Why didn't we get a 520 or diesel in the US?

[Uriah]

With the E34? Did the EPA kill the diesel here, or something else? I had a 524 years ago, and it wasn't that great, but I figure the newer ones improved.

Now, the 520 was basicly a no frills stripper BMW? Everything optional (AC, PS, PB, PW, ectectect) and made to be a fairly low cost entry level car?

[Itsnotme1988]

With the E34? Did the EPA kill the diesel here, or something else? I had a 524 years ago, and it wasn't that great, but I figure the newer ones improved.




EPA had a big role, but there has never been a huge market for diesels in the US. Interest just is beginning to pick-up for diesels.

[Uriah]

That and maybe BMWs (by then) reputation as a yuppie car, or at least a premium sports/touring car.

Then again, Mercedes has almost ALWAYS had a diesel in their model line over the years. They would skip a few years once in a while (late 80s/early 90s) but they always came back. Maybe it's perception?

I can kind of understand why the 520 never came here, it would be underpowered for the American market, the fuel economy wouldn't have been that great (for what it was) and again, I guess BMW was a premium brand by then. It's kinda funny that the same company that made the Isetta, the 2002s (which I love), Balvarian, ect... turned into what it is today.

When I was growing up, Mercedes was old money, and BMW was new money, if you understand that.

[SC David]

In the US, M20B25 powered E34's were getting to the point of being underpowered, even by late 80's standards, so bringing the M20B20 to our shores with even less power probably would have hurt their reputation since by that point their cars were known for being sporty. Car's like the E30 and E34 really helped BMW get a mainstream following here, so they had to make sure to keep up the sport luxury image by leaving keeping the slower cars away. Diesels back then definitely didn't fit that image either, so it's no wonder the E28 524tds was the last one they brought here, in limited numbers at that.

[atl530i]

Heh, I've always wanted a diesel BMW. They are just so hard to find in good running condition.

[Uriah]

Heh, I've always wanted a diesel BMW. They are just so hard to find in good running condition.

The one I had kinda sucked, and I had the same exact engine in a Lincoln as well. Yes, a Lincoln. For whatever reason, BMW decided to use a RUBBER TIMING BELT on the 524. Don't ask how I figured that one out...

Fuel economy wasn't that great either, and the Mercedes diesels I had all seemed to run better, even the 240D.. although the 240D didn't have near the power of the 524.

I'd be REALLY interested in some of the new diesel stuff BMW has in Europe right now.

[atl530i]

I really do not care about how fast it would go and the fuel economy is not an issue also because I'm used to 20MPG anyway, lol. They are getting pretty rare and I'd like to have one.

I think I'd change out the timing belt to something alittle more modern though. Another blunder from BMW.

[Uriah]

I really do not care about how fast it would go and the fuel economy is not an issue also because I'm used to 20MPG anyway, lol. They are getting pretty rare and I'd like to have one.

I think I'd change out the timing belt to something alittle more modern though. Another blunder from BMW.

Yeah, I never figured out why they made a DIESEL with a RUBBER TIMING BELT. I mean, most people that buy a diesel want low maintance and economy, otherwise they'd just have bought like a 535 at the time. Mileage was mid to high 20s for me.

The BMW was a nightmare for me, but oddly enough my 1984 Lincoln Mark VII didn't give me many problems. Then again, I had full service records with the Lincoln and knew what had been done to it. I think he had air put in the tires at the dealer, lol. That one came from an estate sale, cheap. Nobody wanted it.

Most of the 80s BMW diesels I've seen have been unloved to say the least. They're on Ebay on a fairly regular basis if you look, and Trader Online always seems to have one or two.

[5271990]

The 520's aren't that bad and are still a nice drive with the straight six but with your low octane fuel they would probably feel terrible.

Now the 518, thats a whole different ball game. Heavy, underpowered and basic to say the least.

People wanted a BMW on a budget and they got one, they make up a huge proportion of the bimmers I see.

Strangely though now because of our high price of fuel; e34 535's and 540's are cheaper than a well loved 525.

Would the American market really have wanted the old noisey and underpowered diesels?

[4500 RPM]

Would the American market really have wanted the old noisey and underpowered diesels?

Nope. Therein lies the answer.

[LJSE34]

[QUOTE=Uriah;8141485] For whatever reason, BMW decided to use a RUBBER TIMING BELT on the 524. Don't ask how I figured that one out...

QUOTE]

Aren't all timing belts, or drive belts for that matter, made of some kind of rubber compound?

[4500 RPM]

[QUOTE=Uriah;8141485] For whatever reason, BMW decided to use a RUBBER TIMING BELT on the 524. Don't ask how I figured that one out...

QUOTE]

Aren't all timing belts, or drive belts for that matter, made of some kind of rubber compound?

Unless it's a chain, I've never seen different.

I believe he's talking more how it should have been a maintenance-free metal chain.

[LJSE34]

[QUOTE=Uriah;8141485] For whatever reason, BMW decided to use a RUBBER TIMING BELT on the 524. Don't ask how I figured that one out...



Aren't all timing belts, or drive belts for that matter, made of some kind of rubber compound?

[Itsnotme1988]

[quote=LJSE34;8142352]

Aren't all timing belts, or drive belts for that matter, made of some kind of rubber compound?

Aluminum belt?:confused

[sfgearhead]

I'd be REALLY interested in some of the new diesel stuff BMW has in Europe right now.

Yup, the new diesels they get in Europe are fantastic. Incredible torque, great fuel economy, the only downside is the noise. It's better than in the 80's, but you'll still know it's a diesel.

I'm playing with the idea of swapping a 3.0 turbodiesel from an e39 530d into my touring, or better yet find a high mile or blown engine e39 and do the swap. Unfortunately with kid #1 on the way I doubt it will happen.

[LJSE34]

[QUOTE=LJSE34;8142352]

Unless it's a chain, I've never seen different.

I believe he's talking more how it should have been a maintenance-free metal chain.

Ah got it,

I wouldn't necessarily call using a belt as opposed to a chain a blunder though as many carmakers have and still use timing belts.

[moroza]

Top Gear had a thing about the E60 535i biturbo diesel. It was actually quieter than the 540i at cruise, possibly also at idle, and not far behind it on the track.

I don't know about the older diesels, but the newer ones (E60, possibly E39) aren't here because American diesel is too dirty.

[atl530i]

Most of the 80s BMW diesels I've seen have been unloved to say the least. They're on Ebay on a fairly regular basis if you look, and Trader Online always seems to have one or two.

I think this goes for a lot of cars from the 80's. A lot of trash along with a lot of nice cars came out of the 80's.

I've seen quite a few 524td's on eBay and one on Craigslist.

[Uriah]

[QUOTE=LJSE34;8142352]

Unless it's a chain, I've never seen different.

I believe he's talking more how it should have been a maintenance-free metal chain.

Ditto.

The point again being you buy a diesel for low maintance, and replacing a timing belt every 40K or so isn't low maintance in my book. Oh, and in my case, massive damage happens if you don't KNOW it has a rubber timing belt and it breaks. I just assumed it had a chain like the 3.5s. Don't assume anything with a German car.

[attack eagle]

[quote=LJSE34;8142352]

Unless it's a chain, I've never seen different.

I believe he's talking more how it should have been a maintenance-free metal chain.
THose aren't maintenance free either... except instead of a belt and tensioner only , you have sprockets that eventually wear out too.
I prefer a belt.

[4500 RPM]

[quote=4500 RPM;8142360]
THose aren't maintenance free either... except instead of a belt and tensioner only , you have sprockets that eventually wear out too.
I prefer a belt.

Well, not many things are maintenance-free. But for all intensive purposes, I'll prefer a chain that needs an expensive service at 350k intervals over a belt ever 75k.