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2004 BMW 330Ci Road Test

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Rob Rothwell

September 21, 2004

Those at BMW tasked with automotive safety have done a solid job of protecting 330Ci occupants. Similar attention has

"The whole is more than the sum of its parts, provided the parts are perfect." (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

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 330Ci's 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 is priced at $49,550. Adding the M-performance package will increase the figure to $54,950. These aren't 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 M-performance package, will surely garner appreciation for the true meaning of BMW's credo, "the whole is more than the sum of its parts, provided the parts are perfect."

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