It's no secret that I'm envious of the Europeans because they can buy most of their great cars with diesel engines.
Cars like the BMW 335d, 535d, Mercedes S350 and others are phenomenally great cars that have virtually no trade-offs from their gasoline brethrens.
And every time I go to Europe…I feel like they’re stickin’ it in my face.
Stickin’ it I tell ya! :)
At the BMW M3 event in Spain we were picked up at the airport and driven to the event in the 535d and the ride and performance was nothing short of AWESOME!
They also had a few of the wagons there as well (I actually think the wagon is better looking than the sedan but the USA customer hates wagons).
All the power anyone really needs, amazing mileage (computer was showing 680km to empty at close to ¾ of a tank), quiet ride (if they didn’t tell you it was a diesel, you wouldn’t know until you got out of the car) and that heavenly BMW suspension (best on earth in our opinion) were all on tap in this slick ride.
And, to add insult to injury, the 535d is available with the sport ‘M’ kit like the one that is ONLY available on the 550i in the USA!
That just ain’t right in our opinion!!!
But behind every cloud is a silver lining…as you know the 535d may eventually make it to the states (2009 model year).
So while it’s still in the planning stages with the product managers, PLEASE offer it with the sport ‘M’ body kit when it comes here.
AND, add the option to the 535 gas car as well.
For now, enjoy the photos…