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BMW 330Ci Coupe - Fleet News
01.03.2001 |
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Looks alone tell you the BMW 3-series coupe is a winner. Athletic, muscular and handsome, the top of the range 330Ci is also fine value. Paul Clark reports
Though it shares a family resemblance with the 3 Series saloon, the 3 Series Coupe shares no panels with the 3 Series saloon, and it's longer, wider and lower than before. On the road, the top of the range 330Ci starts at £27,540: lesser models in the range start at just £21,040 for the four-cylinder 118bhp 318Ci, with the 170bhp 320Ci costing from £22,890. The 2.5-litre 192bhp 325Ci costs from £24,650. Tested here is the 330Ci manual, powered by a 231bhp version of the six-cylinder engine, and costing from £27,540 on the road.
Fleet appeal
BMW 3 Series residual values are legendary, and the new Coupe is no exception. CAP Monitor estimates the 330Ci will retain some 46% of its cost new after three years/60,000 miles, giving a resale price of around £12,450.
While that is not quite as strong as the Mercedes CLK 230K Avantgarde's £14,475/52%, it is well ahead of the £27,895 Volvo C70 T5's £11,475/41% and £25,995 Peugeot 406 V6 Coupe (£8225/32%).
At £26,890, the BMW looks good value, especially compared with the £27,925 Mercedes, which commands a £1035 premium, and the Volvo which costs £1005 more. Where the 330 scores is on fuel consumption: at 31.0mpg on the combined cycle, it is comfortably ahead of the 29.4mpg of the Mercedes, the Volvo's 28.5mpg and the Peugeot's 28.4mpg, giving it the lowest fuel costs of the group.
Tax position
Carbon dioxide emissions of 218g/km mean a 40% tax payer covering between 2,500 and 18,000 miles a year will pay £2671 in company car tax this year. In 2002, under the new emissions-based regime, the tax liability remains unchanged. That compares with the Mercedes which, with emissions of 234g/km, will mean the same driver will see his bill rise from £2775 to £3107 - an increase of £332.
Driver appeal
With 231bhp on tap and improved flexibility from BMW's renowned straight six, the 330Ci is fast and fun. Top speed is 155mph, while 0-60mph is covered in just 6.5secs, nearly a second quicker than the 325Ci. That's more than enough outright performance for most people, and the power is delivered with an exhilarating growl that's absent from rivals, particularly the four-cylinder Mercedes and five-cylinder Volvo.
But where the Coupe really impresses is in its roadholding and handling. The 17" alloys with 225/45 section tyres give immensely reassuring cornering without too much bump thump from road irregularities and cat's eyes. It's not serious enough to throw the car off line, though, and largely thanks to the impeccable steering balance this is one car that is easy to drive quickly. It's enormously satisfying on a twisty road, too. Stiffer M-Technic suspension, the classic rear-drive layout, powerful brakes, finely judged gear ratios and a slick, if slightly long-throw, gearshift add to the driving enjoyment that can be had from this car.
Comfort and interior
The Coupe has an interior that bears similarities, but few common parts, with the saloon. It's restrained but stylish and beautifully put together in true BMW fashion.
The Coupe is laid out as a full four-seater, but space in the rear is cramped for taller people. Nevertheless, the cabin is bigger than in the old model and it feels cosy but comfortable. The boot is easily capable of taking four people's luggage with its 410 litre capacity, and thankfully the aperture is wide enough to take large suitcases or cardboard boxes - frequently a problem on cars of this type.
Safety and security
With six airbags (two front, two side and two ITS head airbags), the Coupe is among the most airbagged cars on the market, especially in this sector. There are also belt force limiters and pretensioners on all seatbelts, with similar crush-protection systems as are fitted in the 3 Series saloon.
The 3 Series saloon also scored near perfect points in What Car? magazine's recent vehicle security report, which showed the 3 resisted entry and drive-off attempts. Significantly, stereo security was also highlighted, the system being unique fit. Remote locking with deadlocks and shielded mechanisms, an alarm and immobiliser is standard on all Coupes.
Equipment and value Standard equipment includes metallic paint, climate control, ABS, remote alarm, power seats with driver memory, cruise control, park distance control, dynamic stability control (DSC), 17" alloy wheels, cornering brake control (CBC), traction control, active stability control, an on-board computer, electric front and rear windows, ABS, six airbags and a two-way adjustable steering wheel.
Verdict
Any BMW Coupe is likely to attract a healthy following, and the 330Ci is unlikely to buck the trend. In fact, the only serious drawback to ownership is the time it will take to get one: currently, BMW is quoting a six-month lead time, which means a new Coupe ordered today is unlikely to be on the road until the September registration plate comes on stream. For some, that delay may be a drawback, but the rewards are great for those prepared to wait.