Nov 14th, 2008 by RJ Menezes
Those in the know have been waiting a long time for this. Finally, thanks to BMW, we are no longer subjected to the cruel torture of being denied a great modern diesel sports sedan. That’s right, diesel. Thought to be crude technology, and often ignored here in the states, the diesel has been making leaps and bounds in advancement on the other side of the pond. Our European friends have been reaping the benefits of modern and clean diesel technology for years.
Well not anymore. At the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show German car maker BMW will unveil the soon-to-be-sold-near-you production version of its excellent 3-Series turbo-diesel, the 335d. This car has been sold in one form or another in Europe for years and is now finally reaching our shores.
Powered by a award-winning twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 diesel, the 335d utilizes novel BMW technology including their innovative high-pressure piezoelectric injection system (which is shared by the gas-powered 335i). The result is a healthy 265hp and a monstrous 425ft-lbs of torque from a scant 1750rpm’s! The result is powerful acceleration, with the sprint to 60mph achieved in just 6 seconds flat, and a electronically limited top speed of 130mph. All this while achieving an impressive 23mpg city and 36mpg highway, numbers that are sure to increase with normal driving.
To be sold in the U.S. the 335d requires the use of a urea injection system. By being injected dierectly into the exhaust system, urea reduces emissions to a point that allows the 335d to comply with the emissions standards in all 50 states. The system needs to be refilled every 15,000 miles but it coincides with the cars maintnance interval and is covered for free from BMW. Don’t think you can skimp either and not refill it ’cause if you let it run dry, the car will not turn on!
With the BMW 335d we will finally experience the kind of performance a modern diesel has been providing our European friends with a great compromise between mileage and performance. No word yet on the car exact release date, but we expect it in dealers sometime in the beginning of next year. Let’s hope this powertrain can make it to other models in the BMW lineup.
-Source: Road and Track
-Photos: Cris Cantle for R&T
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