BMW 335d Three-Month Test Report and Review
Whether passing slower cars on an Autobahn or driving up a twisty mountain road, the car has been a blast to drive. 
It demonstrates responsive yet refined road manners – without sacrificing passenger comfort or driver joy. While a manual transmission isn’t available (BMW says that a manual transmission that could handle the engine’s torque would be cost-prohibitive), the ZF-manufactured automatic transmission’s shifts are perfectly timed and the normally silent engine emits a low but muscular growl under acceleration.
The 335d’s 0-to-60 mph time is, at 6.0 seconds, just a fraction behind the 335i’s time of 5.6 seconds. For passing maneuvers, where going from 70 km/h (44 mph) to 150 km/h (93 mph) seems to happen almost instantaneously, the 335d has no peer.
Fuel economy continues to surpass the EPA rating of 23 mpg (10.2 l/100 km) in the city and 36 mpg (6.5 l/100 km). To date, the best sustained fuel economy our 335d has recorded is 40 mpg (5.9 l/100 km), although we’ve seen as high as 42 mpg (5.6 l/100 km) for brief periods of time.
Aside from the incredible torque, however, there is little (aside from fuel economy) to distinguish the 335d from almost any other BMW. The steering feels perfect and gives the driver just the right amount of road feel and resistance. The throttle responds perfectly to driver input. There is slightly more engine noise but, with the windows closed, the driver hears a pleasant diesel growl.
Inside the cabin, the 335d has the fourth generation of BMW’s iDrive cockpit controller system. The controller itself has four direct selection keys (for CD, phone, navigation, and radio) and each key has a different shape, making it possible to find the right button by touch alone. Other car makers have function buttons, but the driver still has to look down to pick the right one.
The car’s 8.8” central information display (CID) offers the highest resolution I’ve seen in a vehicle display and new menus, symbols, icons, and graphics make the system easier than ever to use.
Navigation also benefits from many enhancements including a full-screen map display, photo-realistic 3-D map views, satellite image maps, a preview function for selecting routes, and a choice of efficient, fast, and short routes.
Bluetooth integration is superb, as always, although the system still has problems with contacts from BlackBerry devices and imports them in last name, first name order (rendering the system’s speech-to-text dial-by-name feature close to useless).
The iPod integration is well done although BMW still doesn’t have a main menu choice for podcasts, a significant omission, especially since earlier BMW iPod integrations supported this functionality quite nicely.
BMW online services have been greatly enhanced. BMW Assist allows the driver to receive an address and a private message sent directly to the car’s navigation system from Google Maps.
With the optional Convenience Package, 
the system provides news headlines (including world news, business news, financial news, and sports), weather forecasts, fuel prices (sortable by distance, fuel type, and price), and Google local search, which taps into the Google Maps database online. In addition, the system supports geotagging: with a few clicks, the driver can e-mail friends and family his current location and destination information.
We’ll continue our regular reports on the 335d in the coming months but we really wonder if we should have ordered the car in green – the little “d” on the decklid simply isn’t big enough to get the point across.
| 2010 BMW 335d | |
| Base price/price-as-tested | $43,950/$56,215 |
| Drivetrain | Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Engine | 3.0/265 hp/turbocharged diesel inline 6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Curb weight (lbs) | 3825 |
| Weight distribution | 51/49 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 101.5 |
| Length x width x height (inches) | 178.8 x 71.5 x 55.9 |
| 0-60 mph/0-100 km/h (seconds) | 6.0/6.3 |
| City/highway fuel economy (mpg) | 23/36 |
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Jonathan,
I’m curious, you write that “While a manual transmission isn’t available (BMW says that a manual transmission that could handle the engine’s torque would be cost-prohibitive),” you reported earlier that the 2011 530d will have a manual. Is it fair to assume that the 2011 335d will follow suit as well? Thanks, Robert
These models are available in Europe with manual transmissions. The main problem is EPA/etc. qualification costs for U.S. markets, which are apparently judged as too anemic to justify importing BOTH transmissions. Americans need to appreciate the virtues of manual transmission enough to justify imports.
Robert, if BMW NA offered the 330d, it would come standard with a manual transmission. What is available in the 530d doesn´t really relate to the 335d.
Jonathan, I guess it will all become clearer in June, when supposedly the model announcements for NA will be announced. I wonder if I could pick up a manual transmission model in Germany as part of the buy/drive program? We’ll see. Robert
I’ve had my 335d since 8/09 and I love it. I haven’t seen very many around PA though. Are they not selling well? Or maybe just not in the snowy states?
335d cannot be bought in Europe with a manual transmission either. It really is automatic only.
330d and 530d are available with manual but that is a less powerful engine (single turbo, not twin).
@E.M. Bergman. The 335d isn’t available in Europe with manual transmission, nor anywhere else for that matter. Your reasoning is valid however and it may be that even if this were available, you still would not receive it over there.
I’ve had my 335d since the beginning of the year and while I absolutely love it, I’ve only gotten 29mpg out of it so far, far less than I had expected. It seems to be going up (I’m at 6000 miles) as the car breaks in, though. Also, I’m not gentle on it
.
Regarding getting only 29mpg…. I have a 335i auto and I’ve gotten 22.5-23mpg over a year, and that is with 95% freeway driving. This is also significantly less than expected based on the mikeae rating. But everything is relative, and clearly your 335d is getting significantly better mileage than my 335i.
What surprised me the most is that I went from a 1999 540iA Sport (4.4L V8) to my 335i. On the 540iA I got 21.5mpg, and so I’m only getting about 1mpg improvement with the 335i despite it being a smaller car (though not sure if it Is lighter) with a 6-cylinder. For ten year newer technology and all those bimmer buzz words in the 3-series, I was expecting a much bigger mpg improvement….
I have a 2007 335xi, and on the highway (away from city congestion), I can get about 25-26 mpg without trying hard — generally cruising around 80 mph with very liberal use of the gas pedal. However, city driving in Chicago is a totally different story. Also, I have the standard 17″ wheels — at least for now
i’ve had this car since november, and trust me, you don’t need a manual transmission, i still get chills driving my 335d. i have the paddles, and its so wonderful. The best bmw i’ve ever had. i love it. ps i sometimes go a month and forget i need to put fuel in.
As for fuel efficiency it seems to depend a lot on city vs highway and how aggressive you are. Leisurely highway cruising after car is fully warmed up seems to get about 40 mpg. Overall combined is closer to 30 for my usual short trips to work and back.
I have had my 335d for 2 months now, and have driven it 3000 miles. I agree with those who wrote it gives them chills to drive theirs. Who knew that a car could completely turn around your feelings about going to work?
I am getting an average of 33 mpg overall since I bought it, not bad considering the first 2000 miles I was running snow tires. About half of my 30 miles to work is on Interstate at about 80 MPH.
Yesterday I pulled up at a self service station and had an attendant run up to me to try to prevent me from “accidentally” putting diesel fuel in my BMW. That alone was almost worth the cost of admission.
I wanted to update my previous post about the auto-dimming headlights not working properly. Once the inspection sticker was removed from residence atop the sensor the auto-dimming feature worked great. Another learning experience for my dealer.
This is by far the sweetest car I have ever driven. I can recommend it without reservation. I am totally satisfied with the automatic transmission.
I was expecting amazing fuel economy numbers, but the numbers reported totally underwhelm me. I am in the market for a replacement to my ’04 Jaguar XJ8. This is a V8 VVT DOHC 32 valve 4.2L unit that produces 300HP and 310lb/f.
“So what” you might be asking? Well the car is made entirely out of AL and consequently weighs in at ~3700 lbs. Not bad for a car that is longer and wider than my wifes durango.
Over the last 1500 miles I have got 23.5MPG at and average speed of 35MPH and on a recent 400 mile trip I averaged 31.2MPG at a average speed of 75MPH. Not too bad for a V8.
Why is xdrive not offered for the 335d?
Anybody with any experience with the RWD in the snow? Does the ESC make up for not having (at least) FWD and, better yet, AWD? I currently am driving a ’03 330xi (in Buffalo, NY!!) BTW, I really love the idea of a more efficient but great-to-drive BMW….
2011 model
Just about 1400 miles on it, mostly hwy, some interstate and some winding Texas country roads (with 90degree turns)can you see my smile from here.
Hwy at 80mph (CC) 31.4mpg on the return at 70mph (cc)35.1 then dropped to 31 due to construction, however the GPS system assisted me with alternate routes to take and shaved some down time.
The country roads trip was slightly more aggressive but not overly aggresive on the brakes or on acceleration, just smooth really smooth. It’s not my work car so I really look forward to evenings and weekends. I really like the torque!
We have had our 335d for a little over a year.
I was worried about the torque in the snow, so I got snow tires…
The torque control (anti-skid) system keeps the Beemer right on track… felt just as confident driving it as I did driving my MB 4matic.
Great car, impressive power with fuel mileage as an added bonus.
The bad: The car has been in the shop for over a month since we got it. Currently an injector is bad and being replaced. Prior to that their was a recall on the smog system (exhaust filter?… wtf?), and the central computer had to be replaced and it took them three tries to figure it out. Guess that is what you get when you are an early adopter… Great car, but the reliability issues are big distractions.
I have now had my 335 since mid February of 2010. I have 8725 miles on it, total fuel consumption 251 gallons, an aerage of 34.7 MPG overall. Best milage overall was 37.2 over a 500 mile stretch. I live in north-central Vermont, have driven in almost every imaginable condition. RWD in snow is just fine with snow tires on all 4 wheels. My driveway is a 10% grade, and I had to sand it once to get up the drive, not an unexpected happening. No need for any service yet of any kind, it’s been flawless. My one complaint is difficulty finding diesel fuel stations with the proper sized nozzle to fit in and be accepted by the safety devices BMW has put on the car – it would have been better to leave this responsibility up to me. I have been inconvenienced 5 times and had to buy more expensive fuel because I could not get the nozzle to fit.
I love my car, every trip in it brings me happiness…
Thanks for the info about snow driving with the 335d. I settled on a 335i with X-drive; too many imponderables on the d. However, the xi needed re-programming of the ignition system at 900 miles for a cylinder fault and a rough few days of driving.
Owen, My 335d has the stock all season tires that come with the non-sport package. I HAVE gotten stuck in the snow on hills in Allentown. It would certainly be better if I put dedicated snows on it, but I keep an old FWD car around for snowy days. You probably made a good choice on the 335xi especially if you have to depend on it for snowy days.
Hi all,
Came across this site as I’m awaiting delivery of my 2011 335d. It’s about to leave port in Germany, so hopefully I’ll have it in another 2-3 weeks.
I have to say, your stories have made me even more excited about getting it. This is my first BMW, and I’m so happy I’ve found there’s a car out there combines great looks, performance, and environmental-friendliness (besides maybe the Tesla roadster). Although, after test driving the 335d, I also drove the new 2011 550i sedan which (at $70k list) is easily the most jaw-droppingly beautiful car I’ve even been in, let alone have driven. And its twin turbo V8 gets something like 25mpg highway.
Anyway, enough about the 550i. My 335d has the Sport package (although not M sport), and I see that it comes with summer tires. Can someone recommend a good snow tire for the 335d?
Live in Northern NJ, and now that I’m getting one, I look for others. Have yet to see one on the road.
Thanks,
John
I have 20,000 miles on my 2009 335d after only one year. It is my 45th new car over a 54-year period. I have had Porches, Mercedes, Audis, Lexus LS (two), nine BMWs and lots of other, mostly Japanese, cars.
This car is the most satisfying car I have ever driven, much less owned. I seriously doubt that it will be possible to improve on it during my lifetime. My previous car, a Lexus LS460, was considerably more luxurious but I will never, never, go back. The 335d is far from the best passenger car but as a driver’s car it is just about perfect. The combination of performance, fuel economy and driver involvement is simply unequaled.
Greetings,
I purchased a 2011 335d about two weeks ago. I had been driving a 2003 VW Jetta TDI, a diesel model that I modified with ecu rechipping and bigger injectors. It is really fun to drive and still gets better than 45 mpg. Why am I telling you this? Because I could not find a fuel efficient, fun to drive car to replace it. Including new Jetta TDIs. Boring. Until I found the 335d. Didn’t think I would spend this on a car, but I am glad I did. Even though I like manuals, this car is a hoot!
Just drove the 335d at the BMW Ultimate Event. I have had a 330i sport for the last 6 years, so that’s my basis. the Diesel is very interesting, with huge power from 1700 to 3500. the automatic rips off shifts like a motocross bike. Driven sanely, it feels like a V8 from stoplights. the car was set up with the M sports suspension, like my car, so the comparison was good.
Chassis is almost the same, factoring for fresh shocks. The feel is no different from the E46 to the E90.
While the 330i continues to run big, the 335d would be a viable choice against the 335i. I think the torque of the D would be more usable in the real world than the “all up top” power of the gas turbo.
Since my last Diesel was/were two Rabbit Diesels, I was quite impressed with how far things had come.
An insight to BMW’s marketing…the only 3 series with sport suspension at this event was the diesel……and I’m a sport suspension snob with BMW.
If my much loved E46 blew up, I’d go for the d. Bravo !!!!!
I just purchased a 2011 335d with the M Package in July, simply stated…. this car is incredible! There is a slight delay in the shifting when using the paddle shifters, but nothing too significant. Nothing on the road has been able to touch this car when accelerating from a rolling start. Add to this performance the staggering fuel economy, and you have an absolute winner.
I’ve had my 2009 335d for almost exactly a year. About 12k miles on it. I love it. Driving it has become a drug. When I don’t drive it for a day or two I go through withdrawal pains.
I took it in to the local BMW shop for the particulate filter and control module reprogram recall. Took 9 days. Absurd. But the car has a little more punch after the reprogram.
I have had my 335d for exactly one year now. I did over 18 months of research before buying this car. I am still to this day amazed at the power, performance and enjoyment I get out of the car. I look forward to driving it all day long. I drove it from New York City to San Diego Ca this summer and averaged 36.5 mpg, usually on cruise control at 75mph. I have achieved 39 mpg many times already. I get about 26 mpg in the city, but if I start driving any amount of highway it goes to the low 30s. The 2010 version of the iDrive is the best on the market; and is highly under-rated. The power is intoxicating and gives my total confidence driving on the crazy fast California roads. Got the upgraded stereo system and love it! Only downside was that I had to get the satellite radio replaced which caused it to be in the shop for a week. Although the 2009 535i loaner didn’t make it such a bad experience. Oh yeah, a nail in my tire caused an unexpected $280 replacement cost. Greatest car I have ever owned, and one the finest I have ever driven.
I know this is a bit off-topic, but not entirely: I got myself a BMW 118d when I returned to Germany. My first BMW.
What can I say, it is so much fun driving it (driving about 700 miles a week, most of it Autobahn), that I am longing for more: The 335d.
But after reading here that it’s not available with stick shift, I might reconsider and go for a 330d. Can’t be much less fun.
Oh BTW, I get approx. 35mpg with the 1 series, all combined. But this includes going 100mph big chunks of the way, and 130mph occasionally when circumstances allow me to. Regular Autobahn speeds…
Chris
I recently had a chance to drive the 335d at MSR a 2.7 mile road coarse with an instructor. I was getting ready for my first race in a Spec Racer Ford and the instructor was teaching/showing me the “points of interest” on the track counter clocwise.
Chris what I like about the paddles is that they are programmed to find the correct gear for the speed all the way down to M2, if you need M1 you will have to choose that. While the instructor was driving it he kept it in D and talked me around the track, he was surprized at the ability to accelerate down the short back straight and made the comment that it had the ability to “spank” the mustang in front of us.
My 335d has the M3 package, it is worth the difference.
While the 335d is just great to drive as described in the review it is also just full of niggly annoyances that drive me crazy.
1.The clip above the sun visor is very fragile and breaks when used.
2.The USB ports have insufficient power to charge a phone
3.The 12V outlets are not useable because they have no clearance for anything you might plug into them and they turn off when the key is removed
4.There are 2 cup holders for the passenger and none for the driver
5.The fuel inlet will not accept a full size diesel truck filler and the plastic neck down device leaks fuel all over the place. So you can’t fill up at highway truck stops.
6. The battery is insufficient to use the “heat on with no engine” feature if you also want to listen to the radio.
7.The navigation system is difficult to use and lacks many features on the one in my Chevy.
8. In only 32,000 miles I have had to take it in three times for items that failed giving warning messages.
9. The manual prohibits use of Biodiesel (not sure if it will cause problems or not)
Every car has areas where improvement is needed but there were two items in your list that left us puzzled, esp. since we’ve spent 16 months with our long-term 335d test car. In the front seat, the driver and the passenger each have one cupholder.
The navigation system is one of the most versatile on the market and is ridiculously easy to use. You can e-mail a destination from Google maps or have BMW Assist’s concierge download it to the car. And the one-shot entry in 2011 models means you can speak the entire address at once and the car understands it (we’ve tested this feature multiple times even though it’s not in our 2010 335d). Traffic info is accurate and free (forever). What can the Chevy system do that the BMW system cannot?
DieselDriver,
How do you email from Google to the navigation?
Thanks
This is my third BMW, but my first new one, the 2010 335d has been the most exciting car to drive! I let my cousin drive it(car buff), told him to punch it and he said the steering almost spun out of his hands! Amazing torque! No trouble in the first 18 months, 10,000 miles, other than occasionally finding the car in my garage with the sunroof open and the windows all down. Evidently the key is very sensitive and it can activate easily by bumping around in my pocket.
Mileage is great 36 highway 25 city driving. Diesel fuel is more expensive but I compare it to the price of premium because of the car`s fantastic performance. I`d like to put a “chip” in it and see what an extra 60 hp would be like!
No navigation or paddle shifters on but I do recommend the heated seats and the heated steering wheel! Need sno`s/rims on all four wheels for next winter otherwise all season tires got me through a terrible Mn winter last year!
Sirius radio is a disappointment for me, just not worth the cost, maybe for folks that spend a lot of time driving, though. The iphone and ipod is all I need!
Automatic works fine, just hope it lasts 220,000 miles+ like my 525it did.
I’m still not liking the filler spout, who’s decision was it anyway, I can figure out which is the diesel vs the gasoline. Has anybody come up with a way for the automatic cutoff to work before the fuel spills out?