Sprint Review: BMW 330i Sport Line – NamWheels

The other
day someone alleged that the automobile and internal combustion had reached
their peaks. With the help of this brand-new BMW 330i, I would like to strongly
disagree.

What you
need to know:
The 330i moniker is quite legendary for it harks back to the days when those
numbers still promised what was in the tin. 3-Series Bee-Emm, three litres of
roaring petrol power divided into a row of six fuel-injected cylinders. A
friend of mine bought a 330i in 2005 and, wouldn’t you know it, he’s just
upgraded to this new one.

Its engine has two fewer cylinders and a
turbocharger to produce – drum roll please – almost identical power and torque
figures to ye olde 3L straight six. BMW actually discontinued those (and other
naturally-breathing) power units a while ago for the sake of utmost efficiency.

More facts:
Progress
and efficiency also apply to its host body, this new G20 3-Series sedan.
Depending on the chosen model and options, it spoils you with every contemporary
safety, luxury and convenience aid. Our Sport Line test car featured goodies
like digital instruments, adaptive headlights and a full deck of
media/connectivity.

Watch out
for: Naturally
the price has risen with all that engineering and gizmo progress (never mind
inflation) yet a BMW 330i still represents excellent bang-for-your-buck. But
more of that later. One thing I personally lament is that the Three-Series has
lost its identity. It’s by no means ugly or dull, it just looks too much like a
5-Series from the front; or a Lexus from behind.

Where we
went: Work,
home, shopping centres, highways, friends, cars and coffee. That’s when a fellow
petrol-head asked for a ride, I gave it horns and suddenly realised what a
sheep-shaped wolf I had underfoot. Joined with a superb 8-speed automatic
gearbox, I never had the need to floor it until then…

But when I did, my Goodness! Despite sounding a
little gruffer, this 2L need not fear any comparison with its 3L namesake. BMW
claims 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds and our best time was a phenomenal 5.3! This
red sedan also stopped from 100km/h in just 2.48 seconds and 35.2 meters.

Why you’ll
want one: Properly
exciting performance wrapped in a highly refined sedan with easy everyday
drivability and fairly good fuel efficiency. BMW claims 6.4, we got around
eight. Be wary of costly (and often gimmicky) optional extras and ride-ruining
low-profile wheels when ordering your sporty new 330i.

FULL SPECLIST

Engine: 2L i-4 Turbo-petrol Transmission: 8-speed Automatic, RWD Max. Power:
190kW
Max. Torque:
400Nm
Avg cons.: Approx. 8L/100km (claimed 6.4) 0-100km/h: 5.30 seconds (claimed 5.8) Top Speed: 250km/h (claimed) List Price:
R676,016