US: World premiere for BIN 5-compliant BMW 3.0-litre turbodiesel at Detroit motor show
Monday, January 07, 2008, AutomotiveWorld.com
As part of its forthcoming launch of diesel engines in the US market, BMW has announced a modified version of its existing 3.0-litre biturbo I6 unit, complete with 'BluePerformance' sub-branding, following its withdrawal from the Bluetec alliance in 2007.
Just as with the version already sold in Europe and elsewhere, the new BIN 5-compliant variant of this engine features a a small turbocharger that adds boost at low engine speeds. As engine speed increases, a second, larger turbocharger cuts in, developing maximum torque of 425 lb-ft at 1,750 rpm, BMW claims.
The OEM will give the new engine its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show on 14 January ahead of the start of sales in the US later this year. The first two models to feature it will be the 2009 NAFTA model year 335d sedan and the X5 xDrive 35d. BMW's operations in Canada and Mexico are yet to confirm if they will also sell BluePerformance models.
The 2,993cc unit in both vehicles produces 265hp (198kW) compared to the 286hp (210kW) produced by the same capacity engine in the 335d sold elsewhere in the world (the new X5 variant is a world premiere).
According to BMW, what it calls 'Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance' incorporates an oxidation catalyst placed just downstream of the exhaust manifold, a particulate filter housed in the same unit and an SCR catalyst with urea injection. This combination ensures effective reduction of nitric oxides (NOX) via a chemical reaction within the exhaust initiated by the injection of a small dose of AdBlue (urea). The ammonia (NH3) generated within the SCR catalyst subsequently converts the nitric oxides (NO and, respectively, NO2) in the exhaust into nitrogen (N2) and vapour (H2O).
The amount of AdBlue required in each case is injected from a small 'active' tank (approximately 1.6 gallons in volume) by a dosage pump. Since the urea solution would freeze at a temperature of 12.2oF, this tank, as well as the dosage pipes, are heated. The active tank is connected to a second reservoir, referred to as the passive tank. With its additional capacity of approximately 4.5 gallons, this offers a larger supply of urea and prevents the inconvenience of top-ups between scheduled services. The refilling of the AdBlue tanks will be a no-charge service for four years or 50,000 miles.
Published on Monday, January 07, 2008
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