Production timeline for new 6 series and X3 revealed. 6-cyl and AWD 6-series coming.

[jayparry]

Originally Posted by southlight

It confirms that the convertible comes first!

The convertible might just take longer to produce. Likely because its being sent to a different factory for the convertible top.

All engines should be turbos! Even a small one will help you get more power with a smaller motor and with more efficiency. Its a great trend.

So X3 will start sales in US early next year... when's the X1 coming and with what engines!

[Universal_Magnetic]

they are making an xi version of the 6 series?!

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by jayparry

So X3 will start sales in US early next year... when's the X1 coming and with what engines!

As far as I've been able to glean from BMW blogs and other automotive news sources, the X1 is due here next year. Probably late next year I'd say, so figure about one year after the X3 launch.

As for engines, like I said above, rumors seem to be converging on the X1 being the launch vehicle for the new turbo 4. Nothing is firm, but that seems like a good fit since the engine is known to be ready mid-next year. In theory though, there is a small possibility that the X1 could launch with the N52 instead and the turbo 4 cylinder would then debut in the F30 3 series sedan (and F31 3 series wagon - but we probably won't get that in North America). So it's one of those two engines at least. Then the question is, do they put the N55 in the X1 as well? I somewhat doubt that will happen since it would leave the big-brother X3 with no unique powertrain to have as a selling point. So I see it with just one engine. That's merely my opinion though. And who knows, they could do an uplevel X1 35si with the N55.

The other big X1 question: does the US get a RWD model? It would be great if true, but I have my doubts.

[hector]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

...

The other big X1 question: does the US get a RWD model? It would be great if true, but I have my doubts.

what about a rwd x3 in the u.s.?

[BMW269]

Can't wait for BMW M6 xDrive GranCoupé Competition Edition.....Limited.

[Imola.ZHP]

Originally Posted by jdcolombo

Any chance there will be a diesel for the X3? I think that about a third of the X5's currently sold are diesels; the diesel just makes so much sense in an SUV-type vehicle . . . (not that they don't make sense in passenger cars, but they make even more sense for SUV's).

John C.

^ I believe there has always been a diesel x3, just not available in the US...

I hope they send them over eventually.

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

True enough ALPINE, but as your list reveals, only the N52 is left (in the North America, anyway) for non-M vehicles. However, we all know that the turbo 4-banger is coming next year (highly rumored to go to the X1 first) and with a predicted output in the mid-200hp range, the writing is on the wall for the N52. In addition, the S65 will be the only NA M engine left after the M6 is gone. I am actually somewhat curious to see how fast the new turbo-4 replaces the N52 throughout the lineup. If BMW is aggressive about it, an S65 powered E92 or E93 (E90 will be gone) M3 could be the final naturally aspirated BMW off the assembly line for the forseeable future, well at least for North American production anyway. It also depends of course on the timing of the F2x 1 series (since they almost surely won't bother with the turbo 4 for the soon-to-be-replaces E8x 1 series).

Either way though the end of an era is upon us. Farewell to the naturally aspirated BMW.

Let's cry together

[RichReg]

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

^ I believe there has always been a diesel x3, just not available in the US...

I hope they send them over eventually.

According to scott27 over at the **************.com, yes, ....
..a diesel X3 will be available in the U.S. "at a period after launch".

[Jeef Beef]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

As far as I've been able to glean from BMW blogs and other automotive news sources, the X1 is due here next year. Probably late next year I'd say, so figure about one year after the X3 launch.

As for engines, like I said above, rumors seem to be converging on the X1 being the launch vehicle for the new turbo 4. Nothing is firm, but that seems like a good fit since the engine is known to be ready mid-next year. In theory though, there is a small possibility that the X1 could launch with the N52 instead and the turbo 4 cylinder would then debut in the F30 3 series sedan (and F31 3 series wagon - but we probably won't get that in North America). So it's one of those two engines at least. Then the question is, do they put the N55 in the X1 as well? I somewhat doubt that will happen since it would leave the big-brother X3 with no unique powertrain to have as a selling point. So I see it with just one engine. That's merely my opinion though. And who knows, they could do an uplevel X1 35si with the N55.

The other big X1 question: does the US get a RWD model? It would be great if true, but I have my doubts.

The X1 xDrive23d with the 2.0L twin turbo diesel makes the most sense IMO. Gave it a test drive last week and you guys are seriously missing out if it's not brought over there. Amazing midrange torque delivery and more than adequate power. I do not understand why BMWNA find 4cyl diesels such a taboo. I would take it over the I6 equipped model any day.

They could even use it as a marketing tool - the first 'sporty' 2.0L diesel that gives excellent fuel economy.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by hector

what about a rwd x3 in the u.s.?

I don't think there will be a RWD X3 anywhere. I could be wrong though.

[hector]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

I don't think there will be a RWD X3 anywhere. I could be wrong though.

thx!

[southlight]

Originally Posted by jayparry

The convertible might just take longer to produce. Likely because its being sent to a different factory for the convertible top.

Both cars will be produced at the same factory (Dingolfing). As to the top, it's the other way round, the roof is getting assembled at the factory by the supplier.

Originally Posted by mkoesel

As for engines, like I said above, rumors seem to be converging on the X1 being the launch vehicle for the new turbo 4.

Isn't there a BMW rule that new models don't get new engines in the US?


Best regards,
south

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by southlight

Isn't there a BMW rule that new models don't get new engines in the US?

Not sure but I doubt there is a hard and fast rule south.

Didn't the E90 launch back in early 2005 with the brand new N52? I'm pretty sure that was the first application of that engine, right?

[Dackz]

x3 35i is exactly what it needed. I always liked it because its small for an suv and handles nice, but it just needed some more 'pop' to it power wise. Thats going to be a nice vehicle