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

Rather than just covering vehicle debuts at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, there is a lot more news you can pick up here from company executives attending the show. In one such situation, BMW of North America’s CEO, Jim O’Donnell, confirmed that the luxury German automaker will offer 4-cylinder in the U.S. before 2015 to meet stricter fuel economy rules.

Under new federal guidelines revealed yesterday by President Barack Obama, automakers will have to improve the fuel-economy of their fleet by 5 percent annually before the national standard of 35.5 mp...
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SteedPub - 9/16/2009 3:12:33 PM

+4 Boost

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.

aarononymous - 9/16/2009 9:29:17 PM

+1 Boost

That's the 3-series to get IMO, talking older BMW's

Audiphile - 9/16/2009 3:13:27 PM

+5 Boost

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.)

investor27 - 9/16/2009 3:34:36 PM

+7 Boost

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

sstainba - 9/16/2009 3:36:01 PM

+1 Boost

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...

vogeygolf - 9/16/2009 3:49:19 PM

+8 Boost

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...

Htay7500 - 9/16/2009 4:03:55 PM

+7 Boost

I'm all for it.

tango - 9/16/2009 9:09:44 PM

+6 Boost

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!

RonOKLA - 9/17/2009 6:49:31 AM

+2 Boost

Just watch out - my hunch is that the premium will be at least $4000 for a four cylinder (Diesel), MAYBE less for a gasoline four cylinder. It burns me that the 335d engine alone is about a $7000 premium over the 328i.

thstone - 9/17/2009 1:46:40 PM

+1 Boost

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.