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Bmw 330i 2006 Car Review
Author: Andrew KierI have to reveal up front that I own an older 3-series BMW, so I am quite aware of its abilities and drawbacks. And as many different types of cars that I drive, I am always happy to return to my baby. But when I got behind the wheel of the new 330i (Edmunds pricing at $39,184) I could tell that this machine was a sharp step up in performance within a quarter mile.
At my first ride in the driver's seat, I couldn't get over the ergonomics of the steering wheel. Every car has one, and I've handled a few unusual ones, but my grip has never felt more at home than with this 330i. (Unfortunately, it wasn't a heated steering while like the 7-series, and it was quite cold outside.) Then BMW mates this steering wheel with very precise steering for a sedan-level car.
The German automobiles avoid the low-end torque that American makers' design, instead they offer a slower launch, but smoother, linear acceleration. And the silky 6-cylinder engine is particularly noticeable with a manual transmission in this car. BMW finally added a 6th gear for the stick shift, and I say it is overdue. My old one has 50,000 miles and the gearing still makes me look for 6th when I race up through the gears - but sadly there are only 5 to be had. Since the 330i generates 255 horsepower, far more than I am used to for daily driving, I may have to upgrade my radar detector.
Yes, the car basics are spectacular - engine, ride, steering (even the steering wheel), but the electronics controls are a comical disappointment. Anyone that has driven this car has a story about turning on the turn signals from one side to the other and back again, during a vain attempt to turn them off. I know individuals in the area gave me a wider berth, thinking I was a confused and lost driver. The turning signal lever doesn't click' into place as the rest of the world has come to commonly expect turn signals to function. With the 330i, you tap the signal, such as for passing, and it automatically flashes three times and then turns off. But you can hold the lever a little longer, and you get your normal-action from the turn signal. But on a soft turn, where the signal doesn't turn off, you have to flick it the other way to turn it off. But in the hurry of the moment, if it is more than a flick, then you just indicated from your signals that you are turning in the opposite direction. And this goes back
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/bmw-330i-2006-car-review-14753.html
About the Author:Andrew Kier is a car fanatic that grew up near Motor City and has been writing for automotive magazines since 1992. He shares his two decades of car comparison experience with recent models. More of his articles are available at http://cars.real-solution-center.com.
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Keywords:
turn 330i steering more wheel signal