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Miserly M: 2011 BMW 335d M-Sport

Okay, so diesel has a bit of a bad reputation right now. For an enthusiast, that’s not necessarily a bad thing – and when you weigh the advantages it offers it can be quite compelling. For sure there is mileage; a friend of mine daily commutes in an A3 TDi, and despite a relatively heavy foot he returns a pretty reliable 40 m.p.g.. That’s impressive. But surveying the real world results of BMW’s diesel offering seems to suggest that it doesn’t return much better mileage than our N52 gas motor, which is inexplicably capable of 30 m.p.g. on the highway at reasonable speeds. But what BMW’s first U.S. offering of a diesel in the 3-series does offer is some sport. You see, while M3 owners will shout all day about horsepower numbers, the 335d’s weapon is being pushy. The S65 may be a legendary V8 already, but it only is able to twist with 295lb. ft of torque. In contrast, the 335d offers a bit more in the M57 turbo diesel – a total of 428 lb.ft of torque, with horsepower numbers that nearly match the N55 at 282. Equipped with the M-Sport performance options, this is about as close to a diesel M as you can get:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2011 BMW 335d M-Sport on eBay


Year: 2011
Model: 335d
Engine: 3.0 liter turbocharged inline-6 diesel
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Mileage: 81,556 mi
Price: $14,950 Buy It Now

Thanks for taking a look at my BMW 335d sport sedan. This car is an astonishing combination of performance and fuel economy. It boasts one of BMW’s best rated power trains. It is equipped well beyond any others you will find. From Navigation to the M Sport package, this car has it all. It also was a BMW Certified car until June 2016 (Just Expired). That means it comes to you needing absolutely no repairs. Just buy and drive. Its priced aggressively and will not last long at this price. BID, WIN and ENJOY!

Perhaps the only downside of these 335ds in the U.S. was the automatic-only option, but for a commuter and with more modern automatics, it’s really not much of a detraction. Personally speaking, the 6-speed ZF GA6HP19Z in our 530xi is really an excellent option and I’d guess that the similar E90 transmission should be equally a nice drive. Just yesterday I picked up a used set of wheels and snow tires from a 335d x-drive owner who’s car was in the shop, apparently with an exploded differential from the massive torque generated by the M57; in rear drive configuration, this should be less of a worry. Like the gentleman I met yesterday, this particular car was under extended warranty so it really should be turn-key (or push key, push button) for the next owner. Outside of some minor rash on the Style 193 wheels, the presentation is great, and the combination of the very pretty Space Gray with gray leather and Burr Walnut is awesome. The M-Sport package also gave you lower suspension and the awesome 18s, so this really looks like an M product rather than a loaner 328. Despite that, pricing is below what many N54/55 cars come to market at. Whether it will come out in the future that BMW, too, was cheating with emissions remains to be seen, but in the meantime this package offers luxury, good looks, sporty performance and reasonably good fuel economy at a very affordable price.

-Carter

9 Comments

  1. Jesse siglow
    Jesse siglow September 10, 2016

    I have read numerous reports about these 335D models having serious problems with carbon fouling inside the engine; apparently it is a +$5,000 fix… And it is almost a guarantee to happen.

    Does anyone have real-world info or experience beyond the many reviews on the inter webs? I love these cars but a 5k cleaning every 60k miles is a big detractor.

  2. JediJoker
    JediJoker September 10, 2016

    Link is to a Golf…

  3. Early8Q
    Early8Q September 10, 2016

    Never been behind the wheel of one, but I would love to have a chance. I bet the torque provides muscle car like thrust. I know the enthusiasts out there frown on diesels generally, but not this one.

  4. Melobeam
    Melobeam September 10, 2016

    The carbon fouling issue has been blown way out of proportion. I own a similar 2011 335d Msport, and while I have only 50k on mine, I have confirmed with my mechanic that carbon cleaning would cost a fraction of that amount, if I ever need it. I run 80% highway cruising, and have an overall average of 32.6mpg with plenty of hard acceleration to enjoy all that torque. I did a quick 1000 mole round trip from LA to Tucson for a funeral last year and averaged 37mpg. A simple plug-in tuner box (JBD) will boost the car to 500 lb/ft, which is simply crazy for a beautifully handling car that burns so little cheap diesel.

  5. Jesse siglow
    Jesse siglow September 10, 2016

    Melobeam, great to hear that you are NOT having the carbon issue. Like I said, I love these cars… But I’ve been intimidated by the possibility of such a deal breaker issue (not to mention “normal” BMW service expenses). I’ll do a bit more research and maybe add the 335d back in to the short list! Thanks for your input.

  6. Carter
    Carter September 10, 2016

    Link is corrected, thanks all.

  7. Paul Hughes
    Paul Hughes September 11, 2016

    I had a 2010 335D with sport package. Probably one of the most fun cars I’ve ever owned, torque was just unreal, but it did have numerous emissions systems issues and the Adblue tank access in the bumper wasn’t super convenient. Several owners on the E90post forum had problems, mainly cars with mostly city driving. I sold mine a year out of warranty after the first big post warranty service bill.

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