Quote:
Originally Posted by Teleskier
My chipped MT VW TDI drives much more like a racy sports car than the N20 AT X3 I recently test drove. Chipping the TDI turned it from drab eco-driving into a kick-in-the-seat rocket... and I still get 49+ mpg. You can have it all. Diesel does not mean boring.
Now I have to decide if I trust BMW enough to wait for the 62mpg diesel X1 if they really DO bring it over, or just get the present X1, where I have to pick between the N20 I felt was underpowered and boring in the X3 but I get the new 8spd, or take the more fun N55 but be saddled with the older 6spd which further demotes the hwy mpg more than the 6cyl already would.
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BMW brought the 335d over to show diesel does not have to be boring; that ship sailed and it was clear that diesel buyers want economy.
The N20 in the X1 doesn't feel underpowered or boring- it feels lively and honestly not 1 second slower than the N55 powered 35i. The weight difference and balance are what make the N20 feel better in this application.
I didn't like the 35i, and that 6 speed is a throwback and feels very dated now. All models understeer when pushed, especially the M sport with its staggered wheels.
Having talked with the individual that made the announcement the diesels are coming- he said that they will be coming and going into multiple models- more specifically the models that sell. Those of us reading between the lines (and expression) saw that as 3 (sedan) and more than likely X1 (cheapest BMW should sell well) with the 4 cylinder and the X3 and future X5 with the six cylinder. MINI if you listen to talk around the water cooler is currently testing the 4 cylinder in the Countryman.