BMW confirms 4-cylinders for the U.S., 3 with four banger in 2012

Not a bad thing at all. Of the many Bimmers I have owned, believe it or not the one I have the fondest memories of is my 1991 318is. It was the most communicative, tossable, and fun to drive Bimmer of the fleet. It was not the fastest of course, but the engine was a revving delight and refined as a 4-cylinder can get. Oh, and it got 30+ mpg.

— SteedPub (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 3:12:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

That silky-smooth, powerful inline 6 has always been a major selling point for the 1,3-and-5-series BMWs. Good luck with the 4-cylinder.

A good I-4 is not impossible, however. I own a '09 Audi A4 with the 2-liter turbo four, and the engine is fine. (Slightly less smooth than an I-6, and it doesn't sound quite as nice, but that's the nature of the beast.)

— Audiphile (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 3:13:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

Bring on the 120d & 123d, the 320d and 325d. What are you waiting for? Bring them over today.

— investor27 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 3:34:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

i think it will kick ass. i have a 135i and a 09 a4 2.0... i like the look of the audi sedans more than other sedans, but that engine just doesn't do it for me. it's lethargic until you're at 3k rpm - it just doens't have the kick. the 135i, of course, is fast as hell and more fun to drive. and honestly, the fuel economy is about the same. i drive 15 miles to work in mixed conditions... the a4 has 2k miles on it and the mpg is sitting at 23. the 135 is driven 60m to work mostly highway and is sitting at 28mpg.

i'm looking forward to the TT 4cyl...

— sstainba (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 3:36:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

They should be able to do thsi before 2012. I personally would have no problem driving a lighter, more spirited 3 series with a twin turbo 4. Imagine 250 HP, 30MPG+ on the highway, and minimal turbo lag like the 335...

— vogeygolf (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 3:49:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8   

I'm all for it.

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 4:03:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

And here we have it...the insanity of BMW. They are going to offer a 4 cylinder 3-series, but only "considering" a 4-cylinder 1-series? Oh come on! The 1-series should have a 4-cylinder only lineup! That alone would do wonders for the company's fuel economy rating. And a 4 in the X1 and X3 is a given. And yes, I think the 4 cylinder diesels would help as well. Lower prices as well, people!

— tango (View Profile)

Posted on 9/16/2009 9:09:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

The four cylinder 3-series will be a failure.

The 318i was a good car for its time, but its a POS compared to a 335 or even a 328. The entire reason that the 325/328/335 have been so sucessful is the silky-smooth I6.

— thstone (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 1:46:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

This is a good car for non-enthusiest. the real men would want a m version but will settle for the strait 6.

— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 9/17/2009 7:38:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1