BMW has become more environmentally friendly to meet the requirements of new emission standards. There are also new versions, options, finishing lines, and equipment parts. Serial particulate filters in gasoline models and other BMW novelties presented a list of changes in their range, which came into effect from July.
He who does not move forward, moves backward. Apparently, BMW knows this rule. Therefore, the debut of many novelties from BMW was realized this summer. Some novelties cause concern, especially for those who dream of buying a several-year-old brand car in the future. Others are happy and prove that diesel engines have not died out at all.
Main BMW Novelties
Particulate Filter in Gasoline Cars
Since July, all gasoline models and plug-in hybrids available in Germany and, consequently, throughout the EU, are equipped as standard with a diesel particulate filter (GPF) (DPF — «Diesel particulate filter»), so this name can only be used for diesel engines.
Thanks to the SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection, cars can comply with the new strict Euro 6d-TEMP standards. This means the return to the market of models such as the 7 Series with gasoline engines. The M3 is not returning yet.
Unfortunately, new standards are unavoidable, and cars will become more and more complex. I assume that GPF systems should not cause problems during the first few years. What will happen later? We'll find out.
X3 and X4 in M40d Version
Rumors of the disappearance of diesel engines are exaggerated — BMW proves this by introducing a new M Performance model to the lineup. The M40d version appeared in X3 and X4. These cars will be powered by a three-liter six-cylinder diesel engine.
The power is 326 hp, and the torque is 680 Nm. If this is too much for someone, then in August, the X4 lineup was supplemented with a 30d model with 265 hp.
Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission Introduced in Next Models
After several years of using a classic hydrokinetic automatic transmission, BMW decided to join the pack and start offering an eight-speed Steptronic dual-clutch gearbox. It is expected to be faster and more economical than the previous «box.» Initially, BMW offered this gearbox in its pre-engine models, such as the X2.
The range of models in which you can order this equipment is now expanding. These will be: Series 1 in 120i and M140 versions, Series 3 in 320i GT and 320i xDrive versions (sedan, Touring, and GT).
More powerful «threes» will also receive a dual gear in the near future. The 4 Series (420i and 430i cabrio, 420i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i and 440i in all versions) and the 5 Series (520d sedan and touring) will not be able to avoid this.
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BMW Introduces New Versions, Colors, and Finishing Options
If you have been thinking about buying BMW 1 Series, now you can choose the Edition Metropolitan version, equipped with a standard Business Navigation package, rear and front parking sensors, a rear-view camera, automatic parking, road sign recognition, and a keyless system. The version is already available with all engines except the M140i. It's better not to know what speed limit is there.
The 5 and 6 Series GT will receive a new paint (Frozen Dark Silver). Those wishing to get M5 can order them in Frozen Marina Bay Blue color, which is currently unavailable in the range. And if the impression of the i8 roadster prompted someone to buy this car, they can additionally pay for an aerodynamic package, including spoilers in the rear of the cabin and adding a front bumper.
BMW Begins Implementation of Their Wireless Charging System
Currently, it is only available in the hybrid model 530e iPerformance, but in the future, as technology advances, wireless charging will likely also be in the garages of electric car owners. I have already described how it works.
All these BMW novelties are available in cars produced from July. If someone really does not want to have a diesel particulate filter, let them run to the dealer — maybe something else is left?
