German Car Zone

Torques a Lot, Emits a Little


A careful cost/benefit analysis of the diesel-powered 2009 BMW 335d sedan vs. the gasoline-powered BMW 335i is certain to yield...exactly nothing. There are many reasons for this:

1. The 335d burns less fuel than the 335i, no question. Yet diesel fuel also costs more than gasoline.
2. The 335d costs more than the 335i. Yet it also emits less CO2.
3. The 335d can easily exceed 500 miles on one tank of fuel. Yet the 335i is quicker, lighter and handles better.

Shall we continue? As with most alternative-fuel vehicles, the decision to buy the diesel-powered 2009 BMW 335d will be made by the heart more often than the pocketbook. Even so, the resolutions to the dilemmas above aren't easy to find, but here's how we see it:

1. Fuel cost is a wash. In this case, less fuel consumption cancels the price premium of diesel fuel. Most buyers shopping for a $50,000 sedan won't be splitting these hairs anyway.
2. The 335d costs $2,475 more than an identically equipped 335i, yet uses less fuel and emits fewer greenhouse gases. This seems like a small premium for anyone who prioritizes the planet and can afford a car this costly.
3. Who doesn't want to fill up less frequently? We'd bet it's the same folks who care more about CO2 emissions than they do about 0-60-mph times.

Numbers Big and Small

The 2009 BMW 335d is one of two vehicles introducing BMW's clean diesel technology to the U.S. this year (the other is the BMW X5 xDrive35d) and it generates some staggering numbers. Most striking is the output from its twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6: 265 horsepower at 4,200 rpm and 425 pound-feet of torque at 1,750 rpm.

All this snort goes to the ground through just one transmission option, a six-speed automatic with a manual shift mode. This is the same gearbox offered in the 335i, and it has the same sport mode that hangs onto gears longer. Our test car was fitted with the optional shift paddles on the steering wheel.


Full Story: Edmunds Inside Line - 2009 BMW 335d Full Test


M

is it already on sale in the States? I would like to test drive it and see how it drives.

Yes it is.

M