Series Diesel
1975-2011: BMW 3 Series Engine History
As cars go, the BMW 3 Series is legendary. The great performance, sporty handling, and trademark grill are all things drivers expect from one of Germany’s consistently top rated vehicles. Ask any car journalist or BMW enthusiast what makes a 3 series great and you’ll get a myriad of answers. One undisputedly exceptional feature of BMW’s compact roadster has been its engine. Over the years, the 3 series engine has evolved frequently usually leading other automotive manufacturers to attempt to match BMW’s unparalleled innovation.
The First Generation
1975 heralded the beginning of a new era as BMW released the very first 3 Series. Interestingly enough, things started humbly for the highly regarded automobile. At that time the 3 Series which included the 316, 318, 320, and 320i, were all offered with compact inline-four cylinder engines. As most car aficionados know, the denegation of “i” to any BMW model number indicates fuel injection technology which could be first seen in the 3 Series with the 320i. Commonly considered by many in Europe to be the “world’s best sedan” at the time, the 320i had 125 horsepower to back its slick handling and stingy gas usage.
By the time 1977 rolled around, the 3 Series had already upgraded to a pair of inline-six engines with improved power. The two models, the 320/6 and the 323i, both impressed drivers with their outstandingly smooth driving characteristics. With a whopping 143 horsepower and an electric ignition, the 323i wowed enthusiasts by delivering the same great performance as its predecessors.
The Second Generation
Europe welcomed BMW’s second batch of 3 Series in 1982 including the 316 with 90 ponies and a four cylinder engine. Building off the success of the late seventies, the 323i and other models were still available with inline-sixes and plenty of punch. Other developments during the eighties were encouraged by the interest in gaining maximum fuel economy like the “eta” six-cylinder (with 28 mpg) and BMW’s first diesel engine 3 Series. The 324d as it was known cranked out 34 mpg and had 86 horsepower. By far the most intriguing of BMW’s forays in this era was the debut of the M3 which promised to deliver ultra high performance. With 200 horsepower, this 2.3 liter inline four cylinder engine quickly became the envy of the automotive world.
The Third and Fourth Generations
In the nineties, BMW flourished with new improvements like four-valve cylinder heads and dual-overhead camshaft designs. Another new feature, BMW’s VANOS technology, began showing up in the 3 Series at this time. This variable valve timing boosted the performance of the 328i, which contained a hefty 193 horses. Continuing with the diesel trend, the 325td and 325tds both achieved relative success.
Direct injection was introduced into the fourth generation of 3 Series with the 320d which had all kinds of power for a four cylinder at 136 horsepower combined with a top speed of 128 miles per hour. Surprising still is the fact that the 320d also got an incredible 41 mpg. Ultimately the top diesel to grace the nineties was the 330d which wheeled-n-dealed 184 horsepower and 35 mpg.
The Fifth Generation
Fast forward to the early twenty first century and BMW was still doing big things with its 3 Series line. In this the fifth generation, the 320i, 325i, 330i, and 320d were all given upgrades. When BMW introduced Valvetronic, which eliminated throttle body and changes the openings of intake valves, the 330i was increased to 258 horsepower. More recently in 2007 the 335i coupe was given a huge 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine which supplied 306 horsepower which is more than enough for any conventional driver.
While the 3 Series has enjoyed ongoing success in almost every market worldwide, the future still has more to hold for this legendary sedan. So much can be said for Germany’s most innovative car manufacturer and this article has only captured but a small portion of the engineering integrity produced by the folks at BMW.
About the Author
Hendrick Motors BMW of Hickory, NC provides a large selection of new and certified BMW cars and SUVs. In addition the BMW dealership provides auto service, a variety of OEM BMW parts, and auto financing. To learn more about Hendrick Motors BMW, visit http://hendrickmotorsbmw.com/.
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NEW DETROIT DIESEL SERIES ENGINE Key Chain Watch Pocket $0.35 |
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New Detroit Diesel Series 60 Engine Oem Turbo Key Chain Watch░▒▓█▀▄█▓▒░ $0.90 |
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NEW DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 60 ENGINE OEM TURBO WRISTWATCH░▒▓█▀▄█▓▒░ $0.98 |
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New Detroit Diesel Series 90 62 Pump Unisex Sport Metal Watch BH 7 $0.99 |
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New Detroit Diesel Series 90 62 Pump Unisex Sport Metal Watch BH 6 $0.99 |
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Operator’s Handbook GM Series 71, 2-Cycle, 2-Cylinder Diesel Engines $0.99 |
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Plum Lovin JANET EVANOVICH Stephanie Plum DIESEL SERIES holiday COMEDY pb $0.99 |
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Haynes Mercedes Benz Diesel 123 Series Repair Manual $1.00 |
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Detroit Diesel 50/60 Series Con Rod Bolt Nut M-8929019 $1.22 |
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Hot Wheels 2012 HW City Works Series Teal Diesel Duty Truck #133 $1.69 |
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Detroit Diesel 50/60 Series Valve Stem Seals M-23523930 $1.98 |
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Detroit Diesel Pin Dowel, I-71 series, NOS #5151576 $2.00 |
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DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 60 O RING 23522975 $2.15 |
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DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 53 CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS FP 5197979 $2.50 |
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MPI Premium Marine Fuel Diesel Gasoline Hose 1/2″ Series 350 SAE J1527 USCG ISO $2.75 |
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Vintage Blotter New Diamond T D Series Diesels Diamond T Utah Inc $2.75 |
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DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 60 CAM COVER PERIMETER 14L 23527416 $2.89 |
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DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 60 3 BOLT CAM THRUST PLATE O RING 23521894 $2.89 |
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DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 60 TACH DRIVE COVER GASKET 8929130 $2.89 |
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DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 60 CAM TRUST PLATE O RING 23528491 $2.89 |
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DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 60 O FUEL PUMP GASKET OLD STYLE PUMP 5150193 $2.95 |
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Cannon & Company 1302 Inertial Filter Screen for 35 Series & Some SD39 Diesel $2.95 |
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Cannon & Company 1351 Dust Bin Inertial Filter Hatch for 35 Series Diesel Units $2.95 |
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Cannon & Company 1352 Dust Bin Inertial Filter Hatch for 38 Series Diesel Units $2.95 |
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Cannon & Company 1902 Electrical Cabinet Air Filter Box for 40 Series Diesels $2.95 |
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Cannon & Company 2101 Small Anticlimber for EMD 35 & 40 Series Diesel Locomotive $2.95 |
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Cannon & Company 2103 Anticlimber for EMD Dash-2 Series Diesel Locomotives $2.95 |
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Cannon & Company 2105 Pointed Anticlimber for EMD 50 Series Diesel Locomotives $2.95 |
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Cannon & Company 2106 Anticlimber for EMD 60 Series Diesel Locomotives $2.95 |
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Cannon & Company 2107 Anticlimber for EMD 70 Series Diesel Locomotives $2.95 |
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Cannon & Company 2153 Tall EMD Jacking Pads for 40 Series & Early Dash-2 Diesels $2.95 |
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1 DETROIT DIESEL 71 SERIES INSERT 5184484 NEW $3.00 |
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Diesel Jakks 1996 Figure Series 1 WWE Figure $3.00 |
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#5144019 Valve spring for Detroit Diesel 53 series $3.00 |
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Land Rover Land Rover 88 2.3 Diesel (Serie II) UFI Fuel Filter, 01/63 – $3.06 |
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Land Rover Land Rover 88 2.3 Diesel (Serie II A) UFI Fuel Filter, 01/63 – $3.06 |
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Ebro Nissan Patrol 2.7 Diesel WD (Serie K) UFI Fuel Filter, $3.06 |
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Ebro Nissan Patrol 2.7 Diesel WD (Serie J) UFI Fuel Filter, $3.06 |
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Ebro Nissan Patrol 2.8 Diesel (Serie K) UFI Fuel Filter, – 11/87 $3.06 |
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Ebro Nissan Patrol 2.8 Diesel (Serie JPL) UFI Fuel Filter, – 11/87 $3.06 |
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Ebro Nissan Patrol 2.8 Diesel (Serie KPL) UFI Fuel Filter, – 11/87 $3.06 |
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THOMAS & FRIENDS book DIESEL based on the railway series by the rev.w.awdry $3.14 |
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THOMAS & FRIENDS book DIESEL based on the railway series by Rev W Awdry $3.14 |
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LAND ROVER SERIES 2/3 2¼ DIESEL FUEL FILTER CARTRIDGE $3.26 |
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53 SERIE DETROIT DIESEL .020 ROD BEARING 5149455 NEW $3.50 |
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Cannon & Company 1151 High Hood End for 28 & 35 Series Diesel Locomotives $3.50 |
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Cannon & Company 1152 High Hood End for 38, 39 & 40 Series Diesel Locomotives $3.50 |
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Cannon & Company 1153 High Hood End for Dash-2 50-70 Series Diesel Locomotives $3.50 |
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Cannon & Company 1154 Blank Hood End for Dash-2, 50-70 Series Diesel Locomotives $3.50 |
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Cannon & Company 1402 Radiator Grille for 28 & 35 Series Diesel Locomotives $3.50 |
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Cannon & Company 1601 Angled Blower Housing for 40 through 70 Series Diesels $3.50 |
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Cannon & Company 1602 Plain Blower Housing for 30 & 40 Series Diesels $3.50 |
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Cannon & Company 1603 Ribbed Blower Housing for Late 40 & 50 Series Diesels $3.50 |
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Cannon & Company 1604 Ribbed Angle Blower Housing for Dash-2 & 50 Series Diesels $3.50 |
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1945 WWII Ads~GM General Motors Series 71 Diesel Engine $3.79 |
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Cannon & Company 1405 Radiator Grille for 38 & 39 Series Diesel Locomotives $3.95 |
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Cannon & Company 1406 Radiator Screen for GP49, GP50, GP59 & GP60 Series Diesels $3.95 |
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Cannon & Company 1951 Turbo Hatch for 35 Series Diesel Locomotives $3.95 |
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STARTER BRUSH POSITIVE FORD DIESEL F & E SERIES EXCURSION 6.9L & 7.3L MITSUBISHI $3.99 |
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DETROIT DIESEL ALLISON TRANSMISSION 3321 SERIES PARTS CATALOG PC353 $3.99 |
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Ford F-Series 7.3 Liter Diesel 1992 Owner Guide Supplement $3.99 |
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HO DECALS GREAT NORTHERN EMC SERIES 179 DIESEL CHAMP NIP $3.99 |
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LIONEL PARTS 200 600 SERIES DIESELS SPRING , SPEED NUTS $4.00 |
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DETRIOT DIESEL 53 SERIES PISTON RING SET PC 5149314 $4.00 |
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Detroit Diesel Series 60 Fuel Filter O-Ring and Gasket Kit 23514051 or RTS Bus $4.00 |
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Land Rover Series 3 4 Cyl Diesel Exhaust Manifold Gasket ETC7750 $4.16 |
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LAND ROVER SERIES OIL PRESSURE SWITCH (PETROL & DIESEL) $4.31 |
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Land Rover Series 2.25 Petrol / Diesel Rear Crankshaft Oil Seal 542492 $4.47 |
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Cannon & Company 2004 Side Step Kit for Kato GP35 Series Diesel Locomotives $4.50 |
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Cannon & Company 2011 Side Step Kit for Athearn SD50 & SD60 Series Diesels $4.50 |
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Land Rover Diesel,Series 1,2,2A,3,Lightweight,V8,Pickup Haynes Fridge Magnet $4.69 |
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Haynes Land Rover Diesel Series IIA & III Metal Keyring $4.69 |
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DETROIT DIESEL SERIES 60 ACCESSORY DRIVE O RING 8929253 $4.95 |
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Lombardini Diesel Engine Piston & Rod Parts Series 500 LD $4.99 |
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ORIGINAL 1966 CHEVROLET 7000 SERIES DIESEL TRUCK 12-Page BROCHURE, SALES CATALOG $4.99 |
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Fram P3555A By-Pass Lube Oil Filter Detroit Diesel Series 60 Cummins L10 CAT $4.99 |
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NEW Myachi Original Hand Sack Black Diesel Series 3.0 2 Finger Knugz Playbook $4.99 |
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INTERNATIONAL HEAVY DUTY DIESEL POWERED TRUCKS – D-405 SERIES SALES BROCHURE $4.99 |
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VINTAGE GMC TRUCK MAINTENANCE MANUAL FOR V71 SERIES DIESEL ENGINE $4.99 |
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Detroit Diesel main bearing set for 6V 53 series 020 $4.99 |
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1982 Chevrolet Truck Values – Chevy LUV Models Series 11 & 12 and Diesel Pages $4.99 |
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Detroit Diesel main bearing set size .020 for 71 series $4.99 |
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TERRY COOK POWER STROKE DIESEL 2002 FORD F150 NASCAR TRUCK SERIES MEDIA GUIDE $4.99 |
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HALLMARK 1997 2ND IN SERIES 1950 SANTA FE F3 DIESEL LOCOMOTIVELIONEL TRAIN MIB $4.99 |
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1980 Ford F-Series F600-F800 medium Duty Diesel Power Sales Brochure $4.99 |
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John Deere Series 300 3029 4039 4045 6059 6068 Diesel Engine Operator Manual C3 $4.99 |
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Detroit Diesel 60 Series Water Filter Valve Part Number 23507190 $4.99 |
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1959-1968 GMC SERIES 71 DIESEL ENGINE SHOP SERVICE MANUAL, GM $4.99 |
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1542268, 3581951 Sleeve, Volvo Penta Diesel. Fits AD Series Motors Factory New $4.99 |
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AIR FILTER D9 K042 DETROIT DIESEL V8 92 SERIES TRUCK $4.99 |
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1 DETROIT DIESEL 71, V71 92 SERIES KEY KIT 6478641 $5.00 |
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1945 GM DIESEL POWER AD, SERIES 71, TANK, WELDER, BULLDOZER, SHOVEL $5.00 |
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1937 Hercules IX-Series Diesel Parts List 42 Pages Illustrated $5.00 |
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1945 Hercules IX-5 Series Diesel Parts List 50 Pages Illustrated $5.00 |
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1946 Hercules IX and ZX Series Diesel Operator’s Manual 20 Pages Illustrated $5.00 |
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2 DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE ROSTERS BOOKS SERIES 1 AND 2 BY THE RAILROAD MAGAZINE $5.00 |
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DETROIT DIESEL 5148399 71 SERIES INSERT $5.00 |
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1 DETROIT DIESEL 53, 71 , 92 SERIES INJECTOR RACK $5.00 |
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Detroit Diesel rod bearing for 53 series .010 $5.00 |
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Detroit Diesel Standard Rocker Cover Breather Seal Ring 5103646 Series 60 $5.00 |
