Spy Shot - 330 turbo diesel in California

[Kirby]

Spy Shot - 330 turbo diesel in California (BIG IMAGES)

A guy on Bimmerfest spotted this at Mono Lake. He said Germans were driving the car, and when he asked any questions they walked away and got nervous. They finally told him " I do not wish to be rude but I kannot speak of these things of this nature right now" .

The pressure gauge (says "BAR") is pretty much a giveaway that the car has a turbo in it.

 

[epj3]

it's got a tail

 

[tool fan]

PSI is stateside and Bar is pressure in Europe....doesn't mean anything special.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

I'm on half a BAR at the prospect...

 

[Big Daddy]

Well somethings up with the car, they don't normally have all that crap in the passengers seat do they? Oh and I went to a bar once, does that count?

 

[Kirby]

PSI is stateside and Bar is pressure in Europe....doesn't mean anything special.

Yes, Bar vs. Pressure, doesn't mean anything special. But the fact that there is a *pressure gauge* that can read -1 to 3 atmospheres in a BMW 3 Series - THAT is special. They ain't measuring tire pressure or engine vacuum...

 

[Kirby]

Well somethings up with the car, they don't normally have all that crap in the passengers seat do they? Oh and I went to a bar once, does that count?

That aluminum plate is a mount for a laptop computer. My guess is that they are fine tuning the ECU firmware and the blue box is a data logger hooked up to various engine, exhaust and chassis sensors.

You went to a bar once? Only ONCE???

 

[deutsch100]

it's got a tail

It does....it must be Austrian, and a Habsburg...he he he

A 330i Diesel....that is so awesome. I have had 2 diesel cars, and they are far superior to gas. The new ones now are so torque rich, quiet and you can drive almost 800 miles per tank (new E and 5 Series).

Count me in for an oil burner!!!

 

[bmw046series]

I love this line;

" I do not wish to be rude but I kannot speak of these things of this nature right now "

BMW has been talking about bringing a diesel here for years and I finally heard they were going to 6 months ago but I didn't know what the plans were, on what models or most importantly how soon. I Kannot vait for za BMW en Diesel.

 

[///M SPEED]

Where can I get one of those cool trailer hitches?

My car would look so cool with one hanging off its ass. I am sure my suspension and gearbox would love me for it....

 

[Kirby]

I love this line;

" I do not wish to be rude but I kannot speak of these things of this nature right now "

Yeah I agree. I have worked with German engineers and that's exactly how they would phrase it.

 

[deutsch100]

Yeah I agree. I have worked with German engineers and that's exactly how they would phrase it.

Genau, man muss immer höflich sein

 

[~SUN-XTC~]

The 'tail' kinda reminds me of fellas with big 4x4 pickup trucks that have a set of 'nuts' (as in balls) hanging off their rear axle - now that's funny!!!

 

[Neil Westfall]

Is it the diesel, or is it really the 335i, gasoline engine, that has been rumored and now confirmed? The 335i is supposed to be a turbo derivative of the current 330i powerplant and is meant to fill the gap between the 330i and upcoming M3.

 

[epj3]

Is it the diesel, or is it really the 335i, gasoline engine, that has been rumored and now confirmed? The 335i is supposed to be a turbo derivative of the current 330i powerplant and is meant to fill the gap between the 330i and upcoming M3.

Huh? Why would they make a 3.5l turbo? Seems kind of mercedes-ish.

 

[MrElussive]

I don't think it can be a diesel engine. I think it is the 335i turbo or biturbo setup. If you look at the picture of the steering wheel, the tach shows like a 6,500 or 7,000rpm redline. Diesels redline at only around 4,000rpm, unless the intentionally did not change the gauges for that "stealth" look. Btw, aren't diesels illegal in California anyways? I know they are illegal in NYC.

 

[Dutch]

I agree with Mr. Elussive. Redline is too high and BMW diesels have (as far as I know) never had two separate exhausts (my 330d, the 'new' 530d and 535d all have a single exhaust consisting of 2 pipes). But Kirby, you should've waited for the testdrivers to drive away...you would've been able to hear the fuel type!

Greetz

 

[epj3]

If it is a 335i turbo, will it be a DOHC vesion of the m30? that would be HOT.

 

[bmw046series]

Why doesn't someone just call BMW and ask them? Are you building a diesel or a 335i Turbo?

BTW Mr Elu why would they make diesels illegal? What about VW Jetta and Passat diesels? The reason I asked was I never knew they were illegal, (BTW I'm not being sarcastic?)

 

[jaime-330]

The speedometer shows readings in KIlometers a 330i top speed in kms shows up to 250 why would a diesel engine be faster than a petro one?? is got to be a bigger engine than the 330 if its top speed seems to read up to 260 kms right?? [???1]