From time to time, BMW builds a automotive that will get every part 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 vehicles. It wasn’t loud, flashy, or overpowered. It was simply quietly sensible — environment friendly, well-balanced, and genuinely fulfilling to drive. However sadly, it arrived within the U.S. at precisely the unsuitable 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 Collection, 5 Collection, and X5, and even ran a Tremendous Bowl business in 2014 to inform People that fashionable diesel had modified. The marketing campaign — “Diesel’s Again” — confirmed drivers reacting in disbelief {that a} diesel BMW may very well 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 instructed us every part we wanted to know. The two.0-liter turbo diesel four-cylinder made 180 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, and despite the fact that 0–60 mph took round 7.4 seconds, it felt a lot faster because of that thick torque band from 1,750 rpm. The eight-speed automated shifted well, the engine pulled onerous by midrange, and freeway passing was easy.
The sedan returned 40-plus mpg even once we weren’t making an attempt — 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 criticism. Briefly, 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 every part good concerning the sedan and made it extra helpful. With its lengthy roof, commonplace all-wheel drive, and beneficiant cargo space, it was the proper one-car answer for anybody who wished a premium each day that might 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 Collection — 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 changing into uncommon in fashionable vehicles. On a mountain street or lengthy freeway stretch, it was onerous to not be impressed by how cohesive the entire package deal felt.
Mistaken Place, Mistaken 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. Regardless that BMW’s diesels had been absolutely compliant with U.S. emissions requirements, the injury was performed.
On the identical time, SUVs had been taking on. Consumers who wished house went straight to the X3 or X5, whereas fanatics searching for efficiency gravitated towards the 328i or M vehicles. 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 Exhausting to Discover
That lack of demand when new makes the 328d Wagon a uncommon sight at the moment. They pop up sometimes on used websites, however clear examples disappear shortly. Edmunds at present lists a 2015 mannequin with 111,000 miles for round $17,000, and CarGurus exhibits 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 house owners truly drive them — and that’s the purpose. They had been constructed for distance, not for sitting in garages.
A Automotive That Deserved Higher
The 328d Sports activities Wagon was precisely the form of automotive BMW used to excel at constructing — a well-engineered, understated driver’s automotive that didn’t want massive energy to be rewarding. It was environment friendly with out feeling compromised, snug with out being mushy, and dynamic with out being harsh.
General, the three Collection Wagon by no means turned a gross sales success in America no matter its drivetrain, however that’s a part of what makes it particular now. It’s a type of vehicles you see on the street and immediately acknowledge as one thing somewhat totally 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 might” BMWs. The type that reminds you the model’s greatest vehicles had been typically those no person observed on the time.
