With new CAFE regulations and ever-rising fuel prices, it won’t be long until every automaker has at least a few diesel-powered models in their lineup. But the first push into the clean-diesel market will be lead by the German brands, and it doesn’t look like we will have to wait long for them to arrive in the U.S.
According to BMW Blog, the BMW 335d and the X5 xDrive35d should be hitting U.S. shores in mid-October. Both models will be powered by BMW’s 3.0L twin-turbocharged inline six — producing 265 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque — and should be atop their respective segments in both fuel-economy and performance.
The diesel-powered 535d will also be sold in the U.S., but its on-sale date still remains unclear. However, prototypes have been seen testing in Michigan, indicating that it shouldn’t be far behind the other diesel offerings from BMW.
04/22, 12:11 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
Great idea, I want a vehicle that uses even more expensive fuel (for no apparent reason) than gasoline. Sign me up. There’s always at least a $0.50 spread between premium and diesel by me, sometimes the spread is $0.70.
04/22, 12:12 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
Cool – I wonder how much more it will cost for these diesel versions versus the 6-cylinder gas models?
04/22, 12:13 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
Do the math, Madcapp. Even with the diesel fuel premium, its still less expensive fuel cost than a gas engine.
04/22, 12:31 PM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
I don’t care what either of you say, it’s still rape at the pump. I’d like to stick that diesel pump straight up these CEO’s @$$’s.
04/22, 1:06 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Diesel is not going to help. Sure… you get 25% better fuel economy… but it costs 33% more to purchase.
What do you think is going to happen to the already astronomical price of diesel when soccer moms start filling up their SUVs with it?
Demand goes up… price goes up even more.
04/22, 1:14 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
EGGcellent move, BMW. Saturate North America with Diesels, it’s about time the naive among us have good experiences with the new Diesels.
04/22, 1:24 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
So let the BS begin amongst amongst the BMW faithful. Yah, mine got 60 mpg averaging 90 mph with all the Housefrau’s relatives aboard and 800lbs of schniztel in the back. Ha, that is nicht so good. Mine diesel got 70 mpg towing the Bismark to Lake Leiderhosen though the mountains going uphill both ways.
Yup, they’ll probably produce more noxious emissions than the vehicles.
04/22, 2:16 PM
posted by:
shaver
Uni cycles rule.
04/22, 2:31 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
“Diesel is not going to help. Sure… you get 25% better fuel economy… but it costs 33% more to purchase.”
RaineMan – you’ve got your numbers backwards. Diesels get 33% better fuel economy. Right now, the fuel costs about 25% more than gasoline.
Diesel vehicles won’t sell well in the U.S., because the average American can’t even do basic math.
04/22, 4:28 PM
posted by:
sanfranmac
funny Johnnycanuck-you misspelt yah. Its Ja!
I am about to put down $40K for a 2007 BMW 550i. Am wondering if I should wait for the 335D. But here in San Francisco diesel costs $4.45- $4.75. Even if the 335d gets 32mpg hwy- it costs about the same as running the 550i with 24 mpg. Curse this war and Bush!
04/22, 4:29 PM
posted by:
lambosrule25
It’s pointless to pay more money for fuel, even if the car gets better fuel economy
04/22, 4:32 PM
posted by:
sanfranmac
Could I be wrong- is the 335d rated at 40mpg Hwy or 32?
Need to know whether to buy the 550i now, or wait till October for the 335d? 40mpg would swing the deal and make me wait.
The 335d would probably cost $44,000 out the door with sat-nav. Exactly the same as the 2007 550i is going to cost me now (10,300 miles, sat, nav- sport pkg).
04/22, 6:58 PM
posted by:
Bimmer
sanfranmac,
DMS automotive makes chip for 335d/535d. ”
DMS BMW 535d – A very serious power tool.
By re-profiling the 535d’s engine management computer, torque is ramped up from 413lb ft to a claimed to 478lb ft, with power up from 272bhp to a claimed 321bhp.”
(source: http://www.dmsautomotive.com/reviews.asp?gsel=1&gselid=4)
04/22, 10:31 PM
posted by:
autonut
Johnny, you are riot!
Car & driver tested 7 series with diesel and reported on highway over 40 mpg. The link to Edmunds comparo between Tahoe hybrid and Benz GL 320 cdi
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=125645/pageNumber=1
04/22, 11:14 PM
posted by:
maxcar
i wish they’d bring the x3 with the same d engine. they sell it in europe, and it’s a firecracker.
04/23, 5:00 AM
posted by:
GT Pro
If only diesel didn’t have such a premium at the pump these days; then it would actually be a good idea over here.
04/23, 5:55 AM
posted by:
Renton
sanfranmac –
That 550i is a dinosaur already. They’re dumping the new twin turbo V8 in the 550i for ‘08. The current 550i has the exact same performance as the less expensive 535i, with the added benefit of a heavier front end. Gives you slower handling.
maxcar –
That is my dream car. X3 with the big six turbo-diesel. The ultimate tow machine. Same motor as the X5, but in a much lighter more nimble package. Also quite a bit cheaper. I don’t need all those bells and whistles any more.
X3’s are great cars. Makes me sick that it can’t come over here.
GT Pro –
I hope that once refining capacity gets up to snuff for the new low sulfur bullshiat diesel the price goes down. The trucking lobby will demand it.
BMW Diesels rule.
04/23, 5:58 AM
posted by:
Renton
autonut –
Read that the other day. The US is doing it wrong. Needlessly complex hybrids are ridiculous when modern diesels crush them in longevity and real world mileage.
Hybrids only have advantage in traffic jammed city traffic.
04/23, 6:01 AM
posted by:
Renton
sanfarnmac — “Even if the 335d gets 32mpg hwy- it costs about the same as running the 550i with 24 mpg”
good luck getting 24 MPG with that 550i. Ain’t gonna happen. I sense you are trying rationalize a purchase…..