2005 BMW 3-Series 330xi (Video Clip)

Braking prowesses are phenomenal although the outright performance of the system is a small notch below that of the X3's. The 330xi's initial bite is not as immediate and as strong as the compact SUV that shares the same components. Fade is non-existent so there is no doubt that these brakes can handle some abuse.

The suspension unit represents the perfect compromise between poise, comfort and with a touch of sport. Most bumps are soaked up without disturbing the 3-series' course; only the biggest potholes will upset the car's composure. Where this car particularly shines is on a smooth winding road: weight transfers are seamless, roll is very minimal and grip is tenacious.

The highlight of driving a 3-series BMW is its pin-point accurate steering. A minute movement of the wheel to the right and the car will immediately, almost intuitively, be heading in the direction that you want the car to go. The clutch pedal is heavy and sensitive. The shifter is notchy and a little rubbery, however it is very precise. Shifting through the six gears smoothly takes some practice but once you have got the hang of it, nothing could be more rewarding.

The 330xi's AWD system is designed to maintain the all-important rear wheel drive agility. When conditions become slippery, the Automatic Differential Brake will slow down the wheels that spin to favour traction. The way it functions is completely transparent and imperceptible. The only way to differentiate an x to a non-x, other than the badge, is by noticing the larger gaps between the tires and the fenders in the wheel-wells.

Safety

The 3-series has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes with cornering brake control, stability and traction control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for the driver and 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for the front passengers in frontal impacts. In lateral impacts, the 3-series received 3 out of 5 stars (an average result) for the front and 5 out of 5 stars for the rear passengers. The IIHS has rated it a "Best Pick" in its category.

Conclusion

There are basically two types of people that buy these cars. The first are pure driving enthusiasts that recognize and realize the potential and abilities of the BMWs. The others are those that buy it for the logo on the hood. These last people though, usually stay with the make simply because there are very few cars on the market that perform and reward the driver the way a Bimmer does.

The new E90 330i is 55 mm longer, 78 mm wider and 6 mm taller. The advantage will definitely be where legroom and elbow room are concerned. Both the new 325i and 330i will share the same 3.0L inline-6 engine. This time, the 325i gets 215 hp, and the 330i receives 255 hp. BMW will do it again: improve on something that most believed was already perfect.

This car is an absolute pleasure to drive. Enough said.

Good stuff:
Excellent steering
Sumptuous interior

Not so good stuff:
Cramped cabin
Could use more hp (coming right up...)