As is only proper, throughout my test week I came up with excuse after excuse to leave my desk and go for a spin. Whether
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| I kept coming up with excuse after excuse to get behind the wheel. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
it was to the double date I had on Friday night or the mini shopping trip I took to a not-so-nearby shopping centre, I was always volunteering for driving duty. It inspired me to put more time in behind the wheel than I normally would, or should really have time for given my rather hectic schedule, but I suppose for those things in life that I really want to do, I make the time, and the little 3-series became top priority. That seems reasonable, doesn't it?
After all, the sound of its 24-valve, DOHC 3.0L engine with Valvetronic technology (BMW's variable valve timing system) sends a tingle up my spine when I rev the throttle, the result of which is a
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| The sound of the 330i's 24-valve, DOHC 3.0L engine sends a tingle up my spine. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
maximum of 255 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. But even at slightly higher than highway speeds, when I purposely spun the engine up into the stratosphere of its rev range, I could barely hear it since the cabin is so darn quiet. In most cases I would crack open my window just a little to listen to it purr. Still, this process gets old fast, causing me to give in and settle for a favourite CD on the 3's equally impressive audio system.
The ten-speaker stereo, which includes two healthy sounding subwoofers, is superb. One of the reasons this particular system sounded so good, came down to its premium package upgrade to Harmon/Kardon Logic 7 components. Rap to rock, country to classical, I
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| Great audio system, and cool, functional cupholders. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
could adjust the settings for optimal sound quality. What I thought was interesting, yet rather strange considering that a high-tech iDrive interface is available with this car, but not on this particular example, is that the 330i only comes with a single in-dash CD player. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. Actually, I quite liked it. I didn't have to fumble with loading and unloading a batch of CDs, a bothersome process, especially when I'm driving (not a good idea) as it forces me to take my eyes off the road for longer periods than I otherwise would. Of course, some might argue that a multi-disc changer makes it so you can add CDs before you start driving, therefore reducing the need for a potentially dangerous situation; and to that end
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| No, really, you don't have to climb into the trunk to find the optional CD changer, but it's pretty big back here. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
BMW offers a somewhat less convenient trunk-mounted multi-disc changer as optional equipment - yes, a bit archaic but it gets the job done (a bit of a pain if raining, though, don't ya think?). Either way, the audio system did an excellent job of enhancing the driving experience, arousing all of the five senses.
OK, while I didn't physically taste the car in order to arouse ALL my senses, because that would be quite odd and, well, wrong on so many levels, I had a constant hunger to drive it. The 330i whet my appetite, and because I knew that our time together was limited I, as previously mentioned, took advantage of all opportunities to romp around my city's roads. It's much like when I was in Italy, and ate as much real Italian gelato as possible because, after all, Italian gelato is simply the best!
