Review: BMW 335d
The diesels are coming! The diesels are coming! The European diesel invasion has finally arrived – or re-arrived, as it is. BMW’s diesel-powered 335d (and X5 xDrive35d – a mouthful of a name) will arrive in showrooms by the end of this year as part of a renewed effort by German automakers to sell the diesel-fearing American automobile-buying public on oil burners.
When BMW offered us the opportunity to drive the first 335ds imported to North America, we couldn’t resist. Does BMW have what it takes to transform the anti-diesel mindset that permeates car buyers from Topeka down to Tampa and up to Toledo?
The 335d becomes the third diesel-powered sedan on sale for 2009, including the recently re-introduced Volkswagen Jetta TDI and the Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTec. BMW promises that performance and economy will both take priority, two virtues seemingly at odds in the eyes of most enthusiasts.
What is it?
It’s the return of the diesel BMW. The last BMW to fill up at the green-colored pumps at United States fuel stations was the 524td, which departed more than 20 years ago. Those few black smoke-belching 524tds still on the road today share little with their great-grandson, the 335d.
The 335d features a 50-state compliant version of BMW’s 3.0 liter diesel inline six-cylinder, putting out 265 horsepower and 425 lb-ft. of torque in this application. Only offered with a six-speed automatic transmission – BMW says the engine is too torquey to mount up to a manual – the 335d has been modified for United States buyers with a BluePerformance filter, in BMW-speak, that helps the car meet CARB (California Air Resources Board) standards.
The 335d goes on sale by the end of December all across the land of the free.
What’s it up against?
With a base price about $2,500 over a premium unleaded-fueled 335i, the 335d’s most natural competitor is its traditional stablemate, though the 335d does qualify for about $900 in U.S. tax credits.
Alternative fuel shoppers might also visit the Mercedes-Benz dealership for the heavier, larger and slightly less-powerful E320 BlueTec. Similarly optioned, the Mercedes runs about $8,000 more than the 335d.
Diesel lovers can also drop by their local Volkswagen store for a Jetta TDI, offered in sedan and wagon versions. A thrifty shopper could take home two Jetta TDIs for the price of one 335d, though Volkswagen doesn’t bill the Jetta TDI as a high-performance machine.
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