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BMW 330i
Mixed blessings best describes the newly redesigned BMW 3 Series.
Thankfully, the new styling looks quite attractive in the smaller doses this Mixed blessings best describes the newly redesigned BMW 3 Series.
Thankfully, the new styling looks quite attractive in the smaller doses Unfortunately, all the new  electronics and exotic materials that go into making it such a nice
combination of ride and drive places the 330i's pricing in a range
where the pretenders are quickly dispatched by the scoff of their 700
or less credit scores. In other words, nice to look at, but dear to
hold.
Larger than the previous model and also better in every
user friendly way except for the overly complicated stereo, you can
order this model BMW as a 325i or 330i. They both come with a smooth
3.0-liter inline six-cylinder made of expensive magnesium and aluminum
alloy that keep the sedan a middle weight at 3500 pounds, but don't
expect much acceleration from the 215 horsepower 325i version when an
automatic is ordered. Pay the extra and get the 330i and its 255
horsepower and you won't look back. It is a truly remarkable engine.
Mom's view:
So athletic and comfortable to drive, the BMW 330i is the best of that
manufacturer's fleet when it comes to tidy packaging. The six-speed
manual transmission is a pleasure to use and fuel economy is seldom
below 26 mpg. Quiet and tight with braking that is reassuring and
handling that is stands as a model for others are all BMW fortes. But
the most impressive item this junior BMW offered was stunning night
lighting. Not only do the door handles have lights, but also the
interior and headlights are well above average. It is just a delight to
drive this vehicle at night.
Dad's view:
Solid, yes, but if you order the sports suspension it might be a little
too rugged for rutted roads. The interior instrumentation fonts are too small to read quickly, especially considering that the engine really doesn't get serious until well into the 5000-rpm range. Two things immediately come to mind when driving the 3-Series BMWs.
First how well it fits. Visibility is good, the seat belts don't cut
into your neck, the controls are easy to reach, and the entire car
feels like an extension of yourself. Easy to control whether cutting
corners with precision or just lazing along in the slow lane watching
the driver's computer read out fuel mileage consumption upward of 36
mpg is the second feeling one gets. You see, despite it reputation for
horsepower the competition has caught BMW and, literally and
figuratively, passed them, but not in ride, braking, and shift quality.
Yes, you can get more horsepower, but you aren't going to find an
easier car to drive fast safely in this price range.
Let me
provide an example. I was driving along in sixth gear and I saw a large
SUV approaching at a rapid rate of speed. I didn't want to get run over
by a cell phone user depleting the Earth's petroleum products single
handedly so I had to quickly get up enough speed to pass a short line
of overburdened trucks. Surprisingly, even though I was in sixth gear,
the BMW easily enabled me to get out of harms way without having to
downshift. Only the air wake from the SUV as it hurtled past even
marred the maneuver so well geared is the engine with its variable
valve timing. By the way, it appeared that the SUV was hell bent on
being the first one at the next stoplight and succeeded.
The engine is a marvel. The dual overhead cam, 24-valve, six-cylinder
engine runs smoothly and rapidly to 7000 rpm. The main difference
between the 325i and the 330i is that the latter gets a three-stage
variable intake manifold instead of the 325i's two-stage, and has a
different engine-management program. The marvel is that although the
peak output is at 6600 rpm, it makes 220 lb-ft of torque at only 2750
rpm making sixth gear acceleration easy. It also means that ordering the automatic transmission option a more practical decision. The engine in the 330i has 30 more needed horsepower than previous models and an
additional six pound-feet of torque. Better yet, the fuel mileage is
improved by about ten percent and the engine weighs less. Now that is
engineering.
I never got tired of listening to the turbine like
sound of the engine as I accelerated in first and second up to highway
speed. Very fun. It certainly isn't a quick vehicle, but it is a fast
one.
If I could draw up a perfect car it would start with the
3 Series chassis, brakes, and engine. I would go for a more upscale,
roomier interior, a better stereo, and a larger trunk. Throw in a Prius
electric motor system and the sound of the Bentley Continental and you
pretty much have my perfect travel buddy.
College going male's view:
The rear doors open wide enough, but the seat room is limited in back.
The split-folding rear seat is worth ordering and you need to be aware
that the 3-Series has run-flat tires to save space for more storage in
the trunk. The stereo is weak, reception adequate, and the controls
complex and require practice to master. Okay, enough patter, how does
it feel to drive the 330i? Well, I was not allowed. You see between the
other members of The Car Family my seat time was zilch. The upside for
those considering a BMW 3-Series is that they are desirable for all
ages. The downside is that you may just have to consider ordering more
than one.
Young working woman's view:
Nothing drives like a BMW and the 330i is no exception. In terms of
safety you get four-wheel vented ABS disc brakes with four piston
calipers, Dynamic Stability Control System, traction control, dual
front, front side, and front and rear head curtain airbags. But the greatest safety feature is its ability to escape tight situations with its wonderfully weighted steering and overall chassis
balance. There is no question that the 50/50 weight distribution makes
this BMW a joy to drive at any speed, but when you add the allure of
its shape and the aura of its image, and how nice that key looks in
your purse and it is hard to resist.
Ordering wise you ladies
must consider the Natural Poplar to replace the Walnut trim that blands
the interior. The GPS costs two grand and I would avoid the iDrive, not
because you cannot master it, but because it would be expensive to fix
once the warranty that covers most anything expires. The premium Harmon
Kardon stereo with MP3 CD may be worth the extra funds. The dash has a
connection point for an iPod system. Overall, an enjoyable experience
but its pricing may make the larger 5-Series a more serious
consideration for those who like its looks.
Family conference:
BMW produces fine driving vehicles but at a price. Our test car listed
for over $44,000 with a standard transmission. That gives you plenty of
car and includes a dramatic 4 year / 50,000 mile service which covers
everything except gas and tires. We like the new 330i for those who
enjoy driving rather than cruising. Don't forget that the 3-Series is
ultimately going to come as a hotted-up M model, a convertible, sedan,
station wagon, coupe, and with all wheel drive. That should please most
every Bimmer fan. For all auto websites go to www.reacheverychild.com and click on business.
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