2004 BMW 330Ci Review

Specifications

Better Than the Sum of Its Parts

According to BMW, “the whole is more than the sum of its parts, provided the parts are perfect.” This is the credo the German auto manufacturer applies to every vehicle rolling forth from its many assembly lines. For most the well-known axiom, modified somewhat by BMW, has no greater meaning than the inane slogans offered up by various fast food chains or the nauseating prattle of daytime TV. But spend a little seat time piloting a 330Ci and the true meaning of the words crystallize somewhere deep within the cerebral cortex.

Although I wouldnt go so far as to say all the parts of the 330Ci are perfect, I would agree that their whole is far greater than their sum. Those parts begin with exterior elements that fit firmly and accurately together to produce a beautiful body on wheels. Whether in two or four door configurations, the 300-series Bimmers are stout, well-proportioned units that show just enough attitude to raise an eyebrow or two, but still adhere to desirable levels of civility.

In my Performance package equipped test unit, an aerodynamic front air dam, discreet rear deck lid spoiler and revised lower apron combine with aggressively styled 18-inch double spoke alloy wheels to fortify that image while giving the powerful coupe the racers-edge styling needed to complement its hyper-extended performance capabilities. South of the 49th, the Performance package is simply termed the “Performance Package,” which doesnt convey the same mystique and authority that the letter “M” does when associated to the letters “BMW.”

Not one to shy away from daring and dramatic interior designs, BMW imbued the 330Ci with a bold, business-like office from which
to administer its capabilities. A quick look around the cockpit reveals a build quality that says “excuse me” to no one. Try as one may, but finding low-rent materials within arms length is nary possible. Except for the way-cool billeted aluminum trim, all surfaces convey a sense of warmth and softness. In terms of layout, controls are logically placed, although the console-mounted power window switches take a bit of getting used to before their operation becomes second nature.

The fairly narrow, European gauge 330Ci cabin is long on legroom fore and aft. Front seat travel is quite impressive too. There are few cars whose front seat legroom can out-extend the stilts supporting my frame, but the 330Ci is one of them. Headroom, at least in the coupes front seats, is also bountiful. Moving rearward, legroom remains substantial provided the front seat occupants are in the mood for sharing their commodious foot-wells. Rear headroom is unlikely to be a significant impediment, unless of course the NBA chooses to shuttle players in the rear seats of a 330Ci - but how likely is that.

Beyond space allotments, two aspects of my testers interior design were particularly pleasing to my senses. Firstly, the 8-way adjustable power front seats provided me with such comfort and support that I would commit to marriage if they could cook - well, given the dash mounted button I know they can at least heat. The second aspect of the Cis inner-space that spoke to my emotions was the outstanding black, billeted aluminum trim that sweeps horizontally across the dash, surrounds the shifter boot and finishes the door pulls. In addition to looking quasi-industrial, the cold, machined surfaces impart a feeling of substance and quality that only true metal can; in fact I couldnt keep my hands off it. And although I drooled over the tan colored leather interior contrasting magnificently against the charcoal gray dash and console, a car enthusiast colleague found the color scheme garish and out of character for the car - but what can you say about a guy who admires his aging “sporty” Corolla?

But “sporty” is a relative term when applied to automobiles, not family members. In the case of the 330Ci, “sporty” means just that and a whole lot more, especially when the optional Performance package is supplementing the coupes already class-leading handling characteristics. Although not a full-blown M3, the Performance package equipped 330Ci receives a moderate boost in horsepower and torque over the conventional 330Ci, in addition to a recalibrated sport-tuned suspension. These modifications nicely position the Performance package augmented 330Ci between standard 3-series offerings and the tarmac searing M3. As one might expect this mid-point positioning boosts 330Ci performance thresholds, but without subjecting occupants to the wrath of the M3s raucous race-bred engine and the rigor of its track-oriented suspension.

Without the Performance package goodies, the 330Ci is motivated by a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder that spins out 225 of the smoothest horses west of the Rockies, plus 214
pounds-feet of torque. When the M-package is harnessed, horsepower increases to 235 at 5,900-rpm and torque jumps to 222 pound-feet of spin at a relaxing 3,500-rpm. These ratings are sufficient to hustle the 1,520 kg (3,344 lb) coupe from a standstill to 60 mph in a respectable 6.3 seconds, provided the 6-speed manual gearbox sits between the engine and the rear drive wheels. Substitute manual rowing for a 5-speed autobox and the run will require 6.7 seconds. Top speed in the M-packaged 330Ci is electronically governed at 131 mph. Without the assistance of M, the 330Ci will do the run from 0 to 160 mph in 6.7 seconds when equipped with the 6-speed manual and 7.3 seconds if the autobox is employed.

Just as I would want it, my 330Ci tester housed the 6-speed manual cog-swapper. The wide variety of gearing encompassed in this box enabled me to maximize the turbine-smooth output of the powerplant by keeping the engine where it loved to be - north of 3,500 rpm. From there to the 6,500 rpm redline, the 24-valve engine sings a virulent baritone tune without ever wheezing or feeling constricted, thanks in part to BMWs Double-VANOS technology which ensures optimum torque over the entire rev range. This performance inducing technology achieves its results by varying camshaft control of the inlet and exhaust valve timings. According to BMW, on paper, Double-VANOS creates a torque curve that resembles a plateau, which translates into abundant torque regardless of engine speed. I put this assertion to the test by loading the engine at 1,000 rpm in fourth gear. True enough, without stutter or kick back, all 3.0-liters got down to business and smoothly pulled the coupe forward as the revs climbed out of their doldrums and burst into life. This sort of output flexibility simplifies driving a manual-shifting vehicle in day-to-day traffic by minimizing the frequency of gear changes that accompany stop and go traffic - something most towns have plenty of these days.

On the shifting bright side, BMWs 6-speed manual box is pure mechanical art. It digs into each gear with just the right amount of notch, however the throws are a tad longer than I expected. The 6-mixer in Audis S4 eclipses the Bimmers stick when it comes to short throws and stick handling perfection. Clutch travel in the 330Ci is again more than I have sampled in other premium sport coupes, however the Bimmers clutch engages smoothly and progressively, although fairly high on the uptake. Irrespective of its shortcomings, or “long-comings” in this case, depending on a persons perspective when it comes to drivetrain refinement and operational smoothness the 330Ci 6-speed is a wonderful example of modern mechanical wizardry. Even the coarsest of drivers would climb a notch or two on the manual-shifting skill-o-meter when administering the Bimmers polished stick.

Once the speedy coupe is in full action the sophisticated, highly praised 3-series chassis steps up to the plate and hammers a bases-loaded homerun right-outa the automotive ballpark. The 330Ci rides on a strut type front suspension, which includes forged-aluminum lower arms and hydraulic cushions. Holding up the rear is a multi-link design, featuring cast-aluminum upper transverse arms. Collectively these lightweight, sport-tuned components, along with twin-tube gas pressurized shock absorbers, deliver predictable, feline-like agility compassionately balanced with humanitarian ride comfort. Yes, when asked to, the M-equipped 330Ci will annihilate curves and compound corners with the greatest of ease, while instilling driver confidence by providing road-feel and feedback as clear as a sunny day. Like Cheetahs in the Kalahari, the 330Ci can sprint, run and maneuver with amazing grace and poise. Directional transitions follow one after the other without pushing the car into a state of inertia-induced panic. The neutral balance of the chassis holds everything in-check, allowing the driver to adhere to the perfect line through a tight curve. Turn-in is progressive and linear in nature. Even with BMWs optional state of the art Dynamic Stability Control-III (DSC) switched-off it would take reckless abandon to overwhelm the handling dynamics of the 330Ci, especially when bolstered with the Performance pack.

Extra insurance against a loss of control is provided by the cars strong, fade resistant antilock, ventilated 4-wheel disc brakes. This high-tech system of motion mitigation goes a couple of steps further to safeguard against disaster by including electronic brake proportioning, which enhances control under emergency stops and reduces braking distances by balancing the degree of braking effort applied front-to-rear. When the optional DSCIII stability system is excluded from the 330Cis electronic bag of tricks, BMW pairs an Automatic Stability Control system with Traction Control as standard equipment. This technology improves the vehicles dynamic stability by preventing the drive wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces, particularly when accelerating through curves.

Tossing out the 330Cis anchor at any speed is reassuring; velocity dissipates faster than a shooting star in the midnight sky. Pedal feel is firm, however fairly touch-sensitive. Modulating the de-acceleration process is easily and sure-footedly done. A generous antilock intervention threshold allows for substantial driver control over maximum braking levels before interceding, during which little nose-dive inflicts itself on the suppression process. No surprises await a stomp on the middle pedal, which is snugly set amid the two other foot controls. Little movement of the right foot is required to actuate either the brake or throttle. More skilled drivers will find the pedal positioning inviting for heel and toe operation.

Despite driver skill levels, the 330Ci will provide top-notch occupant protection in the event of a crash. Standard safety equipment includes driver and front passenger front airbags with “smart” dual-threshold, dual-stage deployment capability and passenger seat occupant sensor. The front seat folk also benefit from the protection offered by door-mounted, side-impact airbags and A-pillar-mounted head airbags. Optional for improving rear seat protection is a pair of rear-mounted side-impact airbags. In addition to enough airbags to raise the Titanic, BMW has installed height adjustable front safety belts with automatic pretensioners and force limiters. A crash sensor in the 330Ci automatically unlocks the doors and switches on the interior lights and hazard lights if the vehicle is in a collision and a fuel shut-off system is automatically triggered if an airbag is deployed.

Those at BMW tasked with automotive safety have done a solid job of protecting 330Ci occupants. Similar attention has
been paid to the comfort and conveniences granted such fortunate travelers. The 330Ci arrives with a well-stocked larder, regardless of whether extra options, packages or accessories are ordered - of which there are many. Purchasers can select from a variety of sport or premium equipment packages, depending on their decision to emphasize 330Cis performance-car or luxury-car aspects. Although without ticking any extras on the order sheet, each 330Ci will arrive equipped with automatic climate control with filtered air, tilt/telescoping leather wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, keyless entry, power heated mirrors, rain sensing wipers, fog lights, 8-way power seat driver seat with memory, split folding rear seat, tilt down passenger mirror back-up aid, Harmon Kardon sound system, trip computer and sport suspension.

The base 330Ci heads out the door for $36,800 without the Performance package and $40,700 with it. These arent trifling numbers, but in a sense you get what you pay for - and in the 330Ci, you get a lot: A lot of quality, comfort and all-out performance. As a brand, BMW has endured much maligning due to its so-called Yuppie image. However seat time behind the wheel of a 330Ci, with or without the the Performance package, will surely garner appreciation for the true meaning of BMWs credo, “the whole is more than the sum of its parts, provided the parts are perfect.”