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Hybrids & Alt-Fuels

BMW ships, prices first US-market diesels in 20 years

By David Moll, on November 12, 2008

It’s been a long while since BMW sold a diesel car in the US market.

Since 1988, when the 524d and 524td sedans left our shores in a cloud of their own soot, the Soviet Union fell apart and Germany reunified. We’ve had two Bushes and a Clinton in the White House and watched oil prices surge to dizzying heights.

Now, even as crude oil prices continue to fall in the dour economy, BMW has returned with a pair of oil-burners.

We’ve got the inside line on both.

Starting next year, the German automaker will offer the 335d, a diesel version of the 3-series sedan and the X5 xDrive35d, based on the popular X5 SUV.

Both are powered by 3-liter, twin-turbocharged diesel inline-six rated at 265 horsepower and a tarmac-wrinkling 425 pound feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only option for both models. BMW has yet to develop a manual gearbox that can handle the immense torque output, so neither US or European customers will be able to row the gears themselves.

Like the new Mercedes-Benz diesels, the oil-burning BMWs will use a particulate filter and urea injection to eliminate soot and reduce emissions. The urea solution – which BMW calls AdBlue – is carried in a 5.5 gallon tank on both the 335d and X5 diesel. BMW expects a tankful to last for about 15,000 miles.

At 10,000 miles, the first AdBlue refill will be provided at no charge as a part of the automaker’s five-year, 40,000 mile complimentary maintenance program.

At the pump, the 335d is rated at 23 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway, with a range of about 560 miles. The X5 diesel carries a 22 gallon tank which translates to 585 miles with a 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway EPA rating.

The 335d will sell for $44,725 and the X5 xDrive35d will retail at $52,025, destination and handling included. Both will be eligible for a federal tax credit. The IRS will kick back $900 for each 335d, while X5 customers will qualify for the maximum federal tax credit of $1,550.

[BMW]

- © 2008 – 11 New Millennium Motoring / David Moll
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