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The big Diesel emission scandal in the world of cars

The important things to know if you’re curious about the Diesel scandal of the decade.

First thing first, what is Diesel and how does it work?

Diesel engine was discovered by? Rudolph Diesel  hence the name of the engine type. Diesel engine works like compressing the air to a very small space by the piston which super heats the air and injecting the fuel at a very fine mist at the right moment which creates a bang (explosion) and drives the piston downwards.Because of the way it works, it is on average 30 percent more efficient than a gasoline piston engine, which means it produces way less CO2, on the other hand it produces way more NOX (nitrogen oxides) than a gasoline engine.

The Diesel engine is a work horse, due to its efficiency and high torque and robust design, it’s the favorite of frugal drivers and 18 wheelers, trains and ocean liners.

Most people don’t realize the air which is used to create combustion in a piston engine is 78 percent nitrogen 20.8 percent oxygen the remaining gases are irrelevant in the combustion process. Nitrogen is a inert gas which only converts to nitrous oxides if put under high heat and pressure.

The question is; What went wrong with the NOX treatment on the Diesel engines which threw the entire car industry into a nosedive around the world?

Today on modern Diesel engines we have selective catalyst systems which reduces the  allowable limit of NOX to 0.07 gram/kilometers on average, and from 2017 it ned to be maximum  0.03 gram /kilometer.

There are cars with SCR reduction urea injection, from 09 on certain most makes and models (except very small diesels, due to their small displacement), they were not required to have the SCR system. It is mandatory from 2015 onward.

The problem was with the tested cars, the manufacturer had manipulated the engine software to have a dual operating system and those cars had no SCR system yet.

Keep in mind the regulations in North America way more stringent than Europe where NOX reduction and treatment way more lenient towards the Diesel engines. All modern diesels have from 2015 on an SCR system which uses a particulate filter to a ammonia based (urea) liquid injection into the exhaust stream to reduce NOX to a very low level at the tailpipe emission.

This is quiet an elaborate system with various sensors to detect unburned oxygen to NOX sensor and temperature and pressure sensors to all work together, to cut and reduce tail pipe emissions to a very very low level.

The scandal broke out when a small independent firm tried to prove the fact that small diesel engines are clean from a well known German car manufacturer.  Their diesel cars being sold in America had a program in its computer, that could detect when they were being tested, changing the performance accordingly to improve results.

During normal driving condition, the vehicles  dual operating system enhanced the engine performance, which raised the emissions to a high level of NOX content.  NOX reacting with sunlight could create an irritant, especially critical in a hot climate like California for instance.

Most manufacturers Diesel equipped cars meets or exceeds the government mandated stringent emission standards. In this case the whole dual system was a deliberate act on behalf of the largest German car manufacturer whom build their reputation on the fiction of having build clean Diesels.

Their deception hurt the entire car industry which will have to prove it to the world they can be trusted when it comes to building efficient clean Diesel powered automobiles.

There are some lessons to be learned from this fiasco. Draw your own conclusions and enjoy the ride.

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BMW Alignment

Hoffmann (German) Computerized 3D Alignment Machine

You can’t do a proper alignment on a state of the art automobile without a state of the art alignment machine. Our choice in equipment is the Hoffman 3D imaging alignment machine.

Hoffman alignment machineHoffman 3D Alignment Machine

We have just invested in a new German ( Hoffmann) top of the line scissor lift and the best alignment machine with the dual auto tracking camera system equipped wheel aligner.

Worth to note: As you can see on the photos the Hoffman 3D imaging alignment machine clamps on the tire not on the rim, preventing any rim or paint damage on the rim.

Also we balance our customer’s wheels on a Hoffman laser wheel balancer. This German made wheel balancer measures the wheel and tire with a laser beam, and calculates the weights needed for a smooth ride.

Our Hoffman laser wheel  balancer also detects any rim and tire damage, if there is any.

More info on Hoffmann 3D computerized alignment machine & German import cars alignment diagnostic, repairs, adjustment.  Continue reading…

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2016 BMW 750Li xDrive

While the BMW M3 that steals the limelight in the new Mission Impossible film, we should say few words about the the new BMW’s new 7-Series.

BMW 750Li 2016 BMW 750Li xDrive

BMW’s new 7-Series has finally landed, bringing with it more space than ever, loads of technology and powerful yet frugal engines.

The car will arrive to North America very soon, as a 2016 model, initially in 740i and 750i xDrive variants and with the long-wheelbase body style only.

This is the sixth generation of the luxury icon, and while it may look a lot like its predecessor there’s an impressive number of innovations that have taken place under the skin. At its core is a new modular platform codenamed the 35up. This platform will form the basis of most of BMW’s models going forward and includes carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in its construction.

The 7-series new platform contains some major changes. What BMW is calling its “Carbon Core”, it is a mix of carbon-reinforced plastic, aluminum, and high-strength steel.

It also allows for a number of other technological advances including electrified drive-trains. Than beneath the conservative BMW exterior, there are some major changes.

BMW 750Li2016 BMW 750Li xDrive

An impressive new thing is, the driver standing outside the vehicle while the new 7-series parks itself. Unfortunately this feature will not be available in Canada at this time, instead, we’ll have to be satisfied with the parking-assist system. This system can maneuver into any parking spaces.

The search for pioneering innovations is the driving force for the BMW engineers. BMW’s new 7-Series comes with functions such as BMW Gesture Control, BMW Laser head light or the above mentioned Remote Control Parking.

These features set further future orientated standards in the BMW 7 Series. In addition, with BMW Touch Command, a tablet for controlling key functions has been integrated into a BMW vehicle for the first time.

BMW has said that all its core model lines will offer a plug-in hybrid, and so it will be for the 7-series too. A diesel  7-series also a possibility at some point. A new plug-in will carry the hybrid banner.

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BMW with water injection system

In car or motor racing series they don’t pick up the safety car by random or based on their color. The car that sets the speed at the front of the racers,  the safety car, provided by the sponsor. For example in Formula one it is a Mercedes, in MotoGp it is a BMW.

In fact it is BMW’s M division who provide safety car for MotoGP since 1999.

MotoGP Safety CarMotoGp Safety Car

There are few things on the above safety car  that we never see on factory produced BMW before. For example the matte black color, the upgraded aero kit, the re-designed sporty interior and emergency equipment.

And there is one thing, that we never heard before, that thing is under the hood. This BMW M4 coupe comes with a new injection system. This system instead of injecting only gasoline into the combustion chamber it also injects water too. Water is not combustible except in this case, it will reduce the combustion temperature to be able to increase the boost pressure safely without self igniting the mixture. Water vapor always present in the combustion process (HC – fuel when burns with O2 some the spent gases will be H2O).

Basically what the system does, is spray highly pressurized water into the combustion chamber at the right time. This cools down the combustion chamber, reducing combustion temperature as well as engine knock. This is especially effective on turbocharged engines, as the high boost pressure creates higher combustion temperatures, creating knock and robbing the engine of potential performance and efficiency. Water Injection can increase efficiency by 3-8 percent in every day driving.

BMW M PowerBMW M Power with Water Injection System

Water is stored in a 5 liter tank, from here goes to a filter system and then into the HIGH PRESSURE WATER INJECTION PUMP, where it mixes with the fuel. A sensor monitors engine speed and temperature to determine the correct amount of water for current engine conditions.

At high rpm the fuel will be sprayed direct into the combustion chamber with 30 percent water added, sprayed in the same space into the combustion chamber, this will allow the mixture to be cooled dramatically before the spark ignites the mixture and repeat the same at the next combustion cycle.

There are many more technical details which may be confusing at times, the details are available upon request.

The question is do we need to worry about to have enough water on board to have the system perform at it’s best? BMW claims that owners should very rarely check or maintain the water level in the water injection system.

The system will use the most water under acceleration under heavy load only, so for normal driving it should be sufficient for most drivers. Our understanding is, the condense water will be also collected to replenish the system from the air conditioning system as well.

This technology is alredy being tested on the road. BMW produced a  prototype 1 Series Hatchback with the B38 three-cylinder engine with this technology.

We heard the next generation M3 and M4 will have this technology implemented as a performance enhancement on the Motorsport engines .

Related:

BMW repair in Mississauga

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IMSA Tudor race from Mosport Canada at July. 12. 2015

The IMSA Tudor race from Mosport Canada at July. 15. 2015. The The BMW “dream team” with all their drivers.

The gentleman in white shirt who talks to the RCMP Mountie officer in the car is the part owner of the Mosport Park Canada. He is  one of Canada’s most famous race car driver Mr Ron Fellows.

The other gentlemen  member of the BMW Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Team form US. Ohio,

They manage their Z4 race cars,  under BMW.  The team’s short name is: BMW Team RLL. They finished second and fourth.
The Risi Ferrari team has been racing too. Perhaps their Ferrari has been the best sounding race car on the entire track, but unfortunately the Ferrari could not pass the Porsche RSR and or the BMW Z4 race cars. Maybe at next time.

It has been a great race.

Click on the thumbnail to view larger image.

 

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Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada 2015

This year, 2015, the first year of the new deal that insures Formula 1 presentation in Montreal until 2024, under the name: FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA.

A second popular grandstand added in the order to satisfy a larger than expected demand from fans. Formula 1 is more popular in Canada than ever been before.

Please take a look at the next few photos.

Click on the thumbnail to view a larger image.

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Motorsport in Canada

Victoria Day’s car race at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, formely Mosport International Raceway.

Click on the thumbnail to view a larger image.

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Race in the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

I made the next few photos at Victoria Day’s weekend at ex-F1 race track, formerly Mosport Park and Mosport International Raceway. It is now Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. It is a multi-track motorsport venue located north of Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada.

Click on the thumbnail to view a larger image.

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BMW, the environment and their employees in North America

BMW AG, located  in Munich, Germany.  It’s subsidiary in Canada is: BMW Canada Inc. It was formed in January 1986 to support BMW customers better, bringing services closer to many local enthusiasts through a stronger presence and structured organization.

Their current head office is in LEED certified building in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

How BMW getting ahead by putting the environment at the top of their agendas? For example their head office is established as a green and Eco-friendly structure.

As part of BMW plans eco friendly production BMW is testing various forms of alternate energy  throughout its manufacturing network.

The company US hydrogen storage and distribution facility fuels hydrogen powered equipment at its Spartanburg facilities. They streams methane gas from the nearby landfill to produce on-site renewable hydrogen for the plant electrical requirements. This location alone saved 92,000 tons CO2 every year.

Than BMW ads solar energy to their alternative energy portfolio. The company stated: “Adding a new alternative energy platform to our energy portfolio is another step in our commitment to sustainable methods of generating power at our factory,” said Duncan Seaman, Department Manager, Market Operations USA & Canada. “It is the perfect complement to our existing landfill gas-to-energy and hydrogen fuel cell program and offsets the fossil fuel requirements otherwise needed to run our facility.”

They use solar energy in many different location. The latest installation of 400 solar modules (in US) , each capable of producing 240 watts of energy, now provides power to BMW’s Zentrum Museum, as well as the new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

To manufacturing the BMW i3 zero emission electric vehicles, to make them more environmentally friendly, the company use electricity, produced by local wind turbines. So far they build the i3 only in Leipzig, Germany.

BMW is manufacturing carbon strands that form the basis of the i3’s carbon-fiber reinforced plastic bodywork at a new US $100 million plant built in Moses Lake, Washington, using raw material shipped from Japan. This location was selected, beside a hydro electric dam  to reduce CO2 output due to the high power demand of the carbon fiber components manufacturing.

There are numerous other initiatives at BMW, all aimed at leading the way on on the environment. Some of them are really simple: The company changed the setting of their employees PC’s. With this simple move they save 27,000 megawatt hour a year, the equivalent of 12,200 tons of CO2.

In their vehicle, the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid they use  laser light technology, an improved head light system, that contributes better nighttime vision and use 30% less energy, compeered to the alredy highly efficient LED headlights.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=m3JAtvsqfF8

BMW i8 Hybrid

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BMW i3 Electric car