Autoblog

BMW nixing 335d in favor of new 3 Series Hybrid?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Etc., Europe, Technology, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

According to a number of reports, BMW has given up on diesel power for the 3 Series in the United States. Why would BMW turn its back on the torquey and efficient 335d? The reason is supposedly two-fold. It's no secret the automaker is bringing an ActiveHybrid 3 Series to market in the fall of this year. Given America's insatiable, if not illogical, thirst for hybrids, reason would have us believe BMW has switched sides in the diesel versus hybrid fight. Then there's the fact that the turbo four-cylinder gasoline engine in F30 328i now nearly matches the outgoing 335d in both efficiency and power. Those circumstances seem to be a curtain call for any return of the 335d in America.

When we spoke to BMW about the supposed demise of the 335d, the automaker made it clear the ActiveHybrid 3 Series is in no way meant to replace the diesel. While the automaker doesn't plan to release a new 335d during 2012, the company is currently evaluating the case for a successor. Odds are, that means finding a way to make the vehicle a worthwhile investment for both consumers and the automaker.

When asked if that meant a turbo 2.0-liter diesel was an option, Tom Plucinsky, BMW product communications manager, said, "The F30 328i has the same EPA rating as the 335d. We need to up our game if we're going to continue to offer a 3 Series diesel in the U.S. It's a possibility."

So, don't go throwing dirt on the 3 Series diesel's coffin just yet.

BMW nixing 335d in favor of new 3 Series Hybrid? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New BMW 328i actually more fuel efficient than old 335d diesel

Zach Bowman — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Technology, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

Saying automotive journalists like diesel sedans is like arguing the color pink is going to do well with the 5-year-old-girl demographic this quarter. You're not going to find too many dissenting voices. So, it should be no surprise that we love ourselves some BMW 335d. With plenty of power and impressive fuel economy, the outgoing diesel is a mechanical wonder child. And yet, thanks to the new F30-generation BMW 328i, with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, there's some competition for the title of most fuel efficient 3 Series.

Admittedly, the 328i's numbers are a far cry from the 265 ponies and 425 lb-ft of torque cranked out by the diesel-fueled 3.0-liter inline six in the 335d. Even so, the 2012 328i is considerably lighter and more aerodynamic. It also boasts a next-generation transmission, which helps the car get to 60 mph one tenth of a second quicker than the old 335d. That's surprising, but not nearly as surprising as the fact that the 328i manages 1 mpg better than the diesel in the combined cycle. According to the EPA's just-released figures, the 328i nets 24 miles per gallon in the city and an impressive 36 mpg on the highway. The 335i? 23 mpg city and 36 highway.

We'll give you a moment to pick up your jaw from the floor. Now all BMW needs to do, as Automobile points out, is drop a diesel four-cylinder behind the headlights of the 3 Series to go after even bigger green credentials. Fingers crossed.

New BMW 328i actually more fuel efficient than old 335d diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and... American roots?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

BMW Super Bowl Ad - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

BMW was one of the few companies to keep its Super Bowl advertising plans to itself until kick off time, but the Roundel came to the game packing two 30-second spots. The company said it wanted to get two messages across to Americans: that its diesels are cleaner and more powerful than ever and that the German manufacturer is continuing to invest in America even as the economy struggles to recover. In order to make that happen, BMW enlisted the vocal talents of actor Chris Pine (of Star Trek fame) for the two spots. Pine is now the official voice of BMW advertising here in the States.

The first ad is clearly aimed at distinguishing the 335d from the American perception of diesel - sluggish old Volvo wagons, rough-idling Mercedes-Benz sedans and soot-spewing trucks and busses. The second ad focuses on the company's efforts in Spartanburg, South Carolina, including producing every X3 on the planet. Hit the jump to check out both spots as well as the full press release.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and... American roots?

Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and... American roots? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #196 - with Jonny Lieberman from Motor Trend

Dan Roth — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Etc., BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Lotus

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

For Episode #196 of the Autoblog Podcast, recently departed Autoblogger Jonny Lieberman joins us from his perch atop the ivory Motor Trend tower. In between recounting stories from the land of the Buff Books, Chris, Dan and Jonny talk over some of this week's news, including the Lotus Elite, the final Ford Ranger in North America, the BMW 6 Series concept and a truckload of new Chrysler information about the 200C, the Challenger, transmissions, and more. We finish up with some of your feedback near the epic two-hour mark. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #196 - With Jonny Lieberman from Motor Trend

In the Autoblog Garage:

Chrysler 300C SRT-8
BMW 335D
Ferrari 458 Italia

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Jonny Lieberman

Runtime: 1:49:30

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #196 - with Jonny Lieberman from Motor Trend originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW to release 3 Series hatch similar to 5 Series GT

Dan Roth — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Wagons are apparently so outre that we're now seeing mish-mash vehicles like crossovers hiding the truth that, at their core, they're just wagons. BMW is no stranger to this - witness the recent 5 Series GT. Looking to build on the Grand Turismo variants of its wares, BMW is reportedly developing a 3 Series GT, expected to launch for 2011. The details haven't changed since the last time we posted about this vehicle, but BMW is nodding its corporate head that ja, there will be such a car.

The 335 Grand Turismo will bridge the gap between the 3 and 5 Series cars, a narrow one at that. The tailgate should be a two-position affair, like the 5er, and it's possible that four- and five-place configurations may be offered. If it happens, diesel and gasoline engines are expected, though any M3 version is probably not going to happen. Why this might be any more successful against such competition as the Audi A4 Avant than would a traditional 3 Series wagon is a mystery, but maybe BMW has struck on the magic formula that makes ungainly cars a hot commodity.

Gallery: First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo

[Source: Channel 4]

REPORT: BMW to release 3 Series hatch similar to 5 Series GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Local Motors begins deposit-taking for Internet-designed diesel Rally Fighter [w/VIDEO]

Chris Paukert — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Diesel

Local Motors Rally Fighter - click above to watch the videos after the jump

Would-be automakers Local Motors have announced that they are now taking reservations for their madcap Rally Fighter, purportedly the world's first vehicle designed by Internet committee ("crowdsourcing"). Penned by contest-winner Sangho Kim, the Rally Fighter looks unlike any other street vehicle we can recall, taking the off-road coupe aesthetic shown in offerings like the BMW X6M and putting it on a crash course through Baja, or a Bowler Nemesis on a budget.

Your spot in line for the high-powered four-seater can be secured with a refundable $99 deposit, which will get you a place in line. At some point in the future, you, a number-holder, will be contacted to lock in your build date with a $5,000 deposit against the estimated $50,000 build price. Then, if all goes well, the folks at Local Motors and you will sit down to design your own Rally Fighter, a vehicle that is promised to have 20-inches of suspension travel, be road legal, and achieve 36 miles-per-gallon on the highway (30 mpg off-road!).

In order to get the tube-framed, fiberglass-and-carbon bodied Rally Fighter to meet those goals, the off-roadster will feature the twin-turbo inline-six out of the BMW 335d, an engine that should get them the 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque without fiddling, though we can't imagine this is an inexpensive proposition.

This looks like a neat bit of kit, but we'll reserve a large dose of skepticism for the folks at Local Motors until we can learn more. In the meantime, check out the press release and a couple of videos of LM's crew making the initial order announcement and talking about the vehicle's construction, all of which is available after the jump. Hat tip to Mike!

[Source: Local Motors]

Continue reading Local Motors begins deposit-taking for Internet-designed diesel Rally Fighter [w/VIDEO]

Local Motors begins deposit-taking for Internet-designed diesel Rally Fighter [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:55:00 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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Rumormill: BMW diesels on sale in the U.S. mid-October

Michael Harley — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Green, BMW, Rumormill

Click above for more images of BMW's new diesels

The BMW X5 xDrive35d and 335d, both revealed live at the Detroit Auto Show, will be coming to the States in mid-October according to the latest rumor. The common engine will be BMW's dual turbocharged 3.0L inline-six diesel, good for 265 hp and 425 pound-feet of torque. According to BMW, these two vehicles will be among the most fuel-efficient and best performing in their respective classes. In addition, with their urea injection system and particulate filters, they should be among the cleanest too.

We called our contacts within BMW to confirm or deny the rumor, and as expected, our sources could only reiterate BMW's previous official statements that the cars would be "out by fall."

Gallery: Detroit 2008: BMW diesels

[Source: BMW Blog]

Rumormill: BMW diesels on sale in the U.S. mid-October originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW to bring twin-turbo diesel to the U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Green

Those of us Stateside have been deprived of more diesel models than you shake an oversized fuel nozzle at, but it looks like the folks over at BMW may be on their way to curing our high-mileage, high-torque lust. The automaker's 286 HP, 427 lb.-ft. of torque 3.0-liter twin turbo engine may find a way under the hood of various models throughout BMW's lineup, likely to append the "35d" designation to the 3-, 5- and 6-series models. Fuel mileage should be up over 35 MPG, but there's no word on when it will arrive. If we had to guess, we'd say late next year.

[Source: Wards Auto]

BMW to bring twin-turbo diesel to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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