Insurance Group: 39
MPG: 45.6
CO2: 164
0-62 Mph: 6.1 secs
BHP: 245 BHP
Range: 612 miles
PROS: The 3-Series 330d M Sports Coupe has speed comparable to bigger petrol coupes. Its engine is impressive and economical. It handles excellently and is beautifully styled. This coupe is practical, safe and secure to use. Its performance is almost flawless.
CONS: It is expensive. A smaller diesel engine will cost less to buy and run. This version has a choppy ride at low speeds. Some critics find fault in the coupe’s conservative styling as it is more of a 2-door saloon than a coupe. Rear seats lack ample headroom.
The 330d Sports Coupe’s 2993cc 6-cylinder engine develops 245 bhp at 4000 rpm and 384 lb-ft of torque at 1750-3000 rpm. It reaches 62 mph in 6.1s and is capable of 155 mph. Its combined mpg of 45.6 is great for a sports coupe.
It has a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It has the same framework as the saloon thus affording the same quality ride. The ride can be a bit choppy but it grips well on the bends and twisty roads thanks to the rear-wheel drive system. The steering is well weighted. It feels precise, accurate, and responsive and responds intuitively at the lightest touch.
Its frameless windows produce a bit of wind noise but the cabin is mostly quiet. Engine and suspension noise are kept to a minimum. The automatic gear is smooth and easy. Visibility is not an issue.
The 3-Series coupe is a 4-seater coupe. The cabin affords ample space for 4 adults. Legroom is plentiful but rear seat headroom is quite limiting. Nevertheless, the driving seat is comfortable no matter wha the height of the driver. The dashboard is laid out intuitively and logically.
Standards for the Sport trim include alloy wheels, Dakota leather upholstery, climate control, cruise control, CD player with MP3 connectivity, heated/powered door mirrors, rear parking sensors and more. The M Sport version has more cosmetic gadgets such as larger 18-inch light-alloy M Star-spoke wheels and a body kit. Sat nav is an option for £1,550 but the inclusive iDrive is a bit fiddly. It is interesting to note that the M Sport has sports suspension, an aerodynamic package, sports seats, 3-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel and brushed aluminium interior. A neat feature is the automatic seatbelt handover system.
Most owners of a BMW 3-Series 330d Sports are happy with the cabin space afforded by this 4-seater coupe. Though the headroom could be restrictive for very tall rear passengers, the legroom is ample. The boot with its 440-litre capacity is generous enough for a weekend getaway though the load entrance is restrictive. The lack of a centre seat in the rear diminishes the capacity of the boot but cubbie-holes in the cabin offer useful storage space.
The Sport coupe is fitted with a range of safety features. It has front, side and curtain air bags including electronic stability control and run-flat tyres. This car is secure from thieves as it is fitted with alarm and immobilizer systems.
The Euro NCAP Occupant rating is 4/5 and for 1/5 for NCAP Pedestrian rating. Its CO2 emission rating is 164g/Km which is upper mid-range as expected from a large diesel engine.
The 3-Series 330d is a luxurious car to own. Currently priced at £39,760, its price is justifiable by the excellent quality. The value of this car is further enhanced by taking into account the premium status of that propellor badge on the bonnet.
This car falls under insurance group 39 and is under Road Tax Band G. It has an mpg of 45.6 which is a good indication of an all-around car for town and out-of-town driving. The 3-Series coupe will hold its value fairly well. Though more fuel-efficient than some of its rivals, the SE version is a better bet as it is less expensive to buy and offers a smoother ride.
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