Ah, the BMW diesels from 2009 to 2013—a topic that makes car enthusiasts perk up like they’ve just heard the words “free track day.” So, how many of these torque-happy, fuel-sipping Bavarian beasts did BMW actually produce? Buckle up, because we’re diving into the nitty-gritty details, Doug DeMuro style. That means quirky facts, fun commentary, and yes—plenty of tangents.
Contents
- 1 The Rise of BMW Diesels in the U.S. Market
- 2 Production Numbers Breakdown (2009-2013)
- 3 Why These Numbers Matter
- 4 Key Highlights of BMW Diesel Models
- 5 Enthusiast Insights: What Makes Them Special?
- 6 Common Maintenance Considerations
- 7 Performance Tuning Potential
- 8 Further Reading
- 9 The Bottom Line on BMW Diesel Legends
The Rise of BMW Diesels in the U.S. Market
Back in the late 2000s, BMW had an epiphany: “What if Americans liked diesel cars as much as they like oversized beverages?” Spoiler alert—they didn’t. But that didn’t stop BMW from trying. Enter the BMW 335d and X5 xDrive35d, both powered by the legendary M57 turbocharged inline-six diesel engine. This wasn’t your average grocery-getter diesel; we’re talking about an engine that could haul groceries—and embarrass sports cars at stoplights.
Why the push for diesel? Well, rising fuel costs and stricter emission standards had everyone scrambling for efficiency. BMW saw an opportunity to prove that “efficient” didn’t have to mean “boring.” The result? Two diesel-powered machines that could out-torque a freight train and still get better fuel economy than your neighbor’s hybrid.
Production Numbers Breakdown (2009-2013)
| Model | Years Produced | Units Produced (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| BMW 335d (E90) | 2009-2011 | ~11,000 units |
| BMW X5 xDrive35d (E70) | 2009-2013 | ~31,000 units |
Note: Exact numbers may vary, depending on whether the source counts cars that are now parked in barns, garages, or mysteriously “lost” to history.
Why These Numbers Matter
Production numbers aren’t just trivia for car nerds (though we love that). They affect collectibility, resale value, and bragging rights at car meets. The BMW 335d, with its limited production run, is basically the unicorn of diesel sedans—minus the horn, but with plenty of horsepower. The M57 engine? Built like a tank, but with better fuel economy and significantly less armor.
Key Highlights of BMW Diesel Models
- Fuel efficiency that makes hybrids jealous (up to 36 MPG highway!)
- Torque figures that could pull your house off its foundation (425 lb-ft in the 335d)
- Build quality so solid, it’s basically German engineering wrapped in more German engineering
- Emissions systems that are… let’s say “quirky” (looking at you, DPF)
Enthusiast Insights: What Makes Them Special?
Owning a diesel BMW from this era is like being part of an exclusive club—except the membership card is a key fob, and the secret handshake is a turbo whistle. The 335d isn’t just fast for a diesel; it’s fast, period. And the X5 xDrive35d? It’s an SUV that handles like a sports sedan but sips fuel like a compact. Magic? No. Just Bavarian wizardry.
These cars are road trip royalty, thanks to their range. Over 500 miles on a tank? Yes, please. That’s enough to drive from New York to Detroit without stopping—unless you want to, you know, stretch your legs or gawk at roadside attractions.
Common Maintenance Considerations
Of course, with great power comes great responsibility—mainly in the form of maintenance. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF): Think of it as a lung for your car. It hates short trips. Keep it happy with regular highway drives.
- Turbocharger: Treat it well, and it’ll reward you with endless torque. Neglect it, and prepare to sell a kidney.
- Emission Systems: They’re complex, sensitive, and sometimes moody. Kind of like your car’s version of a teenager.
Performance Tuning Potential
Want more power? Of course you do. The M57 engine loves tuning. A simple ECU remap can unleash an extra 50 horsepower—enough to turn your sensible sedan into a stealthy speed demon. Just remember: with great horsepower comes great… well, slightly lower MPG. But who cares? You’ll be too busy grinning.
Further Reading
For the full deep dive into production stats, check out the official BMW Group website. Or if you prefer opinions sprinkled with questionable advice, head over to Bimmerforums.
The Bottom Line on BMW Diesel Legends
So, how many 2009-2013 BMW diesels were made? Enough to be special, but not so many that you’ll see one at every traffic light. These cars are a perfect mix of efficiency, performance, and that German “je ne sais quoi” (yes, I know that’s French). Whether you’re a collector, a daily driver, or someone who just loves a good turbo whistle, these BMW diesels deserve a spot in the automotive hall of fame—or at least your driveway.
