Well, our local dealership had one on the showroom floor. I didn't take it out & drive it (I would have liked to) but I hope that's possible soon.

What I will say - it's impressive to listen to. With the showroom doors all closed, he started it up, WOW! It's just incredibly smooth & purrs smoother than you could imagine. It still has sound (it's not a Lexus, thank you) but it's a nice, "ripping cloth" I-6 sound, like a BMW should have. It's just a bit "firmer" at idle, with the hood shut I think it would be really hard to tell it's a diesel at all, which is exactly the point. Really amazing, and with 265hp & 425 ft-lbs of torque (at 1750 rpm) that tight little 335 should really move out well.

That said, I'm a BMW purist. That is, I like a manual transmission, a real ignition key, no "i-drive" and a farily simple sports sedan overall. Not happening here. The "i-drive" is at least optional, but that's it. And note this well, only a 6-speed automatic will be offered with the 3.5L diesel. I suppose that's the way we're all headed. I supposed those dual turbos work best with an automatic, but I still would really rather have a clutch pedal and an actual 6-speed manual. But no.

So, I will debate it for a year or two, but I for one hope this engine sells like hotcakes for them. Go check one out, it's pretty amazing overall!

 

I love our 335i. The manual shift on the auto really works nice. You can shift if you want. Also, the 300 rated hp on the gasser is way under-rated. Many have dyno-ed theirs and estimate it to be closer to 330 hp at the flywheel. These things flat haul EDIT. I love driving it. The only bad thing I have to say about it is tire replacement is expensive. I just put two rears on at over a grand out the door with the road hazard warranty.

 

It will likely be my next car. The only car I ever bought new was my 323 back in 2000. It's been a fantastic car. Comfy, reliable, a blast to drive, brakes are easy to do yourself (they go every 50K) and good on fuel (28.6 mpg over it's 126,xxx life).
My only real gripe is that it's a BMW, and I felt like a yuppie for awhile. Now that it's older, I think people just think I'm a poseur, which is fine with me. I'll continue to drive it until it's dead, which might take another 9 years at this rate.

 

My wife say's her next car will be a Nissan 370Z. But I may talk her into a 335d, if we aren't all in poverty by then.....

MikeyB

 

Austin, Mikey, you would not regret buying a 335d! It's a phenomenal vehicle, and with a straight-6 diesel under the hood, what's not to like?

96_12V, I hear what you're saying about the trans, and I was a long time rower, but the ZF6HP28 transmission in the 335d is flawless and is always in the right gear, all the time. If it's any consolation, the Europeans don't get a manual either, there aren't any strong enough to handle 425 ft-lbs and still fit underneath a 3-series.

As I noted in another thread, my driving situation changed, less heavy stuff and more long distance commuting. Without a reasonable light-duty choice, I kept my CRD Libby for light towing, and got an oil-burning Bavarian bomber (pics here) and couldn't be happier.

Regards
Duey

 

If I didn't have two trucks already, I'd buy one.

Diesel Power Magazine did a write up on the 335d a few months ago. Impressive power, and even more impressive fuel mileage. Even with the drivers foot stuck in it for most of the trip they still averaged over 30 MPG.




Kris

 

Yes, it's impressive (and fun) indeed! If scaled up linearly to a 6.7L ISB, the 335d "little" 3.0L six's 265hp/425tq would be close to 590hp/950tq.

 

I worked a a bmw dealer for 6 years up until this past march. I had the chance to drive (and work on) the 335d and the x5d the engine and transmission is very impressive. The dealer i worked at sold very few diesels probably 5 total in the year that they were out. we had to buy one back because of issues with bad fuel and defective dpf( the car also uses diesel exhaust fluid) sensors that were backordered and had no ship date from Germany. With that being said the car it self is very sturdy the E90 3 series is one of the best platforms that they have produced. it has none of the suspension wearing issues of the previous models havnt seen any trans issues. If it werent for all the electronic stuff they would be the perfect car. electronics are a mess they are using fiber optic cables for all the modules on the MOST(entertainment) bus to communicate so no more using a dvom to diag anything then dealer has you right where they want you with these cars and there is really nothing you can do about it unless you have a factory scan tool.

 

Taco, will the BavTech tool still access the CANBUS? I have VCDS for my Jetta and was thinking about getting the BavTech for the BMW.

cheers

 

Im not sure i think it should as the can bus is still a hard wired bus. I know LOGIC has some pretty good stuff out as far as a scan tool and even allows you to program individual control modules bmw programming equipment makes you update all modules in the car which can take up to 8 hours if it doesnt crash.. If you look by you obd II plug on the drivers kick panel there is a small square plug that is where the fibre optic port is.

 

Thanks, Taco!

 

DNAT how many miles you got on yours?

 

25,000km / 16,000mi. Only work done is its oil change and DEF fill at 20k -- it runs like a top!

I call it the Ultimate Smile Machine, there isn't a day I drive it that I'm not grinning ear to ear.

Cheers,
Duey

 

Finally got around to making a few vids. Quality isn't the best, just a camera in video mode, but gives an idea of what the baby 6-pot oil burner is like.

(Engine start and idle)
(Driving around)

Cheers

 

Sounds sweet!