BMW Pumps the Brakes on its 2017 Diesel Models

2015 BMW 328d Sedan (Credit: © BMW)

Diesel engines are under more scrutiny than ever, and all automakers have Volkswagen’s cheating ways to thank for it. This has resulted in delays for various diesel-fueled vehicles, and the latest to get pushed back is BMW’s 2017 diesel lineup, according to a report from Automotive News.

Luckily, BMW doesn’t have an extensive lineup of diesel vehicles here in the U.S., so only four models are impacted, including the 328d, 328d Sports Wagon, the X3 xDrive28d, and the X5 xDrive35d. BMW is not too certain how long the delay will be, but I suspect we’re looking at a few months.

As I mentioned, all of these delays stem from the VW emissions-defeat device installed in some 11 million TDI-powered models. This cheat device activated the emission-control systems when it sensed the car was being tested and deactivated them once the test was complete. With the systems switched off, the TDI engines produced outstanding power and fuel efficiency, making them some of the most desirable diesels on the market. Sadly, they also spewed 40 times the legal amount of noxious gasses at the same time.

The EPA has also addressed the delays in a statement to Automotive News that read, “It is true that diesel vehicles are getting extra scrutiny and that has extended the certification process longer than normal. In general, manufacturers have been supportive of this additional testing and have adjusted their timing to account for the additional test duration.” I guess BMW didn’t adjust its timing accordingly…

We’ll continue monitoring this developing situation and bring you updates to the release of Bimmer’s diesel-fueled vehicles as they become available.