Autoblog

BMW throws big cash on the hoods of its U.S. diesel offerings

Chris Shunk — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Crossover, BMW, Diesel

2009 BMW 335d - Click above for high-res gallery

When Chrysler started its new "Double CA$H For Your Old Car" promotion that included up to $4,500 in incentives on select vehicles, we weren't that surprised. After all, there are plenty of Chrysler products with at least that much cash on the hood. News that BMW is following suit with the same $4,500 in rebates on the purchase of a diesel powered 335d or X5 is a bit more surprising.

BMW is offering the rebates on the X5 35d and 335d as an "Eco Credit" to supplement Cash for Clunkers. BMW points out that on top of the up to $4,500 in incentives, buyers of the Bavarian diesels are also eligible for tax credits of $900 for the 335d and $1,800 for the X5 35d. And since the oil-burners are so efficient, BMW estimates fuel savings over four years at $2,000 verses comparable petrol-powered luxury rides.

The program, which runs through August 31, is being advertised as a one-time special offer, but it could also signal a lack of acceptance for diesel-powered luxury vehicles in the US. That would be too bad, though, because the diesel Bimmers we've driven were flat-out terrific, and with 580 miles/tank and a 20% reduction in CO2, they're eco-friendly, too. Hit the jump to read the BMW press release. Hat tip to Why not the LS2LS7.

Gallery: Review: 2009 BMW 335d

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW throws big cash on the hoods of its U.S. diesel offerings

BMW throws big cash on the hoods of its U.S. diesel offerings originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 BMW 335d proves 'Efficient Dynamics' more entertaining than it sounds

Chris Paukert — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Green, BMW

2009 BMW 335d - Click above for high-res gallery

In recent weeks, America's comparatively stratospheric price of diesel fuel has slid back down to achieve parity with the price of conventional gasoline. One might think this development means it's a great time to invest in a new oil-burner for the driveway, but the reality is that unless you're an OPEC minister, there's no good way to ensure this pricing trend is here to stay. So, allow us to table the fuel economy argument for a moment and suggest a radically different reason for going diesel: driving enjoyment.

While this idea may strike as an inherently foreign concept to most American motorists, the truth is that the torquetastic nature of diesel engines is particularly well suited to the Great American Roadscape - even more so than hybrid drivetrains. You can be forgiven for thinking otherwise - after all, automakers haven't exactly given U.S. consumers a boatload of entertaining derv burners to sample, have they? Thankfully, the folks at BMW may have just the prescription: the 335d.

Gallery: Review: 2009 BMW 335d

Continue reading Review: 2009 BMW 335d proves 'Efficient Dynamics' more entertaining than it sounds

Review: 2009 BMW 335d proves 'Efficient Dynamics' more entertaining than it sounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 335d will be released in November as 2009 model

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Green, Crossover, BMW

Click above for more high-res images of the 2009 BMW 3 Series

Rest easy, torque-lovers, BMW will be releasing the diesel version of its uber-popular 3 Series sedan in the United States later this year, exactly on schedule. Because it's so late in the year, the Bavarian automaker will be labeling it as a 2009 model, leading some to believe that the 335d was not going to be coming until next year. Not so, according to BMW spokesman Tom Plucinsky, who confirmed to KickingTires that both the 335d and the X5 35d will be making it Stateside sometime in November after production begins in September.

Both upcoming diesel models from BMW will use a 3.0-liter twin turbo oil-burner rated at 265hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. That's plenty of stump-pulling torque, but the best news could be the expected fuel mileage of 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway when paired with the six speed automatic.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 3 Series

[Source: Kicking Tires]

BMW 335d will be released in November as 2009 model originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 3-series refresh confirmed for Paris debut

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, BMW

The 2009 BMW 3-series will be revealed in all its facelifted glory at the Paris Motor Show and sales will begin across North America this October. The only discernible differences up front are a new fascia that apes the recently unveiled 7-series, new headlamps with "altered graphics," a contoured hood and modified mirror housings. Out back, the subtle changes continue, with a new taillight design that integrates more cleanly into the trunk lid and a reworked bumper that will join a one-inch wider track on high end version of the 3-series.

Inside, you'll find a revised armrest on the driver's side door, an updated iDrive controller and software, a high-resolution 8.8-inch screen, with options for an 80-gig hard drive that can store MP3s and the sat nav software.

The 335i's (claimed) 300 hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbo six will remain, as will the 328i's 230 hp, 3.0-liter inline-six. The new addition to the family is the 335d, which is packing a 265 hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six diesel, equipped with urea injection to keep the U.S.'s SMOG sniffers happy. However, if you were hoping for a 335d coupe, you're out of luck - the oil burner is only available in the sedan and fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission. Otherwise, the tranny choices will include the six-speed manual or six-speed auto 'box. However, Autoweek makes no mention of the DCT gearbox. Too bad.

Expect all the details to be revealed shortly.

[Source: Autoweek]

BMW 3-series refresh confirmed for Paris debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 335d caught ahead of U.S. launch this fall

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW 335d.

KPG's crack team has caught the U.S.-spec BMW 335d undergoing testing ahead of its official launch in the States later this year, and according to the shooters, the introduction of the 335d will coincide with the launch of the revised 3-series. Don't expect much from the facelift, as the new 3 will only receive a new front bumper and some tweaks to the headlamps. However, the interior will benefit from the new iDrive interface recently revealed on the 2009 7-series.

The 335d is expected to lose a few ponies when it makes the trek across the Atlantic, so power figures are estimated at 265 hp and 425 lb.-ft. of torque. That kind of twist is nothing to sneeze at, allowing the 335d to hit 60 in around 6.2 seconds and could make a compelling case for gasoline purists to make the transition to oil burning efficiency. Fuel consumption is expected to be 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the open road.

Naturally, BMW will be launching a new campaign when it introduces the 335d to the U.S. market for the first time, so expect to see ads touting BMW's "Advance Diesel with BluePerformance," - with the "Blue" referring to the urea solution that reduces NO2 emissions.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW 335d

[Source: KGP]

Spy Shots: BMW 335d caught ahead of U.S. launch this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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