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BMW models, news & reviews
5
Handling
4
Performance
Usability
Feelgood factor
Readers' rating
3.5
By Ben Oliver
First Drives
19 October 2006 09:40
Oh yes. BMW points out that the new 335d is the most powerful diesel engine it has sold in the UK and the most powerful six-pot diesel in the world. Crammed into a little 3-series - we tested the coupe, but you can order it in the saloon or touring - it produces a titanically, toweringly fast car. But for those used to quick petrol cars, it’s a different and deceptive kind of fast. Rev it out to the redline from standstill and the diesel produces a deep, six-pot yowl. But it does its most impressive work at speeds in excess of, erm, 69mph, the rev needle flicking lazily from 1500 to 2500rpm, the engine almost silent but producing torque so vast, solid and palpable you feel you can reach out and touch it, and acceleration so at odds with the car’s otherwise utterly calm demeanour that it’s very easy to get caught out. This kind of performance is odd, rare and distinctive. You need to experience it.
That 286bhp is actually 12bhp more than the 535d gets, though the Fünfer will be uprated soon. The peak torque of 427lb ft comes in at just 1750rpm. The 2993cc straight-six is twin-turbocharged and works a six-speed auto box with wheel-mounted shifters. 0-62mph is done in 6.1sec and the top speed is limited to 155mph, but it’s the imperious in-gear acceleration that really impresses. And this diesel supercar promises a combined 37.7mpg and a CO2 figure of 200g/km.
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BMW 335d Coupe (2006) CAR review
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politeperson says
RE: BMW 335d Coupe CAR review
The car in you photo shows a manual gear change. This was never offered on UK spec. 335ds, otherwise I would have bought one. If you have managed to get hold of the only 335d manual coupe in the world, can I buy it from you please? (my 330d manual coupe is excellent).
06 January 2009 23:04
fei2 says
How I wish
Living in beautiful island of Singapore, we are always eyeing the great diesel with much envy. Why? It's our authority slowness in recognising the advance in diesel technology in producing cleaner engines, better consumption, thus environmental more friendly, and nearly as exciting and satisfying to drive. We can only wait for the authority to wake up to the fact that a small island claiming to be world class have to really live up to world class!
08 February 2008 08:06
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