[track_warrior]

Just wanted to make a poll to see the take rate on the diesel 3 series in the US. It doesnt matter if you have a sedan or wagon. Please refrain from voting if you have a 4 series, GT, or non us spec car. It would be great to see if you could post a reason as to why you chose said engine as well.

My reason was that my wife needed a car for her daily commute that is 30 miles. She plans on keeping the car for at least 2 years and then it will become my daily driver instead of my golf tdi. Diesel made perfect sense and she is averaging 550-600 miles x tank since her commute is 75% highway 25% city. We could not be happier and dont think it lacks power at all compared to a 328i, it actually feels faster and more responsive in the city than the 328i (Had a loaner 328i for 3 weeks while my m3 was in the shop). I know the 328i is quicker but because of the way the power is delivered on the diesel it feels much more powerful than it actually is.

[drob23]

Doubt you'll get a reasonable buyer sample here, but good luck with the poll.

[Falafel Combo]

Originally Posted by drob23

Doubt you'll get a reasonable buyer sample here, but good luck with the poll.

Agree. Most enthusiasts here will be more inclined to opt for the gas engine due to a higher revving nature, 6mt and performance. Inherently biased sample.

[track_warrior]

Well at least we will see the take rate on the forums.

[USC2000]

I don't think an enthusiast forum will get you accurate results but I voted anyway.

[34.50]

Yes, you'll get skewed results from here. The models I see most on the road are base 320/328's. I have yet to see a F30 335 of any sort in my area - my dealer only had 2x 335i's on the lot when I was purchasing (I purchased one off the lot).

[RoundelM3]

The Diesel 4-cylinder engine hasn't been available for very long compared to the gasoline engines. An article in the latest Roundel Magazine on the 328d said that a 320i was lower in price with less torque but comparable horsepower. Add the increased cost of diesel to the price premium and the 320i appears to be the better buy, but on the other hand, diesels are sturdier and are lower-stressed than gas engines.

[ny325]

I rarely see F30 335s. Majority are F30 328i base.

[BavarianFanatic]

Originally Posted by ny325

I rarely see F30 335s. Majority are F30 328i base.

In real life they are few and far between. On forums they are the majority as seen in the results above. More proof that enthusiast forums aren't based in reality.

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by BavarianFanatic

In real life they are few and far between. On forums they are the majority as seen in the results above. More proof that enthusiast forums aren't based in reality.

I don't know if that's the correct statement, but I understand what you're trying to say - this forum (and others like it) aren't representative of a true cross-section of owners. Having been on here for a few years, I find that most of the members are not just your average BMW owner, and seem to lean in the direction of performance cars and driving. The X-series forums are probably less so, but all are representative of owners who are more than mildly enthusiastic about their favorite make and model of BMW.

[Professor///M]

Choose the N55 again for its horsepower & torque, and 30+mpg highway. If I could envision the M3 as a daily driver for me, that would be my car. I still can't, so the 335xi is the way to go for me.

I'll pay the nominal additional price for petrol for a bigger smile on my face.

[BavarianFanatic]

Originally Posted by roundel335

I don't know if that's the correct statement, but I understand what you're trying to say - this forum (and others like it) aren't representative of a true cross-section of owners. Having been on here for a few years, I find that most of the members are not just your average BMW owner, and seem to lean in the direction of performance cars and driving. The X-series forums are probably less so, but all are representative of owners who are more than mildly enthusiastic about their favorite make and model of BMW.

As a % of production, the 335 pales in comparison to the others - 328 in particular. And, yes, forums are generally frequented by enthusiasts and many enthusiasts opt for bigger power plants. 99.99% of owners get in and drive off. Forums are an infinitesimally small cross section of owners...

[BMWFanatic2008]

In US, 328i/xi would be the most popular model. 320 might take its place in the future (since it came later to the market it's hard to predict how popular it will become). 328d, in my opinion, doesn't make much sense as it's really a 320d with a price of > 328. If mpg is your main concern, get her a 320.

[RoundelM3]

I like the "exclusivity" of the 335...particularly my M-Sport model with PPK. Although I suspect most of the members here with 335s have added that on as well.

[drob23]

Originally Posted by BMWFanatic2008

In US, 328i/xi would be the most popular model. 320 might take its place in the future (since it came later to the market it's hard to predict how popular it will become). 328d, in my opinion, doesn't make much sense as it's really a 320d with a price of > 328. If mpg is your main concern, get her a 320.

I think it will depend on how quickly BMW can introduce a compact 4 door. The recent success of the CLA and eventually the A3 will force BMW's hand. 120i FWD sedan? I wonder how much profit BMW makes with a base no option 320i vs the same config for the 328i, since they have essentially the same internals.

[Rautha]

N20 here
We too had a TDI (09 Jetta Wagon) that we traded in last year for a Golf R. I was looking at the 328i versus 328d wagon. In the end, went for the 328i for 2 reasons. Cost of diesel in our area (running on average 50 cents or more per gallon more than premium) + additional cost of the diesel engine would take at least 50,000 miles to "break even" and after driving both I did enjoy the more spritely performance of the i.

As far as fuel mileage goes, averaging 30-31 mpg now. Car as 1900 miles on it now. Mixed back roads / highways. No real time spent in stop and go. I imagine this may go up a bit once we get out of teh sub-freezing temps we have had this winter in New England.

[ƒ°]

Originally Posted by PAMidge

Choose the N55 again for its horsepower & torque, and 30+mpg highway. If I could envision the M3 as a daily driver for me, that would be my car. I still can't, so the 335xi is the way to go for me.

I'll pay the nominal additional price for petrol for a bigger smile on my face.

I wish I could get 30+mpg on my 335. Driving like a grandma, the best I did was 21 mpg. Finally I said screw it. I only drive in Sport + now and I average 17 mpg.

[BavarianFanatic]

Originally Posted by Number

I wish I could get 30+mpg on my 335. Driving like a grandma, the best I did was 21 mpg. Finally I said screw it. I only drive in Sport + now and I average 17 mpg.

Mode has little to do with your mileage. It's the seat to throttle interface that has the most significant impact on economy. I drive in Sport+ 100% of the time and my mixed mileage is 27+. Highway is consistently low to mid 30s.

[RedlinePSI]

It's simple: 335 because bigger engine, more power, dual exhaust.

[Halsifer]

I was on the edge about picking the 335xi over the 328xi. I'm a student so I wanted to save gas, but I was already coming from a supercharged V6, so it was a little tough to step down to a turbo 4-cylinder... I had to go with the 335i xDrive, although it would have been smarter to save gas, the car makes up for it with the grin that goes on my face when I open up the throttle.

[bosjt]

I opted for the 328d v. 328i primarily because it was plenty quick for me (even compared to 328i) and the mileage was incredible. It's a daily driver but I also take long weekend trips. I've had it 8 days now and last weekend I got over 50MPG on a 135 mile trip back from skiing in New Hampshire. This week I got almost 41 MPG driving on I-95 in stop-n-go traffic for 39 miles, while having fun in Sport mode where possible. I'm also finding its fun talking to people about "why I got a diesel". Great car no matter what engine and options you get.

[ƒ°]

Originally Posted by BavarianFanatic

Mode has little to do with your mileage. It's the seat to throttle interface that has the most significant impact on economy. I drive in Sport+ 100% of the time and my mixed mileage is 27+. Highway is consistently low to mid 30s.

Agreed on the seat to throttle interface but even when my "interface" was as gentle as a grandma, I never achieved your numbers. Ever. I wonder if something is wrong with my car.