BMW 335d Six-Month Test Report and Review
The roughly 400 km (249 mile) drive from New York City to Washington D.C. and back (another 400 km) used most – but not all – of the Montego Blue BMW 335d’s fuel, reported Paul Riegler, our contributing editor. 
In terms of fuel economy, the 335d used 6.0 l/100 km (39 mpg) on the traffic free trip, with speeds ranging from 80 km/h (50 mph) to 130 km/h (80 mph).
“No need to stop for refueling,” Paul’s notes read.
How many other cars with 425 pound-feet of torque can you say that about?
Contrast this with the same drive taken with a BMW 335i sedan at the same time, similarly equipped with automatic transmission. That car used 9 l/100 km (26 mpg) for a total of 72 l (19 gallons). One refueling stop was required. The 335d only used 48 l (12.6 gallons), delivering over 33% better fuel economy.
Since picking up the BMW 335d at the BMW Welt a little over six months ago, 
I continue to be amazed at how quiet the car can be, even at very high speeds. Driving the car at 220 km/h (137 mph) for extended periods of time simply reinforced this observation.
Despite the 86 kg (191 pound) weight penalty compared to the 335i sedan, BMW maintained a front-to-rear weight distribution of 51-49. Turn-in is excellent and the handling and control don’t seem to suffer at all from the additional weight.
The unique combination of sports-car acceleration with exemplary fuel economy was something we noted in our Three-Month Review and this sets the BMW 335d apart from the other diesel-powered autos available in the U.S.
We expect, however, that the 335d will have some company within the next eight to ten months. BMW of North America will soon import a 5er Series diesel and, if it’s the 535d, as many suspect, it will join the 335d in providing this unique type of Freude am Fahren.
Indeed, the 535d goes from 0-100 km (0-62 mph) in just 5.7 seconds (faster than the 335d, which travels the same distance in six seconds) and uses just 6.1 l/100 km (38.5 mpg) in the European combined test cycle (less fuel than the 335d, which uses 6.7 l/100 km (35 mpg) in the same test).
Comparing for a moment the two 335 3er Series, the 335i is definitely a bit quicker off the line: 0-60 mph is 5.6 seconds, while the 335d takes 6.0 seconds to travel the same distance. The 335d, however, produces 425 pound-feet of torque between 1750 and 2250 rpm compared to the 335i’s 300 pound-feet between 1400 and 5000. The 335d’s massive amount of torque is available for overtaking on demand and can propel the car to from 80 km/h (50 mph) to 130 km/h (80 mph) in what feels like a split second. Click here to continue to Page 2.
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Thanks for the article. Do you have any idea when the 5 series diesel will be available for order in the US? My current lease is up in March and I would love to get a 530/535D…..and pick it up in Munich!
The 5er Series diesel has not yet been announced for the U.S. so it’s impossible to say when it will be available for ordering.
Thanks for the article. I’m very happy with my 335d also and it is nice to hear that there seem to be very few problems with it.
I sure wish that BMW would offer a diesel variant with 4 cylinders. The Audi A3 TDI is so in-demand that there is a 3 month lead time for ordering and there aren’t even any at our local dealerships to see – let alone test drive!
@Dave S. Yeah it is a pity that for the US not more diesel engines are available. Probably also due to the low dollar, the cost/benefit is relatively low at this moment.
I drive a BMW 123d. The same mechanics as the 335d (two turbo’s) but downsized to 4 cilinder engine. 204 HP and around 300 pounds/f. (7 sec. from 0-62 and max. speed of 240 km/h.) and 5 liters/100 km this is the real deal. But even here in Europe this engine is only in the 1 series and X1 series available.
I’ve had my “d” for just over a year and I *love* it.Having driven the new F10 a month or so ago the news about a diesel version arriving here next year has me planning a visit to a dealer as soon as one can be ordered.The power and economy of my current “d” combined with the luxury of the new F10 is something I have no intention of missing!!
I am interested in this car, despite a manual transmission being unavailable, but I have strong reserves about the RWD handling the rough Canadian winters.
How would it react in an average of 100 inches of snow per winter?
John,
I live in Stowe, Vermont, we get quite a bit of snow here too. With snow tires on all 4 wheels last winter, I had only 1 problem (getting up my 10% grade driveway after rain had fallen on snow and frozen, one time only) for the whole winter. The Bimmer is so well balanced that even though the front wheels aren’t powered it is very well behaved on snow in hilly terrain. You aren’t going to plow snow with it, and you do have to pay some attention to ground clearance in deep stuff. Otherwise, handling in snow is not an issue. And I don’t even have the best traction snow tires you can get, which I’m sure would make a difference.
I’ve been looking for quite some time for a car for my wife, and the 335d seems to have everything and more than she needs. I’m attracted to the 335d because I’m planning on driving it as well and can’t resist what I’ve read about the torque and handling. I think the car looks great as well, and when you add the fuel economy to the mix (pun intended), this car seems to have it all. Teh best price I’ve seen is about 9k off list, half of that coming from BMW’s Eco credit. Any comments on pricing, packages, etc, would be appreciated. My car will not be driven in snow — we are in the southeast. Thanks for your informative report! Justin
To Justin, please let me know where you are getting 9K off of MSRP I am looking to purchase now. Thanks!
I have also been privlidged to own and drive the 335d while being stationed here in Germany. I love the fact that the 335d can throw you in the back seat with that massive 425ft pounds of torque but still manage to fly pass refueling stations leaving the “d” and the driver with an undeniable smile. ENDURING POWER is what I like to call it. GREAT ARTICLE!
I think BMW has the right idea offering the diesel in the less expensive 3 series than mercedes more expensive E class. sell to the masses.
There was no mistake, the 335d DID return 50% better fuel economy, based on the US mile-per-gallon system of measurement. The 335d traveled 39 miles for every gallon versus the 335i’s 26 miles; 39/26 = 1.5, or 50% farther than the 335i. Using the European method, which measures fuel burned over a set distance, the 335d uses 33% less fuel.
Both numbers are saying the same thing, but without clarifying which method you used, the number becomes misleading. This article is meant for a US audience, and for people in the US, “33% better fuel economy” means traveling 33% farther per gallon of fuel, which is false. The 335d actually travels 50% farther per gallon of fuel. Whoever “corrected” the article was trying to make it seem like the 335d is less fuel efficient than it is.
Bring on the clean diesels!! For those looking at the Audi A3 TDI, checkout the VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI. Exact same engine, same platform, and the 2010+ VW Sportwagen actually has a nicer dash/instrument panel layout. Oh, and the VW sportwagen TDI also has more room in the back.
Strange that a diesel car is still something exotic in your US. In Holland, or Europe for that matter, there is no (affordable and still extreme speed) life without diesel cars possible. Can somebody tell me why this is the case? Rgds your flying diesel dutchman.
I just ordered a 335d and absolutely love the luxury,power,sport combined with responsible fuel economy. In the US which is where I live, diesels are misunderstood. Most americans think of the old diesels that would leave a bloom of stinky exhaust. Those days are gone, but the perception still lives. In my opinion, the us needs to be re introduced to the new diesel technology. I am going to do my part and do some show and tell via a BMW 335d.
Having owned a Golf TDI for the past 9 months, I’m a diesel convert, averaging around 40mpg and enjoying the torque. Last month I ordered a 335d and am looking forward to picking it up soon. It may not be as fast as an M3 or 335i, but during my road tests, it sure felt better in everyday driving. I drive a lot and between the Golf and 335d, my fuel bill will be less than half than it was in 2009. Will that compensate for the extra cost of the diesel? No, but it comes close and I’d rather not send so much to the oil producers!