Jump LinksPerformanceFuel EconomyTiming Chain FailureDPF CloggingxDrive IssuesThe Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TDIJaguar XE 20d"Diesel is Back!" This was the slogan that BMW gave the world when it launched a new era of diesels to the US market. In other markets, BMW made a huge number of diesel cars, even making a quad-turbo M550D at one point, so the push to bring a diesel to the US market was inevitable. One such model it came out with in 2014 was the 328D, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder single-turbo and optional wagon body style.That diesel wagon configuration is the one we will be looking at today, looking at the F30 328D, where it came from, the engine and the benefits of its diesel powertrain, the issues you might have in your ownership, and, lastly, some rivals and pricing. Then we can advise whether the 328D xDrive Sports Wagon is worth it.This Buyer's Guide combines on-paper information and independent tests/real drive reports, where available. BMW 328D xDrive Sports Wagon Overview The story of the modern BMW 3 Series diesel began with the previous E90 generation's 335D. It was a six-cylinder twin-turbo beast that has a huge cult following, even today. For the next-generation F30, BMW toned down the diesel offering to something with more emphasis on efficiency. Launching alongside diesel versions of the 5 Series and X5, BMW diesels were back with a Super Bowl ad that proudly told the US market that they were efficient, quiet and just as smooth as their gas counterparts. The 328d was really an up-badged version of the European 320d, a BMW with hundreds of thousands of sales in the European market. It seemed like a no-brainer. A luxury sports sedan or wagon with great fuel mileage and a sporty drive, what could go wrong? This great idea was sadly cut short as the Volkswagen Dieselgate Scandal in 2015 would destroy public interest in diesels. BMW was not one to give up, though, keeping the 328d going until 2018, when it was ultimately never replaced. BMW 328d XDrive Sports Wagon Engine And Powertrain BMW Being a re-badged European 320d, the 328d uses both the famous and infamous N47 four-cylinder turbo diesel. The N47 began in the European 1 Series hatchback. It has gone in a huge range of BMW and Mini vehicles throughout the years, from the smallest Mini hatchback all the way to the E83 X3 and E60 5 Series. The wagon variant of the 328d is only available in the AWD XDrive powertrain configuration, while the sedans are available in both RWD and AWD. Performance BMWWhile thoughts of diesels give the image of old, slow, and clattery performance, the 328d is a pretty healthy performer. The 0–60 mph run is done in around 7.3 seconds, which is surprisingly quick for 180 hp. This is, of course, thanks to that diesel torque, which builds at a low 1,750 rpm. The eight-speed automatic also helps keep the engine in its powerband, allowing for gas-like acceleration. For some, the diesel noise and lack of a high redline will be off-putting. A sports sedan that only revs to around 5,000 rpm doesn't sound like a whole lot, but others will enjoy the low-down torque, unique powertrain and, as we will get to shortly, great fuel economy.BMW Fuel Economy The main benefit that diesels offer is fuel economy, and what people believed at the time were environmental benefits as well. The 328d XDrive delivers some staggering fuel economy numbers when compared to its gas-powered counterpart. A gas-powered 328i xDrive Sports Wagon gets 26 mpg combined, which is left in the dust by the 37 mpg the diesel variant gets. It is on the highway where the best difference is seen, with the diesel getting 41 mpg, compared to the gas engines' 32 mpg. The ability of the 328d to eat up miles, is a great reason to get one. Diesel engines reward long steady cruising, not only in fuel economy but in their reliability, as we will explain more later. BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon Exterior Styling Bring A Trailer The 328d xDrive Sports Wagons that you will find on the used market are generally split between the sportier M-Sport trim or Luxury Line trim. The F31 was always a good-looking wagon and, other than not being quite as practical as a full-size 5 Series Tourer or E-Class Wagon, the smaller 3 Series should be more than enough for most people. BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon Interior Styling Bring A TrailerWith 53 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded and 17.5 cubic feet with them up, the 3 Series Sports Wagon is a practical compact luxury vehicle. A trait specific to the 328d xDrive Sports Wagon is that they are all well optioned. There is no base model beamer here, as having a quick look at the market shows almost all of them to be either Luxury Line or M Sport models. Almost all cars will have iDrive navigation, heated seats, and Bluetooth, and will have either wood or aluminum trim depending on what appearance package was optioned. The F30/31 is feeling a little 2010s at this point, with a smaller infotainment screen and analog dials, but it still has that luxurious and well-appointed cabin. BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon Common Problems Bring A Trailer BMW got a bad rap in the 2000s for poor reliability, diesels included, but by the mid-2010s it had gotten its act together. We will look at what problems you may have if you're looking to daily a 328d. Timing Chain Failure 2000s BMWs had a shocking tendency to stretch their timing chains, jump timing, and then grenade the engine. While in the US, this is commonly associated with their V8s, their small diesels were no better. The E60, early F10 520d, and E90 320d, which use the same or similar engine as the 328d, were notorious in Europe for timing guide failure. Sadly, this carried over to the early model years of the F30, so watch out for timing chain issues on any 328d made before 03/2015. Listen for a rattle on start up, or rough idle. A timing chain replacement is a very expensive job but is recommended if your 328d is getting up in miles. Cars made after this date are agreed to be improved, using a better design.BMW DPF Clogging Like all newer diesels, the 328d is a victim of more stringent emission regulations. One of these is the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), meant to clean the soot and smoke coming out of the exhaust. If only driven on short drives, the DPF can become clogged, as there is not enough time for it to get up to the correct operating temperature. This isn't an issue exclusive to the 328d. All diesels can suffer from this, but the context of an executive sports sedan means there is a high chance the car is used on shorter journeys. The way to prevent this is simple, drive the car. A DPF isn't going to clog instantly after a few short drives, but if you know you have a short commute, and won't be driving very far, then a diesel is not the fuel type for you. Highway drives, and general full-throttle blasts are great ways to keep your DPF happy. xDrive Issues As these AWD Wagons age, expect to deal with transfer case issues, CV boot leaks and the odd warning or error light. You can get the transfer case fluid changed to help prevent issues. BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon Rivals The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TDI VolkswagenThe only true comparable diesel wagon from this era, the Golf SportWagen, is a cheaper way into this niche, offering the same diesel compact German estate form, albeit at a lower price. The Golf Mk7 was a great car, famously causing Mercedes-Benz to redesign its C-Class as the Golf had that upmarket feeling, so don't expect to be completely left behind by the BMW in terms of interior quality. Jaguar XE 20d Jaguar The only true rival to the 328d, the Jaguar XE 20d stands as the only other diesel executive sports sedan of its time in the US market. It is a shame, then, that it was fitted with one of the most unreliable diesel engines fitted to a modern automobile. The 2.0-liter Ingenium turbo-diesel is famously problematic, with a quick Google search showing the vast and catastrophic ways it can fail. The main issue is timing chain failure, killing many XE, XF, F-Pace and smaller Land Rover models in Europe. It got so bad that JLR stepped in and began replacing engines for free, and eventually improved the engine in 2019. It may seem appealing on paper, but stick with the BMW instead. The XE was never available as a wagon, so that is also a detractor from its practicality. Should You Buy A BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon? BMW Yes, you should at least consider it. There is no real other option in its class, but it also happens to be a very good car. If you want to save money, the Golf SportsWagen TDI is another great option, but if you want a nice luxury wagon that can eat miles, and do it without eating fuel, then the 328d xDrive Sports Wagon is the only option, but a damn good one. Expect to pay anywhere from $12,000 to $20,000 for one.Sources: BMW, Volkswagen, Jaguar, NHTSA, EPA