If BMW Offered THIS Car Here, Would YOU Buy It?

If BMW Offered THIS Car Here, Would YOU Buy It?

This newly-tweaked 320d Efficient Dynamics saloon - which goes on sale in January next year - is the most frugal model made by the BMW empire, save for the 1.6 diesel Mini.

It offers Co2 emissions of 109g/km and a 68.9mpg on the EU Combined cycle, a significant improvement on the current 320d’s 128g/km rating.

BMW says that 'changes have been made to the engine construction', there’s a new rear diff with a longer ratio, it rolls on Michelin EnergySaver tyres and the whole car has been lowered by an aero-friendly 10mm.

The final versions of the 320d (this test car was a late-model prototype) also get a new 'aerodynamic' alloy wheel design. Start-stop and brake energy regeneration are carried over from the current 320d.

However, the key to extracting the last drop of potential energy from the fuel tank lies in the flywheel. This is a relatively new design, developed by BMW and LUK, and incorporates four 'pendulum' vibration dampers.

This flywheel not only further smooths out the harshness inherent in a diesel engine, but now also allows the ideal gearshift points to be set at lower revs than normal.

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enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 9/2/2009 10:51:15 AM
0 Boost
why?


528i528i - 9/2/2009 2:41:20 AM
+1 Boost
No, Fusion hybrid any day


veyron1001veyron1001 - 9/2/2009 9:04:01 AM
+1 Boost
^ only says that because GM has not offered a mainstream diesel car yet for the 21st century.


dhkss2002dhkss2002 - 9/2/2009 2:44:56 AM
-4 Boost
Yes I would.


WorldofLuxuryWorldofLuxury - 9/2/2009 2:55:19 AM
+5 Boost
Nope. Not my kind of car, but I do praise the technology. <-- But I can't really say that either because I don't know much about these special diesels.


rxh8me9000rxh8me9000 - 9/2/2009 3:03:13 AM
-9 Boost
I cant buy one of these while a 500+hp M5 and M6 is sitting next to it and not question my manhood. I'll take a 335 with Vishnu chip and exhaust.


WazzWazz - 9/2/2009 5:17:07 AM
+10 Boost
only because your car is just an extension of your p**is. nothing wrong with a 320d.


rxh8me9000rxh8me9000 - 9/2/2009 1:52:25 PM
+1 Boost
I meant it as a ///M model is considered a tough,raw car. As a man,im not going to sit in a Prius and be happy. You guys are obviously the type that sit with your girlfriends/wives and cry while watching romantic movies.Theres no problem with that but its just not for me.Understand what I was saying instead of trying to draw attention to yourself and bash me by making rude comments.


BillBill - 9/2/2009 6:33:01 AM
+7 Boost
0-60 is totally irrelevant to me. I have zero problems with a car that takes 10 seconds to reach 60 mph. I find the 320d far more appealing than a 335i. I would consider such a car if it were offered here.


0to600to60 - 9/2/2009 2:11:21 PM
+4 Boost
0-60 in 10 seconds!!! I would be pissed to get beat out by a corolla on the freeway!


rxh8me9000rxh8me9000 - 9/2/2009 2:35:17 PM
+4 Boost
0-60 might not matter where you live and thats fine.,but in Manhattan where you have 6 seconds to merge on the highway before the next car hits you,it is important and becomes a safety feature sort of.


kablaamkablaam - 9/4/2009 3:30:50 AM
+2 Boost
0-60 from a standstill doesnt matter formerging purposes? Guess you have neverdriven in manhattan. There are plenty of on ramps on the fdr that go from stop sign to highway.


John_StosselJohn_Stossel - 9/2/2009 7:33:51 AM
+2 Boost
This car isn't for an "enthusiast" is it? It's a slow and heavy diesel. Sure one can overlook 0-60 times, but the time it takes for this car to reach 60 miles per hour is about on par with a humpback whale.


WimmerWimmer - 9/2/2009 7:37:44 AM
-2 Boost
Americans. Spoiled beyond reason.

9.6 seconds is slow, eh? *Shakes head*


John_StosselJohn_Stossel - 9/2/2009 7:53:10 AM
+5 Boost
I live in Ontario as a Canadian actually, but yes, 9.6 seconds is slow. A base model PT Cruiser could handily win a drag race against this car.

But I get it, it's a diesel and a BMW, which means owning one makes you holier-than-thou.


WimmerWimmer - 9/2/2009 8:05:19 AM
-3 Boost
Let me ask you something. How important is 0-60 anyway? This measurement doesn't reflect how good or bad a car is. Most of the clueless kids on this forum think acceleration is everything. How often do you use the 0-60 capabilities of the car you're currently driving? My guess is RARELY. I can't even remember when was the last time I used the 0-60 mph capabilities of my car. It's not an issue. What matters is midrange power (passing power) and any modern automobile will give you good numbers in this regard.

0-60 means nothing. Who cares if a PT Cruiser is quicker than a BMW 320d? Hell, all these arguments about a cheaper mainstream car being quicker than a pricey luxury car are really getting old. There are fast mainstream cars that are faster than some luxury cars. They've always been around.

BIG F_CKING DEAL.


John_StosselJohn_Stossel - 9/2/2009 8:14:56 AM
+4 Boost
Why are you so angry?

Nearly every automotive argument I have ever had has had the 0-60 time of a car brought up. No it may not always matter to everyone, but it does to some people. It comes up in nearly every thread about even the Toyota Prius.

And for that matter, the Lexus IS220d and the Mercedes C220 CDI are faster than that. Maybe the time is quoted wrong in the article like the guy below pointed out.


WimmerWimmer - 9/2/2009 8:41:01 AM
-1 Boost
I'm not angry and I don't want this discussion to get out of hand. It's just that on most forums frequented by Americans (and maybe Canadians too!) there appears to be a lot of brainless (excuse the term) bashing when it comes to cars that take about 8 seconds or higher to reach 60 mph. I'm getting the feeling that cars that do it in 6 or 7 seconds are "barely acceptable" to these guys. Ok, I realize that most of them are speedfreaks or little clueless kids but still, this type of mentality seems widespread and often the arguments given defending it are rather weak. People make a big deal out of 0-60 times - as if that's all that matters and when a car doesn't do it in under 9 seconds or so - it sucks.

I currently drive a car that takes about 10/11 seconds to hit 100 km/h and I've never had a problem merging or overtaking unto the Autobahns (I live in Germany) or doing a quick overtaking maneuver on normal roads. My BMW 118i might not be that fast from 0-60, but where it counts, midrange power, it delivers just plentiful.

The IS220d and MB C220 CDI aren't optimized for ultra efficiency. Lexus doesn't have a super fuel efficient IS220d version but Mercedes has a super efficient version of the C220 CDI called C220 CDI BlueEfficiency. It's a bit slower than the regular C220 CDI but the mileage is better.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 9/2/2009 10:53:45 AM
-4 Boost
so nothing matters except acceleration? that's a pretty fair trade-off for massive mileage if that's what matters to someone.

same dynamics as any 3-series....so it'll still be a pleasure to drive.


0to600to60 - 9/2/2009 2:14:35 PM
+2 Boost
0-60 does matter to an extent. But other things such as handling play into it as well.


AnthonyAnthony - 9/2/2009 2:19:17 PM
+2 Boost
Why is it so hard to believe that someone might care about how fast their car accelerates? If I am not mistaken, the both of you rag on the IS220d for being "slow" and "underpowered" all the time. Now when it is convenient for your argument, the 320d being slow is moot since "cars are not about acceleration."


ghosthunterghosthunter - 9/2/2009 5:37:31 PM
+1 Boost
0-60 is not a problem when it comes to BMW..
0-60 is such a big problem when it comes to anything that is non-german. just look at how many people here laught at IS250 or HS 250 and you will know why.


Bmw8terBmw8ter - 9/2/2009 5:58:04 PM
+1 Boost
"0-60 does matter to an extent. But other things such as handling play into it as well."

I'm sure the 16" 205 wheels with economy rubber are going to yield impressive results on the skidpad.




KingerKinger - 9/2/2009 8:04:23 AM
+7 Boost
Where are people getting 9.6 seconds from? If you read the article it says it does 0-62mph (0-100kmh) in 8.2 seconds!


WimmerWimmer - 9/2/2009 8:06:05 AM
0 Boost
I got it from this press release: http://www.carspin.net/forums/index.php?topic=19672.0


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 9/2/2009 10:55:44 AM
-1 Boost
or you could buy a camry with a lexus symbol for $15k extra. let me know where i can buy a bmw without the emblem for 20% less. only toyota....


2nynbak2nynbak - 9/2/2009 9:29:03 AM
+5 Boost
I would buy a really fuel efficient BMW and pick it up on European Delivery in a heartbeat. BMW should try a car like this to tap the new consumer less willing to take on too much debt. Priced right they would give the VW diesels some honest competition and come in way below their own 335d and the upcoming MB e class diesel. Resale value of a 320d would be fantastic a few years from now.


mobilianmobilian - 9/2/2009 9:33:37 AM
+5 Boost
Depending on the price, if it's over $50K, forget about it! I don't think I wan to spend more money to save money, just doesn't make sense!


pennfootballpennfootball - 9/2/2009 9:51:47 AM
0 Boost
I would rather die


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 9/2/2009 10:54:06 AM
0 Boost
please do.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 9/2/2009 10:50:53 AM
+1 Boost
yes, i would use it as a daily driver. same handling, ride, dynamics, seats, braking, looks, sound system, etc. as my 335i. for day to day, compromising on acceleration seems a fair trade-off for the massive improvement in mileage.


LexSucksLexSucks - 9/2/2009 11:30:13 AM
-2 Boost
No. I wouldn't even consider it. Too bloody slow. A 335d yes, this car no. I want a car to put a smile on my face when I floor the loud pedal. This one wont fit the bill. I also like engines that rev over 5k rpm.


LexSucksLexSucks - 9/2/2009 1:41:08 PM
+2 Boost
I'd "consider" the 335d despite the low revving engine because the car performs at a level that I like. I wouldn't consider the 320d because its slow as balls.

A low revving engine in a car that doesn't perform= hell no for me

A low reving engine in a car that performs= I'd consider it. That does not mean that I will purchase it. I'd have to take it out on a test drive first.


JanizaryJanizary - 9/2/2009 11:30:56 AM
+4 Boost
Rather the 120d or 123d were offered stateside. Nice alternative to the A3TDI.


vogeygolfvogeygolf - 9/2/2009 12:17:05 PM
+2 Boost
I think I would. I'd rather buy a 335d x-drive, since I live in Colorado, and would like the peace of mind from x-drive.

The performance is not up to what I'd like, but the mileage is so good, I'd have to give it a try


abqhudsonabqhudson - 9/2/2009 1:31:07 PM
+1 Boost
Not until it comes with decent tires and a spare.


AnthonyAnthony - 9/2/2009 2:04:06 PM
0 Boost
If this car were brought here it would cost what? Around $35,000 (This is a "premium" diesel after all) The 335d already starts near $45,000 before the subsidy. Add to this diesel being more expensive than gasoline here in the States. Add to that it is slow. I'm not seeing this happening, and neither is BMW which is probably why it wont come here.


thstonethstone - 9/2/2009 2:24:00 PM
-3 Boost
No, I wouldn't buy one and neither will anyone else in the US (despite what they may say). Neither cost or performace is the issue: American's hate diesels. Its that simple and it ain't gonna start to change until petrol goes over $4 a gallon.


WazzWazz - 9/2/2009 5:10:54 PM
+2 Boost
Who cares about the 0-100km/h times? Why do you have to race around every time you get into your car anyway? Seems a bit childish and got issues with not being manly enough. Want to race, then go to the track, that's what it's there for, get it out your system. We could do with less accidents on our roads.


plhartplhart - 9/2/2009 7:30:47 PM
+4 Boost
My first car at 18 was a '65 Corvette Sting Ray. I finally made the engine efficient in the early '70's by blueprinting the block, porting the heads and putting on a 650 CFM carb. Got 17 mph @ 3500RPM (65MPH) with a 4.11 rear end and 4-speed Muncie. Water dripped out of the exhaust at idle indicating almost perfect combustion on my pre-smog control Vette. And guess what : a 13.5:1 compression ratio running on $0.299/gallon Chevron Custom Supreme (~110+ octane).
Now at 61 this Aero Engineer would buy the 320D, wagon form only. Give me efficiency, efficiency of the total package. BMW has a chance to do it right since with the 3 and now the 1-series they’ve usually started with the correct, balanced-parameter basics.
A diesel gets torque where women and lead-footed knuckleheads can make use of it, down low in the RPM range. That's where they need it to work for them on those jack rabbit starts and ever non-smooth “steady state” driving. That’s what’ll float my practical efficiency boat too.
We're two Bimmer family now with a 2002 330Ci (mine) and a 2004 X3 (hers). The wife at 5' tall is already salivating over the 2011 2.0 liter turbo-diesel X1 and my next car would be either the X1 or a 320d wagon if it were offered. If not, we'll have to make the biggest sacrifice of all and forsake the BMW RWD or AWD 50/50 balance and incredible driving feel for Audi A4 diesel variants/equivalents since I know Audi will have the cajones to offer them even if BMW NA doesn't. Are you listening BMW?
This is being written by an Aeronautical/Audio engineer who once presented an OEM radio proposal to you at BMW NA (under the auspices of Kenwood) and you pretty much copied my original, simple radio layout as well as my (Yamaha Car Audio cassette) Maintenance Monitor too in the cassette-equipped E36s. Come on BMW NA bring in your cool diesels and you'll have engineers like me leading the charge to purchase them for ourselves and for our lead-footed wives. And keep 'em light! 3700 lbs. max. Audi really seems to have a problem with their front-rear weight distribution and piling on the pounds. Think aero: balance, weight, fuel efficiency; that's what Driving Dynamics should stand for.



enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 9/3/2009 11:27:00 AM
-1 Boost
so just to be clear, you lexus folks would rather drive an HS250h than the 320d?

why? because you like the looks of the HS? the handling? the ride? the braking? the overall performance?


AnthonyAnthony - 9/3/2009 2:03:27 PM
+3 Boost
On the flipside, do you actually like the looks and "performance" of the 320d, or just the BMW badge?


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 9/3/2009 2:36:27 PM
-2 Boost
i like the following elements of the 3-series (as i own one): handling, ride, braking, amazing seats, sound system, styling, wheels...just to name a few things. with the exception of the power of my 335i, the 320d retains all those BMW character traits.

in my opinion, trading off acceleration for a massive improvement in fuel economy is fair for someone to whom mileage is a top priority.

do you disagree?


AnthonyAnthony - 9/3/2009 8:09:32 PM
+1 Boost
Nope. Just curious as to why you never seem to agree with the exact same point when the discussion is about a Lexus hybrid.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 9/3/2009 8:18:50 PM
-2 Boost
because the lexus HS offers mediocre mileage, it's ugly, the steering is numb, it's no fun to drive, and the luxury is veneer-thin.

and you can buy the prius for $15,000 less and get MUCH better mileage.


AnthonyAnthony - 9/5/2009 12:38:18 AM
+1 Boost
The HS gets nearly identical mileage to the Camry Hybrid, which is almost exactly the same size as the car the HS is based on. I also take it you're talking out of your ass with your second and third points. Have you driven an HS? The HS is faster to 60 than this, which for me, already makes it more fun to drive than this BMW. And don't get me started on the "veneer-thin" "luxury" BMW offers in the fake leather of the 3-Series.


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