The BMW 001 would drive- Only one problem, they're not available in the USA..RATS!

The BMW 001 would drive- Only one problem, they're not available in the USA..RATS!
It's no secret that I'm envious of the Europeans because they can buy most of their great cars with diesel engines.

Cars like the BMW 335d, 535d, Mercedes S350 and others are phenomenally great cars that have virtually no trade-offs from their gasoline brethrens.

And every time I go to Europe…I feel like they’re stickin’ it in my face.

Stickin’ it I tell ya! :)

At the BMW M3 event in Spain we were picked up at the airport and driven to the event in the 535d and the ride and performance was nothing short of AWESOME!

They also had a few of the wagons there as well (I actually think the wagon is better looking than the sedan but the USA customer hates wagons).

All the power anyone really needs, amazing mileage (computer was showing 680km to empty at close to ¾ of a tank), quiet ride (if they didn’t tell you it was a diesel, you wouldn’t know until you got out of the car) and that heavenly BMW suspension (best on earth in our opinion) were all on tap in this slick ride.

And, to add insult to injury, the 535d is available with the sport ‘M’ kit like the one that is ONLY available on the 550i in the USA!

That just ain’t right in our opinion!!!

But behind every cloud is a silver lining…as you know the 535d may eventually make it to the states (2009 model year).

So while it’s still in the planning stages with the product managers, PLEASE offer it with the sport ‘M’ body kit when it comes here.

AND, add the option to the 535 gas car as well.

For now, enjoy the photos…



LecsucksLecsucks - 7/12/2007 6:57:09 PM
-11 Boost
I am greatful that diesel is not popular in the U.S. and I hope it will stay that way.


mscottc1mscottc1 - 7/12/2007 9:39:13 PM
+5 Boost
if diesel isn't popular in the US, then how come 06 TDI Jettas are bringing "new" price on the used car market?

and how come I field DOZENS of questions every month about BMW diesel plans for the US? (mind you I'm in MISSOURI, not even the core targeted customer base area for the diesel roll-out!!!)




mscottc1mscottc1 - 7/12/2007 9:41:50 PM
+3 Boost
last several of these we've done in-house & have turned out just as nice also. They even partially residualize on a lease & the customer can keep or sell the old bumper skins to offset the cost difference!


RupertRupert - 7/12/2007 7:12:31 PM
-3 Boost
We can get all our BMWs with the M sport kit...from a 118i to a 520d...lucky us :)


SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/13/2007 5:32:55 AM
+2 Boost
The 535d is nothing short of spectacular, because of all its massive torque it will outrun pretty much everything else out there. Hamann, Hartge and many other German tuners can take that engine up to 360 horsepower!


TehShibbsTehShibbs - 7/12/2007 7:46:49 PM
+3 Boost
That wagon is as hot as fire. I likey. I'll take one in a turbodiesel, please. White. With the M sport kit.


Agent001Agent001 - 7/12/2007 9:12:24 PM
+4 Boost
I'm with ya brother!

001


henbmwhenbmw - 7/12/2007 7:53:39 PM
+2 Boost
Easily one of the best sedans ever made.


mscottc1mscottc1 - 7/12/2007 9:33:18 PM
+1 Boost
If they bring it, I will buy!!! (Lease actually...)

535xd touring with the body kit like the white one! (**drools**) Who needs an X5??


M316M316 - 7/12/2007 9:35:43 PM
+1 Boost
My boss is about to buy one of these btw. We are close so I will drive it immediately and let you guys know how it feels.


I95SPEEDINGTICKETSI95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 7/12/2007 11:30:08 PM
+2 Boost
You guys should see it with the optional 19" wheels.
STUNNING i tell ya.


SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/13/2007 5:35:32 AM
+2 Boost
You should see it with the BMW Individual wheels.

absolutely STUNNING I tell ya!


weaponXweaponX - 7/13/2007 12:47:39 AM
+2 Boost
As a V10 M5 owner I take offense in BMW offering an 'M' Sport Kit to make ordinary looking 5's look like the real thing. I actually saw some joker rip out the 5-something badge in his car and put an M one. Sad.

Oh well, I guess people in the know...know.




SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/13/2007 5:36:23 AM
+4 Boost
Put an M-sport next to an M5, you will notice the differences right away.


M53RM53R - 7/13/2007 12:07:52 PM
+2 Boost
You will but the ordinary person wouldnt. Also from a 1st glance, I also thought I saw an M5 (I was diving mine at that time) but when I came closer I found out its the M pack. (I only saw it from the front, from the back I would have found out easily.)


M53RM53R - 7/13/2007 12:10:17 PM
+3 Boost
But who actually cares? I mean the M5 was never about 'look at me Im an M5'. Its just the car and its capabilities....... and the look on a gallardo owner's face when you keep up with him and then beat him.. :)


bobusbobus - 7/13/2007 3:22:49 AM
+1 Boost
It must be a personal preference when choosing between a regular gas angine and a diesel engine. Last year in Germany, I drove a Mercedes C class rental with a diesel engine trying to find out what a European diesel engine is like. Although the engine was good, it was not flawless. When the engine was running you could not hear it from inside the car. However if you are outside you can definitely hear the unmistaken inherent diesel chattering. The very distinctive diesel exhaust smell was also noticeble. It's my bad forgetting the size of the engine, the initial accerleration was not that impressive either, although the top speed maxed out at about 130 MPH. If I remember correctly the fuel econonmy was around the low to mid 20's, cruising at the autobahns at an average of about 85-95 mph. Back in the state, our BMW 530I with full tank of gas of 18.5 gallons the onboard computer shows a range of 540 miles, or 869 kilometers, with the tank 3/4 full the computer shows 400 miles remaining, or 643 kilometers. Average fuel consumption is 29 mpg with 90 percent highway with cruise control set to 70mph. Hope the diesel engines coming to the states will be more cleaner and quieter.


RupertRupert - 7/13/2007 5:28:26 AM
+1 Boost
You might have ad a C200cdi - that is underpowered.
Low 20s? In a diesel C class on highway? I don't believe that for a minute, it should be getting high 30s.


I95SPEEDINGTICKETSI95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 7/13/2007 8:53:54 AM
+2 Boost
Yep, those calculations are way,way off too; unless you had a seriously defective vehicle. even the 320CDI in the E-Class (Heavier Vehicle) gets High 30s on the Highway.


bobusbobus - 7/13/2007 3:12:00 PM
+1 Boost
I guess everyone's right. I still don't believe the fuel ecomnomy could be that low. I might have made an error while dividing the mileage by the total gallons of fuel pumped. I did have a very big heavy lead foot while driving the diesel, though, floored the gas pedal most of the time and did not brake until the last mintue, a lot of fun.


RupertRupert - 7/13/2007 5:33:54 PM
+1 Boost
bobus - not to insult your intelligence but you know fuel is sold in litres in Europe?


bobusbobus - 7/13/2007 6:41:01 PM
+1 Boost
Yes sir, I did the conversion from litres back to gallons which I believe 1 US gallon=3.78 litres. One thing I didn't mention though was that when I was in the left lane I always mashed the gas pedal to the floor and sustain around 110+ mph for as long as the traffic permitts.


bobusbobus - 7/13/2007 6:57:09 PM
+1 Boost
And I'm sure that if I drove the diesel like the way I drive here in the states I would have gotten excellant gas mileage. On the other hand If I drive our 530I the way I drove the diesel I probably will get very poor gas mileage, may be in the low 10s.


Will_Will_ - 7/13/2007 7:01:29 AM
-4 Boost
The one BMW 001 would drive is not available here? How convenient from an argumentative perspective. ;) I'd drive this BMW too! Oh wait, it's not available here...


M53RM53R - 7/13/2007 12:12:32 PM
+2 Boost
I would drive the GS450h! Oh damn it doesnt come here. lol!


(I actually wouldnt :P)


Htay7500Htay7500 - 7/13/2007 9:21:44 AM
+1 Boost
available w/ AWD?


SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/13/2007 10:56:07 AM
+1 Boost
The 535d Touring (286 hp/580 Nm torque) is currently not available with xDrive, but why bother? The 530xd Touring produces 235 hp/500 Nm and goes from 0-60 in under 6.9 seconds and can top 155 with ease. One also has the possibility to spec up your car the exact way you want it (M-Sport kit, Individual, 6-speed automatic or 6-speed sport automatic -> Europe only!)


Htay7500Htay7500 - 7/13/2007 11:09:43 AM
-2 Boost
wouldnt want the touring, hot-rod wagons not my thing (except the legacy wgns) does tht same spec go to the 535d sedan?


RupertRupert - 7/13/2007 5:36:03 PM
+1 Boost
Sevor - sport automatic?
What is that?


SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/14/2007 4:05:03 AM
+1 Boost
The new 100ms ZF 6-speed automatic transmission. It has paddles on the steering wheel and a different gear lever. Full lock-up torque converter on all 6 gears.
Quicker throttle response, quicker steering, ..etc

The normal transmission:
http://www.carpages.co.uk/bmw/bmw_images/bmw_x5_interior_09_08_06.jpg

the sport automatic:
http://www.bmw.co.za/products/automobiles/5/5seriesSedan/sports.asp


Currently only available on the 6-series and 5-series.



RupertRupert - 7/14/2007 5:10:50 PM
+1 Boost
aahhh, I see.

But since when could you get this on the 6 series?


SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/15/2007 5:45:57 PM
+1 Boost
Since the facelift I think. Not sure, but it would be a logic step considering the SMG replacement. (in the pre-facelift 6-series one could get a manual, smg or automatic - all 6 gears)


jeffy210jeffy210 - 7/13/2007 11:05:13 AM
+2 Boost
I've seriously been having trouble telling the ES and the new LS apart from a distance. It's not till they get closer that I can tell (from the front and side, back is obvious)


Will_Will_ - 7/13/2007 11:48:35 AM
-1 Boost
S-Class...Altima...

Who can tell the difference?


MrGunFunMrGunFun - 7/13/2007 12:14:08 PM
+2 Boost
IS-F and IS250.... same s**t


M53RM53R - 7/13/2007 12:15:00 PM
+5 Boost
LX and LC..... GX and prado..... who can tell the difference?

All BMW's look the same? This sounds retarded. Oh yeah I forgot, they have the same badge = the all look the same. You need an eye check.


mscottc1mscottc1 - 7/13/2007 11:22:30 AM
+1 Boost
as much as I hate to say it, I know we'll never be able to keep enough of the X5 diesel when it comes out- everyone wants the economy & power (I couldn't agree more)- combined with the already-insanely-popular new X5's dynamics and styling, it does make sense.

I'd still wait for the 335d or d touring MYSELF, but then again, I'm crazy like that.


M53RM53R - 7/13/2007 12:17:26 PM
+1 Boost
I love the 5 series, but the wagon's tail lights look 'bland' compared to the sedan. But if you want that extra space, it should be your choice.

The M package also looks fantastic. The best alternative for someone that wants the M5's looks and cant afford 1.


SlimsSlims - 7/13/2007 12:27:57 PM
+1 Boost
I think the M package is Brilliant. For people who cant tell the difference from the front, just check if you can see fog lights. if you can it has M package. if you find none then its an M!!!

simple as that !


Htay7500Htay7500 - 7/13/2007 1:43:52 PM
+1 Boost
I heard its gr8 with the 535d.


quizzquizz - 7/13/2007 12:46:19 PM
+2 Boost
That 530xd is perfect for my family! We love to go camping, and I'm beginning to tire of our Sienna's whale-like handling. Let's see, in 5 years our kids will be old enough that a mini-van would lose its convenience appeal and by that time diesel engines should be fully entrenched in California culture. Good timing!


BMW995BMW995 - 7/13/2007 3:29:04 PM
+1 Boost
Because of our govt. bureaucrats we probably won't be seeing much in the way of diesels in the future. The govt. has thrust on us the new Bin 1, Tier5 standards which allow 1/5 of the particulate emissions of European diesels. Extra cost: around $2000 to $2800. That's above the addional $1500 diesel over gas engine cost.
Doesn't look good for diesels in the U.S. Blame your congressman.


PorschinatorPorschinator - 7/13/2007 4:27:09 PM
+1 Boost
Emission regulations are worlds apart between the USA and Europe. This causes the price of diesel upgrade to be more expensive than owning a gas engine for over 5 years. Bob Lutz explains this well. Got this link from another member here:

http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/



PorschinatorPorschinator - 7/13/2007 4:30:09 PM
+1 Boost
Forgot to mention that the BMW / MB diesels will not be available until they pass CA and NY (North East) regulations (biggest US markets). This is why VM stopped selling diesels in the states due to much stiffer regs. A bummer but I rather have cleaner air so I can wait :)
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