US BMW 335d to be automatic transmission only

Photos have hit the web this morning showing the facelifted 2009 BMW 3-series. There is nothing dramatically different but the front fascia and rear taillights have been subtly reshaped. On the inside trim has been updated and the universally hated iDrive system has finally been given a completely new interface which is reportedly much easier to navigate. Perhaps of most interest to American drivers is the upcoming 335d model. The 335d will hit the streets of America this fall with a 3.0L six cylinder turbodiesel rated at 265hp and 425lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately for those drivers among us who actually enjoy the act of piloting a vehicle, BMW has chosen not to offer the diesel with a manual transmission. In reality this probably won't be that much of a problem since the immense torque of the diesel means you don't have to shift all that much anyway. The 535d we reviewed some months back had the 6 speed automatic and it didn't hurt performance at all while averaging 27mpg.

[Source: AutoWeek]