BMW Diesel's coming in 2008-Is Diesel The New Hybrid?

The Spies have been on the whirlwind tour over the last few weeks covering the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, BMW Diesel press program (Munich), Infiniti EX (Santa Monica) and now the Toyota Land Cruiser (Montana).

So you can look forward to some great coverage of a lot of new cars and trucks over the next few weeks…

For this article, we’ll focus on an exciting introduction coming to all 50 states by the end of the year.

The return of the diesel BMW’s to the United States.

Ok, we know what you’re thinking…

Diesels are dirty, bad for the environment, slow, noisy and Hybrid’s are the way to go, blah, blah, blah.

Well, guess what?

Based on the cars we tested…BMW 335d wagon and 535d wagon, you would be 100% wrong.

Quite simply, these are the two best daily drivers we’ve driven since we’ve had driver’s licenses.

And we’ve had our licenses for a long time.

The BMW diesel’s that will hit our shores in 2008, clean, no worse for the environment than a gasoline car sold today, fast, quiet and on balance better than any Hybrid on the market today.

They will also last longer than any Hybrid, get as good or better mileage, are easier to service, have better torque, give you REAL trunk space and they possess the magical BMW performance and handling characteristics that so many others try to imitate.

So if you have pre-conceived notions about diesel’s, get over them.

We believe if you don’t put them on your test drive list, you’re making a big mistake.

THEY’RE AWESOME!

The one thing BMW didn’t tell us is what models will hit our shores, but the scuttlebutt is that it will be the 5-Series and X5 in automatic configurations only (before you blast off, there aren’t 335 manuals yet, EVEN in Europe because the manual can’t handle the awesome torque on these new models).

But we’re sure they’re working on manuals that will work soon…

Was there any downside?

Well, kind of.

We got the feeling that the 3-Series diesel won’t make it to the USA for 2008.

That wouldn’t confirm or deny, but 001 had his antennae up and that was the vibe.

I hope I’m wrong and if they don’t, I think they are making a mistake.

And here’s why…

Who has the memories of bad diesel’s….35 year olds?

No, the 50+ market.

So why waste your time trying to re-convince someone who already is suspect about them?

We say, market the 335d to the younger ‘cool’ crowd and make diesels look cooler than iPhone’s and the old fogies will follow, because they want to feel young.

Also, don’t do what Mercedes has done with their E-Class diesel…make it look old and doughty by not having it outfitted in sport mode…wheels, body kit, etc.

On day one, only offer the diesels as sport models with the hottest looking sport kits, colors and wheels to juice up the youth.

We also don’t think their decision was engraved in stone so there is still time to get them to get the 335d here in the USA.

So let them know in our blogs that you want to see the 335d on the list of available models.

We'll be first in line to buy one if they do.

And, besides the photos of the cars, enjoy the photos of Munich, the surrounding areas and some of the cultural pluses of the German basic cable televison system. ;)

Monk - 9/18/2007 2:46:43 AM

+6 Boost

This is great! More clean diesels! Yay!
However, I'm not sure it's fair to critique MB on making its E320 Bluetec "doughty" just b/c it doesn't have the appropriate bodykit that makes it "sporty" - MB has always been about elegance, while BMW is sport! If BMW were to put "old, clanky diesel engines" in their cars, it would totally ruin their reputation of being a premium sports car manufacturer. The two German giants are going their separate ways in promoting new diesels to America.
Of course, I would love to see the 335d come over to the US

Monk - 9/18/2007 2:49:22 AM

+6 Boost

again, I'm ordering a GL320 CDI in January

Agent001 - 9/18/2007 2:58:52 AM

+7 Boost

My point is trying to attract the older demographic might be a losing strategy vs. trying to introduce it to a much larger larger potential customer base with more open minds.

Plus, the youth usually start the hot new trends...and all these companies need these diesel's to succeed.

We love the Mercedes Diesel's, but the E320 wheels and kit don't even look as nice as a standard E350.

001

Agent001 - 9/18/2007 3:00:27 AM

+5 Boost

Plus, the 335d would be the least expensive and they may steal away customers from Infiniti and Lexus...

001

EnnNorak - 9/18/2007 9:55:08 AM

+1 Boost

Looks like BMW may get me looking at their products. I love diesels for their durability, high torque, and long range between fill-ups. The new 2008 Mercedes C-Class I test-drove about a week ago had a nice sporty look but the air dam below the grille was so low as to invite mucho damage when parking the nose against a high curb in a shopping center. I hope BMW introduces a loss-leader 5-series in-line six diesel. I'll ignore the cramped rear leg room as long as the front seats are comfortable and artificial leather is standard or a no-cost option.

BMW4me4ever - 9/18/2007 10:42:09 AM

+3 Boost

BMW will be bringing the 3-series in a diesel and the X5. We wont have a 5-series diesel hit the US, until the new model. I was told this by the head of marketing in the US at a training event with BMW a month ago.

bmwdrvr - 9/18/2007 1:31:41 PM

+1 Boost

i dont call a 500+ hp suv, minivan, mercedes has more performance models/sport models than BMW not sporty , and only focusing on elegance, mercedes has tried to be alot of what BMW has become .....BMW are just elegant as mercedes models. the BMW diesels will be a new idea to the states, because they are also high performance not simply about increased mpg, and are just as fun as the gasonline equivalents, im looking forward to seeing how they will do here

S4cabriofoxone - 9/18/2007 7:07:15 PM

+2 Boost

"Also, don’t do what Mercedes has done with their E-Class diesel…make it look old and doughty by not having it outfitted in sport mode…wheels, body kit, etc."

Yes, I've noticed this! You can't get the NO-COST Sport Package, or even the AMG Package, on the E Bluetec! It just doesn't make sense- why starve the E-Class diesel buyer of making their car look better?

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 9/18/2007 3:04:08 AM

+3 Boost

Diesel rock! And all this time we thought American hated them..

The other day I drove a 535d north of 260 kmh.. :)

Agent001 - 9/18/2007 3:43:26 AM

+3 Boost

I also hope they decide to bring in the 135d in 2009.

001

EnnNorak - 9/18/2007 10:01:50 AM

+1 Boost

BTW Sevor, the best Mercedes can do is bring the Vision C220 to North America but then BMW 5d will have the advantage of a balanced in-line 6 over Mercedes' 4-banger.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 9/18/2007 10:36:07 AM

+2 Boost

135d? The most powerful diesel for the 1-series is the 123d. 204 hp out of 1990 cc.

Rupert - 9/18/2007 1:53:16 PM

+2 Boost

3 diesel in a 1 series wouldn't really fit...plus no one would really buy it, would be super expensive.
125d maybe.

investor27 - 9/18/2007 3:52:16 AM

+3 Boost

I second that for the 135d coming over. If BMW wants to promote high mpg (miles per gallon) in their cars, the lighter 135 diesel will be able to give the best miles per gallon for BMW. The 135D should be able to yield 35-40 miles per gallon, not to mention the additional tons of torque that diesel can give, which is just amazing.

Kinger - 9/18/2007 4:33:58 AM

+3 Boost

Why not the new 123d which BMW announced recently, it will be a 2.0 litre featuring the twin turbo technology first featured in the 535d with 204bhp. It should be good for around 50 mpg and give a Golf GTI a run for its money.

atomicbri - 9/18/2007 10:43:31 AM

+3 Boost

Bring em on! I am all for diesels here in the States. You get great power and torque with awesome gas mileage. What would be even greater would be a diesel/hybrid combo... imagine those possibilities!

Agent001 - 9/18/2007 12:03:12 PM

+1 Boost

We always share the experience with our readers and our feedback shows that most want to learn about the other cultures and how our countries differ...

001

atomicbri - 9/18/2007 12:33:19 PM

+1 Boost

Love the photos!! Keep em coming! I like to see the areas where automotive marketing execs hold their intros.... Also love these photos, my family is originally from Munich 2 gens ago ( My grandfather) and my mom has just inherited his home there. Can't wait to go and see it again, maybe I will rent one of those diesel's while we are there.

DiamondJim - 9/18/2007 1:02:33 PM

+1 Boost

culture me up

droptop - 9/18/2007 6:56:29 PM

+3 Boost

Agree and why is there pornography mixed in here? That makes no sense and is an easy way to get this site banned in corporate offices. Or get people into trouble.

Unless AutoSpies isn't catering to the white collar any more?

DT

BMW4me4ever - 9/18/2007 11:01:42 AM

+4 Boost

mscottc1 - 9/18/2007 9:29:10 PM

+1 Boost

i've posted that statement and others based on FACT & no one seems to pay attention or realize we know what we're talking about!

sure, we'd looooove to have an e60 diesel, in fact I'd lease one for my wife to drive in a heartbeat, but we're getting the x5 first (with the variable-turbo diesel w/ the higher output mentioned in the 5-er in this article) followed SHORTLY be the 3's but they will get the de-tuned version of the variable-turbo diesel as BMW does not want to threaten the 335 gas engine or the coming M3 with the diesel motor in the 3's.

Diesels are the TOP-end engine choice in Europe & have been for a long time, here they are seen as economy choices, not performance choices. BMW is going to change that but doesn't want to risk going in 100%-full-tilt without testing the water a little first!

enthusiastx11 - 9/18/2007 11:45:49 AM

+3 Boost

i'm very excited about these new diesels.

finally i can have a car that i actually WANT to drive and not have this slight feeling of guilt over the gas mileage.

i believe the BMW diesels will do incredibly well. people are very green savvy today and most people under 40 know next to nothing about the diesels from the 60s and 70s.

DiamondJim - 9/18/2007 12:06:50 PM

+2 Boost

Everytime I fill up with 93 Octane at the BP gasoline station, there is a Diesel option at all the pumps to hit the DIESEL button which reads 40 Cetane, i get excited alot of the time knowing im going to fill up with that 40 Cetane diesel in the near future so BRING ON THE DIESELS! 3 5 and 7 series ALL AT ONCE!!!!!

theoptimisticpessimist - 9/18/2007 12:17:19 PM

+2 Boost

Ah, the life of automotive journalist; work,work,work, terrible working conditions and bad food. Is my jealousy showing.

Buy the way the Airstream bar is really cool!

chewy - 9/18/2007 5:16:00 PM

+1 Boost

First 50 state diesel coming this spring is the VW Jetta TDI.

EL34 - 9/18/2007 5:27:11 PM

+1 Boost

Agent 001 is #1

Spectator - 9/18/2007 5:37:41 PM

+2 Boost

If BMW truly does read this post...than they may count my vote with everyone elses above. I'm in the demographic they are looking for as well as a big advocate for diesel's in the US.

I was fortunate enough to drive my wifes 3.5 Altima next to a new E class diesel MB at about 60mph on 495 and was thrilled to see when it stepped on the gas no gas cloud followed. Along with that the car just took off and easily outpaced most vehicles on the road. As a former BMW 3 series owner, I would definatly consider the new car I'm buying to be a diesel. Especially since my wife and I just purchased a house far outside of DC yet both commute into DC every day.
All the while having to fill the tank of our daily commuter twice a week
(15gal at $3.15...have to have premium... times twice a week = expensive). MPG has become a huge factor in deciding what vehicle I will purchase. 35-40mpg and the torque to pass slow moving vehicles is exactly the vehicle I'm looking for. And if BMW can provide it...well I will place it on the top of my list followed by the MB.

mscottc1 - 9/18/2007 9:32:45 PM

+1 Boost

you don't have to wait long, in fact a lot less time than everyone thinks. no comment past that, but it's going to be REALLY soon. Again, x5 first, then (maybe only a month after or less) the 3-er, they'll likely call it 330d since they intend it to be the middle-level engine choice.

or maybe i'm making this stuff up. i guess we'll know soon, huh!

:)

mscottc1 - 9/18/2007 9:34:19 PM

+1 Boost

PS- BMW execs do read this & other forums regularly. I'm "told" some even might *occassionally* make postings..... you never know who's on the other end of a keyboard.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/19/2007 12:18:27 AM

+1 Boost

mscottc1,

Would an X5 diesel... be SOON enough to be purchased in Q1 of 2008?

henbmw - 9/18/2007 10:46:31 PM

+1 Boost

Put me on the list for a 335d.

rjvanro - 9/19/2007 12:26:21 AM

+2 Boost

DIESEL SPORT SEDANS CAN'T COME TOO SOON TO CANADA!

I AM SO ANNOYED AT THE REDICULOUS ATTITUDES IN THE SHOWROOMS, IN THE MANUFACTURER BOARDROOMS AND THE GOVERNMENT FOR THAT MATTER. THE WAY WE HAVE BEEN KEPT AWAY FROM THE FUN AND FUEL SAVINGS OF DIESEL!!!!!!!!!!! It's like those of us in North America that can run this fuel have been treated like little children and punished for some reason we can't understand. The old stand-by that it is not economic for them to bring diesel over is a crock!! Look at how mercedes sold an ugly little smart car many times over their expectations! Don't tell me that experiment was not a wild success. Just the other day some dough-head mercedes salesman told me he felt diesel would never arrive in the new c-class for the next 4 years. I just about punched him in the head. Whoever gives me the first diesel (c-class, 3 series, or even a friggin Accord for that matter) will get my business first)

kpaxx - 9/19/2007 10:04:43 AM

+2 Boost

I can see most manufacturers offering hybrids due to imposed marketing BS. But likely the consumer will opt for diesel because of simplicity and not having to deal with the battery issues - i.e. battery taking up space and battery failing.

jpoorlock - 9/19/2007 10:08:11 AM

+2 Boost

The diesel I want is the 330d and I would get in line for that car in a second. 40+MPG and too fast for USA roads anyway. Who needs 6.1 seconds to 60? I'll be fine with 6.7 or so. 330d is the ideal car - doesn't anyone in BMWUSA get it?

Rupert - 9/19/2007 1:43:10 PM

+1 Boost

55 kilos, about 110 pounds.
There is also a .4 second difference in 0-60 time (manual versions), in favour of the petrol.
The 330d does it in 6.5.

ricfrehon - 9/19/2007 5:55:45 PM

+1 Boost

I would love to get a 335/330xdt if that will exist here in the US. I am most impressed with the mpg of 41.5/45.6 shown on the UK site for the 335/330dt! I need an AWD vehicle here in Northern NM & may have to get a diesel X5 instead.

investor27 - 9/20/2007 1:07:20 PM

+1 Boost

If the 330D is detuned, as some here has suggested, can't the after-market community change that since the 330D is a twin turbo? I don't know how easy, if possible at all, it is to modify with a computer chip with a diesel engine versus a petro engine.

bgossett - 9/21/2007 9:54:07 AM

+1 Boost

I'm a 60+ old fogie with a new 3-series coupe and I'd trade it for a diesel in a heartbeat. By the way, a car doesn't make you feel young, the child bride in the passenger seat does.

DnDiesel - 10/14/2007 9:28:48 PM

+1 Boost

...even a 320d or a 530d. Don't make the same mistake VW did first providing only the V10 TDI in the Toureg, we saw how well that worked -- give the consumer a choice.

I have a CRD Jeep, TDI Jetta and an E34 540i/6. I would gladly trade my E34 for an E60 diesel - the combination between performance and efficiency is amazing!

tompraisan - 11/2/2007 10:28:52 PM

+1 Boost

I will buy 335d sedan or wagon. I hope I am not asking too much for a 4 wheels drive diesel for the 3 in the USA. The extra weight would be off set by the diesel raw power.