 |
|
|
|
BMW 330Ci - What Car?
01.07.2000 |
 |
The king is dead, long live the king.
Six years after the 328i succeeded the 325i as the most desirable 3 Series in the company car park, so a new claimant to the throne has appeared, the 3.0 litre 330Ci.
The flagship engine in the 3 Series range maintains the straight-six-cylinder design of its predecessors, and its larger capacity brings significant gains in power and pull. Yet there's no sacrifice in fuel economy or, perhaps more importantly, any extra cost.
The 330Ci will be priced exactly the same as the 328i it replaces, and we expect it to retain the same level of equipment. But it has more horsepower (up from the 2.8's 193bhp to 231) and more torque (up from 207 to 221lb ft). Finally, the icing on the cake is that the Euro-average mpg remains at 31.0.
The same will be true right across the BMW range, where this new 3.0 litre engine will replace the 2.8. That includes Saloon, Convertible and Touring versions of the 3 Series as well as the Z3 sports car.
Mind you, in the typically understated BMW way, you'd be hard pressed to spot the differences between a 328i and 330i from the outside. Apart from the badge, a sharp pair of eyes will spot the 17in alloys, chromed exhaust tailpipes, plus titanium coloured headlights and air-scoop, but that's it.
As ever, the best place to appreciate the changes is from the driver's seat. The chrome that gleams around the dials on the fascia tells you this car is something different, and matches the glint in the driver's eye.
Pull away and the changes are obvious. The 3.0 litre engine is stronger throughout the rev range, with 90 percent of maximum pull available from as little as 1500rpm. So, while the headline figure will be the half-second drop in the claimed 0-62mph figure from the 328i, you appreciate the boost in flexibility more than the extra power.
This is a supremely relaxing car to drive, but the real beauty of it is the way it responds to your moods. As well as being a superb cruiser, it's pretty damn quick when you want.
Overtaking power is breathtaking. More often than not, you don't even need to change down a gear. But, when you do, the 330i will blast past slow traffic in the blink of an eye, safe and secure. And, this ensures that the most desirable engine in the 3 Series range remains a petrol one, good though the new 330d is.
Despite being seriously quick, the 330i has lost none of the 3 Series qualities. The fine ride and refinement mean that it hides its speed well, while the engine is perfectly smooth. Underpinning it all the chassis remains superbly balanced in the twisty stuff, yet stable and secure at cruising speed.
True, those looking for a serious sports car may be slightly disappointed that its responses aren't sharper, but for that just wait for the new M3, which is due to reach the UK early next year.
Verdict
The £3000 cheaper 323i remains the best balance of power and pounds, but there's no doubt that the 330i is the most desirable.