Diesel power has been a German thing for many years now.  Mercedes and Volkswagen diesels especially have developed a loyal following here in the United States, and with recent advances in the technology, their fuel economy and performance are significantly better than comparable gasoline vehicles.


High torque means high performance, and high performance means BMW.  The manufacturer of “ultimate driving machines” has produced diesels in Europe for some time, but for 2009 it’s bringing them to the U.S., under the flag of “Blue Performance.”  With the new 335d, BMW may be the first manufacturer to openly acknowledge the performance advantages offered by diesel power.
Obviously, the diesel’s strong point is high torque.  The 335d is no exception; it produces 265 horsepower and a supercar-like 425 pound-feet of torque.  The powerplant is a 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder engine, as many of BMW’s best engines have been, and it features common-rail direct fuel injection and two-stage turbocharging.  The 335d’s twin turbochargers are different sizes; the smaller turbo is effective when the engine is turning more slowly, while the larger unit kicks in at higher engine speed.  This enables the car to make impressive torque figures even at low engine speeds.  As a nod to its sporting intent, BMW’s diesel runs with a bit more growl than Mercedes’ whisper-quiet oil-burners.  And BMW makes great use of that mountain of torque.  The 335d moves out quickly and with authority.   A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and BMW claims a six-second 0-60 time.  The 335d is certified for sale in all fifty states, unlike some diesels which don’t meet California emissions standards.
BMW’s unique double-pivot struts are used up front, with a five-link rear.  The rear track has been widened slightly, for improved stability.  Active steering is available, offering variable effort and steering response depending on speed.  The system takes some getting used to, but results in phenomenally sharp reflexes.  Handling is largely the same as that of the rest of the 3-series family, with lightning-fast response and confident cornering.  This diesel is a highly entertaining driver, in fact, even on board-straight Wisconsin roads like the ones we sampled it on. The 335d shares the 335i’s larger thirteen-plus inch brake rotors at all four corners, and anti-lock brakes are standard.
The complex, wave-formed curves of modern BMWs are handsome inside and out.   For 2009, the 3-Series gets a minor styling refresh, and the 335d benefits as well.  The hood is more strongly contoured, and BMW’s trademark illuminated headlamp rings serve as daytime running lights.  High-intensity discharge Xenon headlamps are standard, and adaptive headlamps that pivot to illuminate turns are available.  The character line that marks the side of the 335d has been lowered slightly, to emphasize the car’s low stance.  Side mirrors, taillights and trunklid have all been reshaped as well.  It’s a subtle upgrade, overall.
The interior of my tester was handsome, too, with a dark/light two-tone and wood trim combination.  A choice of aluminum or wood trip is available, and BMW offers new, lighter interior leather trim.  The 3-series sedan is a pleasant executive sedan, and as the junior member of the family it inherits many of the 5- and 7-Series cars’ quirks and luxuries.  The latest version of BMW’s iDrive is available, bundled with a navigation system.  BMW has made iDrive more ergonomically friendly, with a smaller controller, simpler menu structure, direct-input keys and a higher-definition 8.8-inch screen.   The sound system can now accept MP3, USB and iPod input, and features a hard drive for music and navigation information storage.   Bluetooth connectivity and the BMW Assist emergency services program are also available.  BMW’s Park Distance Control is also available, with front and rear sensors for the first time.  Other options borrowed from bigger BMWs include the available heated steering wheel,
Of course, the additional power, poise and efficiency of the 335d don’t come without a price; with an MSRP of $44,725, the diesel 3-Series commands a five-figure premium over the entry-level 328i.  Is it worth that?  The answer is a solid maybe.  Buyers who opt for the 335d should be doing it for the additional performance offered by BMW’s diesel, rather than for the fuel economy.  36mpg on the freeway is good, but it’ll take an awfully long time to justify $10,000 worth of fuel savings.  It’s best to forget about the 335d’s unusually good fuel economy, and love it for its performance, which is very much up to BMW’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” standards.

Specifications:  All specs are for the 2009 BMW 335d
Length:  178.8 in.
Width:  71.5 in.
Height:      51.9 in.
Wheelbase:  108.7 in.
Curb weight:   3825 lb.
Cargo space:   12 cu.ft.
Base price:  $44,725
Engine:   3.0 liter common-rail turbocharged inline six-cylinder diesel
Drivetrain:  six-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower: 265 @ 4200
Torque:  425 @ 1750-2250
Fuel capacity:  16.1 gal.
Est. mileage:   23/36

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