Stinky

[XXX555]

If accurate, this special BMW Diesel Odor Bonus after you park in your garage is exactly what will help drive people toward a Lexus hybrid....

[FunfDreisig]

Originally Posted by XXX555

If accurate, this special BMW Diesel Odor Bonus after you park in your garage is exactly what will help drive people toward a Lexus hybrid....

Yeah that would be a bummer.

Ironically the new clean diesels are much better environmentally than hybrids, particularly in SUV/SAVs. But the image of diesels in the US puts them in a uphill battle. When we tell friends we got the X5 diesel they immediately comment on the torque for towing etc. They really have a hard time wrapping their head around the great fuel mileage, clean exhaust, etc.

Funf Dreisig

[FunfDreisig]

Just curious. Those of you who have smelled the odor in your garage...

Is the odor pretty strong/offensive?
How long does it last?
Would a simple exhaust fan (no pun intended) run for 15 mins eliminate the odor?

Thanks in Advance -- Funf Dreisig

And yes I do see the potential for yet another 'must have' X5 accessory -- the Funf Dreisig AG - Diesel Exhaust Fan for Dummies - Carbon Fiber Edition.

[Edge647]

I'm going to be first in line for that accessory since my rig is going to be parked underground all the time.

[XXX555]

Originally Posted by FunfDreisig

Yeah that would be a bummer.

Ironically the new clean diesels are much better environmentally than hybrids, particularly in SUV/SAVs. But the image of diesels in the US puts them in a uphill battle. When we tell friends we got the X5 diesel they immediately comment on the torque for towing etc. They really have a hard time wrapping their head around the great fuel mileage, clean exhaust, etc.

Funf Dreisig

Have you noted the car magazines and some of the BMW ad's go out of their way to say as clean as gasoline cars but not necessarily better from a Clean statistic's perspective? I have not seen BMW claim they are as good as or better than the hybrids...

[TaMbALoLoNg]

Originally Posted by XXX555

Have you noted the car magazines and some of the BMW ad's go out of their way to say as clean as gasoline cars but not necessarily better from a Clean statistic's perspective? I have not seen BMW claim they are as good as or better than the hybrids...

Coz' it not, I'm not convinced its even as clean as gas.

[Penguin]

If a BMW diesel was as good as a hybrid from a green perspective, do you think BMW would be developing a hybrid?

Where did you get the idea that anyone was claiming a diesel was as good as a hybrid?

[XXX555]

Originally Posted by Penguin

If a BMW diesel was as good as a hybrid from a green perspective, do you think BMW would be developing a hybrid?

Where did you get the idea that anyone was claiming a diesel was as good as a hybrid?

I think BMW (and any of the other MoCo's) would develop a vehicle that runs on manure if they thought it would sell....

[FunfDreisig]

Originally Posted by XXX555

Have you noted the car magazines and some of the BMW ad's go out of their way to say as clean as gasoline cars but not necessarily better from a Clean statistic's perspective? I have not seen BMW claim they are as good as or better than the hybrids...

I should have worded my assertion differently. It should have read
...
"Ironically the new clean diesels are arguably much better environmentally than hybrids, particularly in SUV/SAVs."

The argument goes that in order to compare the 'greenness' of hybrids to diesels you have to include full life cycle environmental impact. For hybrids this includes the mining of the heavy metals, the manufacturing, as well as the disposal/recycling of their batteries, etc. For the diesel this includes the oil production, refining and transportation of the oil/diesel, etc.

These are not easy data to collect, or calculations to do. And the results are even more difficult to substantiate, to the degree necessary to support an advertising claim. The analysis would require quite a few large assumptions. For example which mines did the heavy metals come from. Or which oil field and what refinery was used for the diesel.

Finally, you have to actually compare products that can do the same things. In the case of SUV/SAVs for example, a key might be towing capacity, etc..

FWIW we seriously considered hybrids when looking for a replacement for our wrecked X5. But soon realized that hybrids are at their best in congested urban environments. And the new clean diesels are at their best on the open road. Since we live in the country, the vast majority of our driving is on 55-60mph 2 lane hilly roads where the diesel shines both in terms of performance and MPG. The fact that the diesel could also tow a couple of tons of road base made it a slam dunk

Funf Dreisig

[FunfDreisig]

Originally Posted by Penguin

If a BMW diesel was as good as a hybrid from a green perspective, do you think BMW would be developing a hybrid?...

Yes. Hybrids have a lot of mind share among consumers. They are assumed to be quiet and green. While diesels are assumed to be noisy and stinky. See, there is the link to the subject matter of this thread

Besides, hybrids are really good in dense urban settings where the engine can actually shut off in stop & go traffic, etc. And where I suspect most BMW owners live

Funf Dreisig