BMW DID NOT use defeat device to scam X3 emissions

BMW DID NOT use defeat devcie to scam X3 emissions

A report yesterday claiming that BMW were in the frame over the defeat device scandal engulfing VW after a BMW X3 was found emitting 11 times the expected levels of NOx, has been retracted.

Yesterday, in passing, we noted a report from Auto Bild that claimed BMW were embroiled in the VW defeat device scandal, with claims that a BMW X3 tested by the International Council on Clean Transport (ICTT) had emitted 11 times the levels of NOx on the road compared to laboratory tests.

We didn’t make a big deal of the report as it seemed to be at odds with reports from the team that broke the VW scandal, which found a BMW X5 tested alongside the suspect VWs had performed admirably, with emissions in-line with its certification.

However, the insinuation from Auto Bild that BMW were playing the same games as VW led to a drop of almost 10 per cent in BMW’s share price, leading to a statement from BMW to clarify the issue. They said:

The BMW Group does not manipulate or rig any emissions tests. We observe the legal requirements in each country and fulfil all local testing requirements.
In other words, our exhaust treatment systems are active whether rolling on the test bench or driving on the road.
Clear, binding specifications and processes are in place through all phases of development at the BMW Group in order to avoid wrongdoing.

BMW went on to say that in tests carried out by the ITCC:

…the BMW X5 and 13 other BMW vehicles tested comply with the legal requirements concerning NOx emissions. No discrepancies were found in the X5 between laboratory-test and field-test NOx emissions.

BMW’s robust defence of their position appears to have put Auto Bild on the back foot (no doubt at the insistence of their lawyers), with a ‘clarification’ of their article‘ stating that:

No evidence of emission manipulation by BMW…the values mentioned in the document were only generated in a single, one hour-long road test. Auto BILD has no access to the details of this test trail, which might explain the discrepancies to the test cycle NEDC.

Sadly, for BMW, the Auto Bild article caused real damage, but hopefully the ‘clarification’ from Auto Bild will undo the harm caused to BMW. If it doesn’t, BMW’s lawyers may be busy.