BMW was one of the few automakers to actually post a sales gain in August, but it reported the smallest improvement with only a 1 percent increase in sales. While BMW as a whole only saw a modest increase, the brand’s economical four-cylinder MINI brand saw an impressive 34 percent gain. MINI’s strong sales are no doubt related to the brand’s excellent fuel economy, which has BMW brass considering offering even more economical models.
According to Edmunds, BMW is currently considering bringing a four-cylinder version of its popular 3-series to the U.S. Moreover, the move would also include a four-pot for the slightly smaller 1-series.
One of BMW’s best sellers in Europe is actually the thrifty 320i. While not as powerful as the 335i or even the 330i, the 320i’s 167 horsepower provides adequate motivation and returns far better fuel economy. Same goes for the 120i.
Both models would be attractive to U.S. customers in the wake of $4 gas, and would also lower the cost of entry for prospective buyers.
However, despite a four-cylinder gas engine being on the table, BMW doesn’t have plans to bring its diesel four-cylinder to the U.S. anytime soon.
If the four-pot BMWs do get the green light, they could hit out shores as early as 2010 or 2011.
09/04, 1:14 PM
posted by:
crackerhemi
This is the dumbest statement ever: “While not as powerful as the 335i or even the 330i, the 320i’s 167 horsepower provides adequate motivation and returns far better fuel economy. ”
DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
09/04, 1:28 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Since BMW can’t design or build a good small engine (Chrysler/Puegot design in the Mini), they should just source GM for a few of their excellent ecotecs. Then a BMW might be worth buying? Well, if they use GM grade interior materials/quality as well as the class leading ergonomics like the new Malibu and Saturn Aura sport sedans.
09/04, 1:48 PM
posted by:
projectzr1
^^^^^
Do u even know what ur talking about half or any of the time?
there’s a reason BMWs I6’s are Award Winning
09/04, 1:51 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
obviously you’re a GM fan and there’s nothing wrong with that but aren’t you aware the ecotecs were ORIGINALLY designed by Toyota?
09/04, 1:51 PM
posted by:
tzu13
Ladies and gentleman… he’s back.
09/04, 1:56 PM
posted by:
Astonman12
ive always thought a four cylinder 3 series would be a great idea. a four cylinder 1 series would also be pretty sweet. both would be extremely attractive here in the US i think.
09/04, 2:15 PM
posted by:
inline6
Up through the ’90s, BMW was giving us 4cyl 3-Series and Z3 models. They’ll be welcome again.
Maybe they’ll bring down the costs of the 1-Series to more reasonable levels!
09/04, 2:42 PM
posted by:
beemerdude
BMW is doing twin turbo’s for the 335i… How about a turbo 4-cylinder for the current 3- and 1- Series? I just hope they have more balls than the wimpy 4-cylinders in the 1980s 318i and early Z-cars.
09/04, 3:26 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
A turbo 4 would be so Audi-ish. What’s next from BMW, bulbous shapes and FWD? The horror…the horror….
09/04, 3:51 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Problem is even the 1 series is so porky almost any normally aspirated 4 banger is just going to be anemic. And a 3 series? You might just as well get license plates that say Fido.
09/04, 3:55 PM
posted by:
brocky
this is good. A light-weight turbo 4-cylinders for the 1 and 3 series. It’s about time! As good of a car the current 3 and 1 series are… there is no doubting they’ve become super FAT.
09/04, 4:46 PM
posted by:
mutz1243
There is nothing that says they are coming out with turbo 4 bangers. I would love to see this happen since it will lower the egotistical image of BMWs.
09/04, 6:00 PM
posted by:
e36m
Should bring back the amazing 318ti too WTF!!! 335i gets up to 26 mpg on the freeway. Last real 4 cylinder was the s14 powered e30 m3.
09/04, 7:56 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
I was thinking to myself the fact that nobody has mentioned BMW putting turbo 4s in their cars but Mutz got to it before me…
09/04, 8:24 PM
posted by:
Gundy
Almost two decades I bought a 1990 BMW 318 and that thing was pretty sweet. It obviously wasn’t as fast, quick, or silky-smooth as the 6-cylinder version, but it got great mileage and if you’re just looking for a great-looking, safe, comfortable car, there’s no reason that BMW can’t make a smooth, quick 4-cylinder engine again. As my 75-year old neighbor would say, “they can have someone fly to the moon, land, and then fly back home again, and they can’t… “…
09/05, 12:11 AM
posted by:
The Stig
Putting the 2L twin-turbo diesel in the 3-series with DKG is what I want.
09/05, 12:46 AM
posted by:
02WRXPSM
Anyone who doubts turbo four-bangers, I have a 400 awhp STI (on pump gas, with factory internals) that’s ready for a test drive; just buy a ticket to Phoenix and I’ll meet you at the airport.
09/05, 12:57 AM
posted by:
maxcar
@ need more oil for GM
the ecotec was developed largely based on saab’s (pre GM subsidiary) experience with small turbo engines and of course, lotus engineers.
09/05, 12:14 PM
posted by:
angelo
BWM makes great four-cylinder engines (though not small enough for MINI platform). Understand that MINI needs to be profitable at a low price point AND with British labor prices.
BMW’s headquarters are even in a 4-cylinder shape, that’s their core!
09/05, 3:41 PM
posted by:
A4
TURBO 4! TURBO 4! TURBO 4! AND DIESEL 4!
09/07, 7:00 PM
posted by:
Gundy
02WRX, how could I forget the WRX 4-cylinder! Talk about a proven winner. YES to 4-cylinder turbos & turbo diesels too, they work in Europe and other non-US countries, they can and should be working here too.