2009 BMW 3 Series Review

Talking about my impressions of the BMW 335d requires I do some preemptive damage control, especially when the word "diesel" (that's the "d" in the name) comes out in the conversation.

The American perception of diesel engines is well earned, with trucks giving our noses plenty of reasons to hate them and early versions of diesel cars reminding our ears just how loud these engines could be - especially on early winter mornings.

But the new diesels have arrived and the BMW 335d is a great example of how far they have come. New diesels no longer assault the senses.

Why go diesel? For starters, remember $4.50 per gallon gas prices? The auto manufacturers do and good mileage ratings are constantly on their minds. Diesel engines deliver excellent fuel efficiency - a plus when gas prices rise.

Then there is the small matter of this being a BMW - that means it should deliver sports car-like excitement. Let me put enthusiasts at ease - this BMW delivers on every expectation.

Probably the best part of the BMW 335d is that you have little indication that it is powered by a diesel engine. But there are some hints. First, the engine is a bit louder than most on cold starts. The other hint - which will make driving enthusiasts grin from ear to ear - is extra low-end torque and lots of it.

Driving the 335d is enjoyable, comfortable and often downright fun. Other than the big diesel torque ratings, the 335d feels just like any other BMW 3-Series. Let's be clear: That's a really good thing. Sharp exterior looks, classy interior styling, precise steering and a well-balanced ride are blended into a great sedan.

The 335d has no special badging or labels to announce it is a diesel or anything other than a BMW.

Sitting on optional 18-inch rims with all-weather rubber, the 335d rides as well as it looks. Overall it is a classy, attractive sedan with new taillights that are an improvement over the last version. But the real story is inside - in the cabin and under the hood.

Anyone who might try to deny the pleasure of tapping out the 425 pound-feet of torque (at just 1,750 rpm) is either a crazed smart car fan - or lying.

The 335d's 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline six-cylinder, mated to an automatic six-speed transmission, delivers 265 horsepower. That kind of low-end torque may snap your neck, but you will have a smile on your face by the time your eyes get back onto the road.

The 335d's 36 mpg highway may become a bragging point, but this compact sedan is a lot of fun to run around the city (where it gets 23 mpg). According to BMW, the 335d's exhaust system manages its cleaner profile by injecting a pollutant-neutralizing urea mixture into the exhaust stream. This gives it emissions on par with others in the same class.

Inside the cabin you will find the predictable outstanding fit and finish of other BMW models.

Cabin noise is virtually nonexistent and comfort and luxury are everywhere. While some may not like the rather bland dash treatment, I enjoy the straightforward traditional analog gauges and perfect vision across the dash.

Leather seating is firm yet comfortable for long road trips. The side bolstering really helps keep the driver in place no matter what maneuvers are executed. The center stack is easily seen, though controlling it through the iDrive system is still an effort fraught with frustration at times.

Control of the infotainment equipment in the car can be handled through the iDrive knob on the center console. The iPod connector will not only connect portable music to the car's system, but it will charge the iPod. While this new iDrive is light years ahead of the first-generation misfit, it still needs some tweaking to make it more intuitive.

Front seat passengers have plenty of legroom while rear seat passengers taller than 6 feet will be cramped. Trunk space is on the smaller side, but it proved to be functional for everything I threw at it during my weeklong test. The standard audio system offers a single-CD slot as well as amazing digital quality sound. You will not yearn for additional speakers, better range or crisper sound with this base system offering.

The 335d offers keyless ignition. The key fob does not need to be inserted into the dash in order for the car to start and run - something I could easily get accustomed to.

There's no denying the complete performance package that is the BMW 335d. While offering luxury inside, it delivers athletic prowess and a balanced ride that easily places it at the top of this class. At a base price of $43,900 it ought to deliver such notable characteristics. Nearly $7,000 in options on my tester launched it into the $50,000-plus range. That could be a hard sell no matter how awesome the ride and power may be.

If you are searching for a genuine four-door sports car, the sport-packaged 335d I tested is absolutely what you are looking for, diesel or not. If you like the torque, if you love BMWs, if you don't mind searching for the diesel pumps in the Chicago area, then this 3-Series is for you.

2009 BMW 335d

ENGINE: 265-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline six-cylinder

TRANSMISSION: six-speed automatic

DRIVETRAIN: rear-wheel drive

FUEL ECONOMY: 23 city/36 highway

BASE PRICE: $43,900

AS TESTED: $50,000 plus

WEB SITE: www.BMWusa.com

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2009 BMW 3 Series

Smooth and clean.

John Stein