Spent some time with an 04 330Ci this weekend
 

A buddy lent me his 330 to take to a wedding this weekend. This is the first 330 I've driven in a while, and the first non-Zee Aitch Pea 6 speed 330 I've ever driven.

I was very impressed. As a highway car, the 330 is pretty hard to fault. It doesn't have the holy-shit-this-is-stupid rush to redline of the M3, but it's plenty quick in every real world driving situation. The M54 is much more biased to low end torque, too, meaning that the engine is very tractable in traffic.

The 6th gear and the 2.93 rear end really make this a relaxed car at highway speeds. The M3 is much louder, partly from the engine, partly from the exhaust, and partly from tire roar. As a result of this and the higher engine speeds, the M3 is a more tiring car to drive at speed, even if it is much faster from, say, 70 to 100.

Oh, and the DVD Nav? It's an incalculable improvement over the excerable piece of filth in my car. It's actually usable, whereas mine is frustrating dashboard jewelry.

Negatives? The suspension is a bit soft over expansion joints. The steering wheel is waaayy to thin. The throttle response is slow-witted. And the 2.93, while relaxed, might still be just a bit tall for my tastes.

All in all, a very nice car. A Zee Aitch Pea would solve three of the four problems identified. I can see why someone would buy one of those.

> A Zee Aitch Pea would solve three of the four problems

1) 2.93 too tall: ZHP is only 3.07. Is that even noticable?
2) Steering wheel too thin: fixed for $325
3) Suspension: from what I've read, a legitimate improvement
4) Throttle lag: both suck.


I agree about it being a great highway car. Crusing on the highway at speeds from 50-100 I couldn't be happier.

My '92 E34 525i is The Ultimate Hwy car. Comfort as can be, enough power once it gets rolling and fairly quite. :smile: It certainly does not handle as well, but I'm talking about a trip car.

I've always liked the 330 as a daily driver. Excellent overall package for those who want something other than your typical Accord. Seriously, despite all of the bashing we Bimmerfans like to dish out, it's a solid car and there's a reason why C&D puts it in the 10Best.

I spent some time in mbr's car last weekend. The performance feels damn close to my car, just quieter and somewhat slower off the line, and possessing more body roll. The 330 is WAY more luxurious though and I can definitely see why people buy these cars. However, at this point I don't think I'd be satisfied.

I really need to drive an e46 M3 to see if it is really that much softer than the e36.

EDIT: May I add that I fucking WISH I was satisfied by the 330i. My car has become a headache of late. :cry:

I'd rather have an E46 M3....

Me too. :D

:flipoff:

Honestly, I rather have my former '87 325is vs. my '01 330Ci. Damn, what a fun car! Built like a tank too.

Edit: Naturally by now it would have 200,000 plus miles.

Not me. And certainly not for M3 money.