Why did you choose the 335D?

chenry · 05-18-2013, 04:45 PM

Just curious what motivates people to by the D...for us it was:

*Monster torque
*Great MPG
*Something unique - never owned a Diesel before and figured this car would hold our interest for a while (it has)
* easy to make more power (JBD)
* a driving experience unlike any of my previous 25+ cars (because of the diesel characteristics)
* Wonderful styling
* Back to that unique thing I already mentioned (its tough to be unique in SoCal)
* What looked to be the last of the big diesels in the 3

Vreimann · 05-18-2013, 06:14 PM

Coming from a Subaru STi, the biggest was great drivability since I had to give up on Manual Tranny due to back issues.

I like the comfort of the seat, I like the stereo even though I only use the MP3's, and other creature comforts which I never entertained in a car until this one.

MPG is nice, but it really is the range between fills which I like.

The rarity of my Diesel as well the power it provides makes me not wish of days of AWD except in winter.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chenry

Just curious what motivates people to by the D...for us it was:

*Monster torque
*Great MPG
*Something unique - never owned a Diesel before and figured this car would hold our interest for a while (it has)
* easy to make more power (JBD)
* a driving experience unlike any of my previous 25+ cars (because of the diesel characteristics)
* Wonderful styling
* Back to that unique thing I already mentioned (its tough to be unique in SoCal)
* What looked to be the last of the big diesels in the 3

FormerRotor · 05-18-2013, 06:18 PM

I started my search wanting something that was livable for 40k mi per year preferably without being boring or breaking the bank on gas)...also had to be nice enough to drive clients around in without being too nice/showy.

I test drove a few small engine subarus and hyundais, but they just weren't entertaining enough. I then drove an isF, m3, m5, m6, 335d, is350, and g37 nearly back to back. For me, there was no doubt that the diesel was the right choice. The balance of styling, power, handling, comfort, and efficiency was unparalleled...with the added benefit of being semi-alternative fueled (efficiency without compromise) thus adding a nice little talking point when touring clients around.

If I had to make the same decision today, I would likely come to the same outcome or buy a cheap little beater. Either way, though, couldn't be happier with the decision.

135i_vs_ · 05-18-2013, 07:06 PM

Performance + fuel economy.
I also like the rare factor.
It makes an excellent daily driver (taking off from red lights, catching yellow lights, cutting off the morons that hog up lanes and refuse to move over, etc.

Got_Diesel · 05-18-2013, 07:42 PM

Was looking at a Jetta Tdi, just wanted to see what a 425ft/lbs of torque at 1,750rpm felt like...and a diesel engine. Saw the car, only one at the dealer, fully loaded. Thought damn, 56k....no way thats coming home. Found out it was a custom order, never sold, sat on the lot for 6 months. dealer said ok, we'll take 48 for it...coupled with .9% financing for 72 months....how could i say no?

ficklerx · 05-18-2013, 09:44 PM

I felt it was the 'ultimate compromise machine.' It offers power and performance without the terrible fuel economy of other choices. The transmission is the compromise part.

chau · 05-18-2013, 10:48 PM

Went to the UK for work for 3 weeks. Had a Vauxhall Insignia the whole time. Got sold on the idea of diesel passenger cars but did not want a Golf TDI.

335dFan · 05-19-2013, 03:33 AM

Originally bought a new 1986 Jetta diesel for a long commute. Slow, smelly, smoky, noisy; but I loved it. I put aftermarket dampers on it and it was my poor man's German econobox: handling and 44.5 mpg. Sold it after 20 years and 300k miles. Had owned a 1971 BMW 2002 in the early '70s in Germany. That and renting a lot of cool diesels in Europe in the last several years convinced me I could have the best of both. Saved my coins while without car payments in Singapore for six years and took the plunge. Very cool car, especially now. Am on a road trip now and on the last three tanks have been between 36.4 and 39.7 mpg. The lowest while driving to and racing up and down the mountain roads near Tail of the Dragon. What a hybrid! Hehe. 8-).

maswastage · 05-19-2013, 07:50 AM

The combination of performance and fuel economy is what sold me. It's pretty much unmatched in that regard; one-of-a-kind. Yes other cars can get 40 mpg at 75 mph, but those cars on average have less than 150 horsepower and take about 10 seconds to hit 60. And yes, there are other cars that will run to 60 in less than ~5.5 seconds and through the quarter at about 100 mph, but they will typically get 30 mpg on their best day.

Timujin · 05-19-2013, 09:11 AM

Had a 2010 Golf TDI. Loved the power and the range on a tank of fuel. Put 48k miles on it in a couple of years and it was not a daily driver, but did lot of road trips. Did some research and saw 335d owners were getting 600+ miles out of a tank of fuel by checking the right foot. WHAT??? WITH 400+ ft lbs of torque??? I drove 4 different used 335ds and they all had over 10k miles. Worked a great deal on a super clean CPO 2011 with 6k miles. Said goodbye to the Golf. Had the DVD in motion activated and it's been the ultimate touring machine. I do like esoteric cars as well.

taibanl · 05-19-2013, 09:17 AM

Wash shopping 135i & 335i. Went to test drive the latter and they had none in stock. A dealer (one of the few that had any awareness about the D) had me drive it. Instant hooked.

crazyinp · 05-19-2013, 10:08 AM

Decided to scale back to one car. I really wanted M3 but since I move to MA I couldn't justify driving the M3 in the winter, so I compromise with 335D. Found mine in CA and have it shipped to MA.

OILPowered · 05-19-2013, 12:18 PM

Same as many have said above: no car blends acceleration, handling, refinement, comfort and efficiency like the 335d. I had an '11 Golf TDI (6spd, Revo tuned). I stopped by a BMW dealer on a whim one afternoon and ended up trading in the Golf a few days later.

I'm impressed everyday by this car.

AzureHaze · 05-20-2013, 10:08 AM

I was really in the market for a E92 335i but the deals they were offering on the 335d was too good to pass. I compared the specs between the two and figured the torque would be more useful during everyday use. The extra space in the back (vs. E92) would also comfortably accommodate my future offsprings. I was also sold on the mpg because I have a long commute and gas prices at that time were only getting higher. Lastly, it was my first time owning a luxury vehicle after coming from two Honda Accords and a Ford Escort so you can say I was pretty stoked about getting it.

Looking back now, I could of gotten a better deal if I joined the forum beforehand to see what others paid for theirs and painfully regretted not getting a fully-loaded 2011 Le Mans Blue 335d that was next to mine (supposedly it was ineligible for ANY discounts) but I hope it found a good home!

My current grade on the 335d? B+. I'm a tough grader.

totitan · 05-20-2013, 12:33 PM

I bought mine because no other vehicle even comes close to the combination of power, handling, ride, and fuel economy of a 335d. There are plenty of cars that can do one of the above better but none that can do it all.

Mark M · 05-20-2013, 02:52 PM

Same reasons as many of you.....on paper the perfect meca combination of power, efficiency, driving dynamics, and cost of ownership.

However I still have yet to drive mine. Father is flying down to Charlotte tomorrow to secure it and bring it back to PA. Like a kid at Christmas!

Puerto Rican 335d · 05-21-2013, 07:13 AM

I was in the market for LUXO car with power since my 02 MCS was over 9 yrs old and 128k on it, i wanted a vehicle that had some spunk I test drove the Jetta TDi Loved the mileage on it plus had more spunk than my RENNtech 02 MCS, I said whoa!, but the dealer here for VW were crooks so i decided to venture out and then I saw an announcement on the 335d and instantly I got curious about it and decided to read on it I said 400Lbs of torque WTF!! I need to test drive one, well months passed by and everytime a "D" showed up by the time i would try to test it , it was sold, i went to orlando for a visit and visited the local bimmer dealer and WHOA!! I found a used one on the lot, I test drove it with my ex-girlfriend and we both looked at each other once i stepped on it and we both in unison said, THIS IS MY CAR!!!!!

I came back to PR and ORDERED my car the BMW website with all my goodies, got the car fully loaded for $50k, there is NO CAR outhere that even comes close to ours. I will try NEVER to go back to gassers, im sold on DIESELS!!!

Now with my RENNtech Flash and WAGNER IC, Im at 312 whp and over 450 lbs/torque on the wheels and BTW I am the happiest SOB in PR!!!

BTW Mark YOU WONT REGRET your decision, good luck

Dan930 · 05-21-2013, 11:22 AM

I've put down a deposit on a 2011 e90 335d,but still not test drive it yet... would a mapped 335d keep up with a e90 m3 in acceleration?

floydarogers · 05-21-2013, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan930

I've put down a deposit on a 2011 e90 335d,but still not test drive it yet... would a mapped 335d keep up with a e90 m3 in acceleration?

Not really - acceleration times are mostly due to HP, not torque. Up to 80 mph or so probably really close.

minus13 · 05-21-2013, 11:53 AM

Easy - unmatched combination of power, handling,luxury, and efficiency.

crazyinp · 05-21-2013, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan930

I've put down a deposit on a 2011 e90 335d,but still not test drive it yet... would a mapped 335d keep up with a e90 m3 in acceleration?

If you want to keep up with M3 just buy an M3! There isn't really comparison btw both.

Pierre Louis · 05-21-2013, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyinp

If you want to keep up with M3 just buy an M3! There isn't really comparison btw both.

You can compare the two, but the M3 would beat it in acceleration and handling, but lose in fuel economy and cost. The 335d is more of a Q-ship that looks like everyman's 3 series but has a powerful grunt...

My choice was more like, if you had a fantasy and picked what was "possible" one could wish for:

1. a 3 series, specifically an e90
2. an inline 6 cylinder all aluminum motor
3. 3 liters
4. twin turbo's - might have them sequential and variable too
5. uh, diesel!
6. direct injected
7. sports suspension, fat steering wheel, that sort of thing!

Take blindfold off and we get, tada... , the 335d!

Just thought it would have been nice to get one with a manual transmission, but my knees aren't so good....

PL

05-18-2013, 04:45 PM	#1
chenry Colonel 2358 Rep 2,964 Posts Drives: BMWs Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: SoCal Huntington Beach iTrader: (8)	Why did you choose the 335D? Just curious what motivates people to by the D...for us it was: Monster torque Great MPG Something unique - never owned a Diesel before and figured this car would hold our interest for a while (it has) easy to make more power (JBD) * a driving experience unlike any of my previous 25+ cars (because of the diesel characteristics) * Wonderful styling * Back to that unique thing I already mentioned (its tough to be unique in SoCal) * What looked to be the last of the big diesels in the 3
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05-18-2013, 06:18 PM	#3
FormerRotor Lieutenant Colonel 96 Rep 1,592 Posts Drives: 2011 335d, M-Sport Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: MD iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 BMW 335d [0.00] 2017 BMW X5 xdrive35d [0.00]	I started my search wanting something that was livable for 40k mi per year preferably without being boring or breaking the bank on gas)...also had to be nice enough to drive clients around in without being too nice/showy. I test drove a few small engine subarus and hyundais, but they just weren't entertaining enough. I then drove an isF, m3, m5, m6, 335d, is350, and g37 nearly back to back. For me, there was no doubt that the diesel was the right choice. The balance of styling, power, handling, comfort, and efficiency was unparalleled...with the added benefit of being semi-alternative fueled (efficiency without compromise) thus adding a nice little talking point when touring clients around. If I had to make the same decision today, I would likely come to the same outcome or buy a cheap little beater. Either way, though, couldn't be happier with the decision. __________________ My Picture Threads (Oldest to Newest): 1 2 3 Join BMW CCA! (Use my link and I get credit )
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05-18-2013, 07:06 PM	#4
135i_vs_ Captain 72 Rep 697 Posts Drives: M5, 135i, 335d, F10 550xi Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	Performance + fuel economy. I also like the rare factor. It makes an excellent daily driver (taking off from red lights, catching yellow lights, cutting off the morons that hog up lanes and refuse to move over, etc.
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05-18-2013, 07:42 PM	#5
Got_Diesel Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 298 Posts Drives: 335d Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Was looking at a Jetta Tdi, just wanted to see what a 425ft/lbs of torque at 1,750rpm felt like...and a diesel engine. Saw the car, only one at the dealer, fully loaded. Thought damn, 56k....no way thats coming home. Found out it was a custom order, never sold, sat on the lot for 6 months. dealer said ok, we'll take 48 for it...coupled with .9% financing for 72 months....how could i say no?
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05-18-2013, 09:44 PM	#6
ficklerx Enlisted Member 4 Rep 33 Posts Drives: 2011 335d M-Sport Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: GA iTrader: (1)	I felt it was the 'ultimate compromise machine.' It offers power and performance without the terrible fuel economy of other choices. The transmission is the compromise part.
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05-18-2013, 10:48 PM	#7
chau Second Lieutenant 28 Rep 234 Posts Drives: 335d Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0)	Went to the UK for work for 3 weeks. Had a Vauxhall Insignia the whole time. Got sold on the idea of diesel passenger cars but did not want a Golf TDI.
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05-19-2013, 03:33 AM	#8
335dFan Jumping Jack Flash 321 Rep 1,692 Posts Drives: 2021 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: California (east of Sacramento) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 BMW X3 M40i [0.00] 2017 Toyota Prius [0.00]	Originally bought a new 1986 Jetta diesel for a long commute. Slow, smelly, smoky, noisy; but I loved it. I put aftermarket dampers on it and it was my poor man's German econobox: handling and 44.5 mpg. Sold it after 20 years and 300k miles. Had owned a 1971 BMW 2002 in the early '70s in Germany. That and renting a lot of cool diesels in Europe in the last several years convinced me I could have the best of both. Saved my coins while without car payments in Singapore for six years and took the plunge. Very cool car, especially now. Am on a road trip now and on the last three tanks have been between 36.4 and 39.7 mpg. The lowest while driving to and racing up and down the mountain roads near Tail of the Dragon. What a hybrid! Hehe. 8-). __________________ 2021 X3 M40i: M Sport Differential, Adaptive M Suspension. Previous BMWs: 1971 BMW 2002, 1973 BMW R75/5, and 2011 BMW 335d Previous Other Vehicles: '67 Cougar, '70 911e, '86 Jetta Diesel, '05 and '12 Foresters, et al.
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05-19-2013, 07:50 AM	#9
maswastage Resident Diesel Junkie 56 Rep 1,070 Posts Drives: 2010 AW 335d Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	The combination of performance and fuel economy is what sold me. It's pretty much unmatched in that regard; one-of-a-kind. Yes other cars can get 40 mpg at 75 mph, but those cars on average have less than 150 horsepower and take about 10 seconds to hit 60. And yes, there are other cars that will run to 60 in less than ~5.5 seconds and through the quarter at about 100 mph, but they will typically get 30 mpg on their best day.
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05-19-2013, 09:11 AM	#10
Timujin Major 353 Rep 1,005 Posts Drives: GMC Sierra Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: California iTrader: (9) Garage List 2010 BMW M3 [0.00]	Had a 2010 Golf TDI. Loved the power and the range on a tank of fuel. Put 48k miles on it in a couple of years and it was not a daily driver, but did lot of road trips. Did some research and saw 335d owners were getting 600+ miles out of a tank of fuel by checking the right foot. WHAT??? WITH 400+ ft lbs of torque??? I drove 4 different used 335ds and they all had over 10k miles. Worked a great deal on a super clean CPO 2011 with 6k miles. Said goodbye to the Golf. Had the DVD in motion activated and it's been the ultimate touring machine. I do like esoteric cars as well. __________________ We grow food to feed the animals so we can eat the animals
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05-19-2013, 09:17 AM	#11
taibanl Brigadier General 281 Rep 4,121 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NA iTrader: (4)	Wash shopping 135i & 335i. Went to test drive the latter and they had none in stock. A dealer (one of the few that had any awareness about the D) had me drive it. Instant hooked.
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05-19-2013, 10:08 AM	#12
crazyinp Major 298 Rep 1,245 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (5) Garage List 2022 BMW X5e [0.00] 2023 BMW X5M [0.00]	Decided to scale back to one car. I really wanted M3 but since I move to MA I couldn't justify driving the M3 in the winter, so I compromise with 335D. Found mine in CA and have it shipped to MA.
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05-19-2013, 12:18 PM	#13
OILPowered Private 3 Rep 62 Posts Drives: '11 335d Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (0)	Same as many have said above: no car blends acceleration, handling, refinement, comfort and efficiency like the 335d. I had an '11 Golf TDI (6spd, Revo tuned). I stopped by a BMW dealer on a whim one afternoon and ended up trading in the Golf a few days later. I'm impressed everyday by this car.
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05-20-2013, 10:08 AM	#14
AzureHaze Lieutenant Colonel 69 Rep 1,766 Posts Drives: 2011 335d Sport Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	I was really in the market for a E92 335i but the deals they were offering on the 335d was too good to pass. I compared the specs between the two and figured the torque would be more useful during everyday use. The extra space in the back (vs. E92) would also comfortably accommodate my future offsprings. I was also sold on the mpg because I have a long commute and gas prices at that time were only getting higher. Lastly, it was my first time owning a luxury vehicle after coming from two Honda Accords and a Ford Escort so you can say I was pretty stoked about getting it. Looking back now, I could of gotten a better deal if I joined the forum beforehand to see what others paid for theirs and painfully regretted not getting a fully-loaded 2011 Le Mans Blue 335d that was next to mine (supposedly it was ineligible for ANY discounts) but I hope it found a good home! My current grade on the 335d? B+. I'm a tough grader. __________________ JBD @ 100% \| KW ST Coilovers \| M3 rep. front bumper \| 888Concepts AE Upgrade \| GP Thunder 7500k fogs \| Cyba 4" carbon tips \| BSW Stage 1 \| APEX ARC-8 W/ Michelin PSS \| Ziza LED interior \| Weisslicht LED side lenses \| Sprint Booster \| Euro side mirrors \| M-Sport semi-conversion \| Coded \| LOTS of carbon fiber
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05-20-2013, 12:33 PM	#15
totitan Enlisted Member 4 Rep 38 Posts Drives: 2009 335d Join Date: May 2013 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	I bought mine because no other vehicle even comes close to the combination of power, handling, ride, and fuel economy of a 335d. There are plenty of cars that can do one of the above better but none that can do it all. __________________ 2009 335d 2016 VW GSW SE tsi 2008 VW rabbit (daughters car) 2004 Nissan Titan (big brakes, air springs) 1972 240Z (set up for road racing, autox)
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05-20-2013, 02:52 PM	#16
Mark M Major 240 Rep 1,288 Posts Drives: E30M3 E83X3 E90335D Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lancaster, PA iTrader: (0)	Same reasons as many of you.....on paper the perfect meca combination of power, efficiency, driving dynamics, and cost of ownership. However I still have yet to drive mine. Father is flying down to Charlotte tomorrow to secure it and bring it back to PA. Like a kid at Christmas!
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05-21-2013, 07:13 AM	#17
Puerto Rican 335d Brigadier General 229 Rep 3,489 Posts Drives: Montego Blue 335d Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Puerto Rico(Dominican Republic 03/2017) iTrader: (0)	I was in the market for LUXO car with power since my 02 MCS was over 9 yrs old and 128k on it, i wanted a vehicle that had some spunk I test drove the Jetta TDi Loved the mileage on it plus had more spunk than my RENNtech 02 MCS, I said whoa!, but the dealer here for VW were crooks so i decided to venture out and then I saw an announcement on the 335d and instantly I got curious about it and decided to read on it I said 400Lbs of torque WTF!! I need to test drive one, well months passed by and everytime a "D" showed up by the time i would try to test it , it was sold, i went to orlando for a visit and visited the local bimmer dealer and WHOA!! I found a used one on the lot, I test drove it with my ex-girlfriend and we both looked at each other once i stepped on it and we both in unison said, THIS IS MY CAR!!!!! I came back to PR and ORDERED my car the BMW website with all my goodies, got the car fully loaded for $50k, there is NO CAR outhere that even comes close to ours. I will try NEVER to go back to gassers, im sold on DIESELS!!! Now with my RENNtech Flash and WAGNER IC, Im at 312 whp and over 450 lbs/torque on the wheels and BTW I am the happiest SOB in PR!!! BTW Mark YOU WONT REGRET your decision, good luck __________________ RENNtech Flash(Lenny Wu)/WAGNER IC Enkei Rajin 18"/Execuhitch Hitch/Koni FSD Soft Ride Bike Rack/Brava Synthetic Motor Oil(Made in Puerto Rico)/Meth(in the works)/CBU done w Andrew EGR Race Pipe (whoa! what an animal it is now) Last edited by Puerto Rican 335d; 05-21-2013 at 07:15 AM.. Reason: more info
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05-21-2013, 11:22 AM	#18
Dan930 Second Lieutenant 43 Rep 268 Posts Drives: 3series Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Uk iTrader: (0)	I've put down a deposit on a 2011 e90 335d,but still not test drive it yet... would a mapped 335d keep up with a e90 m3 in acceleration?
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05-21-2013, 11:53 AM	#20
minus13 Private 2 Rep 93 Posts Drives: 2009 335D Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: South Carolina iTrader: (1)	Easy - unmatched combination of power, handling,luxury, and efficiency.
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