2011 test drives (long)

[bimmer_buachaill]

Thanks travel5b. Just found out that "Where" is available on Android too.

[motordavid]

b b,
Thanks for the excellent comparo/write-up!
Helluva day when you can roll around in several
versions, back to back.

For me, I admit I have lost some of my X Spotter
IQ with all the various versions and the new
inflated engine nomenclature, but I enjoyed your
post very much, as it put the versions in better
perspective.
GL, mD

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by bimmer_buachaill

Mileage from 2011 stickers:
35i: 17/25 (up from 15/21 for 2010 30i)
35d: 19/26 (same as 2010)
50i: 14/20 (up from 14/19 for 2010 4.8i)

The 35i is pretty darn close to the 35d. Major problem in US for diesel is that so many gas stations don't have any. That needs to change which won't be quick.

BMW will need the diesel 8 speed and/or 40d in the US long term

It seems to me that the main gain with the 40d over the 35d is will fuel efficiency. In Euro/Aussie spec, the 40d has 7% more power, 3% more torque but is 15% more fuel efficient when compared to the 35d. The question is, how much of that is the new 8-speed, and how much is due to the engine changes?

[alexmish]

The 17/25 for 3.5i is really amazing. I have 335xi sedan, which has N54 engine, and it is rated @ 17/27. IMHO, the fuel efficiency in 3.5i is achived via both engine modifications and the new transmission, which leverages engine's torque in wider gear ranges.

[bimmer_buachaill]

I have to think most of the mileage credit on the 35i goes to the 8 speed but we'll never know for sure. BMW will aggressively market the engine is efficient of course.

The diesel should be kicking the gasoline engine's butt but is barely beating it. Would love to know what numbers it could get with the 8 speed even if we couldn't get it.