Hearing our pleas, we're being told BMW will be bringing the diesel 3-series to the US in the coming months. As proof, we've got shots from our spy friends at KGP of the oil-burning BMW doing some final testing on American soil as well shots of it at the green-handled pump. The 2009 BMW 335d should feature a slightly lower level of performance compared to the European turbodiesel, but that still means 265 HP and 425 lb-ft of torque. This should result in a 0-to-60 MPH time of around 6.2 seconds while getting a rumored 23 MPG city / 33 MPG highway. Full spy report below the jump.
Spy Report
BMW is in the midst of its final testing for the U.S.-spec 335d—the first diesel-powered Bimmer to be sold in North America. The introduction of the 335d will coincide with the launch of facelifted sheetmetal destined for the entire 3-series lineup.Due to e-mission restrictions, the U.S. version of the 335d will reportedly be down on power from its European cousin (265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque vs. 282 hp and 428 lb-ft.), but even our U.S. numbers—especially the fat torque number—promise terrific performance that may well be enough convince people to make the move to diesel.
As with the 335i gasoline engine, BMW will use two turbochargers—a small, low-pressure turbo to aid low-end acceleration and a more potent turbo to help at higher engine speeds. Acceleration for the 335d is expected be around 6.2-seconds to sixty, while fuel consumption will likely yield 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
BMW's new diesel range is expected to launch under the banner: BMW Advance Diesel with BluePerformance (Blue denotes the use of AdBlue—the aqueous urea solution used to reduce the diesel's nitrogen oxide emissions). The 335d is expected to bow this fall.