As the dust settles on the local launch of the new BMW F80 M3 (and F82 M4), it’s worth noting the existence of a current-generation 3 Series with even more torque on offer than the new M twins.
As shared with the current 530d and 730d models, the single-turbo N57 inline six-cylinder diesel engine installed in the 330d features variable-vane turbo geometry and piezo injectors set to 1 800 bar in order to deliver 190 kW at 4 000 r/min and an impressive 560 N.m of torque. That’s 10 more N.m than the M3. And, while the full-blooded M cars feel the very real pressure to deliver uncompromised performance and brawn, there’s no such weight of expectation on the oil burner.
Not to be confused with the limited-edition (500-unit) M Performance models and their bespoke M styling upgrades, 3-Series customers nevertheless still have the slightly more affordable (R25 200) option to link an M Sport package to their purchase. Together with appropriate “go faster” aero upgrades, this package adds, among other cosmetic items, chrome exhaust tailpipes and 18-inch alloy wheels to the exterior, while the interior gains sports seats and a thick-rimmed leather steering wheel. Our test unit also featured optional adaptive M running gear (R7 450) to add electronically controlled dampers and firmer anti-roll bars, while lowering the overall ride by 10 mm.
Mated with a slick eight-speed automatic transmission, the 330d successfully manages to conceal its performance potential within a veil of impressive low-speed refinement and efficiency. That said, the turbodiesel is capable of shifting this 1,6-tonne 3 Series from standstill to 100 km/h in just 6,03 seconds. Overtaking acceleration is, in turn, impressive as maximum torque is available from as low as 2 000 r/min.
Impressive torque aside, one of the main benefits of a modern diesel engine is the increased efficiency it offers compared with its petrol-powered siblings. Our fuel-route figure is an excellent 6,2 litres/100 km.
A standout feature of the current 3 Series range is its accurate steering and precise turn-in thanks, in part, to its rear-wheel-drive layout, but also to BMW’s efforts in area of weight management. With this in mind, our scales indicated a close-to-ideal 52:48 per load share between the front and rear axles on the 330d. The relative chunkiness of the M Sport steering wheel won’t be to everyone’s liking but it nevertheless offers good feedback and weighting.
TEST SUMMARY
A 330d with an M Sport package represents an interesting proposition. Where the standard car, particularly finished in either Luxury or Modern trim options, offers a genuine Jekyll and Hyde split personality, able to transform its nature as the conditions dictate, the fitment of an M Sport package gives the game away. The potential danger in this cards-on-the-table approach to speccing this model is reconciling the cost of the package. That said, you don’t need to specify the R221 000 worth of extras on our test unit in order to enjoy one of the most sophisticated yet capable modern BMWs.
