Once the speedy coupe is in full action the sophisticated, highly praised 3-series chassis steps up to the plate and hammers
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| When asked to, the M-equipped 330Ci will annihilate curves and compound corners with the greatest of ease. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
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 BMW's optional state of the art Dynamic Stability Control-III (DSC) switched-off it would take
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| BMW's fade resistant antilock, ventilated 4-wheel disc brakes are extra insurance if you find yourself in a hairy situation. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
reckless abandon to overwhelm the handling dynamics of the 330Ci, especially when bolstered with the M-performance pack.
Extra insurance against a loss of control is provided by the car's 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 330Ci's electronic bag of tricks, BMW pairs an Automatic Stability Control system with Traction Control as standard equipment. This technology improves the vehicle's dynamic stability by preventing the drive wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces, particularly when accelerating through curves.
