Vehicle: 2009 BMW 335d with 6-speed Steptronic, Sport Pkg and Executive Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$58200

Performance: Unlike all the 3-Series we have driven before, the subject of our tester is the one powered by a clean diesel unit. Although its desingation is 335, its actually a 3.0 liter twin-turbo diesel engine with BMW’s legendary DOHC in-line 6 configuration. While its horsepower rating is at 265, its the torque that is truly astounishing. Make it 425 lb/ft of torque, which is at the range of any gasoline V8 engines. When you have 425 lb/ft of torque arrives at low as 1750 rpm, the 335d can easily spin the wheels off-the-line. The twin-turbo diesel in-line 6’s torque is nothing short of amazing. Another astounishing fact is the diesel unit doesn’t lost any of BMW I-6’s legendary refinement and quality. All have done without the annoying turbo lag we experienced with 335i Steptronic. 6-speed Steptronic is the only gearbox matched with the diesel unit. It got excellent gear ratios for quick acceleration off-the-line with that wonderful 425 lb/ft of torque, while the top 5 and 6th gears are tall enough for comfortable Autobahn cruising. Its a pity it doesn’t come with BMW’s sweet 6-speed manual gearbox, as that would make this twin-turbo diesel even sweeter with even better fuel economy. Despite that, the Steptronic continues to generate an average of 7 liters per 100km during the day of our testing. That’s a very good fuel economy figure consider 335d weights at 1735 kg of German leather-lined luxury.

Handling: Its hard to fault BMW’s chassis, as it always provides excellent stiffness and rigidty, for suspension to hang its heads. The 335d’s dynamic abilities continue to shine with its gasoline silibings. We are glad to see BMW product planners don’t offer Active Steering as an option for the gas burner, as it provides a true BMW driving feel. Another delightful fact is the underwhelming X-Drive AWD doesn’t come as an option in the 335d. The result is the typical RWD 50/50 perfect weight distribution, which gives the 335d a balanced yet agile feel that defined the 3-Series. The steering provides wondeful feel and feedback, its precise with the right amount of weight. BMW’s DSC-3 continues to be an uninstrusive variety. As it won’t step it at the wrong time that detract any driving enthuisast for having some oversteer fun. The 335d’s over and understeer are easy to control and composed enough even for unskilled driver. Pushed through corners, the body rolls are minimal. Our tester comes with optional sports suspension. This suspension is supple enough for enthuisastic driving without losing the softness to occupy its occupants. It absorbs all the bumps, roughness and washboard pavement with ease. That is the sort of balance and composure we expect from a 3-Series, instead of those gimmicky Active Steering and underwhelming X-Drive that detract its driving abilties.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, 335d’s braking prowess certainly lives up with BMW’s usual standards. The stopping distance is short, while both pedal feel and modulation are sure-footness. After a couple of hard stops, it remains fade-free. The bonus marks goes to the ABS that only acts up necessarily.

Interior: Except for the tachometer that have a lower redline, the rest of the interior is typical 3-Series. Which means the use of materials and fit-and-finish are nothing outstanding, nor its anything terrible. BMW has improved the materials during the revision, however, its still far from being class-leading in workmanship and design.

Conclusion: Even if the 335d doesn’t come with a manual gearbox, it has quickly become our favourite 3-Series today. As BMW provides the right option packages with proper RWD configuration and an awesome twin-turbo in-line 6 diesel engine, without all the gimmicks available with its gasoline silibings.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 BMW 335d
=====================================
Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 5/5