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> > BMW's used to get beat up for requiring a lot of repairs.
> >
> > I might get a 330xi for my next car but if they're still in the shop a lot
> i'll
> > get the Lexus GS330.
> >
> The other years are shit. Go for it, and get a subscription to
> consumerreports.org while you're at it, they'll tell you like it is. Oh, and I'm
> covered bumper to bumper till 2011 so it's sweet. I'll be selling the car after
> that, believe that!
>
> --I dwell in the realm of possibility - Anything that can possibly go wrong,
> will go wrong!--
>
BMW 330i
Highs: Powertrain, agility, ride, brakes, fit and finish, overall safety.
Lows: No three-point rear center safety belt.
Body style: 2-door; 4-door; 4-door wagon; convertible.
Trim lines: 325i, 325Ci, 325xi, 330i, 330Ci, 330xi, M3.
Engines & transmissions: 2.5-liter 6 (184 hp), 3.0-liter 6 (225 hp), 3.2-liter 6 (333 hp); 5-speed man., 6-speed man., 5-speed auto.
Base price range: $26,990 to $54,045.
Tested: 330i 4-door, 3.0-liter Six, 5-speed automatic.
The 330i is a harmonious blend of sportiness and luxury, the best all-around package of this group. Power, agility, and excellent dynamic control make it fun to drive, while a quiet cabin, well-contoured seats, and a composed ride contribute to a comfortable driving experience.
The driving experience
The 330i feels like a solid precision instrument. The quiet suspension shrugs off bumpy curves with ease. Ride motions are taut and well controlled, if a bit firm. The highway ride is supple, whether with one person or a full load. The optional Sport Package brings grippier tires with a slightly stiffer ride. Most noise sources are well suppressed.
The 330i handles with crisp agility, enhancing the driver's feeling of control. The lightly weighted steering communicates good road feel, and an outstanding turning circle makes the car very maneuverable. When pushed to the limits at our track, the 330i felt stable and surefooted, with electronic stability control helping to keep the car on course at its extremes. It sailed through our double-lane-change accident-avoidance maneuver quickly and confidently.
The 225-hp, 3.0-liter inline Six engine provides immediate response and strong acceleration, posting the best acceleration times of the group in all but the 45 to 65 mph passing test. Fuel economy was a respectable 22 mpg overall--1 mpg better than the others here. Like the Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, the BMW requires premium fuel. The five-speed automatic shifts smoothly and quickly, and offers manual and sport modes. Traction- and stability-control systems performed very well. Braking was excellent.
Inside the car
The driving position allows nearly anyone a good view out, and the front seats are firm, well contoured, and supportive for all but the tallest people. The rear seats are well shaped for two people but not three, and knee and head room are both tight.
Major controls are well designed, although first-timers will probably need the owner's manual to figure out the audio system and cruise control. Auxiliary audio controls on the steering wheel are handy and intuitive. The semiautomatic climate-control system is versatile and works well. Cabin storage is adequate. There are just two cup holders, recessed in the center console. The trunk is fairly small; as with the IS300 and C320, we could fit only three suitcases and a duffel bag. A folded wheelchair barely fit. To get fold-down rear seatbacks, you have to buy the Cold Weather package ($1,000 extra).
Safety and reliability
ONE-TOUCH COOLING All windows can be lowered simultaneously with a press on the key fob. A nice touch.
Standard items include dual-stage front air bags, front side air bags, and tubular side head-protection bags. Rear side bags are a $385 option, but are not recommended when transporting children. There are four sets of lap-and-shoulder belts; the center rear has a lap belt only. The front belts have adjustable anchors, pretensioners, and force limiters.
A BMW 3-Series sedan received the highest rating ("Good") in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's offset-frontal-crash test. The government has not yet crash-tested this car. Our bumper basher, with its series of 3- and 5-mph blows, inflicted $736 in damage to the front, $674 to the rear.
Driving with kids. It may be tough to cinch up some rear-facing child seats securely in the rear seat. The rear has three top-tether anchor points and two LATCH/ISOFIX lower child-seat anchors.
Reliability has been better than average. Our car had two minor sample defects.
BTW, it is RECOMMENDED by CR. This is right off the website.
The lexus was also recommended, but I'd nix it for the below average electrical system and POOR body integrity. Good luck!
--I dwell in the realm of possibility - Anything that can possibly go wrong, will go wrong!--
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