2009 BMW 335d – not just blowing smoke

December 6, 3:22 PMAutomotive ExaminerKyle Busch

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BMWs have always been the envy of drivers from most
walks of life - and for good reason! The company’s cars
have been known for their almost unparalleled handling
and flat out good design. The engines in these cars also
had no trouble bringing it to the table either. The 3 series
has been an automotive benchmark for years. Car and
Driver Magazine has described the 3 series as: “terrific,”
“magical,” “world-class,” and “definitive.”

The BMW 335 diesel is another outstanding car to add to
the company’s list. Diesel engines and enthusiastic driving
have been, up until now, at the opposite end of the driving
spectrum. With the 335d this has changed, and auto enthusiasts
want to be in the seat behind the wheel of this car.

Well, lets get into the driver’s seat and see what this car offers!
BMW has finally allowed the U.S. to have the twin-turbo 3-liter
6-cylinder diesel engine. This engine pumps out 265 hp at 4,200
rpm and a gigantic 425 lb. feet of torque at 1,750 rpm. Compared
with the gasoline twin-turbo 3-liter 6-cylinder at 300 hp and 300
lb. feet of torque, the diesel engine has 42 percent more torque and
only 12 percent less power.

At the moment, the 335d is available with only a six-speed automatic.
As equipped, this torque beast does 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and it
covers the quarter-mile in 14.2 seconds at an even 100 mph. The
gasoline mill with a manual transmission does 0-60 in 4.8 seconds
and the quarter-mile in 13.5 seconds at 106 mph. Equip the 335d
with a manual transmission and the stopwatch times will likely be
real close!

The rest of the 335d motoring experience is stellar 3-series –
excellent weighted and spot-on steering, buttoned down handling,
strong braking (161 ft. from 70 to 0 mph), and unmatched ride quality.
As a matter of fact, with the windows up, the driver is hard pressed
to tell this car from the gasoline version. And unlike past diesel mills,
this engine does not blow smoke (the tires of this car will smoke
however!). How cleaned up is this diesel? The driver cannot detect
any diesel traces. With the windows down, the engine sounds
good. It has a deeper growl than the gas engine but none of the
click-clack usually offered by American diesels.

Once a driver has a 335d, there are many reasons to protect his or
her automotive territory.

Why might you want to actually buy the BMW 335d? It
has great performance that will last Christmas season after
Christmas season and fuel economy of about 37 mpg on the
highway.

The BMW 335d in red fits the season and for that matter - any
time of the year!

Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com