Remember BMW's last crack at a diesel 3 Series (in North America) back in 2009? The 335d might have been geared more towards performance with a side of efficiency, but the oil burner is back under the hood of a 3er. In North America.
We recently spent a week with one, and we learned a thing or two (or five) about it. Here's one thing: the low-end torque making it one of the best cars to drive in the winter. But you probably already knew that:
Along with BMW's excellent traction control system, it makes the 328d a winter wonderland hot-rod, quicker off the mark than cars that would otherwise be faster in the summer months as well as better able to slither over slippery roads awash in ice and snow flurries.
Yes, that means you'll still be the first across the intersection, even if the tarmac is slippery. Here's another thing we learned: it has a ridiculously small opening to replenish washer fluid. Little things matter in Canada, eh?
Seriously now, does it take the brain of a rocket scientist to imagine that most replenishments of said container will take place in winter and said replenisher will probably be shivering with the chill? Indeed, I froze my nooggies off trying to get enough of the purple juice into the little Bimmer to make it home. Anything to do with windshield wiper fluid will never be a primary purchase differentiator in the showroom but let me assure you that, when stuck in a snow bank somewhere east of Tweed at 25 below, flow rate and spout diameter become more important than fuel economy, leather seating or even the wonderfully empathetic steering of what is still the ultimate driving machine.
Read the rest of our mini-lesson behind the wheel of the BMW 328d right here.
Here are five things we learned behind the wheel of the BMW 328d