2002-2005 BMW 330i

Pros :
- Award-winning smooth inline six engine with enough oomph.
- World-beating handler.
- High build quality.
- Precise shifter and steering.
- Good balance between comfort and sporty suspension settings.

Cons :
- Expensive for what is offered.
- Long throw clutch.
- Sport Package causes slightly harsh ride.
- Back seat not for tall adults on cross-country getaways.
- Competition is catching up with cheaper alternatives.

Interior :

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Press Coverage :
One might call the current 3 Series a "serial award winner." Its list of accolades is endless. All are powered by inline 6-cylinder engines characterized as "smoother than satin" by Car and Driver (January '03), "silken" by Road & Track (July '02), "turbine-smooth" by AutoWeek (July 1, '02) or "smooth, torquey" by Motor Trend (August '02).
Some changes were phased into 330i models as of 3/03 production even though they continued as '03 models. The evolution includes a new 6-speed manual transmission, a 6-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) as a new option, standard rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic headlight control, new wheel designs, new exterior colors, and an exciting Performance Package, first available only with 6-speed manual transmission and now also available with automatic.
As of March '03, a new 6-speed manual transmission became standard in all 330 models. Weighing no more than the 5-speed it replaced, this "gearbox" - the ZF Type H - incorporates refinements that add driving pleasure (and BMW's are already known for excellent manual transmissions), with even more effective synchronization of shifting and sportier shift action, via 10-mm (0.4-in.) shorter shift "throws" from neutral to each gear. Compared to the previous 5-speed (which continues in the 325 models), the 6-speed's ratios for 1st through 5th gears are approximately the same; 6th gear provides an 0.85:1 overdrive for quieter, more relaxed and potentially more fuel-efficient cruising.
There is a choice of manual or STEPTRONIC automatic transmission, the latter with selectable Sport and Manual modes. New for 2004, all rear-drive models can be equipped with BMW's innovative 6-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (except 330i with performance package).
In these three Series, SMG takes a less complex form than in the M3s, whose SMG offers fully 11 shift programs. But the concept is the same: electrohydraulic shifting and electronic controls applied to a 6-speed manual transmission to achieve a choice of driver-controlled or automated shifting, automatic clutch operation, and variable programming for the shifting. Though SMG does offer automated shifting, it is not meant as a substitute for a conventional automatic transmission. Just as with a manual transmission, power is interrupted for shifts - though in hard, performance-oriented driving the shifts can be stunningly quick.
The Sport package adds 17-inch rims and carry Z-rated performance tires of 225/45R-17 front / 245/40R-17 rear dimensions.
The 330i Performance Package is a unique offering, now available with manual or automatic transmission. This dazzling package, introduced in March '03, takes the 330i Sedan to its highest level of sportiness ever. Developed by BMW M, it includes very extensive enhancements to performance, roadability, exterior design and interior features. Originally offered only in combination with the 6-speed manual transmission, this Package is now also available with the 5-speed STEPTRONIC automatic; it is not yet offered with the new Sequential Manual Gearbox. Features include engine modifications that add 10 horsepower, 8 pounds-feet of torque, even quicker throttle response and 300 rpm to the rev limit of the 330i's 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. Other features include a short shift lever with the 6-speed manual transmission, 155-mph maximum-speed limiter instead of other 330 models' 128 mph, BMW M sport suspension system that bonds the 330i even more intimately to the road than its standard sport suspension, unique 18-inch wheels in differentiated front/rear sizes, wearing Z-rated, low-profile performance tires, BMW M body components, including front bumper/spoiler, side sills, rear bumper/apron/air diffuser and trunklid spoiler, special exterior trim elements; high-gloss Shadowline trim around the side windows, special Imola Red color choice, large-diameter stainless-steel dual exhaust outlets, sport steering wheel, sport seats, Cloth/Alcantara upholstery, exclusive interior trim materials and special instruments with red needles.
The 3 Series incorporates an array of safety features that has contributed to widespread recognition of these vehicles' excellent occupant protection. Among many impressive test results, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety rated the 3 Series sedan its Best Pick rating in offset crash testing. Features include a lightweight body structure, Head Protection System (HPS) tubular cushion, 2-stage "smart" front-impact airbags, standard front-seat side-impact airbags and optional rear-seat side-impact airbags. In the recent past, BMW Assist - a comprehensive program of safety- and convenience-oriented customer services - has been included as part of the available BMW On-board Navigation System when combined with the BMW cellular phone. Now these services, in enhanced form, are offered as a stand-alone option or as part of the Premium Package. A year's subscription to BMW Assist is included with the option; after the initial year, the annual fee is $240. In addition to the safety-related benefits, subscribers can call a toll-free 800 number to avail themselves of BMW Assist Concierge services, from travel planning to dining reservations, shopping assistance and event tickets. The system can be upgraded to hands-free calling via BMW center installation of the optional CPT9000 handset.
Like all current models, each 3 Series vehicle is covered by BMW's 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and comes with a 4-year/50,000-mile Full Maintenance Program for customer convenience, peace of mind and economic benefit.
BMW USA

No matter what other car you've been driving, when you climb into the BMW's driver's seat and head into the hills, you find yourself within minutes saying, "All right! Now thisM is a sports sedan." Essentially, BMW more or less invented this class, and still defines it.
The secret here is balance. The 330i has a great engine, a 5-speed gearbox that's a pleasure to click through the gears, superbly supportive seats, a nice open greenhouse for good outward vision, steering that is the most natural and communicative of all the cars here and handling that makes the whole car feel like an extension of your wrist muscles. Only the Lexus IS 300 is more directly wired into your nervous system, and that car doesn't have the all-around poise and excellent highway ride of the BMW. The 330i simply feels like a race car overlaid with practical amenities and good road manners for everyday driving. There's nothing harsh, peaky or stiff to compromise its role as a daily commuter, yet it works beautifully on a mountain road and — as we know from experience — on the racetrack.
Compounding all this is the BMW's styling, which is both timeless and uniquely its own, and a superb level of fit, finish and materials, inside and out.
Road and Track

BMW is a master at making smooth, quiet, potent inline 6-cylnder engines. Most Americans are familiar with 6-cylinder engines that have a "V" configuration, but an inline layout allows more smoothness. That's one reason why General Motors' new sport-utility vehicles have an inline 6-cylinder. While the 325i provides lively acceleration, especially with the standard 5-speed manual transmission, the 330i is considerably faster, which has a smooth but occasionally notchy shifter.
Optional is a $1,275 5-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted like a clutchless manual. It works well, but the manual allows the most driving kicks. After all these are sports models, as opposed to "sporty" ones.
The manual works with a clutch that takes little effort to press, and it engages smoothly. But it has BMW's traditional long-throw that becomes tiring in stop-and-go traffic. Still, the 3.0-liter engine has so much torque that it allows a driver to bypass first gear in heavy traffic and smoothly launch the car in second gear. The "stump-puller" first gear seems designed just to get the car moving very quickly.
The 3-Series Sport Package contains a firmer suspension and wider tires for sharper handling, sport seats with additional support, and a sport steering wheel that is especially easy to grip. The ride with that package generally is supple, but it sometimes causes the ride to become choppy. The standard suspension and tires should be fine for most people, although some car buffs say BMW is making the 3-Series too "soft" to expand its number of buyers. The brake pedal has a nice linear action that allows quick, sure stops. Both brake and clutch pedals have ribbed surfaces for good grip with wet shoes - a thoughtful touch.
The sedan is classified as a 5-seater and has decent room for four 6-footers in the quiet interior, which has high-quality materials and a no-nonsense design. Gauges can be quickly read and well-arranged controls work smoothly. Even the inside hood release lever is sturdy, which isn't the case in many cars.
The rear of the car can't be seen when backing up, which makes the $350 Park Distance Control a good option. It uses sensors that trigger warning beeps if the BMW is approaching objects not visible to a driver. Safety equipment? It includes side-impact airbags up front, an anti-skid system and a special brake control system that reinforces driver pedal effort in emergency braking.
MSN Autos

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History:
2001-2002 BMW 330i
2,979 cc / 225 hp / 214 lb-ft / 3285-3362 lbs / 0-60 mph 6.2 sec.
1999-2000 BMW 328i
2,793 cc / 193 hp / 206 lb-ft / 3197-3500 lbs / 0-60 mph 6.8 sec.