That inline-6 that I just mentioned has been in dire need of a boost, especially now that rivals from Mercedes-Benz and
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| The standard inline-6 engine is in dire need of a boost, especially with rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti vying for the same customer. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
Infiniti are vying for the same customer. Two engines will be offered, with no mention of the current base model's bargain basement 168 horsepower 2.2-liter 6-cylinder. Changes to the 2.5-liter unit in the 325i include a magnesium crankcase, more on this in a minute, and Valvetronic variable valve lift system. The engine now makes 218 horsepower (in European spec) and 184 lb-ft of torque from between 2,750 and 4,250 rpm, resulting in acceleration that comes close to the outgoing 3.0-liter engine at 7.1 seconds to 100 km/h.
The rejuvenated 3.0-liter mill makes the 330i much quicker, mind you, thanks to 255 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, available between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm. While still shy of the C320 and G35, BMW makes a habit of keeping conservative with regard to its engine output ratings, so don't be surprised if the fewer ponies in the new 330i actually outperform others boasting more horsepower.
For an example, Infiniti's 260 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with 260 lb-ft of torque jump starts the 2004 G35 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds if equipped with its optional 6-speed transmission, according to the Japanese company's
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| The 255-hp 330i is faster from 0 to 100 km/h than the more powerful 260-hp Infiniti G35. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
press information, while the seemingly less endowed BMW 330i manages the feat in a mere 6.3 seconds. Is the BMW that much lighter than the Infiniti? Not really. The G35 weighs in at 1,536 kilos (3,386 pounds) and the new 330i tips the scales at, well I'm not really sure. BMW makes no mention of it in their press material, only to say the 2006 car weighs no more than the current one despite being larger and more sophisticatedly equipped. Factor in the 2004 330's 1,490 kilogram (3,285 pound) curb weight and there's only a difference of 46 kilos (101 pounds). Significant? Yes, but hardly enough dead weight to cause a 0.4 second discrepancy. So you tell me why the less powerful 330i is so much quicker? To Infiniti's credit, the 2005 G35 gets bumped up to 277 standard horsepower, which should make up the difference.
