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2006 BMW 330i Road Test

Mr. Bimmer, I Think Im in Love

Its very rare that I become emotionally attached to a car. In fact, the concept seems quite bizarre, but once in a while it happens. Its much like meeting someone abroad, instantly connecting with them, spending as much time together as possible, knowing all along that your hours are limited, and then leaving for home, saddened but nevertheless glad you had the opportunity to get to know one another. This was much like my short-lived relationship with a strapping German import: the BMW 330i. From the minute I first sat in the form-fitting seats and turned over the smooth-revving 3.0L engine to the constant whispering of

Its very rare that I become emotionally attached to a car. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)?

sweet nothings from the exhaust throughout our weeklong sojourn, I was captivated by the revamped 3-series physically and emotionally.

Physically speaking, I love what BMW has done with its new styling. While some enthusiasts arent thrilled (and there will always be some), I am. Granted its not the most exciting looking sport

Nice lines... the new 3 looks good from every angle. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)?

sedan on the market, but I am extremely drawn to its curvaceously angled body and eye-catching waistline, flawless fascias and sleek profile. Its sassy yet sophisticated all in one package, not only pleasing on the eyes but also pleasing to the senses.

As I mentioned above, the 330i feels great. The first physical attraction I experienced was when sitting in its Lemon Dakota colored soft

The Lemon Dakota colored soft leather seats are perfectly suited to my personal style. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)?

leather seats. Not only does its Monaco Blue Metallic exterior fuse impeccably with the unique interior motif, but it just feels good to get sucked into the hip-hugging sport seats. Furthermore, the optional lumbar support, part of the $2,200 premium package affixed to my tester, supported my back and kept me comfortable during the entire test period - not to mention the three-level seat warmers that helped me warm up to the sultry

The 3s driving position is about as good as it gets. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

sedan even more.

As taken as I was by aesthetics and tactile wonders, what I liked most was the experience from behind the wheel. This is normally the case when I drive a BMW, or a MINI for that matter. I just felt like the drivers seat of this vehicle is where I belonged. Mind you, I might be willing to swap allegiances for the upcoming 3-Series coupe or, better yet, M3, but Ill wait and see.

From the sturdy yet soft grip of the leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhanced with a variable-ratio,

The 18-inch rims look sensational. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

power-assisted "active" rack and pinion setup, to the stern but sporty shift quality of the standard 6-speed manual transmission, I was completely taken in. The clutch tension was stiff yet manageable, while driving in the city, and on the highway, it felt like the world was my racetrack; other than the fun-sapping speed limits!

The 330is handling in tight turns - thanks to front double pivot struts and a rear 5-link independent setup - was phenomenal, not to mention the 4-channel, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS, EBD, BA, etc, slowed me down with an

I kept coming up with excuse after excuse to get behind the wheel. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

almost intimidating force, although with absolute grace and composure. I could say that the beemer "took to the roads as a duck would to water," but then youd heckle me for being so banal, as its adhesion to pavement deserves a much more creative analogy that I cant seem to come up with right now. I never felt afraid to push the car harder than I would most other four-doors, partly due to its optional sport package ($1,600), which included a finely-tuned sport suspension, 3-spoke leather steering wheel, and 225/40 R 18 wheels in the front and 255/35R 18 in the rear with 18-inch ellipsoid alloy wheels and performance

The sound of the 330is 24-valve, DOHC 3.0L engine sends a tingle up my spine.? (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

run-flat tires, but mostly because even in more basic trim this car handles better than pretty well any other sedan on the market. It begged to be driven and I was compelled to succumb to its desires.
As is only proper, throughout my test week I came up with excuse after excuse to leave my desk and go for a spin. Whether it was to the double date I had on Friday night or the mini shopping trip I took to a not-so-nearby shopping center, I was always volunteering for driving duty. It inspired me to put more time in behind the wheel than I normally would, or should really have time for given my rather hectic schedule, but I suppose for those

Great audio system, and cool, functional cupholders. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

things in life that I really want to do, I make the time, and the little 3-series became top priority. That seems reasonable, doesnt it? 

After all, the sound of its 24-valve, DOHC 3.0L engine with Valvetronic technology (BMWs variable valve timing system) sends a tingle up my spine when I rev the throttle, the result of which is a maximum of 255 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. But even at slightly higher than highway speeds, when I purposely spun the engine up into the stratosphere of its rev range, I could barely hear it since the cabin is so darn quiet. In most cases I would crack open my window just a little to listen to it purr. Still, this process gets old fast, causing me to give in and settle for a favorite CD

No, really, you dont have to climb into the trunk to find the optional CD changer, but its pretty big back here. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

on the 3s equally impressive audio system.

The ten-speaker stereo, which includes two healthy sounding subwoofers, is superb. One of the reasons this particular system sounded so good, came down to its premium package upgrade to Harmon/Kardon Logic 7 components. Rap to rock, country to classical, I could adjust the settings for optimal sound quality. What I thought was interesting, yet rather strange considering that a high-tech iDrive interface is available with this car, but not on this particular example, is that the 330i only comes with a single in-dash CD player. Dont get me wrong, Im not complaining. Actually, I quite liked it. I didnt have to fumble with loading and unloading a batch of CDs, a bothersome process, especially when Im driving (not a good

The 3 just might be the best handling compact sedan ever.? (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

idea) as it forces me to take my eyes off the road for longer periods than I otherwise would. Of course, some might argue that a multi-disc changer makes it so you can add CDs before you start driving, therefore reducing the need for a potentially dangerous situation; and to that end BMW offers a somewhat less convenient trunk-mounted multi-disc changer as optional equipment - yes, a bit archaic but it gets the job done (a bit of a pain if raining, though, dont ya think?). Either way, the audio system did an excellent job of enhancing the driving experience, arousing all of the five senses.

OK, while I didnt physically taste the car in order to arouse ALL my senses, because that would be quite odd and, well, wrong on so many levels, I had a constant hunger to drive it. The 330i whet my appetite, and because I knew that our time

Driving a manual can be intimidating to some, but BMWs hill start control makes it so it wont roll backwards when taking off on a hill. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

together was limited I, as previously mentioned, took advantage of all opportunities to romp around my citys roads. Its much like when I was in Italy, and ate as much real Italian gelato as possible because, after all, Italian gelato is simply the best!

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