BMW throws big cash on the hoods of its U.S. diesel offerings
2009 BMW 335d – Click above for high-res gallery
When Chrysler started its new "Double CA$H For Your Old Car" promotion that included up to $4,500 in incentives on select vehicles, we weren't that surprised. After all, there are plenty of Chrysler products with at least that much cash on the hood. News that BMW is following suit with the same $4,500 in rebates on the purchase of a diesel powered 335d or X5 is a bit more surprising.BMW is offering the $4,500 in rebates on the X5 35d and 335d as an "Eco Credit" to supplement Cash for Clunkers. BMW points out that on top of the up to $4,500 in incentives, buyers of the Bavarian diesels are also eligible for tax credits of $900 for the 335d and $1,800 for the X5 35d. And since the oil-burners are so efficient, BMW estimates fuel savings over four years at $2,000 verses comparable petrol-powered luxury rides.
The program, which runs through August 31, is being advertised as a one-time special offer, but it could also signal a lack of acceptance for diesel-powered luxury vehicles in the U.S. That would be too bad, though, because the diesel Bimmers we've driven were flat-out terrific, and with 580 miles/tank and a 20 percent reduction in CO2, they're eco-friendly, too. Hit the jump to read the BMW press release. Hat tip to Why not the LS2LS7.
Gallery: Review: 2009 BMW 335d
[Source: BMW]
PRESS RELEASE:
Efficiency may be the buzzword of the moment in the automotive industry, but it's hardly a new concept at BMW. We've always lived by the EfficientDynamics philosophy - less emissions without sacrificing performance.
So when the government recently announced its 'Cash for Clunkers' program to reward Americans for driving more fuel-efficient cars, we were inspired to begin an incentive program of our own. Now through August 31, BMW will give you a $4,500 Eco Credit toward your purchase of a 335d or an X5 xDrive35d - the most fuel-efficient vehicles in their class.
But the savings go beyond this limited-time offer. You'll also receive a $900 tax credit3 on the 335d and $1,800 on the X5 xDrive35d. And like any BMW, both diesel vehicles come with 4 years/50,000 miles of zero-cost maintenance. Plus, its best-in-class efficiency will save you approximately $2,000 in fuel costs over four years.4
The question now is not should you or shouldn't you. Instead, it's simply: Are you in the mood for a sleek, all-new sedan or a versatile Sports Activity Vehicle?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
SimonK 4:25PM (7/23/2009)
Wow. Gush Gush Gush. "And since the oil-burners are so efficient, BMW estimates fuel savings over four years at $2,000 "... "and with 580 miles/tank and a 20 percent reduction in CO2, they're eco-friendly, too". What are you guys on? The X5 35d spews out 220g CO2/km (i.e. a hell of a lot) and is ranked in the UK in the 2nd *worst* band of a possible seven in terms of efficiency. The only sort of vehicle that does worse is... a petrol version.
Stop deluding yourselves that anything diesel is "eco-friendly". It also has to have low fuel consumption... c'mon, do better than just regurgitate BMW's propaganda...
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J 5:25PM (7/23/2009)
Turn down your sarcasm, at least until you understand what people are saying.
If I've narrowed my choices to an X5 3.0 (or, even worse, 4.4) or an X5d, the more environmentally friendly choice is the X5d, by a long shot. That's all anyone is saying. It spews less CO2, uses less fuel, and diesel has 25% more energy/barrel so it's more efficient to transport. Sure, it's still a fossil fuel and none of us will be using it in 100 years, but THAT'S NOT THE POINT HERE.
SimonK 10:28AM (7/25/2009)
OK I'll remove the sarcasm. A car that uses that much diesel and throws out that much CO2 cannot be described as "efficient", nor "eco-friendly", in anyone's language. It certainly should not be on a site that describes itself as "green".
Go ahead make your choice, but don't kid yourself that driving an X5 is an eco-friendly option.
Rick 5:08PM (7/23/2009)
Well sadly, the 5 series is not diesel and the 5 series wagon is not diesel. So they aren't giving many diesel options. Plus, not sure the market size for rich and environmentally aware.
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why not the LS2LS7? 5:46PM (7/23/2009)
I'm not really a Diesel proponent, but I think it's unfortunate that BMW has to put cash on the hood of the 335d, it's an excellent car. I have no love for the X5 personally, in gas or Diesel form.
On the other hand, this is fantastic news for those who want a nice Diesel car, especially if (like me) you are leery of VW.
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Nixon 5:55PM (7/23/2009)
This is more proof that BMW brought the wrong diesel to the US. They should have brought the 123d.
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asus 2:00AM (7/24/2009)
Or the 320d...
ivo 6:15PM (7/23/2009)
I think this is typical for the differences between the US and the EU. Downscaling to 3.5 seems to be a big thing... In the EU we are downscaling towards diesels 1.6-2.5 litres, 4 cylinders (but with a BIG turbo please). BMW has a GREAT cars in this range, you won't miss a thing driving this. A 3.5d is superb but not a big step towards significantly reducing CO2.
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chauvinist pig 10:25PM (7/23/2009)
If you could keep the 335d as a purely base model (starts at 43,900 + 825 delivery), you could include a cash for clunkers deal in there too, if there's a soul out there driving a qualifying vehicle considering a bimmer.
If you're so inclined, take euro delivery, and lop off another 3-4k. So, 12-13K off a 44k vehicle. Not bad.
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J 1:54PM (7/24/2009)
I was wondering when I first read this whether the rebate applies to European Delivery. You're right--that would be a hell of a deal. A fully-loaded 335d with the extended service package comes to ~$60k, which is a lot of money. Turn that into something closer to $48k and that's in a different league.
Does anyone know whether this can be combined with Euro Delivery? How about getting the rebate after negotiating the price down to ~$1000 or so above ED invoice? We're talking serious savings here...that is, if you were planning to spend that kind of money anyway.
DieselFan 10:23AM (7/24/2009)
"BMW estimates fuel savings over four years at $2,000 verses comparable petrol-powered"
It's "versus" not "verses".
Also, BMW's are just too darned expensive.
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Luc 12:04PM (7/24/2009)
Here's my question: why does the diesel version cost $9000 more than the 325i with comparable hp? Which extra equipment do you get? I didn't see any at first glance.
Maybe that's the reason they're giving a discount.
Diesel is typically more efficient than gasoline but still emits some rust particles and in city driving the improvement is far less than a Hybrid (which BMW will also offer within next few years).
Diesel is just not that popular in the US. In my area most gas stations do not even offer diesel.
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J 1:54PM (7/24/2009)
The 325i isn't offered in the U.S., and the 328i, which is, has almost 40 fewer horses and half the torque of the 335d...also, the 335d comes with an auto transmission as standard equipment.
The 335d is definitely expensive. So is the 335i, though. I think BMW would do much better bringing over the 320d--many people here have already said so, too.
alexhho 9:23AM (7/26/2009)
Personally, I think BMW would do much better bringing over the 123d instead if they were to only be able to bring just 1 more diesel over do to EPA tests and costs management.
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