A German environment group known as Deutsche Umwelthilfe (“D.U.H” for short) reported last year that they detected anomalies in BMW diesel sedans.
They went as far as to say that they suspected the anomalies may apply to many more BMW diesel vehicles as well.
The ‘not-for profit’ group look to take court action over threats to the environment. They reportedly carried out tests on a 2016 BMW 320d in both lab-conditions and in real-world conditions on the road. They say they found that when engine speeds exceeded 3000rpm, NOx levels spiked by up to seven-times more than the permitted levels.
At speeds below 2000rpm, emissions levels were reportedly at, or below, official allowances. The suggestion made at a press conference was that the EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) systems were switched off by engine controls when the engine was at higher speeds. The group who produced the statistics went as far as to reportedly allege that the behaviour they monitored could amount to a so-called “defeat device” being used in the vehicle.
BMW deny wrongdoing
BMW strenuously denied the allegations and suggested that the 3000rmp indicates a high engine speed and lower-than-normal usage of gears.
They said they have nothing to hide and that their vehicles have not been manipulated.
They also said that their diesel engine technology is clean, and went as as far as to say it was the “best in the world”.
Is this another “work-around”?
It’s allowed in U.K. law for emissions controls to be switched off if the engine needs protecting. There are arguments that some vehicle manufacturers have used these “loopholes” of sorts to ensure their vehicles pass emissions testing and permit way more NOx to be polluted out on the roads.
It’s thought that BMW may have done something similar. If there is any technology in the vehicle that is altering emissions controls, it may be being used purportedly for engine protection.
We’ve said before – who is next?
Other manufactures have been hit with fines and have been closely investigated after the breaking of the VW emissions scandal. We said right from the start that we wouldn’t be surprised if it transpired other car manufacturing companies had been using similar practises to those Volkswagen employed.
We’re acting for thousands of victims of the VW Emissions Scandal here in the U.K. and we continue to keep a very close eye on other manufacturers too.
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