BMW in trouble: the diesel scandal in Germany

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The federal government suspects BMW of systematic manipulation

BMW is suspected of concealing the true emissions of its vehicles and loading incorrect software. BMW Group has admitted that it mistakenly used the software on two models, the 7 Series and the 5 Series. This information could lead to harsh sanctions from the authorities. Many of these models cost more than 100,000 euros. The Munich carmaker released 11,700 vehicles whose nitrogen oxide levels are significantly higher than permitted. And nobody in Munich noticed? Even though the rules oblige every carmaker to measure two percent of all vehicles delivered, BMW found no problems in its cars.

Did BMW really manipulate?

In fact, though, the environmental problem is not the biggest one for chief executive Harald Krüger. The real problem is trust. He always claimed that BMW would sell “clean” diesel, a statement that caused plenty of trouble for his colleagues at VW and Mercedes. All of this led to the diesel scandal. Prosecutors suspect that BMW used software to control emissions on diesel cars. Krüger always rejected such accusations and insisted that his company was not involved in any diesel manipulation.

The problems began after the German environmental association Deutsche Umwelthilfe presented poor results on the environmental performance of the BMW 320, which point to problems with the car's exhaust system. There is a possibility that BMW manipulated exhaust gas tests. The Federal Ministry of Transport suspects that BMW operates a sophisticated system that warns others when its own vehicles are being checked by the authorities. Searches are now under way at the Bavarian headquarters and at the Austrian engine plant.

The state's distrust has grown even further, since BMW claims that all the accusations are false.

The biggest problems concern the 7 Series, which is under question because a test last spring proved that its emissions exceed the permitted level eight times over. This car is also popular with ministries across the country.

In October 2015 a man who is an expert and runs an exhaust gas testing company bought a BMW 750d xDrive. He also has the appropriate testing equipment, which he used to check the exhaust of his 150,000 euro BMW.

The businessman carried out a whole series of publicly available measurements, which showed deviations during testing. BMW denied the results of this test. The sales consultant said that the car had been checked at the factory and therefore fully complied with the technical requirements. But the man persisted until, finally, a BMW employee whispered to him that he should stop poking his nose into their business.

In autumn 2016 the car's owner sued the dealer. The case is still pending before the court in Bamberg. BMW's answer has always been the same: everything was in order with the customer's car. BMW Group requested a test from TÜV Süd to assess whether the vehicle complied with all standards. TÜV SÜD confirmed the vehicle's compliance in a letter dated 02 December 2016. No further measurements have been carried out to date.

State inspectors suspect officials who may have helped BMW with this matter for many years. All these accusations have seriously damaged the reputation of BMW cars and of the company's directors themselves.

I hope everything turns out well for BMW! Safe travels to everyone.