The BMW 3 series recently underwent a mid-cycle refresh giving it a more stylish front end, re-sculpted hood, and tweaked taillights. The changes are subtle but the end result looks considerably more polished and attractive than the previous version. I recently took a brand new 2011 335d out for a little spin and came away impressed.The interior of the 335d is nothing new. Compared to the new 7 series and new 5 series it's rather underwhelming. But in a good way. The fairly basic model I drove came with leatherette, dark burl walnut trim, and relatively few options. The 335d certainly isn't a stripped out model but the lack of popular tech options makes it far less intimidating. It still came with several niceties like a sunroof and power adjustable seats, granted not the seemingly infinitely adjustable seats of the 7, but you'll be able to get comfy quickly. The driving position is very natural. The single disc CD player and radio is straight forward and easy to use and has auxiliary and USB connections for your MP3 players. The 335d was also had the cold weather package that included a heated steering wheel. Other bits of tech include LED turn signals, adaptable headlights that swivel to illuminate your path as you turn the steering wheel, and intelligent high beams that turn off for oncoming traffic.
The transmission in the 335d was a standard six speed automatic. Compared to BMW's new transmission options it felt a little old fashioned. Instead of BMW's new joystick gear selector there is a standard PRND gear selector. In normal automatic mode the transmission works just fine. Shifts are smooth and unobtrusive and adds to the familiar feeling throughout the car. Slide the lever to the right and you can change gears manually. This provides a bit more involvement but the transmission feels a little slow compared to the new transmissions.
The chassis is also surprise free. Anyone familiar with BMW's ride and handling characteristics will feel right at home. The ride is both taut and comfortable while remaining communicative. The body leans a little bit in corners but only enough to remind you that you aren't driving an M3. The highway ride in the 335d was perfectly acceptable. It's not a cossetting as a 7 series but should elicit complaints from only pickiest of passengers. The standard steering reacts to inputs fluidly and turn in is sharp without being overly aggressive.
At this point, you may have noticed a somewhat foreign little letter in the model name. The letter 'd'. You likely already know the significance of the letter, but might be wondering why it hasn't been mentioned yet. Well, the answer is simple. While the presence of a diesel engine in the 335d is significant, if no one told you what was under the hood, you might not even notice it. Upon starting the engine there is no significant rattle or untoward noise. It starts quietly and idles smoothly enough as to draw little attention. The only real give away while driving is a small clatter and slight vibration just off of idle. This shows up accelerating off the line but but disappears as the revs climb. At speed, again, there is virtually nothing in terms of noise or vibration to suggest you're driving a diesel.
There are, however, a few ways in which the diesel makes its presence known. The first way is torque. This thing doesn't have a little torque. A 328i has a little torque at 200 lb/ft. It doesn't have a lot of torque. The 335i has a lot of torque at 300 lb/ft. The 335d, on the other hand, has gobs o' torque. 425 lb/ft according to BMW. Consider for a moment that the mighty V8 M3 only has 295 lb/ft. In fact, if I owned one my license plate would read “GOBS O'”. This torque means that the diesel has grunt whenever you need it. Need to pass a line of cars on the highway? In most cars that would require a few downshifts and maybe a prayer. The diesel on the other hand just flat out goes. The transmission drops maybe a gear and the sedan erupts forward on the wave of torque. The 335d also accelerates off the line with authority. What's really surprising though, it that the engine still revs. It doesn't have a stratospheric redline like the M3 but it hustles to it's peak revs much the same as a gas fired engine. If you are still in any way expecting modern automotive diesels to feel and sound and drive like truck engines, forget it. They may have a different character but are as good as any comparable gas engine.
The other big way the diesel stands out is in fuel economy. With an EPA rating of 23 city and 36 highway, the diesel is the most fuel efficient model in the 3 series line. BMW estimates the highway cruising range to be nearly 580 miles and if driven gingerly an actual owner could probably achieve or exceed that figure. This means stops for fuel will be few and very far between making the 335d a prime choice for road trips. Unless, of course, your bladder is not up to the challenge.
I also discovered a little surprise on the dashboard. When I first noticed the small gauge under the speedo, I had a brief moment of panic as the needle swung erratically from one extreme to the other. “Oh no” I thought, “Did I just manage to break the dealer's test model?” Expecting the gauge to indicate engine temperature or oil pressure I was greatly relieved when I discovered it was an instant fuel economy indicator. When sitting still or accelerating, even gently, the needle swings to the low teens. Maintain a steady speed and it will oscillate in the mid range around twenty to mid thirty miles per gallon. Take your foot off of the go pedal all together and the needle jumps up to well above fifty mpg. The gauge is mostly a gimmick as the on board computer can display the more useful average fuel economy on the instrument panel.
The final place the diesel engine gets noticed is the bottom line. The efficiency, as well as additional tech it takes to meet emission regulations means the diesel is fairly expensive. Among the 3 series sedans, excluding the M, the diesel carries the highest base price at $44,150. The model I drove was lightly optioned and carried a final price of $48,052. If you prefer a bit more performance, BMW also offers an M Sport package complete with M style front end, unique wheels, the availability of LeMans Blue paint, black out trim and several M cues scattered throughout the interior. Between the goodness of the base to the awesomeness of the Sport, the 335d provides a economical and unequally entertaining proposition for those looking for fun and frugality. The only real diesel competition comes from it's German rivals. It's also a whole lot more attractive aesthetically, dynamically, and emotionally that any hybrid available. Take that Prius! Test vehicle provided by the gracious folks at BMW of Minnetonka.
