As automobile manufacturers scramble to devise the next Big Thing--lately, it's taken the shape of a hybrid truck/car, car/van, van/truck or a hideous amalgam of all three--it's easy to forget about the vehicle type which has endured over the years because of its "rightness" for the car buyer, the compact 4-door sedan. It still fuels the heart of the market, and, in fact, its popularity hasn't waned a whit as car makers assault one another with consumer-friendly salvos of better and better automobiles. The 4-door sedan might not be the sexiest machine on the block, but, when done correctly, can offer a wider range of utility and sportiness than most kinds of motorized transport. No manufacturer is more closely identified with this market segment than BMW, and now, with its latest generation of compact 4-door, luxury becomes a larger aspect of the 3 Series' character. If luxury can be defined as an absence of life's rough edges, or respite from the rough and tumble of the daily grind, then the 330i is loaded with the stuff, beginning with the exquisite new 3.0-liter straight six. A longer stroke increases power from its 2.8L forebear from 193 bhp to 225 bhp, and torque has risen from 206 lb-ft to 214 lb-ft, yet the 3.0 is more economical to operate. Tweaks to the powertrain include a fully electronic throttle, new intake manifold, increased valve lift, aluminum cylinder block, Double VANOS variable valve timing, and "map cooling" by an electronically controlled thermostat. A five-speed manual transmission is, naturally, standard, but those opting for the five-speed Steptronic automatic get a revised gearbox with ratios that bring the auto-car's performance almost in line with the shifter-car. BMW has traditionally matched its power upgrades with corollary strengthening of other components, and the 330i benefits from this approach, starting with brakes larger than the previous M3's (12.8/12.6 f/r; compare to 11.8/11.6 f/r from the 328i). Augmenting the larger rotors are refinements to the pedal linkage and hydraulic system and the addition of Dynamic Brake Control, which reinforces the driver's pedal effort in emergency braking. Also new is electronic brake proportioning, which, via input from the ABS/DSC sensors, measures the slip at each wheel when the brakes are applied and regulates pressure front to rear for the optimum braking effect. A more aggressive standard wheel and tire setup comes with the base offering--7 x 17s (previously 16s) all around, mounted by 205/50R-17 all-season tires-- but we, of course, wanted the high-performance Sport Package, and so our running gear consists of 7.5 x17s up front with 225/45-17 performance tires and 8.5 x 17s in back with 245/45-17s (in our case, the excellent Continental SportContact ZRs. They're quiet, predictable, relatively inexpensive and just plain work with the car well.) There are few cosmetic changes to the 2001 3 Series cars, but that's not a problem; the design is still fresh and exudes a dynamism missing from many new offerings. So far we've done little more than break in the engine and enjoy the sumptuous surroudings. Next time we'll take you on the road (and a bit of track) for a test of the car's fun factor.
Standard Dual threshold "smart" airbags for driver and front passenger; dual front door-mounted side impact bags; Head Protection System for front seats; coded anti-theft system; halogen free-form low-beam headlights, foglights; variable intermittent windshield wipers w/car-speed sensitive wiping intervals; keyless entry; automatic climate control w/microfilter ventilation and auto recirculation; tilt/telescopic steering wheel; cruise control; 10-speaker stereo; 8-way adj. front seats; Service Interval indicator; 4-function onboard computer; Check Control vehicle monitoring system; prewired for CD changer, cell phone, alarm system, garage door opener OptionsSahara Beige metallic paint, $485; Sand leatherette upholstery, included; Sport Package (M double-spoke alloys, performance tires, sport suspension, leather multi-function steering wheel, 10-way adjustable front sport seats, aerodynamic package, $1,250; Power glass moonroof, $1,250; wood trim, $500; Power front seats w/memory, $XXX; AM/FM & CD player, $200; Destination charge, $500
Base price $33,990 Price as tested $38,930 Engine 3.0L DOHC 24-valve inline 6-cyl.; Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing; dual resonance intake system; direct ignition w/knock control Displacement 2979cc (182 cu in.) Bore x stroke 89.6 x 84mm (3.5 x 3.3 in.) Compression ratio 10.2:1 Max output 225 bhp (168 kW) @ 5900 rpm Max torque 214 lb-ft (291 Nm @ 3500 rpm Transmission 5-sp. man. Gear ratios (1-5): 4.21, 2.49, 1.66, 1.24, 1.00 Final Drive 2.93:1 Front Suspension Single-joint spring-strut axle with displaced camber Rear Suspension Central-arm axle with longitudinal control arm and double-track control arm Wheels 7.0 x 17-in. alloy Tires 205/50R-17 Brakes 4-wheel discs; single-piston floating calipers; 325/320mm, f/r Steering Rack & pinion, power assisted L/W/H 4488/1757/1369mm (176/68.5/55.7 in.) Wheelbase 2725mm (107.3 in.) Track, f/r 1471/1483mm (57.9/58.4 in.) Fuel tank 63L (16.6 gal.) Oil capacity 6.1L (6.5 qt) Weight 1505kg (3318 lb) EPA Mileage 21 city/30 highway (est.) Basic warranty 3-yr/36,000-mile Full Maintenance Program