2009 BMW 335D Long Term Update 2

Resident BMW aficionado, photographer Brian Vance, spent some Q.T. in the 335d and notes, "With so much low-end torque and RWD, it's hard to resist the occasional smoky burnout-just hold the DTC button for four seconds until it goes into stage-two deactivation, then power-brake the car, and instantly the rear rubber breaks free of asphalt grip, proving this diesel has numerous performance tricks up its sleeve." Vance also raves about the fuel-economy trick. "I drove it for five days, with lots of heavy throttle applications, as well as a photo scouting trip from L.A. to Newport Beach, and the tank is still plenty north of gas-light activation. You sure can't do anywhere near that in a 335i."

Associate Web producer Rory Jurnecka is "not thrilled by the price-perilously close to $50K, yet no Bluetooth? No seat warmers? Really. I know it's a BMW, but jeez..."