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Article Comments - 2009 BMW 335d Full Test

44 messages,  Last post on Nov 30, 2009 at 5:29 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Diesel, Sedan, Wagon

2009 BMW 335d Full Test - Bottom Line: A superb execution of clean diesel power wrapped in the proven skin of the 3 Series.(more)

Messages Page 2 of 5

#5 of 44 Resale price by dino6

Jan 21, 2009 (3:26 pm)

The article makes a point about fuel cost being about the same given today's diesel price disadvantage, an assumption which probably will not hold in the next five years since diesel has actually had a price advantage over regular gas for the majority of the last ten years. So the fuel cost over the life of the car, will probably favor the diesel given the other assumptions used in the calculations.
 
As the article also calculates, after the gov't tax credit the diesel is at a price disadvantage of $1,575 MSRP. The dealers will probably hold out to a higher margin for the new diesels so let's say the price disadvantage versus the gasser is 2,000. That entire price disadvantage will most probably be recouped at resale. There are no used 335ds in the market yet but we can use a Volkswagen TDI as a proxy. Five year old TDIs have a KBB retail of 3,500 over an equivalent VW model. That relationship will probably hold true for the BMWs as well.
 
fedlawman does have a point that the 328i might be a better choice IF you are looking at costs. So it all boils down to driving experience, which is really the main reason most people buy a BMW. If its simply all based on costs, we'd all be driving Kias right? Driving experience of 328i vs. 355d? For canyon carving, the 328i w/a manual. For daily driving with traffic and for long-distance journeys, the auto 335d is a much more relaxed driving experience. For some that also equates to a more luxurious driving experience. All the 3s are great cars and what the 335d offers is just one more option for those people who like to drive autos in a less frenetic manner and to use a bit less of the earth's resources while still enjoying the BMW 3 experience.

#6 of 44 335d < 335i by jmaroun

Jan 21, 2009 (3:57 pm)

3. ..Yet the 335i is quicker, lighter and handles better.
 
Those three points seal my decision. As for fuel consumption.. Diesel costs more in the US effectively equalizing it with the 335i's fuel consumption costs.
 
Car makers must improve fuel consumption without sacraficing the following
- performance <- handling, 0-60, 1/4mi... no one will settle for worse performance - weight <-- everyone wants a lighter car - beauty <-- no one wants an ugly car (just look at the 135i and the GTR) - price <-- no one wants to pay too much more than the present best incarnation ------------------- Other than having superior low end torque, the 335d fails to justify its existance over the 335i...at least in the US. Joseph San Diego

#7 of 44 Re: 335d < 335i [jmaroun] by nkeen

Jan 21, 2009 (7:06 pm)

Replying to: jmaroun (Jan 21, 2009 3:57 pm)
I recently drove both with auto transmissions back to back. The driving experiences are just very, very different. The 335d is much torquier, faster in the real world. The engine just feels twice its actual size -- more like a big, bruising OHV V8. And you can hear it -- not unpleasant, but don't believe the NY Times, etc.: it sounds nothing like the gasoline engine. The 335i revs higher and has top end power, but low down the range it feels weak with the auto trans. I don't think it's about the cost savings so much as it's a matter of getting behind the wheel of each to decide which you prefer. I surprised myself my much preferring the 335d.
 
If I was in the market for an auto trans car, then it would be a 335d with sports package, sat radio, heated seats. Even then, both the i and the d are expensive propositions.

#8 of 44 Re: Article Comments - 2009 BMW 335d Full Test [roadburner] by fedlawman

Jan 21, 2009 (7:40 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Jan 21, 2009 1:11 pm)
"Boy, he sure told you... "
 
Yeah, I guess so.
 
Too bad - I thought driving a BMW was about revving a sewing-machine smooth I-6 to 7000 RPM and getting the best ride/handling compromise possible in a comfortable, practical package.
 
I guess there's truly a 3-series for everyone now.

#9 of 44 Re: Article Comments - 2009 BMW 335d Full Test [fedlawman] by nkeen

Jan 21, 2009 (8:14 pm)

Replying to: fedlawman (Jan 21, 2009 7:40 pm)
Still love my '06 325i. But for me it's got to be a manual....

#10 of 44 Re: Article Comments - 2009 BMW 335d Full Test [fedlawman] by Turbineguy

Jan 23, 2009 (10:31 am)

Replying to: fedlawman (Jan 21, 2009 7:40 pm)
There's nothing wrong with the 335d, it's just that the diesel has different power characteristics, which not all are used to. Personally I like not having to wind the snot out of a motor to get the car to accelerate quickly. As far as ride & handling, the author said the 335d was as good or better on the skidpad than any 335i they'd tested and has 1 mph less top end (a useless stat IMO) and was .6 second slower 0-60. It's still a sub-6 second car which is faster than most comparable cars. Unless you're the type to drag race at stop lights, you'd probably never see any difference. For the same money I'd probably go with the MB E320 Bluetec with a bit more interior room. Diesel is a tough sell right now because of the price gap - this only occurred in the last year. I've owned a diesel for 10 years now and for 9 out of 10 years diesel cost the same or less than regular unleaded. New diesel refining capacity worldwide should have the price gap closing considerably in the next year or so, hopefully.

#11 of 44 Re: Article Comments - 2009 BMW 335d Full Test [Turbineguy] by bigmclargehuge

Jan 23, 2009 (11:21 am)

Replying to: Turbineguy (Jan 23, 2009 10:31 am)
I also prefer the torque curve of the diesel to the gas, after driving the same day.
 
Of course, I drove them during rush-hour in a major metro area. And that really explains why I think thats the best environment for the BMW diesel. Because of the instant and effortless acceleration, it is definitely faster in the real world.
 
Without putting a premium on the economics of diesel, its still a better daily driver, IMO. And it retains 99% of the performance of the 335i automatic for the times when you do want to have fun.
 
Plus its something unique to BMW. No other brand can compete with this diesel sedan.

#12 of 44 Re: Article Comments - 2009 BMW 335d Full Test [Turbineguy] by fedlawman

Jan 23, 2009 (11:37 am)

Replying to: Turbineguy (Jan 23, 2009 10:31 am)
I can see the appeal of the 335d and why people like it. I also think the M-B Bluetec seems a better fit for a diesel motor - more relaxed, torquier, great for covering vast amounts of freeway in supreme comfort.
 
I'm not saying the 335d isn't a good car - I just don't think it's a good sports car.

#13 of 44 Re: Article Comments - 2009 BMW 335d Full Test [fedlawman] by bigmclargehuge

Jan 23, 2009 (1:22 pm)

Replying to: fedlawman (Jan 23, 2009 11:37 am)
I'm not saying the 335d isn't a good car - I just don't think it's a good sports car.
 
Well I think calling the current 3-series a sports car is a bit of a stretch anyhow.
 
The 335d seems to be more in line with where the 3-series is headed. Sacrificing sportiness for the sake of refinement.

#14 of 44 Re: Article Comments - 2009 BMW 335d Full Test [bigmclargehuge] by fedlawman

Jan 23, 2009 (1:35 pm)

Replying to: bigmclargehuge (Jan 23, 2009 1:22 pm)
Yup, it's been all downhill since the E36...

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