Man, I love my job! I’m always amazed by how BMW never ceases to develop and build products that offer both the latest in technological innovation and the ultimate in driving performance. This month, Canada will have the pleasure of welcoming BMW’s latest: the BMW 335d and X5 xDrive models, the first vehicles with High Performance Advance BMW Engines with Blue Performance Technology. Diesel engines are not new to BMW: way back in 1983 BMW presented its first in-line, six cylinder engine.
This was acknowledged as the fastest diesel engine of its time, with 115 hp and 155 ft-lb oftorque. It was also the last diesel engine to be offered by BMW in North America. Diesel engines have always had greater market penetration in Europe (sometimes as high as 71%) than in North America. Because of this, the European market has had more opportunityto experience the evolution of BMW diesel engines and the many milestones they’ve set. From the BMW 320d’s performance and reliability marking it as the “SuperiorWinner” ofthe “24 Hours of Nurburgring” motor sport race in the late 80s, to the introduction ofthe first V8 diesel engine with fuel injection in 1999’s 7 Series Luxury Sedan, BMW has consistently revolutionized diesel engine technology.
Today, an increased awareness of environmental issues and high fuel prices mean the Canadian market is now keenly interested in fuel-efficient vehicles, including diesel vehicles. By bringing its new High Performance Advance BMW Engines with Blue Performance Technology to Canada, BMW is not only ensuring BMW drivers will continue to enjoythe ultimate driving experience they have come to expect, they can now enjoy superior fuel economy and reduced emissions as well.
BMW’s 3.0 litre straight-six diesel engine with Variable Twin Turbo has twice won the International Engine ofthe Year award, as well as many other awards and accolades. The new 335d and X5 xdrive 35d models will feature the 3.0 litre straight line six diesel engines with Variable Twin Turbo
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Technologyand a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) combustion managementsystem with urea injection. With a maximum output of 265hp and peak torque of 425lb-ft, these advanced diesel engines not only offer sports-like acceleration and drivability, they provide a whole new level offuel efficiency and emissions reduction. The 335d’s potentacceleration nearly matches the gasoline 335 engine’s rate of0 – 100 km in 6.2 seconds; but it has the added advantage of a 35.3% fuel economy in the city and 26.9% on the highway,
both better than its gasoline-fueled variant. The SCR Catalyst with AdBlue injection optimizes emission management; Advance Diesel with Blue Performance incorporates an oxidation catalyst placed close to the engine, a diesel particulate filter housed in the same unit and a SCR Catalyst with urea injection. In addition to filtering out even the smallest particles from of exhaust gases, this combination of technolgies ensures effective reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions by way of a chemical reaction within the exhaust system initiated by the injection of a small quantity of urea, referred to as AdBlue. The ammonia generated by this process converts the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas to environmentally-compatible nitrogen and H2O vapours. This new diesel engine generates only1% of the exhaust particle emissions that the old 1983 diesel model generated. Now that’s something to be proud of!
In order to make best use of the AdBlue technology, BMW developed a two-tank system that makes the conversion process completelytransparentto the driver. The required quantity ofAdBlue is withdrawn via a pump from a 6-litre tank at a BMW dealership; both the tank and the delivery lines are variably heated to ensure the efficiency of the technology even in low temperatures. The “active” tank is connected to a second “passive” reservoir. With its additional capacity of 17 litres, the system’s capacity and refill range has been engineered
to coincide with engine oil change intervals typical of normal driving, this eliminates the need for any special service requirements just for the AdBlue. Filling up with AdBlue is easy. Both times I’ve traveled to BMW headquarters in Munich, Germany, I’ve had the pleasure of driving diesel vehicles. In 2003 I drove the 530d from Munich to Salzburg, Austria; I actually had to pull over to the side of the road and examine the car’s badging to confirm that my ride was in fact diesel, not gasoline. Last October, I drove the new twin turbo 335d Sedan on the Autobahn at speeds of up to 250 km from Munich to the Dingolfing BMW plant. Let me say from personal experience, this is like no other diesel engine you have everfelt! It’s fast, it sounds great and it has torque… Did I mention it has 425lb-ft of torque? This diesel is no wimp!
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The 2009 BMW 335d Sedan also benefits from a new LCI (Life Cycle Impulse). These subtle but striking refinements include a new front apron featuring larger air inlets complemented by two new character lines on the hood; these give the vehicle a wider stance. With its revised headlamps and visually lowered and widened front end, this BMW just looks more aggressive. It also boasts a 16mm-wider rear track and larger, L-shaped taillights that incorporate LED technology.
Its refined interior also incorporates a new generation iDrive system. The new iDrive is available as partthe optional Navigation Package and features a 22cm (8.8in) wide Control Display with higher resolution and display graphics. The Navigation package also includes an internal hard drive with a capacity of 80GB for storing music files, and offers outstandingly quick access to digital maps. No more navigation discs: this one comes with full maps ofNorth America pre-loaded on its hard drive. Another feature on the 2009 3 Series Sedans is the standard Active Headrest.
This passive safety feature reduces the risk of head injury in the event of a rear end collision. Finish things off are refinements to the armrest and a larger storage compartment in the centre console for external audio devices, and there you have it: the complete evolution of a benchmark BMW diesel-engine vehicle. At Brian Jessel BMW, we are ecstatic to be adding these new and innovative BMWs to our lineup.
We look forward to sharing the details ofthese vehicles and of our complete BMW lineup with you. Safe driving!
2009 7 Series: Canadian designed for the world to enjoy COMING SOON!
Luxury and dynamics harmonize as never before
New milestones of automotive progress are set from time to time. Now, as the New BMW 7 Series approaches its market launch, it is that time again. As the world’s most successful purveyor of premium motorvehicles, BMW now presents the 5th generation of its flagship sedan, demonstrating once again how all-encompassing luxury can be combined and harmonized with the pleasures of dynamic performance.
Two variations of the 5th generation BMW 7 Series will arrive in Brian Jessel BMW’s showroom by spring 2009: 750i and 750Li – the Li version with its wheelbase extended by 140mm. Both versions are well equipped with BMW’s genuine 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that delivers 400 hp and a robust 450 lb-ft. of torque. Mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission with optimized shifting smoothness and speed, the new 7 Series truly reflect BMW Efficient Dynamic principles that promotes enhanced class-leading fuel efficiency. The new 7 embodies luxury that inspires, a wide range of comfort functions and innovative entertainment features: audio amenities include new hard-drive music storage, multi-channel amplification and speaker outputs; available 6-disc DVD changer and iPod/USB ports.
Further optional or standard luxuries include 4-zone climate control with “draft-free” vents, Active Seat Ventilation, Active Comfort massaging seats, newly enhanced telematics, an innovated new moonroof concept, and a first-ever Integrated Owner’s Manual. To be put on the list to test drive the long awaited new 7 Series, please call Brian Jessel BMW at 604.222.7788
