BMW First Diesel Car: The Iconic BMW 320d and Its Legacy
Long before electric mobility redefined the industry, BMW introduced a pioneering step with the first diesel car in its lineup—the 1977 BMW 320d—marking a new era in efficiency and engineering elegance.
BMW First Diesel Car: The 1977 BMW 320d
Launched in 1977, the BMW 320d was the brand’s inaugural diesel model, blending compact design with cutting-edge diesel technology. Engineered for fuel efficiency and durability, it delivered robust performance without compromising on comfort, setting a benchmark for future diesel sedans in the premium segment.
Innovation Meets Performance
The 320d featured a 1.6-liter inline-four diesel engine, producing 70 horsepower and exceptional torque—unprecedented for its time. Its forward-thinking design prioritized low emissions and superior mileage, reflecting BMW’s commitment to blending sustainability with driving pleasure, a philosophy that continues today.
Legacy That Shaped the Future
As BMW’s first diesel sedan, the 320d laid the foundation for decades of diesel innovation. Its success paved the way for advanced technologies like common rail injection and turbocharging, cementing BMW’s reputation as a leader in engineering excellence across all drivetrains.
The BMW 320d wasn’t just a car—it was a milestone. Its introduction heralded a new chapter in diesel mobility, proving that efficiency and performance could coexist. Today, revisiting this model reminds us of BMW’s enduring dedication to innovation—inspiring drivers to embrace smarter, more sustainable journeys forward.
Diesel Car magazine said of the Citroën BX "We can think of no other car currently on sale in the UK that comes anywhere near approaching the BX Turbo's combination of performance, accommodation and economy". [11] German engine and car manufacturer BMW announced its first series-production diesel car, the 524td on the 1981 Frankfurt IAA. [12].
I'm talking about the 2018 BMW 540d xDrive, one of the last diesel BMWs sold in America and the only one of its kind. First, a bit of background: A long, long time ago, Americans could buy brand new cars with BMW's M21 diesel inline. Vehicles using the M57 engine: BMW 335d (E90) 2009-2011 BMW X5 xDrive35d (E70) 2009-2013 N57 The N57, which was first developed in 2008 was the successor to the M57.
It was designed to be more efficient and powerful than the M57. As with previous engines the new version saw an increase in power as opposed to its predecessor. After more than 60 years of engine-making, the time had come for BMW's first mass-production diesel engine to make its bow in the BMW 5 Series.
And it did so with impressive performance data: 115 hp and 210 Nm of torque were outstanding for a diesel of the time. A forgotten marvel: The world's first quad. Discover how the BMW Dixi 3/15 became the brand's first car and paved the way for BMW's rise as a global automotive leader.
It was during the spring of 1983 that BMW presented to the world its first diesel-powered car, the 524td sedan. At the time, diesel engines were regarded as being noisy and more suited to trucks. This car became the trailblazer for a new, particularly efficient form of driving pleasure.
Precisely 90 years previously, the German engineer Rudolf Diesel had started up the first prototype of his ideal "pressure-ignited heat engine". The first car BMW ever made was the Dixi, produced in 1929. It was not an official BMW but instead created under license from Austin Motor Company.
Although it would later become the BMW 3/15, car enthusiasts still call these economy cars by their popular name. The Dixi name has staying power.