In previous posts, I have outlined that the Germans are going to bring a number of diesels to the U.S. It has been almost twenty five years since the Germans have imported diesels to the U.S. This is the first salvo from BMW.....the BMW 335d....which is a rear wheel drive 4-door sedan. A coupe is available in Europe but will not be sold in the U.S. currently.
The BMW 335d is the most expensive 3-series this side of an M-series. Pricing for the BMW 335d starts with a base of $43,900 which is $1,700 over the standard BMW 335i, comparably equipped. Also there is a $900 tax credit for purchasing the diesel. The break even point on the 335d vs the 335i is 2-3 years depending on the price of gas and or diesel...currently the national average for diesel is nine cents lower than gasoline.
The motor is a twin-turbo 3.0 liter diesel with 265 hp. and 425 pound feet of torque. Compared with the 335i sedan, which has 300 hp and 300 pound feet of torque. The BMW 335d speeds down 0-60 mph at 5.7 seconds versus the 335 which is at 4.8 seconds. The 335d motor has been designated as one of the ten best engines in the world by Wards. The 335d is only available with a six speed automatic transmission.
The rest of the 335d experience is atypical 3-series with excellent steering, great body control, great brakes...which stop the vehicle in 161 feet from 70 to 0 mph. The real advantage versus diesels of the past is that you don't have the smoke and clattering of the motor. The diesel has more of a growl than the gasoline BMW v-6's.
Check out the AutoWeek video!
One additional maintenance issue is that it requires AdBlue(ammonia be added during services to keep the emissions clean). The BMW excellent maintenance program covers all maintenance during the warranty period of 4 years or 60 thousand miles. If this AdBlue level drops below the minimum level the car will not start after a number of starts.
SUMMARY:
My take is the this is one of the better green choices! The payback on the additional cost is fairly reasonable versus most hybrids.
The BMW 335d is not quite as ideal as the standard BMW 335i....but you willl not have to sacrifice driving dynamics like most hybrids. The mileage is not quite as high as the Lexus HS250h as in my previous post. The BMW 335d is one car enthusiast's green machine!
