Thread of the Day: Would You Buy a 2014 BMW 328d Over a 328i?

Thread of the Day: Would You Buy a 2014 BMW 328d Over a 328i? The 2014 BMW 328d made its official U.S. debut at the 2013 New York auto show, and after spending some time behind the wheel, we’re wondering whether the car has a better chance at sales success in the U.S. than the 335d. Would you consider a 328d over a 320i or 328i?

Thread of the Day: Would You Buy a 2014 BMW 328d Over a 328i?

Thread of the Day: Would You Buy a 2014 BMW 328d Over a 328i?

 Thread of the Day: Would You Buy a 2014 BMW 328d Over a 328i?

Thread of the Day: Would You Buy a 2014 BMW 328d Over a 328i?

Thread of the Day: Would You Buy a 2014 BMW 328d Over a 328i?

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The last time we had an oil-burning 3 Series in our office was our long-term 2009 BMW 335d, and we were smitten by its inline turbo-six, which produced 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. It ran from 0-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds and returned an EPA-rated 36 mpg on the highway (it achieved an average of 29.4 mpg during its year-long stay with us).

2014 BMW 328d Diesel rear three quarters 300x187 imageThis time around, BMW wanted its diesel-powered 3 Series to return better fuel economy ratings, which is why the 328d gets a turbo-four. This engine is rated at 180hp and 280 lb-ft, but BMW promises it will get at least 40 mpg on the highway. Frank Markus drove the 328d just before the New York auto show, and his initial impressions were good:

“This 328d sedan seems to strike a better balance between performance and fuel economy, and as such it comes off as better optimized for drivers inclined toward obsessively Tweeting their fuel economy. Nevertheless, floor the throttle in Sport+ mode and it surfs the waves of 280-lb-ft torque, merging smartly with freeway traffic or easily jumping ahead of a line of dawdlers for the right-hand-turn lane when necessary.”

BMW says the 335d comprised no more than 10 percent of 3 Series sales. The new 328d will be offered with more variants including a xDrive model and a wagon, so it may become a more important part of the U.S.-spec 3 Series lineup. So what do you think: Would you consider a 328d over a 320i or 328i in rear- or all-wheel-drive form?