2004 BMW 3 series 4WD 2dr X

Vehicle Overview, , , Entry-level BMW shoppers who want a little more power than the 325 provides can step up to the 330, which holds a larger six-cylinder engine. In addition to the two four-door models — the rear-wheel-drive 330i and all-wheel-drive 330xi — the lineup includes a 330Ci coupe and convertible. Unlike the 325, there is no 330 wagon., , As with the 325, the 330Ci coupe and convertible earned a substantial freshening for their launch as early 2004 models. Sedans for the 2004 model year were released in the fall of 2003, with mildly touched-up front ends that included black headlight surrounds., , New front ends for the 330Ci coupe and convertible feature lighting units that sweep upward as they wrap around the bodysides. A wider grille sits below a hood with modified contours. The wheel openings are more prominently flared than before., , Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights are available either alone or with an adaptive feature that steers the headlights into oncoming curves. New LED taillights incorporate adaptive brake lights. Rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlight control are now standard on all models. New options include Sirius Satellite Radio and Bluetooth wireless technology., , A new six-speed-manual gearbox replaces the previous five-speed-manual unit. BMW’s six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) is available on all rear-drive models with a Sport Package; that package gets new five-spoke alloy wheels. The 330i Performance Package is now offered with a five-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. All versions except the 330xi sedan have rear-wheel drive; that model is equipped with all-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive models include Dynamic Stability Control, which reduces engine power and applies the brakes to help prevent skids., , Exterior, Each body style in the 325 and 330 series exhibits BMW’s familiar look, with four round wraparound-style headlights and a twin-kidney grille. Last year, two- and four-door models looked different up front, but the 2004s have moved closer together in appearance., , The 330Ci coupe and convertible are 176.7 inches long overall, while the sedan measures 176 inches in length. The windshields on the coupe and convertible are slanted 2 degrees more than the sedan’s, and the convertible has a power folding top., , Interior, The 330 sedan versions hold five people, while the coupe and convertible are four-seaters. Space is ample up front with twin bucket seats, but passengers can’t stretch their legs in the backseat. A typical BMW dashboard has large, easy-to-read gauges. Simple stereo and climate control push-buttons are within easy reach., , Under the Hood, BMW’s 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine cranks out 225 horsepower and 214 pounds-feet of torque. A Performance Package for the 330 raises the 3.0-liter engine’s output to 235 hp and 222 pounds-feet of torque. It teams with either a new six-speed-manual gearbox, a six-speed SMG or a five-speed-automatic transmission, which has a provision for manually selected gear changes., , Safety, Antilock brakes, traction control, and side-impact and side curtain-type airbags for the front seats are standard. Rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional in the sedan., , Driving Impressions, Plenty of enthusiasts still consider BMW the standard by which sporty makes are judged. In both everyday and demanding driving, athletic maneuvering is the BMW norm., , Both 3 Series models promise spirited performance and crisp handling, but the 330 delivers greater exuberance than its 325 companion. The 3.0-liter engine feels so strong that it almost asks to be restrained a bit. BMW’s manual gearshift is sheer joy to manipulate. Clutch behavior is performance oriented, so achieving truly smooth takeoffs requires some practice., , Available all-wheel drive is a bonus in the Snow Belt. The seats are firm and driver oriented, but getting in and out isn’t as easy as it is in some cars.