At any rate, I'd lean toward caution regarding ANY BMW with a turbocharger, gasser or diesel. They've had problems. There's also a component called a swirl flap in the diesel that's apparently a trouble spot. Edit: just checked, the swirl flaps are apparently only an issue through 2009.

The BMWCCA club magazine's tech editor. Mike Miller, slams recent BMW technology mercilessly for reliability and durability problems.

Since the spousal unit is going to be the main driver, I think she should drive both and then get the one she likes.

__________________
Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.

Words of wisdom from all... much appreciated. Skippy seems to cut to the chase though... let the wife decide. At last conversation, she's leaning towards the 335d. She's currently in California, saw one and got all giddy (wish I still had that effect on her!) We've been dealing with a MB dealership in Seattle... same ol' rap I'm afraid, i.e. they tend to treat their "non Ralph Lauren" customers with a wee bit of contempt when asked to negotiate price. I ran into this mentality on a trip to Tacoma for a John Cooper service (the MB dealership was adjoining) and I went for some parts... the dealership in that city would have sicked a dog on me if they hadn't had them all shot prior to my arrival.

I don't know... seems like wanting to own a good quality car shouldn't reduce one to having to engage and involve one in class conscious politics. You would think that a person that has the (albeit limited in my case) ability and desire to maintain their own vehicles might command a bit more respect and not be ignored at the parts counter... but I digress...


Anyway, thanks again for all the input and I'll relay the outcome to this car buying dilemma. You've all certainly given a wider perspective to the issue. Whatever the outcome, I will give my opinion on whatever I end up driving the 350 miles home in the next week or so.

Thanks again!

-l-

__________________
'84 300d turbodiesel (83K miles)
'96 300d (226K miles)
------------------------------------------------
other fine diesels...
'99 Polaris diesel (Fuji Heavy Industries single)
'01 Diesel Trail gator (Yanmar triple)
'95 John Deere 970 (Yanmar quad)
'11 BMW 335d
'12 VW Jetta TDI

****************************************
'00 BMW K1200LT
'02 BMW R1150RS

'15 BMW R1200GSA

Agreed 100%.

After driving my 94 530i , a MB "S" class feels like a 1977 lincoln town car, an "E" class like a toyota camry, and My truck feels like an exxon valdez oil tanker whos lost its rudder.

If you feel uncomfortable dealing with your local dealer... Move on, and it is their loss. Better yet, explain to their sales manager what your experience has been like, tell him about your membership in MB member forums- and then... Move on.

In this economy, I truly feel that a sale is a sale. And those are harder to come by these days. I'm sure there are PLENTY of dealerships across your region that would be more than happy to help you find what you are looking for, and would do so for a reasonable profit. There really is no reason to give your money to some snobby, self-important, thirty something, tanning salon jockey in Hugo Boss with bleached teeth, a fake accent and too much cologne, just to find something your wife would be willing to drive.

We found our last 3 cars online and have been happy with them. You might find this true for you too. Good luck.

I've ridden in a 335d many a time, and I gotta say... it's a rocket ship. LOTS of torque, and fun to drive and ride.

Were I looking for something new, I absolutely would get that one. It has a very high fun factor. It's delightful to ride in.

Sincerely,

PE

__________________
83 240D - 4 speed manual - Manilla Beige
189K miles, Tachometer mod, cool wooden shift knob from PeachParts, CocoMats, Original factory paint, manual windows, manual sunroof. Starting to add AudioWrap to this car too!

Thanks all for the input on this... it has provided some food for thought.

Due to a snowstorm in the Cascades a couple of weeks ago, we were unable to travel to Seattle to pick up the 2009 335d. Having a week to think things over, my wife then decided she wanted a 2009 ML 350 Bluetec (much more luxurious than the 335d we were looking at) that was offered from Spokane Mercedes. It was to be delivered last Saturday, but accurate mpg numbers nixed that deal.

Seems that the dealership fed her a line that most people were getting 33 mpg with the ML 350. The night before delivery, I did some searching on the internet and found substantially lower numbers were more the norm.

Asking my wife if she were prepared to pay $16 for fuel (current diesel prices) each time she went to town for groceries pretty much nixed the deal on the ML. I must admit, it felt fairly satisfying to tell the less-than-honest Mercedes dealership to take a flying leap.

As luxury was still the issue (she didn't like the 2009 335d as it was pretty "Plain Jane") I searched and found a nice, fairly loaded 2011 335d in Beaverton, Oregon. We traveled to Oregon yesterday and picked up the 335d. Very, VERY nice car and kudos to Kuni BMW... excellent buying experience!

The drive home yesterday (~425 miles) made for an awesome test drive. The car has lots of torque, is quiet, handles very well, and we averaged 39.9 mpg for the trip (mostly traveling 65-75MPH (with just a couple of short 120MPH stints. )) As the car was certified and the extension of the bumper to bumper warranty for 7.5 years was only $2500, I'm feeling not as apprehensive about MAKI's turbo issue concerns.

The wife loves the car (so far) and has agreed that this will be her LAST vehicle trade (at least until the warranty expires)

Thanks again all for your input. It certainly helps to have some moral support when dealing with the loopy person I call my wife!

-l-

__________________
'84 300d turbodiesel (83K miles)
'96 300d (226K miles)
------------------------------------------------
other fine diesels...
'99 Polaris diesel (Fuji Heavy Industries single)
'01 Diesel Trail gator (Yanmar triple)
'95 John Deere 970 (Yanmar quad)
'11 BMW 335d
'12 VW Jetta TDI

****************************************
'00 BMW K1200LT
'02 BMW R1150RS

'15 BMW R1200GSA

I would do the 335d. The reason (and I love Mercedes) is that you already have one Mercedes, the 335d makes a nice sporty change of pace.

My understanding is that BMW is stopping the current 335d for a little while and will be allowing their smaller diesel (3.0?) engine in the next year or so and that hopefully will be available with a manual. That should be a winner. The larger engine may also be available again.

I should have read your whole post -- You did do the 335d. Good choice!

Nice.

I'm curious if this diesel manual BMW will make it to the U.S. If so, I may have to pick one up on the used market some years from now.

__________________
Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.