The Coolest BMW America Ignored

On occasion, BMW builds a automotive that will get all the things proper — the proportions, the powertrain, the on a regular basis usability — and but, the market simply shrugs. The BMW 328d Sports activities Wagon was a type of automobiles. It wasn’t loud, flashy, or overpowered. It was simply quietly good — environment friendly, well-balanced, and genuinely fulfilling to drive. However sadly, it arrived within the U.S. at precisely the incorrect time.

BMW’s Large Diesel Push

When the 328d launched in North America (each in sedan and wagon configurations), BMW was decided to make diesel mainstream. The corporate introduced over diesel variations of the three Sequence, 5 Sequence, and X5, and even ran a Tremendous Bowl business in 2014 to inform People that trendy diesel had modified. The marketing campaign — “Diesel’s Again” — confirmed drivers reacting in disbelief {that a} diesel BMW might be clear, fast, and quiet.

They weren’t exaggerating. We examined one of many very first U.S.-spec diesels, the 2014 BMW 328d Sedan, on a 1,500-mile street journey from Dallas to Kansas Metropolis and again. That drive informed us all the things we wanted to know. The two.0-liter turbo diesel four-cylinder made 180 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, and though 0–60 mph took round 7.4 seconds, it felt a lot faster due to that thick torque band from 1,750 rpm. The eight-speed computerized shifted well, the engine pulled laborious by way of midrange, and freeway passing was easy.

The sedan returned 40-plus mpg even once we weren’t attempting — and the vary approached 700 miles per tank. It began immediately in 3°F climate, warmed up quick, and dealt with a winter storm with out grievance. In brief, it felt like a BMW ought to: planted, refined, and surprisingly enjoyable.

The Wagon That Made Even Extra Sense

The 328d xDrive Sports activities Wagon took all the things good in regards to the sedan and made it extra helpful. With its lengthy roof, customary all-wheel drive, and beneficiant cargo space, it was the proper one-car answer for anybody who wished a premium every day that would additionally haul gear, pets, or weekend baggage. It had over 50 cubic ft of cargo house with the seats folded, roof rails for bikes or skis, and the intelligent split-opening rear hatch that made loading simple. But, from behind the wheel, it nonetheless felt like a correct 3 Sequence — balanced, responsive, and assured on any street.

The suspension tuning was spot-on: agency sufficient to really feel exact, supple sufficient for tough pavement. The steering had actual suggestions, one thing that’s turning into uncommon in trendy automobiles. On a mountain street or lengthy freeway stretch, it was laborious to not be impressed by how cohesive the entire bundle felt.

Improper Place, Improper Time

Sadly, the timing couldn’t have been worse. Diesel was already a troublesome promote in America, and when Volkswagen’s Dieselgate scandal hit in 2015, public belief evaporated. Despite the fact that BMW’s diesels have been totally compliant with U.S. emissions requirements, the injury was executed.

On the identical time, SUVs have been taking on. Patrons who wished house went straight to the X3 or X5, whereas lovers in search of efficiency gravitated towards the 328i or M automobiles. That left the 328d Wagon interesting to a small group of drivers who appreciated its mixture of effectivity and dealing with — and never many others.

Now They’re Arduous to Discover

That lack of demand when new makes the 328d Wagon a uncommon sight as we speak. They pop up sometimes on used websites, however clear examples disappear rapidly. Edmunds currently lists a 2015 model with 111,000 miles for round $17,000, and CarGurus shows a 2018 with 71,000 miles for about $21,500. For a luxurious AWD wagon able to 40 mpg, these costs are stable. Most have excessive mileage as a result of homeowners truly drive them — and that’s the purpose. They have been constructed for distance, not for sitting in garages.

A Automobile That Deserved Higher

The 328d Sports activities Wagon was precisely the type of automotive BMW used to excel at constructing — a well-engineered, understated driver’s automotive that didn’t want huge energy to be rewarding. It was environment friendly with out feeling compromised, comfy with out being tender, and dynamic with out being harsh.

General, the three Sequence Wagon by no means grew to become a gross sales success in America regardless of its drivetrain, however that’s a part of what makes it particular now. It’s a type of automobiles you see on the street and immediately acknowledge as one thing a bit completely different — a automotive that was constructed for individuals who cared about the way it drove.

For individuals who nonetheless have one, it’s a keeper. For everybody else, it’s a type of “ought to’ve purchased it when you can” BMWs. The type that reminds you the model’s finest automobiles have been typically those no person seen on the time.