In September 2001, the BMW 320td complemented the model range of the BMW Compact as the first diesel vehicle. The four-cylinder inline engine (M47D20TÜ) installed under the hood featured advanced common rail injection. Adjustable vanes were used on the turbine (variable turbine geometry, VTG) to make the turbocharger technology more efficient. This ensured that the turbo lag was virtually eliminated. The BMW 320td quickly became the second most popular engine for the Compact with an astounding number of units manufactured, totalling some 45,000.