[JRob37]

The long anticipated 2009 BMW 335d Sedan and X5 xDrive35d SAV are finally available to order! Production starts in November and the finished product will begin arriving at South Bay BMW by mid December.

In 1998 a BMW race-tuned 320d sedan won the 24 hours of Nürburgring demonstrating endurance, performance and fuel economy. Currently in Europe, more than 65% of new vehicles sold are diesel powered. Now BMW is setting its sights on the US market with the introduction of two dynamic turbo-diesel models.

It was a BMW Advanced Diesel with Blue Performance technology that won the “2008 World Green Car of the Year” award and it is these same BMW diesels that finally achieved compliance with emission standards in all 50 US States to clear the way for US production. All without compromising the performance for which BMW is renowned.

Winner of the prestigious “International Engine of the Year Award” and Ward’s “10 Best Engines” for 2008, the 3.0 liter sequential twin-turbo inline-six cylinder diesel power plant produces 265 hp, 425 lb-ft of torque and both vehicles have an incredible highway range of over 580 miles on a single tank of fuel.

Earlier this year I had an opportunity to test drive both the 335d Sedan and X5 xDrive35d and to say I was impressed would be an understatement. “I’ve got to have one” is more in line with my feeling. I remember well the slow, stinky, carbon covered diesels of yesteryear; these are not your daddy's diesels. Carbon emissions are down 10% - 20% from comparable gasoline vehicles, and there’s a near-elimination of both smoke and NOX emissions. I actually stuck my nose to the tailpipe and it smells more like a dryer vent then an exhaust pipe.

The 335d leads the field with EPA fuel economy of 23 MPG city/36 MPG Highway making it the most fuel efficient BMW and highest EPA MPG rated 6 cylinder, gas or diesel ever offered in the US market. Despite this level of economy, the 335d performs as well or better than many of the leaders in the category accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds. This tops both the Audi A4 3.2 and the Mercedes C350.

The BMW X5 xDrive35d, like the 335d is a category standout. The Advanced Diesel SAV achieves an EPA rating of 19 MPG city/26 MPG Highway and still accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, making it faster and more fuel efficient than any diesel SUV in the US.

The 335d and X5 xDrive35d have the same standard feature and option profile as the 335i and X5 xDrive30i. Active steering is not available on either diesel model. Demand will be high and allocation low. ED is not available at this time, but should be soon.

[wangxy83]

Are those two cars going to be reliable? Better than current turbo 335? Will I be able to own it for at least 7 or 8 years and not experience any pricy repairs after warranty? I am currently considering both, because of the fuel pump and wastegate issues on current 335, I am more leaning toward the X5 d.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by JRob37

Currently in Europe, more than 65% of new vehicles sold are diesel powered..

How exactly did you calculate 65%?

For 2007, diesel sales were ca. 53%. The increase from 2007 to 2008 (with 2 months remaining) is 1-3%. That doesn´t equal anything close to 65%.

[Deda]

congrats,great choice!

[JRob37]

Originally Posted by wangxy83

Are those two cars going to be reliable? Better than current turbo 335? Will I be able to own it for at least 7 or 8 years and not experience any pricy repairs after warranty? I am currently considering both, because of the fuel pump and wastegate issues on current 335, I am more leaning toward the X5 d.

Can't speak to that either way. Diesel engines, when properly cared for are typically very reliable and run well for years. In the end, either way you choose to go you'll always have your warranty 4Y/50K or 6Y/100K if you extend.

[ra2fanatic]

cant wait to test drive it wen it gets here. the numbers r staggerin for a 335d. i'd give up my e92 335i for that

[JRob37]

Originally Posted by JSpira

How exactly did you calculate 65%?

For 2007, diesel sales were ca. 53%. The increase from 2007 to 2008 (with 2 months remaining) is 1-3%. That doesn´t equal anything close to 65%.

Came from BMW (actually the number was 67%) and it was echoed somewhere, Bimmer or some other magazine.

[JRob37]

Originally Posted by ra2fanatic

cant wait to test drive it wen it gets here. the numbers r staggerin for a 335d. i'd give up my e92 335i for that

I'll be sure to harold the first arrival...

[pokerface]

if the market / technology shifts to some other Diesel development, what happens to support for the Ad Blue?

This diesel engine relies on urea-based fluid to clean up the NOx (or some other emission) and you're allowed up to 20 starts if you run out of the fluid before the engine will refuse and require you to tow to the dealership for servicing. What happens if manufacturer/OEM/supplier support for the refill fluid disappears?


re:
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...9990/1530/FREE

[dakine]

the guys in the uk are really great at modding diesels... a chip job will give it more peak HP then a stock 335i and OMG, the torque... only thing is diesel tuning is completely different too... you'll probably be keeping your stock exhaust, or shell out some $$ for an aftermarket diesel specific one.

[JRob37]

Originally Posted by pokerface

if the market / technology shifts to some other Diesel development, what happens to support for the Ad Blue?

This diesel engine relies on urea-based fluid to clean up the NOx (or some other emission) and you're allowed up to 20 starts if you run out of the fluid before the engine will refuse and require you to tow to the dealership for servicing. What happens if manufacturer/OEM/supplier support for the refill fluid disappears?


re:
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...9990/1530/FREE

Can't imagine that.

[ibimmer346]

Originally Posted by pokerface

This diesel engine relies on urea-based fluid to clean up the NOx (or some other emission) and you're allowed up to 20 starts if you run out of the fluid before the engine will refuse and require you to tow to the dealership for servicing. What happens if manufacturer/OEM/supplier support for the refill fluid disappears?

Open up the little door and pee into the hole? That's one way to get urea in there....

[pokerface]

well I'm just being a cautious.. maybe down the road there'd be some kind of reflash available if the technology doesn't take off.

[vgame64]

Originally Posted by pokerface

well I'm just being a cautious.. maybe down the road there'd be some kind of reflash available if the technology doesn't take off.

Bypassing something like the urea system seems like something the tuners will focus on. I imagine it robs a good amount of HP by adding back-pressure.

Regardless, I think the 335d will be a beast once modded.

[535desire]

Originally Posted by vgame64

Bypassing something like the urea system seems like something the tuners will focus on. I imagine it robs a good amount of HP by adding back-pressure.

Regardless, I think the 335d will be a beast once modded.

exactly why the US version is at 265hp instead of the original 286.

[535desire]

pricing info:

The 335d will be priced at $44,725, less a $900 federal tax credit, while the X5 will consume $52,025 from your bank account. The feds will send back $1,550 to help pave the way.

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