German Prosecutors Look Into BMW Diesel Cheating Allegations

(Bloomberg) -- Munich prosecutors are looking into allegations BMW AG diesel cars are fitted with defeat devices to cheat on emissions levels following tests by German environmental group DUH.

The group's claims come after it checked a BMW 320d car's exhaust performance both at an inspection facility and on the road, prompting a review by Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority, or KBA. Munich investigators are also considering whether to open a probe, prosecutors' spokeswoman Anne Leiding said in an email.

BMW said its diesel vehicles have been checked by the KBA and other regulatory authorities and were found to comply with emissions rules. Commenting on DUH's findings, BMW said the parameters used by the environmental association, such as driving in third gear at a speed of 70 kilometers (40 miles) an hour, weren't relevant for cars in everyday use.

TUEV Sued, which monitors technical safety standards, said BMW vehicles showed “very robust” emissions treatment systems during previous tests it carried out for the carmaker, according to a statement Wednesday.

BMW shares fell 0.5 percent to 85.06 euros at the close in Frankfurt.

Volkswagen AG's use of defeat devices to disguise diesel cars' emissions readings, uncovered more than two years ago, has prompted a number of criminal investigations in Germany against that company, its Audi unit, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG and parts supplier Robert Bosch GmbH. Munich-based BMW, which has always maintained it never cheated, hasn't been a target of a criminal probe. Prosecutors in June declined to open a case after complaints asking to investigate BMW about its diesel emissions practices.

To contact the reporter on this story: Karin Matussek in Berlin at kmatussek@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Anthony Aarons at aaarons@bloomberg.net, Elisabeth Behrmann, Tom Lavell

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