The mid-life facelift applied to the 3 Series this year was subtle to say the least, though once you see the new car alongside the old it becomes apparent how much more modern it looks. The changes to the front are most obvious, with new lights and bonnet sculpting, while the M Sport cars look more aggressive than ever before. The extra body kit and sporting 18-inch wheels are likely to be part of the reason the M Sport models account for nearly half of all UK sales. Of note on our test car was the new ‘Bluewater’ metallic colour, which draws a lot of attention.
It’ll take an owner of the pre-facelift 3 Series to notice what BMW has done to upgrade the interior, as the changes are so subtle; yet like the exterior, it has been effective. The overall result is a sense of better quality. BMW’s switchgear has been praised for its tactility for some time now and nearly all the materials used in the cabin are solid and nice to touch. That’s especially true of the new aluminium trim and the optional Dakota leather. However, the 3 Series is a less practical car than the best of the D-segment models, with less rear legroom and boot space than many competitors.
Engine & Performance
Engine:– Fuel:DieselFuel Power:231@4000 Torque:368@1750 Transmission:6-spd/6-spd Driven Wheels:Rear wheel drive Top Speed:152 0-60 mph:
Running Costs & Emissions
Fuel Consumption: 43.5 CO Emissions: 170.0 Tax Band: N/A Service Interval: Variable Warranty: 3 Unlimited Insurance Group: 18
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 2760 Length: 4580 Width: 1782 Height: 1384 Boot: 210 Fuel Tank: 61 Dry Weight: 1825.0 Towing Limit: 1800
Equipment
Automatic: 1590 Metallic Paint: Power Steering: Standard Driver’s Airbag: Standard Passenger Airbag: Standard Side Airbags: Standard Alarm: Standard Seat Belt Pre-Tensioners: Standard Central Locking: Standard Alloy Wheels: Standard Leather Seats: Electric Windows: Standard Electric Mirrors: Standard Radio Cassette: N/A RDS Radio: Standard CD Player: Standard Satellite Navigation: 1585 Cruise Control: Split/Fold Rear Seat: Reversing Sensor: Air Conditioning: N/A Climate Control: Manual Sunroof: N/A Electric Sunroof:
Review By Independent
Now for the really impressive bit: for a couple of years, BMW has been applying its EfficientDynamics programme of energy-saving measures across its range. In the case of the 330d, these include Brake Energy Regeneration, electric power steering and Intelligent Alternator Control, and these help the car to a combined-cycle fuel consumption of 49.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 152g/km, remarkable figures of the sort you’d normally expect from a cheap little runabout rather than a powerful BMW.
Review By Telegraph
The impressive fuel economy figures for such a powerful engine are largely down to BMW’s “EfficientDynamics Intelligent Energy Management”, otherwise known as brakes that regenerate energy, electric power steering and a more efficient alternator. The result is CO2 emissions of 152g/km (VED band D) and 39mpg on the official EU Urban cycle.
Review By Newcarnet
Rated at 231 bhp and producing a peak torque of 500 Nm, the 330d engine propels the car to 62 mph in under seven seconds - 6.7 seconds, to be precise. And given a chance, the 330d would exceed its regulated maximum speed of 155 mph. Yet the fuel consumption would not disgrace a 1600cc family car: according to the official figures, the oil-burning Beema will return 43.5 mpg on the combined cycle.
Review By Carkeys
This car admittedly looked impressive with its 18″ light alloys and ultra low-profile run-flat tyres virtually filling the wheel arches. But what you gain in looks, stance and street cred you lose in road noise and reaction to surface imperfections, exacerbated by the M Sport’s suspension tweaks. Personally I cannot believe it’s quicker across country and through the bends than standard, but boys will be boys and they must have their flash wheels and tyres.
Review By Carmagazine
As with any BMW you can option it to the hilt, but extras don’t come cheap. The car we drove had leather (£995), xenon headlights (£430), six-speed auto ‘box (£1,635, highly popular on 330ds, apparently), Bluetooth phone kit (£535) and sun protection glass (£195). The xenons are incredible - if you do lots of night driving they are worth every penny. They project a beam far further down the road than standard lamps. And there’s an iPod jack as standard.
Review By Autoexpress
Driver involvement is what the 3-Series is all about. The M Sport rides 15mm lower than other models, and stiffer suspension tightens the dynamics. From the outset, the chassis gives a sporty edge – sharp steering and superb front-end grip combine with the taut springs to deliver agile handling. Yet the firm damping means the 330d fidgets over bumpy surfaces.
The 330d is undoubtedly an enormously accomplished car. The question is whether it’s good enough to justify the highest price.
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