Best Deal Of The Week: 2011 BMW 335d

Each week, the AOL Autos Editors are highlighting a vehicle that we think is an exceptionally good deal based on its credentials and its current selling price compared with its MSRP and historical selling price. Make sure to check back every week for THE hot deal!

Here's a tip: Diesel cars are awesome. They're clean, offer excellent performance numbers and, most importantly, get great fuel economy. In fact, diesels outsold hybrids in 2011. So why in the world is the BMW 335d, a car that possesses top-of-the-line ratings in three categories -- performance, interior and fuel economy -- selling at such a heavy discount?

Jesse Toprak, VP of Market Intelligence at TrueCar.com, explains: "BMW is offering $3,500 Eco Credit incentive for this model to encourage the sales of their diesel versions. Despite making up half the sales in Europe, diesel engines still lack real popularity in the US market."

The fact is that, in spite of their superb specs, many car buyers continue to be wary of diesel cars. Years of association with smog, noise and foul odors will do that. Plus, diesel costs more than regular and premium gas much of the year. But we here at AOL Autos and our readers, by extension, know better. They're cleaner, quieter, far less smelly than they used to be and drivers don't have to sacrifice driving performance like they do with hybrids.

Let's take a quick look at what you're getting in a BMW 335d for a 14.1% ($6,228) average discount right now: A 3.0-liter, twin turbo, inline six-cylinder advanced diesel engine that puts out 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy of 23 mpg City and 36 mpg Highway. A world class interior featuring some of the latest in automotive tech and infotainment. Standard safety features including six airbags, four wheel anti-lock disc brakes with adaptive brake-lights, bi-xenon headlights, electronic traction and stability control and run-flat tires. And, of course, that coveted BMW badge.

The BMW 3-Series continues to be one of the best luxury sedans on the market, combining sporty performance, a refined interior and, with the 335d, excellent fuel economy. Diesels also have among the very best resale values in the industry. We think this is one of the best choices in the segment and with an all-new 3-Series going on sale soon, a 2011 335d will go for a very good price. Get to your local BMW dealership and bargain hard or take along an AOL Autos Best Price Guarantee Certificate. You can walk away with a great deal.

Guaranteed Best Price: The 2011 BMW 335d is currently selling at 14.1% below MSRP or $37,922 on average. To get your Guaranteed Best Price certificate from one of our thousands of participating dealers across the country, click on the button below.