BMW US bound diesels models for 2013
The following will go into production in July:
- 328d
- 328d xDrive
- 328d xDrive Sportswagen
- 535d
- 535d xDrive
- And in Dec the next x5d xDrive
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=674004
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February 3, 2013, 10:17 am
I can't begin to say how awesome this is. BMW is finally listening to its dealers here. A RWD 535 and 328d won't sell in most parts of the US.
Good job BMW.
February 3, 2013, 11:28 am
Where's the X3??????
February 3, 2013, 11:41 am
February 3, 2013, 12:41 pm
A 535dxdrive might just tempt me back into the diesel family. Time will tell.
February 4, 2013, 7:11 am
I know I'm shouting into a vacuum here but: BMW NA - F31 328d, 6MT with RWD please!!!!!! If you don't give me an MT, I don't give you my money.
February 4, 2013, 9:28 am
February 4, 2013, 11:30 am
If they wait until CY14 to bring in the X3d then a lot of sales are going to be lost to the GLK 250 blue tech, Q5 and Tiguan TDI's.
February 4, 2013, 11:37 am
I am excited and quite frankly shocked to see that there will be a 328d xdrive. I may have to consider this vehicle even w/out a MT if the torque in the 4-cyl engine is sufficient to still give an exciting driving feel. I will also look at the 535d xdrive and X3d once it is available.
February 4, 2013, 1:24 pm
Now all the Jetta drivers who complained about the lack of a wagon will just complain about the cost. I can hear there blathering now. ......
Only concern I have is the Bosch HPFP.
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February 4, 2013, 1:32 pm
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February 4, 2013, 3:43 pm
Wasn't it the Passat drivers who complained about the lack of a diesel sportwagen? The Jetta folks have quite a nice little wagon, but it sadly is just too small for my needs. The Passat OTOH would fit the bill quite nicely -- since we are not allowed to get the Tig diesel or the Amarok trucklet!
February 4, 2013, 4:04 pm
February 4, 2013, 4:04 pm
GLK and Q5 TDI will be out by year end. And looking at Canadian pricing, the GLK250 BT 4Matic will be a bargain because it comes in at a lower price than the base V6!
February 4, 2013, 4:06 pm
I prefer the DSG myself though.
February 4, 2013, 4:12 pm
February 5, 2013, 12:59 am
GLK and Q5 TDI will be out by year end. And looking at Canadian pricing, the GLK250 BT 4Matic will be a bargain because it comes in at a lower price than the base V6!
This probably means that the X3 is going to be offered as 4 cylinder version instead of both. I guess BMW is gunning for efficiency in this round of diesel introduction.
February 5, 2013, 8:18 am
I prefer the DSG myself though.
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February 5, 2013, 8:56 am
I personally would look into an AMAROK, I would trade in my C230 for it and let my wife drive the 335d
February 5, 2013, 6:47 pm
February 5, 2013, 6:48 pm
February 5, 2013, 6:56 pm
The 328d should be available in Aug. Much better HP and torque than the Golf. Performance will blow the Golf away. Fuel economy should be very close.
Two months to wait for much more car...
February 5, 2013, 7:53 pm
Bummed that it's not a 335d, but yeah a 4-cylinder 328d that will really put out some impressive mileage numbers makes a lot more sense I'm afraid. Glad to see you'll be able to get the 35d motor in the 5er though, that's pretty sweet. And they're continuing the X5d. Overall excellent news!
February 5, 2013, 8:36 pm
Will the 535d be offered in an Xdrive? With the sport package or M package and a manual tranny this would be a fantastic machine.
February 5, 2013, 8:49 pm
but all diesels are only auto trans. Still fantastic machines in my opinion
February 5, 2013, 8:59 pm
The engine in the N American 2009-11 335d was 265hp while the Euro version was 286hp. Why would they go up in the Euro version of the new 535d and bring a weaker engine in the N American version?
Personally I'd prefer the single turbo version used in the 530d. Great performance and fuel economy.
February 5, 2013, 11:26 pm
The engine in the N American 2009-11 335d was 265hp while the Euro version was 286hp. Why would they go up in the Euro version of the new 535d and bring a weaker engine in the N American version?
Personally I'd prefer the single turbo version used in the 530d. Great performance and fuel economy.
February 5, 2013, 11:45 pm
Since they are playing games with the 3er (320d being renamed to 328d), I would not be surprised to have them rename a 530d to 535d for this market. Keeping it simple for us?
February 5, 2013, 11:45 pm
Since they are playing games with the 3er nomenclature (320d being renamed to 328d), I would not be surprised to have them rename a 530d to 535d for this market. Keeping it simple for us?
February 6, 2013, 8:17 am
The 328d should be available in Aug. Much better HP and torque than the Golf. Performance will blow the Golf away. Fuel economy should be very close.
Two months to wait for much more car...
VW, for example, announced a year ago that all vehicles in the lineup will have diesel option. Some of those vehicles will not be out until NEXT year (CC) - but I already know what will be available.
Then, of course, there's "sweep it under the rug" question ... will we get MT? Is that so hard to say clearly and not using lawyerese in some obscure press release? In any case, I'm not buying a vehicle without MT and chances are 95% we won't get it.
So, all things considered ... yes I'm bitter. I would like to have a BMW and would pay for it without moaning that slower and less powerful diesel has 2,500 or more premium. On one condition, though - it has to be exactly as I want it.
February 6, 2013, 8:40 am
Mark, manual transmissions are not popular in the US and never will be, so unfortunately you are in the minority. My first car was a MT, the rest have been automatic and I've never looked back. Whenever I go back overseas and have to drive a manual, I curse the unnecessary complexity of changing gear, i.e. pushing down the clutch and and changing gear. Especially in stop-and-go traffic.
The one car where I think a MT is warranted is in a sporty gasoline powered car, where you get the most out of the engine by keeping the revs high. In a diesel engine, where the oomph is achieved at low rpms, an automatic is ideal. IMO.
February 6, 2013, 9:00 am
The engine in the N American 2009-11 335d was 265hp while the Euro version was 286hp. Why would they go up in the Euro version of the new 535d and bring a weaker engine in the N American version?
Personally I'd prefer the single turbo version used in the 530d. Great performance and fuel economy.
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February 6, 2013, 10:19 am
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February 6, 2013, 10:23 am
VW, for example, announced a year ago that all vehicles in the lineup will have diesel option. Some of those vehicles will not be out until NEXT year (CC) - but I already know what will be available.
Then, of course, there's "sweep it under the rug" question ... will we get MT? Is that so hard to say clearly and not using lawyerese in some obscure press release? In any case, I'm not buying a vehicle without MT and chances are 95% we won't get it.
So, all things considered ... yes I'm bitter. I would like to have a BMW and would pay for it without moaning that slower and less powerful diesel has 2,500 or more premium. On one condition, though - it has to be exactly as I want it.
Slower and less powerful than what?
Good luck with the VWs. Watch out for that HPFP...
February 6, 2013, 10:56 am
The one car where I think a MT is warranted is in a sporty gasoline powered car, where you get the most out of the engine by keeping the revs high. In a diesel engine, where the oomph is achieved at low rpms, an automatic is ideal. IMO.
I don't begrudge your choice, just wish we had one to make.
February 6, 2013, 10:59 am
Seems like bringing back an F40 335d to the US would pose the same problem for BMW: a car a bit too close to the M3 in performance at 2/3 the price and double the fuel economy. Europe is a different market for diesels and they are used to, perhaps, the distinction and having the very powerful diesels.
I'm not saying the two are equal by any means, but with the driving environment of North America and how most people use their cars (in traffic with an automatic transmission favoring low end torque, upcoming CAFE requirements, etc.) the idea of a much more fuel efficient diesel is perhaps a better marketing decision.
I for one love to have my cake and eat it too! And yes, I would favor a manual transmission: my experience is that the diesel's low end torque works just fine with it and is just as much fun.
PL
February 6, 2013, 12:54 pm
Slower and less powerful than what?
Good luck with the VWs. Watch out for that HPFP...
I already own 2006 TDI (I know new one has different engine). Very happy with it. But I also bought (not knowing it will be changed) N55 while N54's HPFP failures were all the rage and thing to talk about at VIP parties.
I don't begrudge your choice, just wish we had one to make.
After all, my N55 has probably 3 TIMES the torque that my TDI outputs at 1,400 rpm, I still have no problem enjoying the drive with MT ...
February 6, 2013, 2:34 pm
I'm not saying the two are equal by any means, but with the driving environment of North America and how most people use their cars (in traffic with an automatic transmission favoring low end torque, upcoming CAFE requirements, etc.) the idea of a much more fuel efficient diesel is perhaps a better marketing decision.
I for one love to have my cake and eat it too! And yes, I would favor a manual transmission: my experience is that the diesel's low end torque works just fine with it and is just as much fun.
PL
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February 6, 2013, 2:47 pm
[QUOTE=Mark K;7363584]".
February 6, 2013, 4:27 pm
After all, my N55 has probably 3 TIMES the torque that my TDI outputs at 1,400 rpm, I still have no problem enjoying the drive with MT ...
Can't drive a 335d manual like you would a M3.
February 6, 2013, 6:18 pm
Can't drive a 335d manual like you would a M3.
The gear ratios tend to be wider in diesels also, so with a typical gasser, its not unusual to go up or down by 2 gears.
I respect my machinery and don't push it 10/10'ths all the time anyway.
PL
February 6, 2013, 7:28 pm
The one car where I think a MT is warranted is in a sporty gasoline powered car, where you get the most out of the engine by keeping the revs high. In a diesel engine, where the oomph is achieved at low rpms, an automatic is ideal. IMO.
To me (and guys like Mark), being able to choose the transmission type is just another selection of an option that we want.
It's a shame that BMW doesn't see this. Like him, I am slowly being pushed away from the brand because of my love of a manual transmission.
February 6, 2013, 7:39 pm
Graham
February 6, 2013, 8:47 pm
Blame the EPA and government red tape for making it extremely cost prohibitive to certify more than a few possible engine and transmission combos per car for sale here in the U.S. Compared to other manufacturers, BMW is already being extremely generous with what they're offering. Shame there's so much red tape, otherwise a lot more options could be offered like diesels and MTs as offered in Europe. BMW has to pick and choose what they know they can sell enough of to justify the significant cost of certifying a powertrain/drivertrain/tranny combo for sale here.
February 6, 2013, 9:00 pm
Since it's going to be a "328d" here and not a 320d, I wonder if that means we'll be getting the higher spec version of the 2.0L turbodiesel then? The Euro 325d makes 218PS and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) and hits 0-62 in 6.8s. I know BMW's numbers are all screwy these days but "28d" does imply similar level of performance to other "28" products which are currently at 240hp.
February 6, 2013, 9:30 pm
Info on the engine going into the N American F30d is going to be 180hp. That is the 320d
February 6, 2013, 10:01 pm
I would love to have the MT as well. Assume for a moment that the 6MT could handle the torque, what issues would I have trying to put one in the 335d?
1) Would it bolt in? (I think it would)
2) What electronic/computer issues would I encounter?
February 6, 2013, 10:06 pm
^^^moderator please remove all irrelevant posts from this thread...
February 6, 2013, 10:27 pm
Info on the engine going into the N American F30d is going to be 180hp. That is the 320d
180hp would be a bummer, but would probably get some pretty impressive fuel mileage!
February 6, 2013, 10:36 pm
180hp would be a bummer, but would probably get some pretty impressive fuel mileage!
The 325d would indeed be an interesting option...
February 7, 2013, 8:35 am
To me (and guys like Mark), being able to choose the transmission type is just another selection of an option that we want.
It's a shame that BMW doesn't see this. Like him, I am slowly being pushed away from the brand because of my love of a manual transmission.
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February 7, 2013, 8:39 am
I would still say maintenance is still a factor, especially if you keep the car a long time. Automatics like VW's DSG require expensive fluid changes while manual transmissions are apt to last quite a lot longer without an overhaul.
PL
February 7, 2013, 8:49 am
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Question for you, when you see someone pay $2k for an upgraded sound system or $2k for comfort seats do you also have problems understanding why they felt they needed those options in order to enjoy the car? Or is your view only limited to the manual option?
February 7, 2013, 8:52 am
February 7, 2013, 9:29 am
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February 7, 2013, 11:24 am
I truly get the argument that we should have the option of being able to choose a manual transmission or auto. My point was that because the manual people are in distinct minority (and that will not change in my life time), BMW has decided, for whatever reason, that it is not a good business decision to bring more manual trans cars over to US. I am sure a lot of people would be interested to know what those reasons are...
February 7, 2013, 11:42 am
I am not a huge fan of manuals in diesel vehicles due to the power bands but if I had a choice when buying then I'd get the MT over the AT assuming I did not have to pay more. I'd not do something so drastic though as buy a much lesser overall car simple to get an MT over getting an AT. When I got my truck I wanted to get an MT since they still did MT's in Ford Superduty trucks back then and the savings was many thousands of dollars but no one had one and they discounted things on the lot so much that it was cheaper to get an AT truck on the lot than order an MT truck.
February 7, 2013, 12:47 pm
Frankly speaking i dont miss the MT Im getting use to the modern AUTO, with the 02 MCS then that was different story MT all the way with the 11 335d I can honest say HELL NOO I'll stay with the AUTO
February 7, 2013, 2:28 pm
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February 7, 2013, 2:48 pm
higher maintenance costs with automatic? what about dual mass flywheel which comes with MT and which does not live long with huge torque?
February 8, 2013, 2:37 pm
What's all of a sudden so wrong with having choices in this country? Why everything has to be logical and, even more important, sanctioned by majority? Not a nice society to live in if you stop and think about it. Those who want diesel are already screwed on choices, if you add MT to the mix, I still can buy only one brand - exactly as it was in 2006, 7 years ago. Fortunately, now you can at least chose between Golf, Jetta, Passat and Beetle. Soon to come CC as well.
This tells me that it IS possible to sell these cars at profit here, you just have to care about minorities.
February 8, 2013, 4:26 pm
I'm a minority....and proud of it!
February 8, 2013, 4:46 pm
The Tiguan 2wd still comes with a stick as well. VW for some reason has always pushed sticks far more than the other marques. Some would say it was because they really didn't have a decent auto box -- but now of course they do yet they still provide sticks in their bread and butter offerings. No stick in the T-egg however!
February 8, 2013, 4:51 pm
Volks Wagen = People's Car
Nobody in Europe would consider VW as a luxury car. It was meant to be cheap, simple and reliable
February 11, 2013, 4:31 pm
Please be in my price range!!!
February 12, 2013, 6:05 am
UncleJ very true about VW most of the vehicles are MT come to think of it but remember they have lower TORQUE numbers than our BEAST!!
February 12, 2013, 10:58 am
According to BMW, 3 Series GT is coming to USA this year. I hope they put 6cyl diesel in it. It would good combination of everything. It has more leg room than F30 and better trunk space too and in my opinion doesn't look bad at all.
February 12, 2013, 11:50 am
I'll have ditched 535d over 3 GT diesel if that happened.
February 12, 2013, 1:15 pm
Good article about the new 2014 3 series GT.
http://autos.jdpower.com/content/new...mo-preview.htm
Ne Diesel is mentioned.
February 12, 2013, 1:24 pm
http://autos.jdpower.com/content/new...mo-preview.htm
Ne Diesel is mentioned.
February 12, 2013, 1:32 pm
February 12, 2013, 3:17 pm
oops. Why cant they allow 5.
February 13, 2013, 11:33 am
That would SUCK if BMW does not bring it in DIESEL, Im begining to like the car for its space and not the looks. Curse BMWoA
February 14, 2013, 9:58 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=nChW4OSg9Yc
February 15, 2013, 8:45 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=nChW4OSg9Yc
February 16, 2013, 12:03 am
Let's hope for a manual. How much more reliable and perfect can it get, diesel, RWD, and a manual.
March 5, 2013, 12:02 pm
There have been quite a few posts on diesel models for 2014 - found a PDF from Jon at Santa Barbara. Look in post #1 for SOP-EOP-MY2014.pdf
Looks like the 4-cylinders are going to be called 328:
Sedan: 328d, 328xd
Wagon: 328xd
5-series has 535d and 535xd
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=674004
March 13, 2013, 12:34 pm
And one more (same info... more official?)
http://www.bmwcca.org/node/5576
March 13, 2013, 1:00 pm
they are saying it will be twin-turbo diesel I-6... interesting, maybe they will downgrade the Euro spec 535d?
"A 535d model will be the first U.S. model to make use of a new twin-turbo diesel I-6, expected to produce around 255 hp and 413 lb-ft."
March 13, 2013, 1:18 pm
I don't see a problem with this new engine as to its specs especially if:
1. It is more reliable i.e. the fuel pump pressure, DEF circuit etc. are tweaked to improve longevity and durability
2. It gets much better fuel economy than the older twin turbo 335d motor
3. It has the improved 8 speed automatic that may or may not be able to handle all that extra power but otherwise has better technology
A 535d would be a welcome addition if its steering wasn't numb and you could get the traditional handling that BMW seems to be dialing out of its newest models, at least with a sport package.
PL
March 13, 2013, 3:13 pm
"A 535d model will be the first U.S. model to make use of a new twin-turbo diesel I-6, expected to produce around 255 hp and 413 lb-ft."
March 13, 2013, 3:31 pm
well, i believe it will be a single turbo engine... but at the same time, they de-tuned M57 (bi-turbo) earlier and were offering adblue diesel only in single turbo diesel engine in Europe...
March 13, 2013, 5:21 pm
The Euro 535d now puts out 313 hp and 465 lb-ft. I can't see them cutting the torque down to 413.
The current 530d with adblue performance has no drop off in power ratings. That's most likely the engine that will show up in the US "535d". I'm not going to complain, but its just confusing...
March 13, 2013, 5:37 pm
regardless whether it would be single turbo or bi-turbo, I like it... if only they brought F11 to the US, I would say good bye to X5
March 13, 2013, 6:06 pm
Thought it better to ask here in this thread than make another. Anyone clue when we might have solid details regarding what the 328d will actually be? Anyone in the know reading this that may have an idea of a date we'd have 100% non-speculative info.
I struggle to believe BMW would go the route of calling an unmodified 20d level engine a 28d, with sizable price increase but without performance increase; consider me skeptical and likely naive but I can't believe BMW would be so brazen to do so. The questions I wish to answer are will it fer'sher have urea injection or be a low-pressure diesel like VW chose to go? will it fer'sher have 1 or 2 turbos (which naively seems more logical to get the 25d engine -> 28d vs a 20d -> 28d), and what kind of power/torque and consumption can we expect?
I loved the previous-gen 335d but as I already had a RWD 4-door performance sedan that I didn't want to part with, making a move to the 335d wasn't in the cards for me; and I really wanted a wagon and AWD. And the possibility of me getting a diesel looks promising now. And if the US were to be getting to a "328d" with performance and consumption proportional between the 20d/25d/30d levels where you'd expect a 28d to lie, via say a de-tuned/lower pressure 330d engine to lessen the NOx levels, I'd be all over it. I'd be in-line to trade my JCW in in short order.
But if the 328d is really to be basically a 320d which would mean I'd be paying for near (or even more than?) 330d prices for 320d levels of performance? Forget it; I'm out. I'd just like to know so I can either plan, or get on with my life.
March 13, 2013, 6:14 pm
I struggle to believe BMW would go the route of calling an unmodified 20d level engine a 28d, with sizable price increase but without performance increase; consider me skeptical and likely naive but I can't believe BMW would be so brazen to do so. The questions I wish to answer are will it fer'sher have urea injection or be a low-pressure diesel like VW chose to go? will it fer'sher have 1 or 2 turbos (which naively seems more logical to get the 25d engine -> 28d vs a 20d -> 28d), and what kind of power/torque and consumption can we expect?
I loved the previous-gen 335d but as I already had a RWD 4-door performance sedan that I didn't want to part with, making a move to the 335d wasn't in the cards for me; and I really wanted a wagon and AWD. And the possibility of me getting a diesel looks promising now. And if the US were to be getting to a "328d" with performance and consumption proportional between the 20d/25d/30d levels where you'd expect a 28d to lie, via say a de-tuned/lower pressure 330d engine to lessen the NOx levels, I'd be all over it. I'd be in-line to trade my JCW in in short order.
But if the 328d is really to be basically a 320d which would mean I'd be paying for near (or even more than?) 330d prices for 320d levels of performance? Forget it; I'm out. I'd just like to know so I can either plan, or get on with my life.
The information released to date has the power output of the 3er d exactly the same as the 320d. It will be a 4 cyl single turbo with adblue performance. (That is the only way they can meet the US emission standards.)
Info posted by Jon Shafer has the 328d going into production in July.
March 13, 2013, 7:46 pm
I checked the bmwusa site about 2 weeks ago. I was hoping we could do a build your own to get a feel for pricing. BMW NA, are you listening? Wondering about the base price of a 2013/2014/? what ever the year is for the coming 535D??
March 14, 2013, 1:53 am
No sooner we finally get a US 3d series then they announce a nicely designed GT without a "d". D-cisions... D-cisions!
March 27, 2013, 10:16 am
good info from J Spira here:
http://www.thedieseldriver.com/2013/...d-intro-video/
<$40k
>40mpg EPA hwy
March 27, 2013, 10:22 am
http://www.thedieseldriver.com/2013/...d-intro-video/
<$40k
>40mpg EPA hwy
March 27, 2013, 10:28 am
That video is pretty silly. Man BMWUSA is working hard to polish this underpowered overpriced rebadged turd.
If the 335d was soooooo perfect for the E90 why is a rebadged 320d soooooo perfect for the F30?
I've heard more convincing rationalizations from my 3 year old.
Obvious that everyone at BMWUSA got the buzzword memo before this. "Tremendous" and "optimized"
March 27, 2013, 10:29 am
March 27, 2013, 10:47 am
If the 335d was soooooo perfect for the E90 why is a rebadged 320d soooooo perfect for the F30?
How is it overpriced? If anything, the 335d can be considered overpriced.
If you truly want a larger engine, they'll be happy to sell you the upcoming 535d
March 27, 2013, 10:49 am
If the 335d was soooooo perfect for the E90 why is a rebadged 320d soooooo perfect for the F30?
I've heard more convincing rationalizations from my 3 year old.
Obvious that everyone at BMWUSA got the buzzword memo before this. "Tremendous" and "optimized"
BMW is just reacting, IMO, to consumer demand and regulatory reality. They will, to their credit, bring their 535d to North America soon after. Alas, there are no manual transmissions to be found in the diesel lineup.
PL
March 27, 2013, 11:10 am
close to $40k for a 320d? The guy said that as if it's a wonderful thing that it will come in under $40k.
They are taking an underpowered 320d from Europe and rebadging it as a 328d for gullible americans so that they can mark it up near $40k.
40mpg highway is pretty pathetic for a 4 cylinder diesel. my 335d can get that.
It's a 320d and should be sold and priced as a 320d.
I'd buy a 328i or a even a 320i over this all day long and I suspect most consumers will too.
Others may disagree but IMHO this is some weak-@ss sauce.
March 27, 2013, 11:17 am
My old 335d was under $40k new after all the discounts the dealers and BMW had to toss in to move the cars. No way I'd buy something with less power for close to the same price. I already felt I was paying a little too much for what I got but the power made me not think straight.
March 27, 2013, 11:19 am
They are taking an underpowered 320d from Europe and rebadging it as a 328d for gullible americans so that they can mark it up near $40k.
40mpg highway is pretty pathetic for a 4 cylinder diesel.
Still, I also wish for a real 6-pot 325d...
March 27, 2013, 11:24 am
I am rather baffled how someone would consider a $26k FWD car as competition to a near $40k RWD car. $14k better damn well buy a lot of "upgrades", to me it would be expected.
March 27, 2013, 11:43 am
What? You don't believe that RWD/AWD (note that vw no longer sells Synchro AWD for their diesels) is worth $5K?
March 27, 2013, 11:51 am
It's a 320d and should be sold and priced as a 320d.
I'd buy a 328i or a even a 320i over this all day long and I suspect most consumers will too.
Others may disagree but IMHO this is some weak-@ss sauce.
Lets see:
The new car will have
the 8 speed automatic: + 2mpg
the other features s/a electric steering, brake regenerating generator, lower weight chassis/body, etc.: + 2 mpg
AND the 4 cylinder engine: + 2 mpg
The 40+ mpg is in line with the anticipated pathetic EPA numbers. The new 328d should run rings around any 320i or 328i in torque and driving dynamics as does the 335d over its competition. I doubt it will be close to our 335d's in fuel economy - it will be much better....
So I guess people will need to actually drive it to feel the difference and have a bit of knowledge about EPA fuel economy numbers to really know how to compare models.
PL
March 27, 2013, 12:07 pm
What? You don't believe that RWD/AWD (note that vw no longer sells Synchro AWD for their diesels) is worth $5K?
I am a big fan of RWD and hate how FWD cars drive, yes I'd pay $5k more just to get RWD over FWD but the prices listed above in the other posts make it sound like it is a $14k difference. That is no small chunk of change. So yeah if comparing a Passat to one then I'd buy the BMW over the Passat although at $40k I'd probably buy a C250. I'd figured the Passat is much bigger than a 3-series but never seen the cars next to each other to get a good feeling.
Guess it all boils down to the reasons each person buys a car. I am certainly guilty of comparing drastically different vehicles when buying a replacement car.
March 27, 2013, 12:30 pm
However close the North American 328d is the European 320d is immaterial. In the US, BMW has chosen a slightly different nomenclature where the number doesn't reflect the displacement as much as it reflects the power of the engine and additionally the equipment that is standard (also reflected in the price).
People looking at the 328i and the theoretical 320d would assume that the d is a lesser car and they would be wrong by the number on the trunk. So in all its wisdom, I believe BMW is naming it a 328d instead.
At least its better than giving each model names like "Cherry" and "Sentra" ha ha.
Just my $.02
PL
March 27, 2013, 12:42 pm
I guarantee you that people are going to be cross-shopping, and looking to move "up" to the 328d if they can afford it. The 328d has many more "luxury" options going for it, although it's base level isn't so well equipped as the high-level Passat. And the AWD option is going to get some people to look at it above the VWs.
March 27, 2013, 12:51 pm
I'd like that option, though. Only problem is it is not available with the blueperformance for some reason.
March 27, 2013, 12:53 pm
March 27, 2013, 5:52 pm
They are taking an underpowered 320d from Europe and rebadging it as a 328d for gullible americans so that they can mark it up near $40k.
40mpg highway is pretty pathetic for a 4 cylinder diesel. my 335d can get that.
It's a 320d and should be sold and priced as a 320d.
I'd buy a 328i or a even a 320i over this all day long and I suspect most consumers will too.
Others may disagree but IMHO this is some weak-@ss sauce.
March 27, 2013, 8:46 pm
I guarantee you that people are going to be cross-shopping, and looking to move "up" to the 328d if they can afford it. The 328d has many more "luxury" options going for it, although it's base level isn't so well equipped as the high-level Passat. And the AWD option is going to get some people to look at it above the VWs.
March 27, 2013, 9:49 pm
PL
March 27, 2013, 10:56 pm
The options coming up for the diesel variants to the US from BMW are seriously making me consider going back to a petrol based car.
March 28, 2013, 7:11 am
The test between the two cars was made on the London-to-Geneva route. The Bmw equipped with a series of energy-saving features like the battery recharge when braking, good aerodynamics, low rolling resistance in a word the so-called EfficientDynamics showed no problems on the road and by the end of it also remained with a third of its tank in reserve.
The Prius ran out of gas but this happened only due to smaller tank and because the car is made for urban live. The advantage if hybrids can’t be seen on highway where the car is pushing through the wind, this can easily be seen in urban driving where the stop-and-go recaptures the car’s energy.
Now if we make a conclusion we can say that Bmw showed every one that its 5-series can beat also the eco-friendly Prius but what if the test would have been made inside a town...Would the Bmw be the winner?
March 28, 2013, 4:43 pm
Not really. I want a healthy balance between performance and mileage (my original purpose for buying the 335, but it's become so much more than that), and BMW isn't providing anything to us that will fit that bill anymore.
March 29, 2013, 10:56 am
Audi on the other hand seems to be jumping in with both feet. Not only is there a new diesel Q5, but the A4 and A8 are also going oil fired here as well. The A4 vs the 328 is interesting, especially since the superb quattro system will make that a very competitive comparo. BMW needs to pull up its socks and get back into the game!
March 29, 2013, 5:48 pm
March 30, 2013, 10:59 am
Today's press release:
BMW Advanced diesel models have already shown to US enthusiasts that diesel power can be perfectly suited to The Ultimate Driving MachineTM. With the introduction of the first 4-cylinder diesel BMW engine offered in the US, BMW Advanced Diesel power and particularly outstanding levels of torque and outstanding fuel efficiency. Preliminary fuel economy estimates for the rear wheel drive 328d Sedan are 32 mpg city/45 mpg highway/37 mpg combined*. BMW Advanced Diesel technology includes Selective Catalyst Reduction to make the new 328d models true clean diesels.
Levels of performance and luxury expected of any BMW 3 Series will be ensured with levels of standard equipment on par with the 328i gasoline models. The options list will include Luxury, Sport and Modern Lines as well as M Sport.
Detailed specifications and pricing will be available closer to launch. All three 328d variants will be available in US showrooms this fall.
March 30, 2013, 11:23 am
The numbers are right up there with the Ford Fusion Hybrid and CMax revised figures. Finally we might be getting a diesel here -- now when do we see the X versions?
March 30, 2013, 11:36 am
March 31, 2013, 11:46 am
x-drives in the fall but no "X" class cars with diesel mentioned that I found in the PresRel.
April 1, 2013, 12:13 am
April 1, 2013, 10:51 am
I think UncleJ means no X1, X3, X5 or X6 diesel....
April 1, 2013, 11:03 am
Right, that is what I was referring to -- the X-class cars. Sorry, I should have been clearer. There was no mention of when or if we would see them here.
April 1, 2013, 11:44 am
April 1, 2013, 1:21 pm
Can't resist stirring the pot
I know, i know, the diesel has to shift a lot earlier but some people are hell bent on a stick, diesel or not. pot stirred
April 1, 2013, 1:27 pm
I know, i know, the diesel has to shift a lot earlier but some people are hell bent on a stick, diesel or not. pot stirred
April 1, 2013, 1:44 pm
April 1, 2013, 1:47 pm
April 1, 2013, 10:08 pm
April 13, 2013, 11:27 am
All you folks whining over the lack of a manual trans offering in the 328d and 535d should read this review.
And opposite of what you’d expect it was the worst choice imaginable. Rather than increasing the fun it really only adds frustration. Sure its sacrilegious for a left foot snob to say a manual is the wrong choice but if I am being honest it surely was. Due to the low rev nature of the diesel and its turbo lag you end up shifting all the time. The ZF 8 speed (as pictured) is a much better choice for this engine and (in my mind) clearly BMWNA made the right choice as the only transmission available in the US for the upcoming 328d.
Everyone assumes that a manual is more fun, more engaging and the better choice for enthusiasts. I am here to tell you that is a crock of BS. The engine is torquey, efficient (we get 50 mpg mixed) and has enough life to be entertaining but the low rev nature and curve make it ideal for the fast shifting ZF and its algorithms; let alone the plus the auto has in MPG. It is the first time I have ever had buyer’s remorse about an option choice, and damned if it isn’t the tried and true manual tranny.
April 13, 2013, 11:35 am
I personally never have liked out manual trans diesels drive and essentially for reasons that quote above gives. But if given a choice and it did not cost more money then I'd get a manual trans. My reasons are more to do with manual trans always last forever for me but automatics not so much.
April 14, 2013, 11:06 pm
I drove a co-workers TDI jetta sportwagen with stick. It was fine for me but not ignoring the author's strong suggestion either. That is interesting as normally the European's are more stick crazy than most. I knew fuel usage would be better with the 8 speed. I didn't know the 8 speed was a ZF. To me the 535D is getting more and more interesting. I would think the Q5 TDI an 535D would be comparable more so as the newer 3L diesel is a little bit down on power and torque. It is close to that of a european 530D spec wise.
April 15, 2013, 7:20 am
My experience and likes are different.
I had a diesel TDi with manual and then a family member got a DSG automatic with the same engine. The manual had better fuel economy and was more fun to drive, even in the city. The same went for a Volvo in the past where the manual transmission got much better fuel economy than what the EPA said it would while the automatic didn't.
I wouldn't go by EPA fuel economy ratings since they differ significantly from real world driving mpg.
Unless BMW has fallen in its design and engineering game, where it was one of the best manual transmissions, I would still opt for a manual even in a diesel. The low end torque needs getting used to and cannot be driven like some do their gasser manuals. I drive the diesel manual more like one when I try to save fuel and shift earlier anyway.
PL
April 15, 2013, 10:17 am
I'll take auto with thumb shifters anyday!
April 15, 2013, 10:17 am
April 15, 2013, 8:53 pm
Either way, an automatic is very expensive to build, pay for, and service compared to a manual. Unless of course you want to market it in the US where the government is there to help you with their severe restrictions on manufacturers ...... not.
PL