German Regulator Discovers Emissions Defeat Device in BMW X3 Diesels

Germany’s federal transportation authority, the KBA, has found that certain F25-generation BMW X3s from the 2010 to 2014 model years utilized a shut-off device to manage diesel engine emissions. This device potentially allowed the vehicles to emit higher levels of pollutants on the road than permitted by regulations.

Investigation and Allegations

The KBA initiated an investigation following revelations from an environmental watchdog that the X3 xDrive20d exceeded legal NOx emissions limits. The watchdog claimed that the vehicle’s emissions control system was manipulated to reduce performance when the air conditioning was activated, potentially enabling emissions test cheating.

According to reports from Heise, the KBA confirmed the existence of the impermissible device and found that the affected vehicles reduced the effectiveness of their exhaust after-treatment system at temperatures below 18 degrees Celsius, violating German regulations.

Concerns and Corrective Measures

The KBA expressed concerns about these emissions issues affecting 33,000 vehicles in Germany. While Germany has taken action against BMW, other European countries have not yet followed suit. If they do, up to 150,000 vehicles may require corrective actions.

BMW stated its compliance with legal authorities but acknowledged a potential durability issue with certain exhaust after-treatment components. The company has an action plan involving hardware and software updates to address the problem, with plans to implement the fix starting in June in Germany.

Future Implications

Currently, the X3 is the only identified problematic vehicle by the German regulator. However, the crossover shares the N47D20 diesel engine with other BMW models, raising questions about the issue’s scope beyond the X3 model.

For more information on BMW’s diesel emissions investigation, visit BMW Under Investigation Over Possible Diesel Emissions Tampering.