Comments on: First Drive: BMW 335d

By: ShaolinTiger

ShaolinTiger — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:20:25 +0000

You really really need the sports package with this car if not it'll just fly off the road because of the ridiculous torque.

Even the 320d 2009 model is a fantastic drive and plenty of power for even the most demanding drivers.

By: Clean Diesel

Clean Diesel — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 07:30:09 +0000

Unfortunately, it looks like BMWNA is not motivated to move them as evidenced by the crappy residuals and there are so many models in BMW and they are planning for reducing emissions.

By: Drill

Drill — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:14:51 +0000

I recently got to test drive the 335d Sports Wagon and must say that, if offered in US Spec, I’d be hard pressed to turn it down (assuming no 335i wagon). The torque alone was addicting. I too had one of those moments where, while pointing out to the Frau how quiet it was, I glanced down to see 160kph on the speedo! While I agree that the new shape mirrors are a bit odd, I did think that they granted better side/rear visibility.

By: CycloneRcr

CycloneRcr — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:01:59 +0000

The new larger mirrors are due to the new EU regulation requiring a larger mirror area. It has nothing to do with JD Power surveys or any other survey =) Just look at any newly developed european car, they all have larger mirrors. New C-Class or coming S-Class facelift are the examples coming into my mind.

By: rlb

rlb — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 12:46:43 +0000

Thanks for the review. I have a 335d on order that goes into production next week. Trading in my 06 330i e90. Never driven a diesel so I might be crazy for ordering one, but I ordered my first BMW without ever having driven the brand and that worked out OK!

By: Asteroid

Asteroid — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:11:06 +0000

Unfortunately, it looks like BMWNA is not motivated to move them as evidenced by the crappy residuals and standard lease rates for the 335d. Compared to the E90 335i, the 335d has a 4 to 5% lower residual. My quick calculation indicates a higher lease payment of $157 for a 24-mo lease (+$138 for 36-mo) just due to the lower residual and higher money factor. Add to that the higher cap cost for the 335d, and no BMWCCA rebate, just about the only incentive remaining is the “green” appeal that it may have for some (OK you get the IRS tax credit) for ~$200 more every month.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:24:18 +0000

I was the first to drive a low optioned 335d at my dealer. The torque experience is as advertised. The weight vs my 328i is also quite noticeable and so I agree with the comment about it not having the balance of the lighter car. But overall, the car is very impressive. Here’s why this won’t work for BMW: the car will be 50k with a few options. It will not be an economically rationale decision to buy this car. Not enough greenies who care about the 20% CO2 reduction (and note that is vis-a-vis the 335i; the 335d does no better than the 328i on CO2) will/can buy the thing and the performance freaks amongst us will buy a 335i/M3. BMW should have brought the 330d or 325d so that the economics work. Shame really. I might still look for a used one in a year or two.

By: Parker

Parker — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:06:55 +0000

Lava, The lines in the hood are exclusive to the LCI E90. They are on all of the 2009 sedans.

By: lava

lava — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:36:49 +0000

are those contours at the center of the hood unique to the d? I can’t say I noticed those on the 3 series before.

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 02:03:57 +0000

SoCalRick- I would imagine the sport suspension did help with the absorption of weight BUT I was also told that the spring rates and suspension were adjusted for this car, as was the DSC system.

The weight is there, not saying it is not but the car still has nice balance, part of the reason the emissions stuff is in the rear is to keep that balance.

I hope people get to experience these cars, they are something special.

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:50:30 +0000

We’ve had 535d’s and 335d’s for over 2 years here in the UK. I work for a BMW dealer as a technician, and i would definately choose any diesel over its petrol equivalent. A 120d is so much more fun than a 120i. Petrol is dead, long live the diesel!

By: SoCalRick

SoCalRick — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:44:42 +0000

Michael, Nice write-up. I was anxiously waiting for your 335d test drive write-up to come out over the Christmas holidays, and I was disappointed when the foul weather in your area intervened and caused a delay. The 335d that I drove didn’t have the sport package, and I did wonder what differences the addition of the sport package might add (e.g. would it better handle the extra weight during manuevering than the non-sport package?). BTW, the wheels that come with the sport package are SWEET! Definitely some of the best wheels available on any model right now.

By: Chaz

Chaz — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:38:04 +0000

I’m sure you know the heater works so well because it has a ceramic heater for those cold mornings.

Interestingly, I get similar gas milage with my BMW. 0-60 in 6 seconds, 23/36mpg isn’t much different (I just did 500 miles on a tank getting 35mpg), and that is in a 328. I don’t doubt the 335d can do noticably better though. Obviously, the 328 doesn’t have that torque. The torque numbers and the review remind me of my old (chipped) S4 which had ~400ft-lbs of torque. Makes passing on the highway effortless, but that strikes me as too much torque for a RWD car! (especially in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear). I tend to lean more towards high reving engines, but that torque certainly is entertaining on the street!

Nice review. Its going to be time for a test drive soon. I just hope the gas prices align better to make alternatives such as this more desirable.

By: cenotaph

cenotaph — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:37:00 +0000

RE: the mirrors

I haven't driven a car with the new mirrors, but I don't like the ones on the E90s that I've driven. If I position the seat the way I like (and I'm only 5'11", so it's not like I'm a tree or something), it's impossible for me to get the mirror on the drivers side properly adjusted. It just won't go far enough to the left.

Along with some of the other aspects of the E90, I'm more inclined to replace my E46 with another E46 if I ever have to.

By: Parker

Parker — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:30:28 +0000

I have driven our demo 335d, and I was equally as impressed as you were. I think these cars will do very well. Even after driving it hard, the gas mileage was still much higher than on my 335i.