BMW 335d: Fast and Efficient

The need for immediate gratification is all around us. From fast food to high-speed Internet, we expect things to be delivered right now ... and sometimes 'now' isn't fast enough. Those who want their cars to deliver power 'now' should look at the new crop of advanced diesels coming on the market. Not only are modern diesel cars significantly quieter and cleaner than ever, there's no waiting for the engine to rev up to 5,000 or more rpm like a gasoline engine to provide power and torque. Instead, diesel engines deliver full torque at very low rpm - right here, right now, and right when you need it most.

BMW's 2009 335d is the latest example of how satisfying and useful low-end torque can be. This new clean diesel model - BMW's first in the North American market in over two decades - produces peak torque at just 1,750 rpm. It's a mountain of torque, too, with 425 lbs-ft delivered to the wheels, some 130 more lbs-ft than the high performance BMW M3. Along with 265 horsepower, that's enough to launch the 335d from a standstill to 60 mph in six seconds flat.

Boosting the aluminum block, 3.0-liter six-cylinder's intake pressure with variable twin turbochargers makes this possible. A smaller initial turbo spools up quickly and provides boost at low rpm, and then a larger turbo increases pressure as revs build. The result is a freight train-like rush of power right off idle on up through the horsepower peak at 4,200 rpm. BMW is utilizing common rail direct injection to deliver multi fuel injections per combustion cycle through piezo injectors at 2,645 psi.

The BMW 3 Series comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, although 335d buyers can also select a quick shifting six-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters when the Sport Package is ordered. The automatic allows a driver to select a Sport mode for quicker and more positive shifts or a manual mode for complete control.

On the green side of the performance scale, the BluePerformance diesel is 50 state emissions legal and delivers 23 mpg in town and 33 mpg on the highway. From our experience with other new diesel models, conservative driving should easily net 35+ mpg at a steady highway cruise. Using AdBlue urea injection with the SCR catalyst and sophisticated exhaust aftertreatment that includes a particulate filter, the 335d meets the most stringent emissions standards in the world, with lower C02 emissions than a similarly sized gasoline engine.

All this new clean diesel goodness is wrapped up in one of the best automotive platforms on the road today. BMWs 3 Series sedans are highly refined and fun to drive. The 2009 3 Series has been freshened with more aggressive exterior lines and a host of interior revisions that make it one classy package. Noise and vibration are a traditional rub against diesels, but those impressions can all but be eliminated with the latest generation of clean diesel. The BMW 335d is quiet and smooth, yet emits a very satisfying, deep tone when you lean on the accelerator.

BMW is also bringing the 3.0-liter diesel to the U.S. market in the X5 SUV. A bit heavier, the X5 xDrive35d is said to do 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds and offer fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 25 mpg on the highway.

If you're still unconvinced that modern diesels are a viable alternative, we suggest you take the time to get behind the wheel and give one a try. You may find that your need for immediate gratification is fed in a whole new way.