Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Automotive News & Views What Would It Take for YOU to buy a diesel car?
1503 messages, Last post on Nov 14, 2009 at 1:11 PM
You are in the Automotive News & Views Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & claires
|
|
|---|---|
|
Replying to: ruking1 (May 06, 2009 11:29 am) I'm sure they do, I was referring to what should have been done in the US. For example, the 5-series sportswagen. I think BMW should further explore this attraction of sportswagen owners to diesels.
|
|
|
Replying to: bigmclargehuge (May 06, 2009 11:33 am)
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: ruking1 (May 06, 2009 11:43 am) http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f1a9dde/1211 And I disagree that the US is 'uninterested' in diesel engines as a whole. My opinion is that a more premium, utilitarian car would attract more diesel buyers than a 'so-called entry-level' sport sedan. For starters, the 5-series is more premium than the 3-series. Secondly, the Sportwagon is more utilitarian. The 335d is not the same vehicle at all. I'm not sure why you would say: So if you are going to do a 5 series Sportwagen, then why not sedans, etc, etc. But the engine seems to work fine in an X5d. So by extension, perhaps a 535Dxdrive Wagon would be the next logical step. Not a RWD sports sedan. I loved the 335d engine when I drove it. I just felt it was in the wrong car.
|
|
|
Replying to: bigmclargehuge (May 06, 2009 12:06 pm) I am NOT affiliated in any way with BMW, but was swagging about BMW IN the US. Evidently as I said then and say now, BMW does NOT think it worth the risk/reward to do as you think, otherwise... why would they NOT !!?? In addition since you appear to be a current BMW owner, 405 # ft of torque presents a HUGE marketing problem to BMW; as the "ENTRY" level 3 series now DRAWF's the whole line (gassers), except for the most exotic or massively tuned models.It is also STARKLY apparent the gassers are guzzlers in comparison. Again I think you probably follow it closer than I. So give us a heads up. Me, I would disagree it (the 335 D engine is in the wrong car !! I absolutely loved it !! Evidently even current BMW owners think it WAY overpriced, as when I was trying to get on any of three order lists, NO one was before me. Truly I hope it has picked up since then.
|
|
|
Replying to: ruking1 (May 06, 2009 12:21 pm) The Urea injection still has me upset. I wonder if you get low out in the desert if you can just pee into the canister and be on your way? I think the BMW inline 6 is a better design than the VW and MB V6. |
|
|
This is a letter I wrote to Ford and mailed 5/5/09. It is in regards to an article in Edmunds that is included. This is maybe my 5th letter on diesels to Ford and GM We (you and me) need to write letters to the auto makers. They need to hear this or they will continue with the SameOldSh** Its time consuming and it takes thought, but letters are what count. Dear Sir, This is the single biggest mistake you can make. I was shocked when I read this. Ford has a chance to beat all the others and they quit. I have no idea what you are thinking or who you are listening to, but there is a diesel market that is starving for high mileage diesel powered light duty trucks and passenger cars. I just traded my 1993 Ford Explorer for 2005 VW diesel Beetle and we love it. Two different cars, yes. Diesel cost more than gas, yes, BUT, my wife loves the fuel and money savings, the sound, feel and power of the diesel engine and wishes our Taurus had a diesel, something like in the Ford Mondeo in Europe. In July of 2008 we purchased a new 2008 Taurus Limited and we love the car, but I wonder all the time how much nicer it would be with a diesel engine in it. As stated above, my wife loves the diesel as do I. An assumption on my part is the both GM and Ford assume that diesel is a “guy” thing and that is so wrong. There are a lot of ladies that own VW diesels by choice. Regards, Ford Holding Off on Light-Duty Diesel for F-150 It's been in the works for years and now it's on hold - again. We referring to the smaller, light-duty diesel engine planned for the Ford F-150. It was scheduled to go on sale in 2010, but according to a report in Automotive News it's now on indefinite hold. Adding a high-mileage, high-torque diesel to its most popular truck seemed like a sure thing a year ago. Now that gas prices have come down, however, diesel is far less attractive from a cost standpoint. According to article, the program has been delayed until 2013 but if gas prices remain low compared to diesel fuel the engine could be scrapped altogether. General Motors recently delayed development of its own light-duty diesel in an effort to conserve cash. |
|
|
|
|
Replying to: ruking1 (May 06, 2009 12:21 pm)  American 3-series buyers are still a bit of a niche market, IMO. It is viewed as a sports car first, and a sedan second. They are just too tough a nut to crack. Any other class, I think BMW would have an easier time.
|
|
|
Replying to: bigmclargehuge (May 06, 2009 12:59 pm) As both you and Gagrice have delineated, I would be inclined to agree.. I (my 02 cents) think it is great to have one engine common to two cars, but as you have also said, BMW buyers are a niche market. I SERIOUSLY like the 335 D !! It truly is made for long distance road travel. As for the diesel in SUV platforms, an absolute no brainer.
|
|
|
Replying to: ruking1 (May 06, 2009 2:27 pm)
|
|
|
Replying to: bigmclargehuge (May 06, 2009 11:19 am) Then clearly, someone (I'm looking at you Ford ) needs to borrow the BMW I-6 diesel for a light pickup. Except they already sell a diesel Ranger to most of the rest of the world. Already have it, zero r&d required - just change some headlights and other minor bits the same as Mercedes and BMW and VW do with their vehicles.
|
|
You are here:
Forums
Automotive News & Views What Would It Take for YOU to buy a diesel car?
