America is getting a new diesel BMW 3-Series.
BMW plans to launch the new sedan, the 328d, this summer as a 2014 model.
The diesel 3-series will come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that will bring the car to 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds. The engine makes 180 horsepower and 280 pound feet of torque. This 2.0-liter engine can also be found on the European 320d. An eight-speed manual transmission will spin the wheels. Unfortunately, the six-speed manual found in overseas models will most likely not make it into the American 328d.
BMW is breaking from its nomenclature system for the American diesel 3-Series. The American version is being marketed as a premium configuration and therefore carries the more upscale 328 badge, rather than 320d in Europe (maybe since Europeans aren’t as wowed by those mysterious diesel engines?). BMW will, however, be releasing a 320i as an entry level sedan with a detuned version of the gas engine in the 328i.
It’s a confusing stable of releases for this year, but Left Lane News has broken it down:
-320i - Sedan only, 180 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder (gas)
-328d - Sedan or wagon, 180 horsepower 2.0 liter turbo four-cylinder (diesel)
-328i - Sedan, wagon or GT five-door hatchback, 240 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder (gas)
-335i - Sedan or GT five-door hatchback, 300 horsepower 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder
Optional all-wheel drive (BMW’s xDrive) will be available for the 328d, though rear wheel drive will be standard and the wagon version will only come with all-wheel drive.
The first diesel 3-Series sold in the United States was the 335d, built on the previous 3-Series generation. The 335d had quick acceleration, but suffered from low sales. As Left Lane points out, BMW must be trying to market the 328d as an eco-conscious model at a more economic price.
BMW should begin production on the 328d in July, which means the cars should start appearing at dealerships starting in late August or early September.
