BMW 330d 2009 Review

BMW 330d

Overall rating: 2.5/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 2.5/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 2.5/5.0
Safety: 2.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 2.5/5.0
X-factor: 2.5/5.0

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Slotting just underneath the twin-turbo petrol 335i at the high end of the 3 Series range, BMW is claiming more torque than an M3 but lower fuel consumption than a 320i for its newest model to further underline its performance credentials.

The 330d joins the recently released 730d and forthcoming 118d and 123d as new additions to BMW's local line-up as it continues its diesel offensive.

The basic kit list of the 330d includes 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded brakes, leather upholstery, navigation, bi-xenon adaptive headlights, 10-speaker stereo system, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and AUX-in connections, chrome exterior accents and keyless entry and ignition.

For more details on the latest 3 Series' equipment mix check out the link detailed above.

BMW claims it is enough to launch the car from 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds and to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. At the same time the 330d is good for 6.8L/100km fuel consumption while emitting 180g/km of CO2.

"BMW continues to roll out the fruits of its industry-leading EfficientDynamics engine program in Australia which brings the triple benefits of high-performance, low consumption and low emissions," says Tom Noble, General Manager, Marketing at BMW Group Australia.

"The new BMW 330d Sedan gives our customers the opportunity to mix V8 engine performance with four-cylinder fuel economy, but at the same time delivering the tangible delights of our highly-acclaimed straight-six cylinder engines."

But a bigger engine also means bigger brakes and rubber to cope with the extra grunt. BMW has used the same braking package from the 335i, meaning 348mm front discs and 336mm on the rear. As mentioned above the wheels are 17-inch alloys with rubber measuring 225/45 at the front and 255/40 at the rear.

The three-pointed star has the C320 CDI which produces 165kW at 3800revs and 510Nm between 1600-2800revs, with fuel economy of 6.8L/100km and a manufacturer list price of $95,956. The brand with four-rings has the A4 3.0 TDI Quattro with figures of 176kW at 4000rpm and 500Nm between 1500-300rpm, consumption of 6.9L/100km and a price of $86,056.

So confident is BMW that the 330d trumps its rivals it was happy to directly compare the cars on paper. But while the 330d can claim to have the most power, lowest consumption and lowest emissions, it is not by much. The A4 has only 4kW less power, uses 0.1L/100km more fuel and emits 2g/km more of CO2. The two cars are even in the 0-100km/h sprint, the Audi's boot is 20-litres bigger and (in base trim) the Audi is over $1000 cheaper.

But BMW doesn't leave it just on performance and points out the 330d comes standard with navigation, keyless entry and ignition, through loading system, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, high beam assist, 10-speaker HiFi system, gearshift paddles and leather sports steering wheels -- all of which are either not available or are cost options on the Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Audi and Mercedes-Benz can no doubt counter with claims of their own. Whichever way you look at it though, the three cars are evenly matched on paper.

Unlike high-revving petrol engines that match speed with volume, the low revving nature of the turbodiesel and its ability to churn out so much torque is a little strange at first. But once you get accustomed to the sensation and find the sweet spot in the torque curve the 330d doesn't feel much slower than its twin-turbo petrol brother, the 335i.

Despite the different donk, the handling of the 330d feels just the same as the rest of the 3 Series range. The steering is responsive and provides good feedback, the bigger brakes work well and the car is able to put the power down with or without the electronic aids.

However, while the 330d has inherited the good traits of its siblings it has also taken on some less endearing qualities. The ride is beautiful and smooth as long as the road surface is beautiful and smooth. But put the 330d on imperfect tarmac and the ride begins to irritate. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what is the root cause of the rough ride, but it is most likely a combination of stiff springs, aggressive damping and runflat tyres. Whatever the cause, the result is a ride that feels like every bump and crack in the road is transmitted directly to the seat of your pants.

Keep the 330d on smooth roads and you'll never have a complaint. If you need to do a lot of distance on deteriorated roads, however, and you may want to think hard about whether or not it is a characteristic you can live with.

The only other quibble was the new iDrive system. The 330d was the first chance for this author to sample the updated system. Unlike many I didn't have a problem with the old iDrive -- it was relatively straightforward to use with its simple set-up. Now the new system may be just as easy to use once you get accustomed to it, but I'd just got used to the old one! [Ed: enough about iDrive already! The new system is easier and quicker to use. End of discussion.]

Ride quality disappointment aside, it is hard to fault the 330d dynamically. It may be a diesel but it's first and foremost a performance sedan.

What it isn't, though, is a clear step ahead of its direct rivals on the road. Just like the match-up on paper the difference between the BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz are subtle and each car will appeal to a different buyer.

So the winner in this situation is you, the consumer. If you want a mid-size diesel sedan that is a pleasure to drive, you're spoiled for choice.

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