Rebadging of BMWs by BMWUSA

[Rory]

Ok let me rephrase crap, as any year 320d certainly isn't. It's more "not performing to the level expected from BMW x28 nomenclature". Maybe before the turboed petrols the 20d was close to a 28i in some ways but now the new turbo 20i engines are quite potent.

 

[OppositeLockMT]

I agree.

Maybe they should have put the twin turbo unit from the 123d, X1 23d etc.

 

[DieselFan]

The price then is a bit crazy but what I'm saying is they might have done it for market purposes. Because americans think diesels arent that good. They would think a 2litre diesel is utter crap. Because most of the cars with diesel engines are huge 6.2litre monster engines. Just saying, but it doesnt justify the higher price. Are diesels worse for the environment? Maybe there is a bigger tax on diesel cars? Just a thought.

 

[OppositeLockMT]

That's exactly what I've been trying to figure out. Why would the US discourage diesel frugality by making them more expensive to import, especially when some of them can get better mileage that their beloved hybrids.

I don't think diesel is more harmful to the environment than petrol, the main issue is that diesel is more expensive there.

I don't see how marketing a 2.0l diesel as a 28d will create a paradigm shift on how they feel about diesels. Those who care about the nomenclature would definitely know how big the engine under the bonnet is, and those who don't generally wouldn't care less if it was called a 320d.

Weird to say the least.

 

[DieselFan]

Do they manufacture any 3series in the states? Maybe wherever they make the cars for the states the costs are significantly higher on the diesels? Just a thought.. But who knows really.

 

[OppositeLockMT]

They on make X-Series models and the Z4 (?). Will be interesting to see how many of these 320d (328d) they sell over there, they're definately popular everywhere else...partly because they are relatively inexpensive.

 

[applehero]

I think it has to do with perception... Their perception of a two litre engine - let alone a Diesel - is quite low. As with the states, "bigger is better". In terms of what is available, anything less than 3 litres seems a bit of a cop out. Thats my 2C, be interesting to know the official reason.