BMW USA Diesel Webcast

BMW North America held an online press conference today for the debut of the new US spec diesel line-up. You can also view our previous in depth breakdown of the Advanced Diesels here (follow the links in each post):BMW Advanced Diesels

Here are a few of the high-points of the presentation along with the official press release:

• Pricing (which we’ve already posted about) is set at $43,900 (not including destination) for the base 335d, $2475 premium over the 335i with Steptronic or $3800 over a manual car. Likewise the X5 xDrive35d will also see the MSRP increase but to $51,200 (not including destination), a $4100 bump.
• BMW looked at the D models as just one of the many ways Efficient Dynamics will show up in the US.
• The US Spec engines have quite a few additions to make the engines quieter
• Suspension (sport and regular) and DSC has been tuned specifically for each of the D models.
• BMW will look at sales of each model and potentially look at bringing other D models to the US market
• There will be no V8 diesel but the US may see a four cylinder diesel in the future.
• No manual transmissions because there are no BMW manuals capable of handling the torque (425ft lbs). And this isn’t just a US market thing – manual transmissions aren’t available anywhere in the world at this point.
• Automatic is the same auto in BMW’s V8s.
• Diesel fuel has been on par or cheaper than gasoline on and off for years now (despite the current price gap) so BMW isn’t overly concerned about this issue.
• Supplemental electric ceramic heater to heat cabin when engine is not warm enough
• Misfueling protection system to prevent gas from being put in the tank.
• CO2 decreased by over 20% compared to equivalent gas powered car.
• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), rather than AdBlue name.
• Both will qualify for the IRS Alternative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit

Official Press Release

BMW of North America, LLC today announced pricing of the 335d Sedan and X5 xDrive35d Sports Activity Vehicle, the first two BMW Advanced Diesels with BluePerformance. The 335d Sedan will have an MSRP of $44,725, including destination and handling. The X5 xDrive35d SAV will have an MSRP of $52,025, also including destination and handling. BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance represents an important new phase in BMW’s EfficientDynamics initiative in the US.

“This is an important launch for BMW,” said Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. “Both of these vehicles have outstanding fuel efficiency while offering performance that delivers on the promise of the Ultimate Driving Machine. With up to nearly 600 miles of range, these BMW Advanced Diesels will be perfect for the way Americans drive.”

Both BMW Advanced Diesels will be eligible for the IRS Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit. Purchasers of the 335d will qualify for a maximum tax credit of $900 while purchasers of the X5 xDrive35d will qualify for a maximum tax credit of $1,550.

The production versions of the BMW 335d Sedan and X5 xDrive35d will make their North American debut next week at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.