2004 BMW 330 Review (continued)
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Summary

BMW's 3 Series cars offer a truly satisfying driving experience. They offer rear-wheel drive and manual transmissions, and BMW's commitment to this combination speaks volumes about its priorities.

Other cars in this price range surpass the 3 Series in significant areas. The Lexus ES 330 is smoother and far quieter, and the Acura TL provides a roomier rear seat and more features for less cash. But those are near-luxury cars, while the BMW is a true sports sedan. If driving satisfaction is top priority, one of the 3 Series models should top your shopping list.

Which model? The 325i sedan is a terrific car. It's four doors and usable rear seat are practical, and you may never miss the power of the 330i. The sport wagons add space and versatility, and the only way we could tell we weren't driving a sedan was to glance into the rear view mirror. The coupes add sports appeal with their two-door styling, and their split rear seats provide some versatility. The convertible, well, do you have to ask? The 330 models add a lot of performance to the equation. All-wheel drive offers winter capability to a car not noted for that. The M3 is the best, earthly priced high-performance car on the market with a real back seat. Order mine with the Sequential Manual Gearbox. The 330i sedan with the new Performance Package may offer the best balance of all 12 variants measured by price, performance and practicality.

Concerned about maintenance costs? Free scheduled maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles comes standard with all 2004 BMW 3 Series models.

Depending on equipment, the 3 Series can be pricey, measured by objective values of space, features and horsepower for the money. Subjectively, there is nothing better in the class. There's no mystery why the 3 Series remains the benchmark for moderately priced sports sedans. It's been that way since the late 1970s, and we don't see it changing.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	BMW 325i sedan ($27,800); 330i sedan ($34,600); 325Ci coupe ($30,100); 330Ci coupe ($36,300); 325i sport wagon ($30,400); 325Ci convertible ($37,300); 330Ci convertible ($43,600); 325xi sedan ($29,550); 330xi sedan ($36,550); 325xi sport wagon ($32,150); M3 coupe ($46,500); M3 convertible ($54,900)
Engines:	3.0-liter double overhead cam 24v inline-6 with variable valve timing
Transmissions:	6-speed manual
Saftey Equipment (standard):	dual airbags with two-stage deployment, front side-impact airbags, full-cabin head protection airbags, optional rear side-impact airbags ($385), tire-pressure monitoring system, traction control, dynamic stability control, differential lock on all-wheel-drive models
Saftey Equipment (optional):
Basic Warranty:	4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled In:	Munich, Germany

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	BMW 330i sedan ($34,800)
Standard Equipment:	ABS, Dynamic Stability Control, All Season Traction control, power windows, remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt/telescoping steering column; automatic climate control with micro filter; cruise control; rain-sensing variable-speed wipers; automatic headlights; foglights; 330i adds Harman-Kardon audio upgrade with 12 speakers, headlight washers and V-rated tires
Options As Tested (MSRP):	Performance Package ($3900) includes high-flow dual exhaust, M sport suspension and appearance package, sport shifter, 18-inch wheels with Z-rated tires, sport seats, Aluminum Black Cube interior trim and 155-mph speed-limiter; Premium Package ($3200) includes power glass moonroof , power front seats with driver memory and lumbar adjustment, leather upholstery and BMW Assist telematics; bi-xenon headlamps ($700)
Destination Charge:	695
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	43295
Layout:	rear-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	235 @ 5900
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	222 @ 3500
Transmission:	6-speed manual
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	20/30
Wheelbase:	107.5
Length/width/height:	176.0/68.5/55.1
Track, f/r:	57.9/58.4
Turning circle:	34.4
Seating capacity:	5
Head/hip/leg room, f:	37.0/NA/41.4
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	37.4/NA/34.6
Cargo volume:	10.7
Payload:
Towing capacity:
Suspension, f:	independent MacPherson struts, control arms, anti-roll bar
Suspension, r:	multi-link, independent multi-link, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar
Ground clearance:
Curb weight:	3285
Tires:	225/40ZR18 / 255/35ZR18
Brakes, f/r:	12.8-in. ventilated disc/12.6-in ventilated disc with ABS
Fuel capacity:	16.6