We’re not exactly happy with the fact that the unit replaces the 3.0-liter, but the economy makes up for this. When the 2012 BMW 528i hits US showrooms this fall, it will also be packing the new unit, and now the Bavarians have put a price on less cylinders, as it, the Z4 and 3-Series all come with... a substantial bump in price. Oh fudge cake!
If you are willing to put up with two less cylinders in order to get turbocharged, you’ll also have to fork over $47,575 for the 2012 528i, which is $2,505 more than the $45,050 2011 model.
Like the company's latest TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter turbo inline-6, the new 2.0-liter engine will combine high-pressure direct-injection and BMW's VALVETRONIC intake control (hence the name: TwinPower) with a forced induction system consisting of a single twin-scroll turbocharger.
In the 528i, the maximum output of 240 horsepower is achieved at 5,000 rpm, 1,500 rpm lower than in the normally-aspirated 3.0-liter inline six. Peak torque of 260 lb-ft, comes on stream at just 1,250 rpm. Not only is that 30% more torque than the aforementioned inline-6, it also comes 1,500 rpm earlier.
Meanwhile, the Z4 will come with a MSRP of $49,525, or $2,075 more than the 2011 model. While we get why the change had to be made on the 5-Series, more money for a four-pot might not be to Z4 customers’ liking. Customers in this segment are usually less concerned with efficiency, and more concerned with how cool their engines sound.
In Europe, the 2.0-liter makes 245 hp for the 528i, which is a bit less than the 3.0-liter. It's a good thing that US consumers can't feel this dissapointment!
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