make a 4 door sedan 1 series. Who knows, maybe after the design refresh in 2010.
Thu Sep 4 2008 12:15 PM
Gus says

Diesel is still over $1 more per gallon than regular gasoline here in California, so it's a tough sell.
But yes, why not have a few ultra-efficient 3 and 1 models available for the consumer to buy who really hates to buy gas but is willing to spend the premium price for the blue badge...
Thu Sep 4 2008 12:16 PM
NoNameDenton says

The US might get the 5 door an possibly the 3 door 1 series.

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