Comments on: BMW 118d confirmed for Australia

By: Big Oil

Big Oil — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:13:26 +0000

According to Wikipedia, the EU is moving on a large scale to 10ppm sulfur diesel this year (Euro V standard). There are still various exemptions which will allow > 10ppm diesel for a number of years. 50ppm diesel (Euro IV) was mandatory from 2005 onwards.

So it seems we are not all that far behind the EU on this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra-low_sulfur_diesel

Again, I would say the delayed introduction of niche models like the 118d is more to do with marketing and supply concerns rather than local fuel quality.

By: DesignEng©™

DesignEng©™ — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:22:52 +0000

Hans, JAG.

You can’t just suddenly remove two of the largest players from the market, hence the “short term” exemption for poor quality diesel from these two.

EU standards? Don’t know, couldn’t be bothered doing the research.

By: jimmy james

jimmy james — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:47:04 +0000

Agree with Alex on that last post – 318d would be a good package, however the next gen 3 series looks like it might finally deal with the fact the 320i has always been an underpowered dud.

Word is forced induction will appear, with the replacement for the 320i petrol offering something like 130 to 150kw and 350nm. Let’s just hope they dont stuff up the exterior design!

Then (hopefully) we’ll see a 323d with the 150kw 400nm 23d twin turbo diesel engine.

A 320i turbo and a 323d (both with the option of the DCT gearbox) would make a formidable team at the bottom end of the 3 series range!

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:25:16 +0000

Well that all sounds good. In the last month, two of the five Prius owners I know changed up to a 1 Series and one of them bought the 118d because of it’s green credentials. From what I’ve heard, it’s a very impressive car and great fun.
I can’t help but think though that it would be more worth it to bring over the 318d and make that the new bottom rung of the 3 Series range over the pretty unimpressive 320i.

By: Hans

Hans — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:41:52 +0000

DesignEng©™ Says:
At least one car manufacturer recommends only BP supplied diesel.

Really? Which car manufacturer is that?

I know that the 10ppm only took place 1-Jan-09 but how is it some are exempt from this rule? If they can’t comply they should just stop selling diesel.

Any idea what the EU standard sulphur content for diesel is?

By: Tack

Tack — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:20:33 +0000

Carz said
Everything in 118d sounds interesting…OK.
I’m definitely checking one asap….OK.
this is another great BMW if not the best….NO !!! We need 123d seriously.

By: Carz

Carz — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:10:56 +0000

Everything in 118d sounds interesting. I’m definitely checking one asap, this is another great BMW if not the best.

By: Frenchie

Frenchie — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:01:49 +0000

Funny looking Sydney Harbour Bridge!

Not so much a myth. The 10ppm standard only took effect from Jan this year, and some suppliers STILL have an exemption, because they can’t comply.
Other requirements only took effect from Feb/March.

At least one car manufacturer recommends only BP supplied diesel.

The requirements phase in:
Sulfur
500 ppm (max) 31-Dec-02
50 ppm (max) 1-Jan-06
10ppm (max) 1-Jan-09

By: Supercujo

Supercujo — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:31:27 +0000

Gotta love the persistence of the poor quality diesel (high sulfur) myth…

I’d like to see even more small capacity diesel engines on the market.