BMW 330 Ci SPORT - 2000
By Steve Bell, Monday June 16, 2008
Although the BMW E46 3-Series tested here is over 7 years old, with lots of TLC and a lick of polish it still looks as new as an up to date £40K sleek coupe. BMW’s long line of classy-coupe’s goes back to 1975 when the classic 2002 replacement first hit the streets. Codenamed E21, the 3-series has built up a cult following that sits alongside cars such as the Porsche 911 and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Taking over the baton from its predecessor (the E36) this 330 Ci Sport is extremely inexpensive to own. Buying a new 330i back in 1999 would of been upward of £28,000, and when you totted-up the options, a grand total of £35,000 would be closer to the mark. Most Ci’s should come with an array of toys which even by todays standards are still very impressive. If you want to know why the cost of a BMW 330 Ci is more enticing than a Ford Focus, then read on.
Interior: BMW’s have always had a strong build quality reputation. However, whilst the interior looks upmarket on this 330 Ci, look closely, and obvious panel gaps and limp trim become apparent. Thankfully, BMW’s choices of sturdy materials make up for the low rent fit and finish. Nevertheless, the excellent ergonomics and fabulous front sports seats make up for the minor build quality issues. Depending on the original interior colour, some 3-coupes can look a little bland inside especially if dark grey and black trim was specified. Still, every guage and lever is functional and to the point, whilst most owners report high reliability. It’s spacious too, seating four adults very comfortably without having to slide the front seats forward too much, especially for a 2-door coupe.
Engine: Under the bonnet lies one cracking engine. BMW’s in-line six cylinder has graced all manor of Bavarian models. Modified over the years, the 3.0-litre ‘six found in this E46 was the most popular petrol engine back in 2000. Even by todays standards the performance figures are not to be laughed at. With 231bhp and 221lb/ft of torque at 3500rpm, the ’330 will sprint to 62mph in a quick 6.5sec. Keep the pedal down and it’ll contiune to lay down a wide spread of performance whilst not being shy at showing off its potential. This isn’t delivered in a performance car kind of way, but less violently than an M3 perhaps. Mid-range is where the in-line six shines. The 5-speed Tiptronic with manual-shift overide is silky smooth even when you’re trucking along. No slamming, jerky gearchanges here. Even if you’re a respectable law-obider, the 330’s ‘six is still happy at a modest 3000rpm on the dial.
Handling: Although performance and a sporty driving character are up there with a handful of modern rivals, the handling on the other hand isn’t. There’s nothing wrong with the way it’s set up, but more to do with the fact that is feels too safe. Grip levels are four-wheel-drive secure, bodyroll is beautifully controlled and steering is delightfully communicative, but once you’ve become accustomed to this, getting stuck-in behind the wheel quickly wears off. It cleanly cuts through the corners, but once you’ve covered half distance the fun soon dissapates. As a drivers car it doesn’t really do anything for someone seeking something a little different. Still, if you’re after excitment, try the above on wet road conditions. Because it’s rear wheel drive, get it wrong on cornering and it will have no hesitation to bite back or swap ends in an instant, even with the brilliant electronic driver aids on hand.
Summary: BMW always do a stern job in getting the mix between sporty, practical and fun just right. And I suppose if you’re after excitment, then save up for an M3. The 330 Ci back in 2000 was the car to have, only if you had the money of course. And that I suppose is my point. Hunt around for a well cared for example, and you too can drive a very much desirable sports car for less than £6000. My personal choice would have to be the 330 Ci Sport, which is loaded with options: climate control, cruise control, leather M-Tech sports seats, 18-inch M-Tech multi spoke wheels, sports suspenion and an array of M-Tech add-ons. Try and find a Tiptronic and not a manual. Not only is it more entertaining, but more robust. A well documented service history is a must, whilst a detailed once-over by the AA or RAC would also be a sound investment. It’s classy, fast, comfortable, desirable and affordable, all for the price of a used Ford Focus.
Summary:
Ride 5/5: One of the smoothest you’ll come accross. Still as best as any equivilant car today.
Perfomance 4/5: Although it lacks the high bhp of its rivals, don’t underrestimate just how quick one of these can be.
Handling 3/5: Too safe for my liking. But very planted through high speed cornering. Too twitchy in the wet, though.
Desirability 5/5: A fine looking machine even after eight years. Still a very desirable car to own. Go for the 330 Ci Sport as you’ll benefit with the expensive M-Tech factory options.
Exterior 4/5: Not dated at all. Park it next to any modern sports coupe and my monies’ on the BMW.
Interior 3/5: Although it has the traditional BMW ease of use and isn’t dated just yet, build quality isn’t as good as its predecessor, the E36, nor the nearest Audi.
Toys 4/5: Most 330 Ci’s have plenty of toys to keep you happy.
Reliability 4/5: Not too much to report, here. The main mechanical gremlin is the unreliable VANOS unit (valve timing). Dealers report that this is the most frequent issue on earlier 330’s. Other problems noted by owners are electrical niggles such as faulty window motors and sticky door locks. Loose trim can be also be a repetitive nightmare. Ci manuals are generally more abused, so check for clutch and linkage wear.
Service 3/5: Many enthusiast BMW blog websites give main dealers a clean bill of health. A annual study of dealer performance carried out by Auto Express showed that BMW isn’t as squeeky clean as we might of thought. High labour rates and unfinished work was the biggest problem. When you’re paying upward of £100 per hour, this shouldn’t happen. Nonetheless, parts and accessories are much cheaper than you might think.
BMW dealer customer satisfaction 3/5: According to the ranking for the 2008 dealer customer satisfaction survey carried out by Auto Express, BMW dealers scored a low result. Owners also mentioned that despite the classy showrooms, most service departments staff came accross as dis-organised. You’re better off going to a independant specialist.
Service schedule: Every 18,000 miles / £320.00 est. Major service every 3 years/ £500.00 est.
Hourly labour rate: Independent specialist £49.00 / BMW £96.00 average.
Tyres: £120.00.
Brakes: Discs £55.00 each. Pads £30.00 per set. (BMW genuine parts)
Clutch: Complete £1100.
Insurance: 34 year old male, living in Berkshire, full 5 years no-claims bonus, £500.00 excesss, fully comprehensive, car parked on driveway, 12,000 miles per year: £496.00
Direct Line
Vehicle spec:
Engine: 3.0-litre six cylinder
Power: 231bhp
Torque: 221lb ft @ 3500rpm
Top speed: 155mph limited
0-62mph: 6.5 sec
Price as tested: £7,999
Useful links:
Auto Trader
BMW Car Club
Pistonheads
AUTO REVIEW online rates this car 
