BMW Diesel Update
Sections: E70 X5, E90 3 Series, EfficientDynamics, Official News, Sales/Marketing Oct 21st, 2008

It is officially official. The diesels will begin production in November and will be delivered to dealers mid December.

The 335d will have a best in class EPA fuel economy of 23/36 MPG making it the most fuel efficient BMW ever sold in the US as well as the highest rated EPA MPG 6 cylinder engine ever in the US. With 0-60 in 6.0 seconds it is quicker to that mark than the all new Audi A4 3.2 and the MB C350.

The X5d (as we like to refer to it as) will have an EPA rating of 19/26 MPG with a 0-60 time of 6.9 seconds; making it the fastest and most efficient SUV in the US. Both models will have a highway range of over 580 miles. Both will qualify for the IRS Alternative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit.

The 335d will have the same option profile as the 335i except for unique sport package wheels on the 335d. The X5 35d will have the same option profile as the X5 30i. Active steering is not available on either model.

I wouldn't say that these models are that short on horsepower.  Both vehicles are getting the 3.0-liter twin turbo which makes 265hp and 425 lb-ft of torque  Considering the petrol version of the 3.0 liter TT model is rated for 300 hp, it's only a 35 hp drop.

They key is if the cars will be geared appropriately.  If you gear for the shorter redlines and stronger torque, it should mostly offset the difference.  Lots of diesel cars seem to get saddled with the same engines as the petrol models and that makes the difference in power curve much more apparent.

i'm somewhat intrigued.... again you have to weigh the difference in price to the difference in gas mileage and then compare that to additional costs associated with owning a diesel.  When that info is available we'll have a better idea of the viability of a small diesel BMW.

sounds like it is kinda silly for them to make it in gas powered now doesn't it?  Anyway, I like the idea of a diesel... just after I crunched #s on the jeep... it was quite a bit more expensive.  If your estimates are accurate, sounds like a diesel 335 would be worthwhile.  Still get free maintenance?  If so then definitely worth looking at.

I have a reason why I wouln't bother with diesel for now.  Most stations don't offer it around here except for stations that cater to truckers or those of major roadways.  Maybe 1 out of every 7 to 10 stations has it.  Of the stations I hit regularly now, none of them offer it.

I don't think diesel will make major inroads in the US until biodiesel becomes a viable commodity.

Another proof that diesel is not a slouch

http://www.drivers-republic.com/flash/flv_tv.swf?flvSource=bhcag0s8wn2evczi6ff5i2cc.flv&replay=1

What I think these cars suck is in acceleration.  No adrenaline rush there.  You do not just blimp the throtle and in less than a second you're in the redline.  You have to floor it and wait, probably longer than with those 8v gas engines of the past, at least that's what I'm expecting at any rate.  Will see about that, of course.

I didnt' mean that way.  I mean to say the engine does not rev freely, even in the limited powerband.