BMW 330i (2005) Driving Impression

For BMW, its 3 Series model is the goose that keeps on producing the golden eggs. No wonder, then, that generation after generation it is the model BMW is most cautious about. Even knowing that, fans of the brand must have waited anxiously to see images of this, the E90-generation 3 Series, especially after what Mr Chris Bangle has been doing to other models in the BMW line-up in recent years! But, as the E90’s conservative design shows, BMW still has its business head solidly screwed on…

Of course, there are traces of Bangle’s so-called “flame surfacing” in the new car’s flanks, but if anything, it actually contributes to the 3 Series’s handsome looks. With its wide stance, “dipped” eyebrows and strongly defined jaw-line, this 3 Series looks masculine and grown-up. It’s a very cohesive design, overall, and shouldn’t date very fast. As always, BMW offers a wide range of personalisation options (alloy wheels etc.) to brighten things up further. Mett the BMW 330i…

Minimalistic interior for BMW 330i

First things first… the new 3 Series is only marginally bigger than the outgoing (E46) model, but even so BMW has managed to eke out extra legroom (if not headroom) for rear passengers. In a sense, then, the 3 Series bucks the current trend of new models always being significantly bigger than their predecessors. A clue to BMW’s goals with this model can be found in its construction and weight. To further improve refinement and dynamic ability, the E90-generation 3 Series is 25 % more torsionally rigid than its predecessor, and weighs up to 20 kg less, even though it packs more equipment into the cabin. Performance (and fuel economy) should therefore be improved, but more of that later.

The BMW 330i interior comes across as minimalistic. There’s a strip of trim that spans the width of the facia, creating the sensation of stretched-out space. The majority of the controls (mostly for the audio and ventilation systems) are placed below this strip and are very logical and easy to operate. Not so logical and easy (for a first-timer) is the iDrive system (if fitted). In its latest guise it has already been much improved over the first versions, but some consumers still resist the technology. Truthfully, it only takes a few days before it no longer requires much thought to use. Besides, if you opt for iDrive you can have very neatly presented navigation, too. Overall, perhaps the interior can do with some extra attention to detail. It’s quite sombre (the steering wheel is all-black), and perhaps the minimalism would not come across as being so “stark” if there was more contrasting trim. It’s very well-made, though, with top-notch fit and finish.

Brilliant drivetrain

But is the BMW 330i any fun? This was a regular question from passers-by who noticed the BMW 330i badge on the bootlid. It’s a more valid question than you may think. After all, for many years the 3 Series has been widely acclaimed as the best driver’s car in its class. It’s a reputation that needs to be protected, especially now that the competition has improved so much. Good news for the Beemer faithful is that, yes, the BMW 330i is a brilliantly entertaining car and retains its superiority in this regard. In fact, it has stretched even further ahead… The engine is new, and it’s a gem. The figures (190 kW and 300 Nm) speak for themselves, but what impresses even more is the silky smooth delivery of the power, with an addictive engine note, too. This engine loves to rev. Driven enthusiastically, the BMW 330i delivers sportscar-equalling performance. It sprints to 100 km/h in just over 6 seconds and mid-range punch is ferocious! Yet, it’s also impressively economical. Contain your right foot, and you should record fuel consumption of around 10 litres/100 km.

Further good news for petrolheads is that this engine can be mated with a six-speed manual transmission, whereas other brands in this segment appear to be moving to two-pedal solutions. This transmission is beautifully matched to the engine, providing precise, swift gearshifts and a nicely weighted clutch, too. Not so lovely is the overly shiny gearknob…

Dynamic benchmark

Featuring a new five-arm rear suspension system in addition to the lighter, stiffer body structure and, of course, rear-wheel drive, the BMW 330i is set up to be the segment’s dynamic benchmark. It doesn’t fail to deliver on BMW’s promise. Switch of the DSC system and what you have here is the purest driving machine of its type. The steering, which, to be honest, is fairly heavy at town speeds and a bit dead around the straight-ahead, comes alive when the car is pushed and responds with superb accuracy. The ride, also a bit “wooden” at lower speeds, which is partly due to the fitment of stiff-walled RunFlat tyres, displays remarkable composure and balance as the speeds rise, even on poor surfaces. Grip levels are very high, but it is possible to unsettle the rear quite easily by using that manual transmission to good effect and hoofing it out of a corner. And when crisis looms, it’s good to know that the BMW 330i has fantastic anchors, too – large ventilated discs are fitted all-round and backed by ABS with EBD and CBC (cornering brake control).

BMW 330i – Verdict

With competition that is getting stronger by the day, BMW could not afford to drop the ball with the E90 3 Series. It hasn’t. In manual guise the BMW 330i is a dynamic benchmark. The engine, similarly, is the sweetest in this segment, delivering thumping power and surprising fuel economy. The only real criticisms concern the car’s low-speed ride quality and heavy steering, as well as the “stark” design of the interior which is polarising. If you’re looking for a medium executive sedan that also doubles as a thrilling driving machine, look no further than this.

We like:

• Pin-sharp dynamics
• Build quality
• Slick transmission
• Fuel economy
• Premium badge

We don’t like:

• Ride can be bumpy
• “Bland” facia design
• Run-flat tyres

Fast facts

Engine: 3,0-litre, six-cylinder, petrol

Power: 190 kW @ 6 600 rpm

Torque: 300 N.m @ 2 500-4 000 rpm

Transmission: Six-speed manual

Wheels: 17-inch alloys

Top speed: 250 km/h

0-100 km/h: 6,3 seconds

Fuel economy: n/a litres/100 km

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

• Audi A4 3,2 FSI Quattro: The A4 has matured into a very strong contender in its latest form. The basic design is not as new as the BMW 330i, but the engine is a strong one, and it has the benefit of quattro all-wheel drive. Of course, if rear-drive antics are your thing, then this won’t be your cup of tea.
• Volvo S60 T5: A highly underrated car at a very good price. Sure, it’s not as sharp a handler as the BMW 330i – its emphasis is on comfort. The standard features list is comprehensive and the performance swift. But expect resale value to be VERY poor. Rear legroom is also severely lacking.
• Alfa Romeo 156 GTA: A likely future classic. The GTA is one of the most entertaining Alfas in a long time and worth buying (and keeping) if driving enjoyment is high on the list of requirements. But the 156 underpinnings are ageing and build quality can be haphazard.