[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by glennQNYC

Since we were discussing why diesel vehicles aren't more popular in the US, the most relevant statistic is the average fuel prices nationally. When you look up the national average fuel prices, diesel is about $0.40 a gallon more expensive than premium gasoline. :

I'm surprised it is fuel costs which sways diesel purchase, diesel is more economical in daily driving, even allowing for the fuel price premium.

We have more expensive diesel (than petrol) fuel over here in the UK and diesel is still pushing forward in sales. Our fuel cost can vary according to season, with a 10 pence per litre premium at some times of the year. That translates to something like an extra $0.71 a gallon.

HighlandPete

[ChrisMT79]

Originally Posted by Mr.Metak2you

You can get some Alpinas. My brother has a B7.

Indeed. A physician buddy of mine has a blue Alpina B7. And I'll be completely honest, Alpinas did not appeal to me until I reached a certain age. Prior to, I just didn't find it all that visually appealing (especially the wheels, which I have come to really like, though still would not want to have to clean). But I digress. I truly have a soft spot for his car anytime we meet up.

[The long haul]

Even if diesel is more expensive, which it usually is.... The whole point of diesel is:
1) torque
2) fuel economy that a gasoline engine can't get
3) longevity that a gas engine will NEVER match.
I have a truck with 1.4 million miles on the stock head gasket and bearings. It's had two turbo replacements and one clutch. That's why straight trucks and tractor trailers are ALL diesel. The longevity and fuel economy is superior.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Diver

The EU has new emissions standards that are likely to result in no more diesel cars over there.

Many BMW diesels are already EU6 compliant as standard in Europe, other's will be (already optional) before the deadline for sales next September. Emission standards will not kill off the diesel over here, long term reliability may be more of a factor for folks who don't use a diesel in ideal conditions. But for those driving average to high mileage, petrol is not the fuel of choice.

HighlandPete

[The long haul]

Shit with the bringing of DPF systems and utilization of DEF/UREA fluid and today's ultra low sulfur fuel, diesel emissions are virtually inhalable lol

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by The long haul

Even if diesel is more expensive, which it usually is.... The whole point of diesel is:
1) torque
2) fuel economy that a gasoline engine can't get
3) longevity that a gas engine will NEVER match.

Living in a country which uses diesel across all types of use, 'longevity' in its simplest interpretation is being challenged. We have all sorts of issues with modern diesel engines, not so much the simple mechanical parts, but all the ancillaries for emission limits. EGR faults, DPF blockages, swirl control failures (which trash the engines), carbon build up, all add to running costs where issues develop. Often these issues rear their ugly head at relatively low mileage. Many are suspicious of running diesels over 100,000 miles, unless conditions of use are really ideal. Even then there is still the risk of poor running and expensive fixes.

Many buy into diesel on the older designs which did generally cover high mileage without issues, but are disappointed with the issues as they come along, cost savings for running diesel often evaporate when problems have to be sorted.

HighlandPete

[The long haul]

That could be on newer systems. It on trucks we have minimal problems even being over the road. I have a 14" F250 6.7 and knock on wood no problems yet haha.
Fuel filters need changed every 15
Oil changes ain't cheap
Keep up on air filters

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by X3paul

the M4 raw? what does that make the E46 CSL?

It says very little IMO.

[dclowd9901]

Originally Posted by MrBeranek

Exactly. I have a diesel D3 (wagon, AWD) and 1M and although the D3 is so cool (the engine, the suspension), but it´s not fun. You don´t hear anything inside, it "just" goes fast, but you can hardly feel it. The petrol engine, on the other hand, provides such a beautiful soundtrack

This is why it's going to be very difficult for me to ever pull a trigger on an electric. I know they're fast. I know the Tesla P85 S is a hell of a car. But I don't want to just be thrown back in my seat. I want to feel the explosions.

Of course, we'll see when gas hits $10/gallon

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by dclowd9901

Of course, we'll see when gas hits $10/gallon

We are around $9 at the moment and fuel is cheaper than it has been, we have seen $10/gallon.

Diesel rules with those fuel costs in the UK.

HighlandPete

[Diver]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Many BMW diesels are already EU6 compliant as standard in Europe, other's will be (already optional) before the deadline for sales next September. Emission standards will not kill off the diesel over here, long term reliability may be more of a factor for folks who don't use a diesel in ideal conditions. But for those driving average to high mileage, petrol is not the fuel of choice.

HighlandPete

If that is the case news outlets in the US are misrepresenting the situation.

[IanJ]

Originally Posted by Stevens21234

not a fan and never will be of this reviewer

Surprised by that, he's well regarded in the UK for his steering abilities probably him and Chris Harris 2 of the most respected.

D3/4 sounds truly impressive

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Diver

If that is the case news outlets in the US are misrepresenting the situation.

Diesel is getting a harder time again in the UK, as air quality is not under control in many places in the UK.

There has been a proposal (a scare) about not allowing cars with EU5 (and below) into London in the future. That would encourage city users to go for EU6 compliant diesel cars, if they want to enter the city. The idea, it could be rolled out to other cities with high levels of air pollution.

There is opposition to any such proposal.

HighlandPete

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by MrBeranek

You would prefer a diesel engine in a sport´s coupe to petrol?

I don't have a problem with diesel engines like some do on this forum. Having a lot of seat and driving time in a Mercedes ML Bluetec, I'm not bothered by the performance and/or sound. I currently drive an E90 325 and a base R56 Cooper, both which lack power but are still fun to drive so I would never fully utilize the M3/M4 so speed and acceleration is not a top priority.

The D3/D4 checks all the boxes for me. It provides everything the base 3er/4er has with the additional torque and fuel economy.

[34.50]

This car looks awesome - the color is amazing! I would love the D4/D3 over the M4/M3. Horsepower is nice, but torque is the fun part

[Diver]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Diesel is getting a harder time again in the UK, as air quality is not under control in many places in the UK.

There has been a proposal (a scare) about not allowing cars with EU5 (and below) into London in the future. That would encourage city users to go for EU6 compliant diesel cars, if they want to enter the city. The idea, it could be rolled out to other cities with high levels of air pollution.

There is opposition to any such proposal.

HighlandPete

That is very high handed, placing restrictions on vehicles that were compliant when manufactured and are still running to factory spec.

[wdeerfield]

Originally Posted by glennQNYC

Data shows diesel priced $0.40/gallon more (US national average) than premium gasoline.
:

plus car companies charging much more for the diesel car since they wont get the money from maintenance like the gasoline cars.

[Fugly M3]

Originally Posted by RingMeister01

We need this in the U.S.

+1!!! This thing is so awesome!

[stevehecht]

Originally Posted by jaehshim

i wonder how diesel engine would work/feel on tracks (no sarcasm)
there are some hot diesel engines out there these days, seems like a good recipe along with a great mpg

I think the engine is better suited for autoX than for track proper. I had my 328d out last year and kept it in 3rd the whole time on a confined course and peak torque was always there. It might not be as effective on a larger course configuration.

[Fugly M3]

Originally Posted by 34.50

This car looks awesome - the color is amazing! I would love the D4/D3 over the M4/M3. Horsepower is nice, but torque is the fun part

believe that's the midnight blue

[34.50]

Originally Posted by E46M54325Ci

believe that's the midnight blue

I don't think it's Midnight Blue.
Actually on the Alpina B4 Bitrubo website, it says:

"The traditional colours of Blue and Green are irreversibly associated with our company. These colours also form the basis of the two exclusive ALPINA paint finishes ALPINA Blue Metallic and ALPINA Green Metallic. A large number of BMW and BMW Individual paint finishes as well as custom paintwork are also available."

Whoa hold on a second - didn't realize there is a D4/D3 and a B4/B3. Wicked. Either way, both models can come in the exclusive Alpina colors.

[stevehecht]

Originally Posted by MrBeranek

I wish Alpina took the front M bumper and put its lip on it instead of using the ordinary one, which looks nothing but sporty. Yes, the lip makes it better, but the M bumper with the lip - that would be a perfect combination.

This is an interesting choice on Alpina's part and I find it reassuring. I am one of a minority of F30 owners who prefers the Sportline front end to the MSport front end. My personal choice of adding a Kelleners Sport front lip is confirmed by the Alpina lip, which is fairly similar in design. Now if I could only get that color for my car!