BMW 330d Exclusive Steptronic review asks the question whether it is possible to have brilliant performance and brilliant fuel economy.
This is the facelift BMW 3 Series with a more dynamic look.
Previous BMW 330d earned a reputation of being powerful cars.
The facelift has cosmetic changes and a new-generation diesel engine.
The successful BMW 3 Series had an LCI (Life Cycle Impulse), or facelift, at the end of 2008.
The BMW 3 Series LCI has a new bonnet, headlights and LED taillights.
Bi-Xenon headlights have LED front indicators.
The BMW 330d interior remains familiar, with small enhancements to trim.
Cream beige trim looks good but shows dirt easily.
Wood trim is standard, with other trims optional.
New-generation BMW straight-six diesel delivers 180kW and 520Nm from 1750r/min.
Improved iDrive function-control has angled buttons and split-screen with better graphics.
Electric window switches are placed too far forward.
BMW 330d has good performance and fuel economy.
BMW 330d Exclusive Steptronic Road Test Interview
Interviewer: David S (Motoring Journalist and Vehicle Information Specialist)
Interviewee: BMW 330d Exclusive Steptronic
Question: Is it possible to have brilliant performance and brilliant fuel economy?
BMW 330d Steptronic answered us in this road test interview.
BMW 330d Exclusive Steptronic Biggest Talking Point
Most people first mention your new look and your performance. Those who see you, recognise you as the facelift BMW 3 Series and appreciate your new more dynamic look. Your BMW 330d forebears already earned a reputation as stealthily powerful cars, yet those who took a ride in you were all surprised at just how quick you are now.
A few cosmetic changes make a big difference and I have the new-generation diesel heart.
BMW 330d Exclusive Steptronic Exterior and Interior
At the end of 2008 the eternally-successful BMW 3 Series received an LCI (Life Cycle Impulse), which is BMW's term for what most call a facelift.
People who see me recognise my bulging new bonnet lines and new headlights. Those who know their BMW's are happy to see a return to the trademark L-arranged taillights, now lined in LED electric jewellery. If the headlights are Bi-Xenon, the front indicators are LED pearl strings.
When people get into the car, most notice that you are still the familiar well laid-out BMW 3 Series inside, with a few small enhancements to trim texture and finishes. You are a car that makes people feel good just sitting inside.
Simple, modern design and quality.
We didn't need to change much – just slight improvements.
The cream beige leather looks and feels soft and expensive, though the same colour overlay mats, footwell area and door panels show unintentional shoe-dirt very quickly.
So please keep me clean...
Personally I dislike the standard wood trim in a modern sporty car such as yourself but buyers can (please!) order other trim from the extensive options list.
BMW 330d Exclusive Steptronic Spec and Drive
The drive. Aah yes! The new-generation BMW straight-six (which BMW does SO well) takes diesel to the next level. This new engine is part of the LCI – its 180kW is very impressive for any diesel but what makes you so instantly potent… in any gear, at any moment?
520Nm torque from 1750r/min. That's pulling power. No turbo lag. No noise. Instant on-tap push-you-back-in-the-seat.
I can vouch for that! You know a car has Power when you pull off on three-quarter throttle, in a straight line, on a dry road, gripping with 255 rear tekkies… and when the smooth automatic changes to 2nd gear, the traction control light flashes! Because your engine is so silky-smooth and quiet, you are deceptively quick. Overtaking should not be this easy! The R1100 optional steering-mount gearshift paddles have an enjoyable tactile click but are superfluous unless you want to play gears
What is in the R27 100 Exclusive pack?
A grouped value-pack of options: Bi-Xenon headlights with front LED indicators, Bluetooth, fully-electric front seats (partial electric is standard), glass sunroof, hi-fi audio, high-beam assist and rear park distance control.
The new iDrive function-control is so much easier to operate thanks to the extra angled buttons, while the split-screen graphics has so much more depth and it even moves upon selection. A huge improvement. Considering your great ergonomics, I wonder… did BMW deliberately place your electric window switches too far forward on the front doors just so people have something to complain about? Even though I'm familiar with 3 Series, I often open the rear window unintentionally.
BMW 330d Exclusive Steptronic Favourite Fresh Feature?
The new iDrive is great and so are the artwork lights. Those optional 18-inch star-spoke rims (that we first saw on the new 3 Series coupé) look marvellous on you!
I choose your 330d engine – a modern masterpiece!
BMW 330d Exclusive Steptronic Pricing?
In standard spec a 330d Steptronic is now R448 000.
BMW 330d Exclusive Steptronic = R475 100
That's almost half a bar... though much more than half a car.
Rivals
Audi A4 3.0TDI, Mercedes-Benz C320CDI
BMW 330d Exclusive Steptronic Finding
Driving the BMW 330d is like skimming (sneakily) the top layer of ice cream from Mom's freezer without her noticing – this car let's you taste the sweet creamy power without taking big scoops from the fuel tub.
: David S:
Full member of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists
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