N52 "quicker" than previous X3 engine?

In the press release on the BMWNA web site it states that the new X3 28i N52 engine will be nearly a half-second quicker (0-60 in 6.7 secs.) than the previous X3 30i engine. The N52 gives 240 HP instead of 260 HP in the previous platform. How is this increased quickness possible, especially with the increased 2011 X3 dimensions, i.e. length, width, etc?

Although dimensions grew - I believe the overall weight is down.

8 speeds in the auto trans now? Better gearing could also be a factor.

-MrB

Probably lack of throttle by wire hesitation!

I thought there were going to be two engines at launch: the xDrive20d and the xDrive35i, the latter of which will be offered in the North American market. Then again, I haven't read info on the US market, just that of Europe.

The 35i model will hit 0-100km/h in 5,7 seconds, pretty fast to say the least. No idea if the Automatic Stop-Start will make it to the US market.

No diesel in the initial 2011 X3 lineup according to BMWNA.

The base X3 engine appears to be the same one going into the new 528 F10.

Originally Posted by exthree

No diesel in the initial 2011 X3 lineup according to BMWNA.

Yeah, I would like to see a diesel engine in X3. There is the expectation of a diesel hybrid coming soon, hopefully to the US as well. A 23d diesel hybrid would be the perfect combo in my book.

Originally Posted by skier

Yeah, I would like to see a diesel engine in X3. There is the expectation of a diesel hybrid coming soon, hopefully to the US as well. A 23d diesel hybrid would be the perfect combo in my book.

Americans will probably be unwilling to pay the price premium for an X3 diesel, much less a diesel hybrid which requires extensive R&D.

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

Americans will probably be unwilling to pay the price premium for an X3 diesel, much less a diesel hybrid which requires extensive R&D.

Judging by the sales ox X5 35d, there is definitely a market and demand for diesel SAV. Premium gas and diesel cost about the same in Phoenix area, and diesels offer 30% better mpg than gas equivalents. Combine that with the eco credit and fed tax incentives, it's why buying a diesel makes economical sense. Not to forget low RPM torque, perfectly suited to 7-8 speed automatic transmissions in heavier cars like the X's.

Mwerks Magazine speculated that it might be the 200 HP 320d.

Originally Posted by skier

Judging by the sales ox X5 35d, there is definitely a market and demand for diesel SAV. Premium gas and diesel cost about the same in Phoenix area, and diesels offer 30% better mpg than gas equivalents. Combine that with the eco credit and fed tax incentives, it's why buying a diesel makes economical sense. Not to forget low RPM torque, perfectly suited to 7-8 speed automatic transmissions in heavier cars like the X's.

That's because the X5 xDrive35d is priced substantially below the 4.8i, nearly $7k. I still see many more 6-cylinder petrol versions than the diesel, ignoring earlier models like the 2007-2008. In addition, BMW NA has been subsidising the diesel with its eco-credit. The 335d is hardly a sales success.

The X1 xDrive23d is priced around €2100 below the xDrive28i and unless the 25i version is hideously slow (it isn't), it will be harder to justify a price premium of the diesel over a 25i. Plus, it will be tempting to pony up just a bit more for the 28i. So unless Americans stop thinking of diesels as a compromise, most folks will stick with a petrol because it's just what the market is used to.

Diesel is actually cheaper than premium fuel in NC and VA so there's no reason not to buy one. But most car buyers just aren't informed enough to know, or care.

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

That's because the X5 xDrive35d is priced substantially below the 4.8i, nearly $7k. I still see many more 6-cylinder petrol versions than the diesel, ignoring earlier models like the 2007-2008. In addition, BMW NA has been subsidising the diesel with its eco-credit. The 335d is hardly a sales success.

The X1 xDrive23d is priced around €2100 below the xDrive28i and unless the 25i version is hideously slow (it isn't), it will be harder to justify a price premium of the diesel over a 25i. Plus, it will be tempting to pony up just a bit more for the 28i. So unless Americans stop thinking of diesels as a compromise, most folks will stick with a petrol because it's just what the market is used to.

Diesel is actually cheaper than premium fuel in NC and VA so there's no reason not to buy one. But most car buyers just aren't informed enough to know, or care.

Regardless what you see on the street, 335d and X5d has been outselling their gas counterparts. Data: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...t=diesel+sales . Eco credit and fed tax credit definitely help with increased sales, but with diesel and premium at par, it now makes economic sense to buy diesel. Off course superior torque in diesel doesn't

Regardless, diesels will remain niche market, and those who want the benefits of it will get it.

Most of the data is convincing enough but the abrupt reduction in X5 3.0si sales could be attributed to the LCI switchover.

No question though, diesel is kind of a niche market. It's nearly impossible to find a VW Golf TDI because VW apparently has a quota on the number of those shipped to the US. It could very well be my next car.

Originally Posted by exthree

In the press release on the BMWNA web site it states that the new X3 28i N52 engine will be nearly a half-second quicker (0-60 in 6.7 secs.) than the previous X3 30i engine. The N52 gives 240 HP instead of 260 HP in the previous platform. How is this increased quickness possible, especially with the increased 2011 X3 dimensions, i.e. length, width, etc?

Easy it has more torque at a lower RPM, 230 vs 225 and tuned for a broader torque spec. Plus the 8 speed Gear box.

0-60 Torque and gearing is what matters. The old X3 might accelerate better from 100+ where you need the extra HP to overcome aerodynamic drag. However if the new X3 is significantly more aero the new one might still win.

The 335d was a mistake. That engine should have been placed in a 5 series (a la the MB E-Class) where it makes more sense. The 3 series is a "sporty" car where the 5 series is more of a family hauler -- sort of. I think that a diesel hybrid is on the horizon. There is already a gas hybrid in the works and shifting to diesel would not be that hard IMHO. Ford had a very nice concept car a number of years ago with a diesel hybrid (it was a Mercury version of the Freestyle wagon). IRT to diesel VW's they are really popular in diesel-starved CA now with the Jetta version. If they came out with a diesel Tiguan I would buy it! The 2.0Tdi does not require the "blue fluid" the others have to use. Gas prices are rising around here and diesel is lower than mid grade gas again.

There is a 535d with same engine as 335d, just not in NA. The 335d is a heck of a car. It just turns the notion of a slow diesel on its head. Too bad they don't come with x-drive on this side of pond otherwise I will have one in my garage by now. So much torque in rwd in winter is lethal.

Didn't mean it was a bad car, just not the right "fit" for the demographics the 3 series is aimed at. I believe the 5 OTOH would have been more successful in the showroom. Having lots of rear wheel torque in Sunny California however is a "good thing"!