View Full Version : August R&T on the E90 330i
"Interesting exterior details - like xenons headlamps-in conjunction with a well-executed skin make the redesigned 3 Series the best-looking , most complete car in the entire BMW lineup"
"The steering is also similar to that of 3 Series of old, enjoyably quick and precise, though feedback is not quite as rich and communicative as that found in the late 90's E36 model, a car that's one of our all-time favorites."
"We may miss the sensational steering feel of the E36 3 Series from a couple of generations ago, but that's really about it. The latest BMW 330i sedan makes us appreciate that the advancement of the automobile, like time doesn't stand still."
lemming
06-27-2005, 10:30 PM
"Interesting exterior details - like xenons headlamps-in conjunction with a well-executed skin make the redesigned 3 Series the best-looking , most complete car in the entire BMW lineup"
"The steering is also similar to that of 3 Series of old, enjoyably quick and precise, though feedback is not quite as rich and communicative as that found in the late 90's E36 model, a car that's one of our all-time favorites."
"We may miss the sensational steering feel of the E36 3 Series from a couple of generations ago, but that's really about it. The latest BMW 330i sedan makes us appreciate that the advancement of the automobile, like time doesn't stand still."
so i'm not crazy for thinking that my e36m3 is still the benchmark for handling and steering feel after all of these years?
that's cool! i'm not completely crazy.
the new styling looks okay in dark colors.
More...
"We had plenty of time for some hard driving. Our impressions? While the engine's power development could be best described as solid, not breathtaking (the new M3 should fill this void), it does provide some additional gusto above 5000 rpm. Sadly, we clocked a best 0-60-mph time of 6.2 seconds - actually 0.1 sec. slower than the last BMW 330i we tested (July 2002). But it's the improved handling that really makes the 330i shine."
the new styling looks okay in dark colors.
I think this looks good.
lemming
06-27-2005, 10:51 PM
More...
"We had plenty of time for some hard driving. Our impressions? While the engine's power development could be best described as solid, not breathtaking (the new M3 should fill this void), it does provide some additional gusto above 5000 rpm. Sadly, we clocked a best 0-60-mph time of 6.2 seconds - actually 0.1 sec. slower than the last BMW 330i we tested (July 2002). But it's the improved handling that really makes the 330i shine."
must be a pathetically tall rear final drive if that is the case. this engine has oodles more power than the e46 330i.
John V
06-28-2005, 06:58 AM
so i'm not crazy for thinking that my e36m3 is still the benchmark for handling and steering feel after all of these years?
The E36 M3 steering feels great until you drive an RX-8, which completely blows it away.
The E46 is like a Cadillac in comparison.
The E46 is like a Cadillac in comparison.
Agree 100% The E46 steering left much to be desired.
The E46 is like a Cadillac in comparison.
Agree 100%. The E46 steering left much to be desired.
rumatt
06-28-2005, 09:15 AM
Agree 100% The E46 steering left much to be desired.
When I test drove an RX8 the steering was awesome. Definitely was something special compared to my car ('03 330).
That said, my car's steering is not that bad either.
BTW, the car they tested was Ti. Silver with Black leather, SP, PP, Satellite Radio, and 6 speed.
0-60: 6.2
0-1/4 Mile: 14.9 sec
Braking 60-0: 116ft.
Later accel (200 ft. skidpad): 0.83g
Fuel Econonmy: 16.5 MPG
Speed through 700ft. Slamon: 66.6 MPH w/ mild understeer
Interior Noise: Idle in neutral: 53 dBA
Max in 1st gear: 86 dBA
Constant 50 MPH: 74 dBA
Constant: 70 MPH: 74 dBA
BTW, the car they tested was Ti. Silver with Black leather, SP, PP, Satellite Radio, and 6 speed.
0-60: 6.2
0-1/4 Mile: 14.9 sec
Braking 60-0: 116ft.
Later accel (200 ft. skidpad): 0.83g
Fuel Econonmy: 16.5 MPG
Speed through 700ft. Slamon: 66.6 MPH w/ mild understeer
Interior Noise: Idle in neutral: 53 dBA
Max in 1st gear: 86 dBA
Constant 50 MPH: 74 dBA
Constant: 70 MPH: 74 dBA
16.5 mpg? Jebus, where did they drive the thing? Is that observed economy idling at the test track and then running the 1/4?
hooo-ray for the HP wars. More HP, same acceleration. I can't help but wonder if the 3.0 has been under-rated from the start. My gut feeling has always been that it was.
Is that observed economy idling at the test track and then running the 1/4?
Just says, 'Our Driving'
EPA City/Hwy: 20/30 MPG
Cruise Range: 246
Fuel Capacity: 15.9 gal
I can't help but wonder if the 3.0 has been under-rated from the start. My gut feeling has always been that it was.
BMW has always been fairly conservative on their HP/torque ratings.
I can't help but wonder if the 3.0 has been under-rated from the start. My gut feeling has always been that it was.
BMW has always been fairly conservative on their HP/torque ratings.
Evidently not anymore.
killerdeck
06-28-2005, 11:24 AM
Fuel Econonmy: 16.5 MPG
:shock: Jeez, I drive the piss out of my ZHP and get 19 MPG with less than 50 miles per tank freeway. Hmmm...maybe I need to be more aggressive... :lol:
Fuel Econonmy: 16.5 MPG
:shock: Jeez, I drive the piss out of my ZHP and get 19 MPG with less than 50 miles per tank freeway. Hmmm...maybe I need to be more aggressive... :lol:
I hope someday to get achieve 19 mpg in the V. Mostly b/c that will mean I have had the opportunity to take a long trip in it. So far, my record is 17.5 and that was with 150 miles on the highway. Not at the speed limit, but on the highway. That happened once. It's usually 15 - 16.5, depending on how much fun I have had. The really great tanks are 14.5. Lots of fun in those few days. :)
Sometimes when I fill up, I miss the 330 and it's ridiculous gas mileage for a car that powerful. Then I start the motor again and I don't miss it anymore.
lemming
06-28-2005, 11:00 PM
what is the rear end on the e90 330i they tested? 2.93:1? 3.05:1?
what is the rear end on the e90 330i they tested? 2.93:1? 3.05:1?
Damn good question...I'll dig through the E90 Product info.
Ok...found it. 3.15:1
rumatt
06-29-2005, 12:04 AM
That's shorter than the ZHP or non-ZHP. :dunno:
http://www.scotsindependent.org/2003/030530/Pig4.gif
http://www.scotsindependent.org/2003/030530/Pig4.gif
:lol: :lol: :lol:
I picked up my 330i from service (New Alcantara wheel!!!) and sat in an E90 at the showroom. Not impressed. Certainly not nearly enough to ever want to replace my car with one of these.
rumatt
06-29-2005, 09:02 AM
http://www.scotsindependent.org/2003/030530/Pig4.gif
WTF :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
http://www.scotsindependent.org/2003/030530/Pig4.gif
Curb Weight as tested: 3460
Curb Weight as tested: 3460
Nice... The ultimate loafing machine
Curb Weight as tested: 3460
Nice... The ultimate loafing machine
So it's heavier by at least another 100lbs, has no extra torque, but it uses a taller rear ratio, doesn't look that great in or out and costs more... Yeah sign me up! :thumbdow:
:rolleyes:
rumatt
06-29-2005, 10:47 AM
but it uses a taller rear ratio
Not the final drive ratio. :dunno: Is the combination of the transmission gearing and final drive taller?
but it uses a taller rear ratio
Not the final drive ratio. :dunno: Is the combination of the transmission gearing and final drive taller?
Oh ok. Nevermind. I misread the post above. Still...
3460? omg. Add another 350 pounds and you can have 400 hp and 395 ft-lbs of torque . . . and right now, the cost of the BMW comparably equiped would be more than the V. Funny. (Let's see, add 10% weight and about 60% hp and what happens . . .)
lemming
06-29-2005, 08:36 PM
3460? omg. Add another 350 pounds and you can have 400 hp and 395 ft-lbs of torque . . . and right now, the cost of the BMW comparably equiped would be more than the V. Funny. (Let's see, add 10% weight and about 60% hp and what happens . . .)
the difference isn't much. it's only about 20-25 seconds per lap at a track like the nurburgring.
i think i'm just saving my excitement for the e90m3.
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