BMW Drops More Diesels On American Consumers

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

What a day for TTAC readers. Not only did Volvo revive the wagon with the Euro-tastic V60, but BMW is about to bring us two new diesel powered cars.

Both sedan and wagon versions of the 328d will be offered, offering 180 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque and 45 mpg on the highway. BMW says city fuel economy should be in the mid 30’s. No manual will be offered, but all-wheel drive will be. Unfortunately, you’ll have to spend about $40,000 to get all this. Also on tap is a diesel 5-Series. BMW didn’t say much about that, but look for it in 2014.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Stevelovescars Stevelovescars on Mar 27, 2013

    A couple of thoughts: - Diesel isn't more expensive than gasoline everywhere... Last time I looked here in NorCal, Diesel was the same price as mid-grade gasoline. It occasionally costs the same as premium. - if every car purchase came down to a dollar and cents calculation, nobody would ever buy a BMW... Purchase price and ownership costs (after warranty especially) would never calculate. Furthermore, if this calculation was everything how would anyone justify buying the bigger engine option? It isn't like the base 3-series isn't more than fast enough to blow by most any real world traffic you'll encounter in the US. It's an interesting intellectual calculation but car purchases aren't always entirely rational. As another Fiat Abarth owner, there were a lot if other cars I could have purchased that were cheaper, more comfortable, quieter, and even more practical... But I really enjoy driving that little thing.

    • Big Al from Oz Big Al from Oz on Mar 28, 2013

      @stevelovescars I couldn't agree with you more. To get into a diesel will always cost more compare to the same model. But, like myself I calculated how much money I had for a vehicle then spent what I thought represent the most "bang" for my buck. And bang doesn't necessarily mean the same to everyone. If you have $40k to spend you will look at a range of vehicles, including brands. If a diesel does interest you and its within your price bracket you will buy. Also, even in Australia diesel have been around for a while, they still retain better re-sale value.

  • Hachee Hachee on Mar 28, 2013

    Our main family car is mostly used by my wife during the week, and we need something with a third row. No matter what car you drive, stop and go suburban driving in a hilly area will get you crappy gas mileage. When the lease was up on our 2008 gasoline X5 3.0, I really wanted something with better mileage, mostly because I just felt a bit guilty about using so much fuel, when I could use less. (Yes, I know I could have just gotten a Highlander hybrid or have done other things to save the planet.) I thought the diesel X5 was a good option. While many drivers do, I didn't really consider how long the diesel, vs. the gas model, would compare in terms of cost, because at the time, diesel prices were similar to premium, and the deal on the diesel was great. The monthly lease payment for the identically equipped car was probably a bit less for the diesel. Now, having had the diesel for 2+ years, I see the appeal. Mileage is about 20% better (although diesel costs more than premium), range is excellent, but most of all, I love how the diesel drives. I recently had a gas X5 loaner, and didn't like it nearly as much. So it's not just the cost equation that people should consider, although I don't think they'll ever sell in large numbers if the equivalent model is much more expensive.

  • Carlson Fan Carlson Fan on Mar 28, 2013

    I'll buy into the fact that you like the way it drives and that you like spending less money on fuel. That's pretty much the same argument I would use for a Chevy Volt. I've seen diesel 33% higher than gas in MN during the winter. Add in the higher maintenance and repairs costs associated with a diesel and the TCO savings just aren't there for most. That said, if GM were to drop a nice little I4 Isuzu turbo diesel into a 1/2 ton chassis I would be all over that. Why, because I buy my trucks to tow and I love how diesels tow. The savings in a heavy truck shaped like a brick would probably be realized quicker than any car. For me the attributes of the diesel would be just as big of a selling point as the improved fuel economy.

  • CJinSD CJinSD on Mar 29, 2013

    BMW builds cars for apologists now. Here's another one. If diesel catches on in the US, it will drive up the cost of diesel fuel in Europe massively. Funny.

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