Occasionally, BMW builds a automobile that will get every thing 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 sensible — environment friendly, well-balanced, and genuinely fulfilling to drive. However sadly, it arrived within the U.S. at precisely the fallacious time.
BMW’s Massive 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 industrial in 2014 to inform Individuals 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 informed us every thing we wanted to know. The two.0-liter turbo diesel four-cylinder made 180 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, and regardless that 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 neatly, the engine pulled laborious via midrange, and freeway passing was easy.
The sedan returned 40-plus mpg even after 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 grievance. 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 thing 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 right one-car resolution for anybody who needed a premium each day that would additionally haul gear, pets, or weekend baggage. It had over 50 cubic ft of cargo area 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 changing into uncommon in fashionable automobiles. On a mountain street or lengthy freeway stretch, it was laborious to not be impressed by how cohesive the entire package deal felt.
Fallacious Place, Fallacious Time
Sadly, the timing couldn’t have been worse. Diesel was already a tricky promote in America, and when Volkswagen’s Dieselgate scandal hit in 2015, public belief evaporated. Although 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. Consumers who needed area went straight to the X3 or X5, whereas lovers searching for 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 Onerous to Discover
That lack of demand when new makes the 328d Wagon a uncommon sight at this time. They pop up often 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 really drive them — and that’s the purpose. They have been constructed for distance, not for sitting in garages.
A Automotive That Deserved Higher
The 328d Sports activities Wagon was precisely the type of automobile BMW used to excel at constructing — a well-engineered, understated driver’s automobile that didn’t want massive energy to be rewarding. It was environment friendly with out feeling compromised, comfy with out being gentle, and dynamic with out being harsh.
Total, the three Sequence 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 automobiles you notice on the street and immediately acknowledge as one thing a bit completely different — a automobile that was constructed for individuals who cared about the way it drove.
For many 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 sort that reminds you the model’s finest automobiles have been usually those no one seen on the time.
