But at $50K this car won't start a revolution. Of the passenger diesels on the market (M-B, VW Jetta, and now BMW) only one of them is in the price range of us mere mortals. Or those of us with decent incomes but other places to put it, like kids, houses, retirement savings, etc. And the VW has a less than stellar reliability reputation among some people.
I'm not sure I agree. I agree that lower-priced models are necessary, but I also think the 335d is an important car in changing the perception of diesels in North America. If buyers see a BMW with a diesel, then that might change their perception of diesels, and make them more likely to buy a lower-priced diesel car. Obviously those cheaper models need to be available, but in terms of generating demand for diesel engines, I think a diesel "halo car" of sorts is a step in the right direction.
The reason they give is lame but the truth of it is that it would make 0 sense to do it. Its not even that they wouldn't sell any but they would have to design build and certify an entirily NEW tranny to put a manual in a few cars. They don't have anything that will handel that torque. The cost of making a manual would be prohibitive. If they could just drop a 6 speed in fine but you'd have to be an idiot to spend a ton of money for a tranny few will buy.
The M5 produces 381 ft/lbs, and is available with a six speed manual. Now, maybe that tranny is being stretched in that application as it is, I'm not sure. But one would imagine if they can produce a transmission that can handle 381 torques they could make it deal with 425.
Though I agree, the cost/benefit might not work, even if it's just a matter of upgrading an existing tranny. But maybe if the diesel sells well, they'll invest in a manual transmission option in the future. One can hope, at least.