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Diesels Coming To 3 Series And X5 Jan. 5, 2008 ) Europe's diesel X5. Click on images for larger views.
So this autumn the company will launch a diesel version of the popular 3 Series sedan and X5 Sports Activity Vehicle, called the 335d and X5 xDrive35d, respectively. Under the hoods resides a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with variable twin turbos. Horsepower comes in at a very respectable 265 and torque at an impressive 425 pound-feet at just 1,750 RPM. Technology called Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance allows the engine to meet the stringent emission requirements of all 50 US states. (The system requires refilling at oil-change intervals.) Multiple winner of the International Engine Of The Year award, this diesel is said to be about 25-percent more fuel efficient than a similarly powered gas engine. In the 335d, BMW estimates 23
Acceleration from zero to 62 MPH is estimated at 6.2 seconds — just 0.6 slower than the 330i. In the X5 xDrive35d, BMW estimates 19 MPG in the city, 25 on the highway. This compares to the similarly powered 260-horse gas X5 3.0si's 17 and 23 (EPA figures), respectively. Again, BMW's estimates seem quite conservative. Acceleration from zero to 62 MPH is estimated at 7.2 seconds — once again 0.6 off the 3.0si's 7.8 seconds, but this time the diesel is quicker! Pricing of the 335d and X5 xDrive35d will be announced later this year. The vehicles
While new to the United States and Canada, diesel BMWs have been available in Europe since 1983. No less than 67 percent of all BMWs sold in Europe are diesel. However, BMW once did offer a diesel engine in North America — which was also its first diesel ever — an inline-six with 115 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque, powering the mid-'80s 524td model. ) A diesel 3 Series in Europe — note the small D on the trunk lid.
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