2003 BMW 3 Series Review

BMW continues to lead the luxury vehicle market and is one of few automakers to rack up sales gains this year.

The 3-Series models constitute BMW's top-selling line, which contains a dozen models, including coupes, convertibles, sedans and station wagons in various trim levels. Most are rear-drive models, but some have all-wheel drive. Base prices range from $27,800 to $54,500.

One of the most popular 3-Series models is the 330i sedan, which looks ultraslick and has four-door convenience. I tested the well-equipped $34,800 330i rear-drive 330i sedan with the impressive new $3,900 Performance Package.

You can get the slightly heavier 330xi all-wheel-drive sedan for $36,550. However, the rear-drive 330i has traction control and anti-skid systems for extra grip.

The 3-Series coupe and convertible arrived as early 2004 models with slightly revised front styling, but BMW says other 3-Series models for the upcoming year will retain their 2003 appearance.

The lack of styling change shouldn't deter those considering 3-Series models other than the coupe and convertible. For instance, the 2003 330i has virtually timeless clean styling, which can't be said for the top-line BMW 7-Series model with its rather chunky looking body.

The 330i sedan remains the model that rivals continue using as an example of the ideal small sports sedan. That's not only because the car is deftly built and looks good--it also provides a nearly ideal blend of acceleration, handling, ride, braking and practicality.

The 330i quickly and comfortably does what's expected with no fuss or surprises. It's got quick-witted steering some consider the best in the business, sharp handling and a ride uncorrupted even by larger available tires, which cause an overly stiff ride with cars that have a suspension not as well developed as the 330i's. Stops are short and sure, and the brake pedal has a really good linear feel.

BMW is an old hand at building sophisticated inline (not V-shaped) six-cylinder engines. Powering the 330i is a smooth 3-liter inline six-cylinder with 225 horsepower. It whisks the 3,285-pound 330i to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds with a manual transmission and generates enough torque to let you smoothly start in second gear if you tire of using first gear in heavy traffic. However, a downshift is needed to third or fourth gear with the newly offered six-speed manual gearbox for the best 65-75 mph passing times.

The clutch has a light action, but a long throw that will cause some drivers to stretch their left leg. There's a $1,275 five-speed automatic transmission, but many car buffs probably will feel it's out of place in such a sporty car and it increases the 0-60 time to 7 seconds.

Estimated fuel economy is 21 in the city and 30 on the highway with the manual gearbox and 20 and 28 with the automatic transmission. The numbers are mediocre for the city, good for the highway.

A newly available $3,900 Performance Package is offered for the 330i sedan. It offers a bunch of features that make the 330i more fun--and is well worth the money.

Such features include a boost to 235 horsepower, more torque and a different final-drive axle ratio, which lowers the 0-60 mph time to 5.6 seconds. A short shift lever enhances the transmission's precise shift mechanism, although the lever is still somewhat notchy during quick gear changes. (A shorter-throw clutch would help here, but BMW long has refused to offer one.)

For those with access to race tracks or who want to say they have the fastest 330i, the package contains an electronic maximum-speed limiter that allows a 155 mph top speed instead of the regular 330i's 128-mph figure.

Handling is a little sharper because there's also a slightly stiffer sport suspension that ties the 330i tighter to roads and stylish, larger 18-inch spoked alloy wheels with low-profile performance tires. Ride height is lowered about an inch.

Appearance changes with the package include body components from the pricey, hot rod 3-Series "M'' version. They include a front bumper-spoiler with a big center air intake, side sills, rear bumper-apron-air diffuser ensemble and discreet trunk lid spoiler. There also are big stainless-steel dual exhaust outlets. Available Imola Red body color is exclusive to the Performance Package option.

For the 330i sedan's quiet interior, the package contains a sport steering wheel with a thick rim wrapped in Alcantara, a suede-like material popular in Europe in high-line cars. The front sport seats have prominent side bolsters and upholstery that contains Alcantara and attractive new cloth.

Special instruments have red needles, and the tachometer has a red warning zone that corresponds to the engine's higher rev limit.

The 330i sedan has a nice dashboard layout, although access to one of the dual cupholders on the console calls for flipping up a small armrest. There are oversized outside door handles, and four tall adults fit comfortably. Rear windows roll all the way down.

The large trunk has a low, wide opening and lid that pops up well out of the way to prevent head-banging.

Safety features include front side air bags and front head-protecting side air bags. Rear side air bags are a $385 option.

The 330i sedan has been around for several years and thus no longer causes many heads to turn. But driving it can make you fall in love.


BMW 330i SEDAN
Price:
$34,800

Likes:
Slick styling. Fast. Sharp handling. Roomy. Nifty new Performance Package option.

Dislikes:
Long-clutch throw. Awkward front cupholder arrangement.