Drove the new 06 E90 330i

[shehatezme]

So went and test drove the new 330i. And no I don't have any pictures. They are pretty much the same as whatever you have probably seen online. Here are my impressions of the car.

Styling: The car just look kind of funny in the pictures I have seen but the car is BEAUTIFUL in person. Something about that frontend really sets off the car in person. There was a particular Titanium Silver sedan on the lot with sports package, optional OEM CF splitters, and optional OEM M3 style spoiler that really looked amazing. Thought I have to mention that the tail lights do take some getting use to but it's a nice welcome change from the rest of the BMW line with that "whale" looking rearend.

Interior: The cockpit is definately an upgrade from the previous 3-series. All the interior pieces just feel a lot more expensive. Overall the cockpit flows very well and looks good. Everything seems to be where you want it to be. The cockpit just somehow wraps around you and gives you a very sporty feeling. The seats offer some great support.

Navagation System: The Navi is definately worth mentioning. The screen and the maps on the 330i is amazing. The color screen offer some very detail points on the map. When you order a Navi for the 330i, it comes with the iDrive. Honestly, the iDrive is not very hard to use and integrates many things into one. Climate Control and Bluetooth phone capablilities. The voice recognizition is a nice feature that allow you do do all sorts of things from dialing a number to changing radiostations without taking your eyes off the road.

Engine/Handling: The car I drove was a 330i with Sports Package and automatic. It had 50 miles when I got in it. Needless to say, I couldn't really have pushed the car much because it's not properly broken in yet. From what I could tell, the 255 hp engine is very smooth. However, I felt it was a bit sluggish but I bet the engine will open up after 1000 miles. I should probably find another higher mile car to test drive in a couple months to get the full effect and before I should really comment on the motor. The suspension is just right, not too stiff but stiff enough for the twisties. This car handles a lot better stock for stock in comparison with a B6 A4 with sport suspension. Overall, the chassis works well with the suspension.

I would say the new E90 will be a hit with a lot of people. It offers a great package for a decent price. A well equipped 330i is about $39,000 (no Navi). The price range is just about the same as the B7 A4 3.2, the car is defiantley going to be a great competitor with Audi. The 330i is a great alternative for someone that doesn't need AWD.

[VRsic]

Pics?

[Anthony]

Great write-up, Ben. Of course pics would have been icing on the cake. [;)] Have yet to see a new one in person. So any idea why the naming convention jumped up to E90 now? Quite a leap from E46. Just curious. I assume there's a reason. And you know you can get an A4 without AWD, although BMWs RWD is a bit more fun than FWD.

[illusive45]

I saw it in person, and I'm not sold on the new Bangle-ized Bimmers. The interior designs to me are hideous, IMHO. The only new design I can tolerate is the 5 series. but to each his own.

[awahl63]

I can only stand the 3 series everything else is...yuck

[Imperial]

I've seen the E90 in person, too, and was impressed. Or perhaps relieved is a better word considering what Bangle and posse have done. I think my impressions were pretty much the same as Ben's. It's definitely a step up from the E46. The tailights are a little...bland...but compared to the 6 and 7, I think they're great, heh. I saw a silver one with the sport package and black interior. I haven't had a chance to drive one just yet, so comment on that part but I'm sure it'll be pretty good. BMW doesn't disappoint with driving dynamics. I'm pretty sure, too, that this car will go over well with buyers.

[Anthony]

So why isn't it called the E56.?.?.? Anyone?

[Imperial]

No clue. The chassis designations haven't always gone up in 10's. For example, there was the E30 before the E36. It must be some BMW thing, maybe they go through various chassis' before they decide on one? I dunno, man, call Munich if you'd like [:D]

[Anthony]

I blame Bangle! He doesn't even work there anymore, does he.?.?.?

[Imperial]

He's been kinda moved out of hands-on design. I think they promoted him to get him out of the design studio. Adrian Van Hooydonk (sic) is still there, though, and he, too, is responsible for some serious monstrosities...