We did a full review of the BMW 330xi with a 5-speed stick and all-wheel drive last year and the 2004 3-series has not changed much since that report.  So this review will focus on our rear-wheel drive automatic version and the changes that were made since our last full road test.

Some of the new features for 2004 include:

• A new 6-speed manual transmission that comes standard on all 330 models
• A new optional 6-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG).
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic headlight control are now standard on all models
• The 330xi with the Sport Package now includes run-flat tires and a Tire Pressure Monitor.
• Adaptive brake lights, which signal hard braking to following cars
• Shorter shift “throws” on the 6-speed stick from neutral to each gear.

The new 6-speed’s ratios are approximately the same as the 5 speed for 1st through 5th gears.  6th gear provides an 0.85:1 overdrive for quieter, more fuel-efficient cruising.  The previous 5-speed is still standard on the 325 models.

There is a third transmission available for 2004.  It is a Formula 1 style Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG).  This is a 6-speed manual box with electro-hydraulic controls that can shift automatically or allow you to shift it yourself, but with automatic clutch operation (which means no clutch pedal). The driver can shift using a special console-mounted shifter, or with two paddles behind the steering wheel.  This is not meant as a substitute for a regular automatic transmission.  On this unit, shifting is firm, direct and quite noticeable.  This transmission was formerly available only on the M model and is strictly for performance-minded drivers who are willing to forgo soft, smooth shifts when driving conservatively.

I was anxious to see how the more conventional Tiptronic automatic equipped 330i was able to keep "The Ultimate Driving Experience" alive and well, and I was not disappointed.  This is a sweet-driving car that is not watered down by the automatic one bit.  In fact, I liked it better than having to slog through bumper-to-bumper traffic in the New York Metro area constantly rowing the shifter and exercising my left leg to the point of getting a cramp.

In the automatic mode, shifts were all but imperceptible for relaxed cruising.  Flip the shifter to the left and you are in Sport mode, where the transmission takes on a whole new persona.  Up-shifts happen at a higher RPM of course, but if you are working the engine and suddenly get off the gas, the transmission holds the lower gear to provide engine braking just when you want it.  Of course there is also a manual mode where you can shift it yourself.  While in sport mode, you simply tap the shifter forward or back to select the gear that you want.  But unlike most cars with manual control, to select a higher gear, you nudge the shifter back.  To downshift, you push it forward.  This is exactly opposite from the norm.  Another difference in manual mode is that when you are in a gear and wind the engine to the redline, instead of bouncing off the rev limiter, the transmission simply shifts up to the next gear, and that is exactly what it should do.  I mean, can you think of any reason that you would want to intentionally bounce off the rev limiter?

Steering, in traditional BMW fashion was precise and direct with absolutely no lost motion.  Despite this precision, relaxed highway driving was never a problem.  Winding roads gave you the impression that you could thread a needle better than any other car in this class, or any class for that matter.  When you want to change directions, give the steering wheel a nudge and it happens NOW. 

As far as the ride is concerned, I thought that it was quite good for a sports sedan, soaking up small road irregularities with ease, while never giving up on that solid, planted feel Beemers are famous for. 

The 3 Series is due for a major redesign next year and that has a few purists concerned.  To many BMW aficionados,  the current design borders on perfection and they are worried that the next 3 will inherit the "Bustle Back" look that, for some unfathomable reason, seems to be in favor by the styling powers that be.  But fear not, those of us who caught a glimpse of the new 3 undergoing track testing tell me that the styling will be evolutionary and quite clean and attractive.  And that is as it should be.

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Specifications 

Standard Equipment
BMW 330i All Wheel Drive Compact Sport Sedan

• 3.0 liter dual overhead cam (DOHC), 24-valve inline 6-cylinder engine
• Electronic throttle control
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Stability Control
• 4-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes with Emergency Brake Assist
• 17 x 7.0 alloy wheels, 205/50R-17 all-season tires
• Harman Kardon AM/FM stereo/CD audio system with 12 speakers
• 6-way power front seats with 2-way manual headrests; 3-driver memory for exterior mirror and seat positions
• Automatic climate control with micro-filter and air recirculation
• Tilt/telescopic steering wheel column
• Power front and rear windows with "one-touch" up/down operation
• Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with "smart" dual-threshold, dual-stage deployment and sensor to help prevent unnecessary passenger's airbag deployment
• Front-side-impact airbags

Major Available Options

• On-board GPS Navigation System
• Fold Down Rear Seats with Ski Bag
• Rear Seat Side Air Bags
• Heated Front Seats
• Leather Upholstery
• Park Distance Control
• Power Glass Moonroof
• Rear Seat Side Impact Airbag
• STEPTRONIC 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG)
• Xenon Headlights
• Sport Package   Includes: 3-spoke leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, Special wheels & tires, 8-way adjustable front sport seats including, 3-position memory for driver seat and exterior mirrors, Performance wheel and tire package, reverse tilt-down passenger exterior mirror, white turn signal lights and M aerodynamic package

For more information on the 3-Series, visit bmwusa.com

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