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2004 BMW 330Ci Road Test

Better Than the Sum of Its Parts

According to BMW, "the whole is more than the sum of its parts, provided the parts are perfect." This is the credo the German auto manufacturer applies to every vehicle rolling forth from its many assembly lines. For most the well-known axiom, modified somewhat by BMW, has no greater meaning than the inane slogans offered up by various fast food chains or the nauseating prattle of daytime TV. But spend a little seat time piloting a 330Ci and the true meaning of the words crystallize somewhere deep within the cerebral cortex.

Although I wouldnt go so far as to say all the parts of the 330Ci are perfect, I would agree that their whole is far greater than their sum. Those parts begin with exterior elements that fit firmly and accurately together to produce a beautiful body on wheels. Whether in two or four door configurations, the 300-series Bimmers are stout,

I wouldnt go so far as to say that all the parts of the 330Ci are perfect, but I would agree that their whole is far greater than their sum. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

well-proportioned units that show just enough attitude to raise an eyebrow or two, but still adhere to desirable levels of civility.

In my Performance package equipped test unit, an aerodynamic front air dam, discreet rear deck lid spoiler and revised lower apron combine with aggressively styled 18-inch double spoke alloy wheels to fortify that image while giving the powerful coupe the racers-edge styling needed to complement its hyper-extended performance capabilities. South of the 49th, the Performance

Aggressively styled 18-inch double spoke alloy wheels fortify the aggressive Performance package image. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

package is simply termed the "Performance Package," which doesnt convey the same mystique and authority that the letter "M" does when associated to the letters "BMW."

Not one to shy away from daring and dramatic interior designs, BMW imbued the 330Ci with a bold, business-like office from which to administer its capabilities. A quick look around the cockpit reveals a build quality that says "excuse me" to no one. Try as one may, but finding low-rent materials within arms length is nary possible. Except for the way-cool billeted aluminum trim, all surfaces convey a sense of warmth and

BMW imbued the 330Ci with a bold, business-like office from which to administer its capabilities. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

softness. In terms of layout, controls are logically placed, although the console-mounted power window switches take a bit of getting used to before their operation becomes second nature.

The fairly narrow, European gauge 330Ci cabin is long on legroom fore and aft. Front seat travel is quite impressive too. There are few cars whose front seat legroom can out-extend the stilts supporting my frame, but the 330Ci is one of them. Headroom, at least in the coupes front seats, is also bountiful. Moving rearward, legroom remains substantial provided the front seat occupants are in the mood for sharing their commodious foot-wells. Rear headroom is unlikely to be a significant impediment,

The 8-way adjustable power front seats provided me with such comfort and support that I would commit to marriage if they could cook. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

unless of course the NBA chooses to shuttle players in the rear seats of a 330Ci - but how likely is that.

Beyond space allotments, two aspects of my testers interior design were particularly pleasing to my senses. Firstly, the 8-way adjustable power front seats provided me with such comfort and support that I would commit to marriage if they could cook - well, given the dash mounted button I know they can at least heat. The second aspect of the Cis inner-space that spoke to my emotions was the outstanding black, billeted aluminum trim that sweeps horizontally across the dash, surrounds the shifter boot and finishes the door pulls. In addition to looking quasi-industrial, the cold, machined surfaces impart

Although not a full-blown M3, the Performance package equipped 330Ci receives a moderate boost in horsepower and torque. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

a feeling of substance and quality that only true metal can; in fact I couldnt keep my hands off it. And although I drooled over the tan colored leather interior contrasting magnificently against the charcoal gray dash and console, a car enthusiast colleague found the color scheme garish and out of character for the car - but what can you say about a guy who admires his aging "sporty" Corolla?

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