There's just something about a modern European luxury sedan "rolling coal" that cements a smile on your face. While the tell-tale sign of black smoke is a regular sight in Georgia from modified heavy-duty trucks, manufacturers of modern diesel cars have largely neutered the characteristics of the diesels that we grew up with. Many would be hard pressed to even identify a modern European diesel without looking under the hood, or spotting one at a fill-up station. And yes, the adherence to EPA regulations is a good thing for the majority of drivers (and the environment), but one can't blame an enthusiast for wanting to dial back in some of that classic diesel goodness.
Looking at Austin's 2010 BMW 335D, you'd be hard pressed to know that you aren't just looking at a stock sedan. BMW knows how to make a good looking car, so subtlety goes a long way in improving the looks.
Austin installed a set of charcoal 18-inch Apex ARC-8 wheels with Nitto NT555 G2 tires. The G2s strike the perfect balance of comfort and performance when the M57 diesel engine comes alive.
In stock configuration, the 335D generates 265 horsepower and an already impressive 425 lb-ft of torque. To begin the process of making more power, however, Austin did a full emissions delete of all the systems corking the diesel motors performance. Called an "ABC" or Alphabet delete because of the many acronyms BMW used in these systems, the process involves removing the DPF filter, SCR Filter, DEF injection and EGR.
With the car able to operate much more freely, the real work to improving numbers began. A JR race tune added 85hp and 135 ft-lbs of torque, with final numbers at 350hp and 560 ft-lbs of glorious diesel torque.
To enable the car to breathe a little more freely, Austin installed 3-inch BuzzKen down-pipe and EGR race pipe. The resulting sounds are incredible.
Despite all of the added power and noise, Austin still manages over 30 mpg in his 335D. When done right, diesel can provide the best of both worlds. Time will tell how long European manufacturers continue to offer diesel engines in their passenger cars, though. With electric motors providing gobs of torque cleanly, it would seem the writing is on the wall. That being said, sometimes it's alright to get a little dirty. Enjoy it while you still can.
BMW fan? Don't miss our feature of this NT420V equipped BMW X3 M! For more shots of Austin's diesel sleeper, click through the gallery below.