Comments on: Getting to know the new U.S. diesel-powered BMWs

By: Kamil

Kamil — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:51:18 +0000

Hi Keith,
The article is based on the information I have gathered from BMW factory reps, their press release, the engine tech specs, and from speaking with a Master Tech such as yourself who went into training for it. I’ve asked dozen of questions, one of them specifically being the glow plug question. I don’t know how to respond this, but what I can do is give the tech I spoke with a call and check again.
-Kamil

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By: Jim

Jim — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:20:24 +0000

I’d love to see BMW offer a diesel in the 5-series here in the US. I had the chance to drive a 530d in Europe, and it was fantastic! Please, BMW – bring us a 5-series diesel!

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By: Keith

Keith — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:27:20 +0000

Unfortunately that article is also wrong. I am a tech and have taken this engine apart. There is no vanos whatsoever. The intake cam is driven via a timing chain and the exhaust cam is driven via a simple gear to gear connection to the intake cam. The reason that I am making a big stink about this is because the engine is so efficient it does not need vanos. It’s a work of art!

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By: Horatiu B.

Horatiu B. — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:47:51 +0000

Keith, I can’t say 100%, but I do recall reading about the Double-Vanos in the 3.0 liter diesel. Here is a link: http://www.dealernet.com/Vehicle.aspx?trim=41488&vehiclename=BMW+X5+35d

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By: Keith

Keith — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:17:12 +0000

Part of this engine description is misleading. While there is a variable intake manifold, it is only used to reduce NOx emissions at low RPM. There is no vanos or valvetronic and the engine does have glow plugs.

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