I have been a BMW owner for many years. My last 2 were en E36 325, my last was a E39 528i. The winters here finally took their toll on me with rear wheel drive cars, so I decided as the 5 series was getting a bit long in the tooth, I would look around at the BMW AWD models.

I looked at the 3 and 5 series SUV class models and liked them, but I came across the 330xi and decided to research it a bit and take a test drive.

The last time BMW made a 3 series with AWD was around 1991, and it was discontinued. My guess is the weight factor coupled with an earlier engineering design made the cars handle less agile than the RWD models at the time. My first impression was that it looked more M3 than regular 3 series, but it is because its made that way.

The earlier models mentioned both had the straight inline 6 cylinder engine with similar specs, and were a Single Vanos design. When looking at the E46 I noticed it was now a Double Vanos design and the HP was punched up to 225 stock from the previous engines that produced about 190 HP with a nice increase in the 0-60 time.

The 3 liter engine also produces 214 lbs. of torque at 5500 RPM which means when you need the power, its sitting there waiting to go. The stock 17" tires on the 330xi are nice but not overbearing as the xi model resembles more the M3 than the other 3 series bodies and sits about an inch higher to accommodate the AWD system.

The transmission on this one is an automatic 5 speed with a manual shift option similar to the Audi and VW line. It is a nice feature in winter as you can use it to start out in 2-3 in deep snow to avoid slipping from a dead stop.

Initial Impression on the Interior

Inside is certainly smaller than the 5 series, but again it is made for sportier drive and feel, and it certainly delivers that. The leather interior is nice, as in all BMW's looks more a cockpit than a car console. The center controls are tilted just slightly toward the driver as BMW does with simple taste without bragging. I stand 6' 3" and weigh 260, and I fit just fine in this car. As in any 3 series the backseat space is limited, but one must assume a sports car will not be used for major family hauling. The rear ski bag is nice, and the rear seats will fold down if you need to carry anything larger or that you don't want to chance ripping the leather on.

The front seats come with the option of a lumbar support that I like, because this one not only pushes in and out, but goes up and down as well making longer drives easier on the back with a press of the thumb. The console controls are easy to reach, with the window buttons on the center dash rather than the door. I think left handed folks would find this easier then the right handed ones, but it doesn't take too long to get used to.

The power moon roof comes with a retractable shade adjustable in up/down or front to back is nice for days with sun and breeze, or to keep the sun out altogether.

The temperature controls are still BMW simple and work well both in heat and A/C modes, on auto or manual mode. The heated seats warm quickly and make it nice in colder areas like mine.

Now, set the seat settings to a particular driver, and use the key. When you hit the remote control fob, it sets the seat and mirrors to the setting for that particular driver, so if your wife uses it, she hits the fob, its sets the setas and mirrors before she gets in. It reverts back to the other setting when you use the other fob to unlock the car.

I have the stock 6 speaker Bose stereo. It has nice sound, not exceptional sound. Nice bass, mids and treble that are easy to set. Controls are easy enough to reach and the sterring wheels volume and channel/cd changer buttons are nice.

Doesn't bother me because I don't crack it fully so it is more than adequate. It has a single CD on the radio itself with the option to add a 6 CD changer in the trunk. Not as easy as the previous models to add however. It came prewired for Bluetooth with the phone controls on the steering wheel for answering and hanging up, or scrolling though your phone list.

The Ride


Coming from the older series with the single Vanos, I instantly noticed the difference when I started it up. I heard a lower, more aggressive sound that just felt better. Place the car in full automatic mode, press the pedal, and you feel the difference between the older version right away. It is very smooth and deliberate, no jerking or hesitation. It just starts moving. It shifts gears very smoothly, though not as glass like as a Lexus, it gives you the feel of the machine and the road much better.

Suspension is tight, not floaty, sporty but not as harsh as an M3 or true sport suspension. It's a good compromise between the two. You don't feel every bump, but it is not going to hit potholes or bumps without knowing it.

The acceleration is fast for a straight 6 in this class and the torque is felt throughout the RPM range. It pulls and does not stop pulling. You will be hitting 90 MPH before you know it, still thinking you are doing 40. It's an amazing engineering change and the feel is simple awesome. It's a BMW after all.

Take it on the highway and this car will be doing 135 MPH with pedal to spare and the feel and handling are incredible. Unlike my previous Audi A4, the BMW has no real noticeable effect of over steer or under steer with the AWD. However, coming from a rear wheel world, a purist like me will notice the difference. It seems to me that it holds it back just a tad, it's hard to pinpoint the actual difference, but it is there. BMW seemed to have improved this in later models with some suspension changes to appease the people like myself who notice it. It is not a deal breaker by any means, just an observation.

This car stays so steady on high speed turns with little body roll and stability that it could easily cause the false illusion that it will never slip or break away. I would not recommend this car for younger or inexperienced drivers just because it can build a confidence that could become dangerous. Yes, it handles that well taking 30 MPH corners at 70.

The manual shift mode is great in traffic, and with the ponies and torque this thing will take off and reach redline quickly. If you do not shift it yourself, it will automatically do it for you to keep you from blowing an 8 thousand dollar transmission. It is similar to the older Sport shift mode in previous models, but gives the driver a better feel for the shift points and more control. Its a fun option. I have reached 0-60 in 6.2 in this car which exceeds the factory specs. This was stock configuration.

I personally chipped this car myself and added some stage 2 options that have me up at just under 240 HP. It did not add too much to the 0-60 time ( 3/4 second ) but made it more consistent throughout the RPM range. The extra 14 HP is noticeable but not enough for some people to invest an extra 1k to have someone else to add those upgrades.

My MPG seems steady at 23 combined, 21 heavy city and 31 highway. For a car that has a curb weight of 3600 lbs and AWD, BMW delivers once again to combine power and efficiency. It gets better mileage than my Lexus ES300 and has better oomph in every area.

Some Downsides

BMW uses a pressurized system for cooling that always seems to have ghosts. It's either a sensor, or in need of bleeding, which is easily done with built in bleed valves, or it just gets flaky. The E46 is no exception. You will often see the coolant level light appear for the first 2 miles of driving and then it goes away. Or it could pop up after hitting the pedal hard and go away again. They are also prone to pinhole leaks in the coolant tank, and the E46 has less room under the hood with the 3.0 than my older  5 and 3 series did with the smaller engines. Replacing things is a bit harder.

The liner tends to fall in areas around the pillars. Europe has tried and tested many 'eco friendly" glues that never seem to work well, BMW is no exception here. Easy fix but irritating.

The stereo seems to have a weak antenna, irritating at times only in certain areas. But that's why I ave a CD in all the time.

Moon roof has a retractable shade that pops off track and can be fixed by a good DIY'er, but expensive at the dealer. Common issue on this series.

Final Conclusion

This is one fun car to drive. Ergonomics, speed, handling, shifting, with AWD make this an incredible combination. It is a BMW in all rights and the engineering changes to this car make it a much better buy on the used market than the previous series. You get the best of all worlds here. Sport, comfort, AWD, nice toys, and a desire to drive!

Highly recommended.
Amount Paid (US$): 9000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2001
Model and Options: 330xi