Diesel 3 Series confirmed for U.S. in 2013

With the demise of the 335d sedan, it looked as if BMW would focus diesel efforts in the U.S.on the X5. But BMW has confirmed that it will bring four- and six-cylinder diesel engines to the U.S. market in 2013, most likely in the 3 Series.

Automobile senior editor Jason Cammisa announced that BMW will bring a 2-liter, single-turbo, inline-four-cylinder diesel engine. It's expected to make 180 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Those specs should sound familiar: they are output of the 2-liter I-4 turbodiesel under the hood of the European-spec BMW 320d sedan and wagon.

BMW also confirmed that a twin-turbocharged 3-liter diesel I-6 will be added to its U.S. powertrain portfolio. Though it sounds similar to the engine offered in the X5 xDrive35d and in the old 335d model, it’s all new, from the same family as the engine in the European 330d Touring model. U.S.-market specifications are still being ironed out, but look for 255 hp, and a stump-pulling 413 lb-ft of torque between 1500-3000 rpm. With luck, this engine is destined for a U.S.-market 3 Series, as is can pull the 330d Touring from 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds.––Paul Duchene

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