[TJC tomcat]

Hey guys, new to the forum, I just wanted to give a quick review of my 2020 bmw 330i msport package, portimao blue with 40,000 miles. First impression was wow, I went shopping for a m340i and couldn’t find the right spec so I decided on the 330i. This car is by far the best car I ever owned, as soon as I went for a test drive, I bought the car on the spot. I purchased the car on 8-15-23 with 26,000 miles CPO, car looks brand new, with brand new pirelli p7 tires. Black rims, I replaced the front grill with black and also added a black spoiler for the rear. BMW finally figured out the right tire pressure because I run 35 front 41 rear and the car feels like it’s on rails. The power is excellent although I wish bmw tuned it for at least 280 hp but this car is plenty quick, faster then my 2007 328xi and it feels quicker then my 2015 328i. Overall, the car feels very premium and it is, bmw did a fine job with this car. I hope I post this in the right spot, I don’t want to get yelled at! Lol

[bavarianride]

Welcome to the forum and thanks for the review.

I have a 2021 330i, and similar to your experience, I test drove the car on a Wed and immediately asked my sales to change an incoming, minimally optioned unit as Priority 1. The car rolled off the trunk the next day, and I bought the car the day after right after PDI.

The G20 is BMW's attempt to bring back the nostalgic feel from the E39/E46 days paired with modern engine and fuel techs plus infotainment and amenities, it is really one of the best BMW products in recent years.

[Roki49]

It is great great car in terms of handling and feeling the car, fuel economy indeed. Really shame it has locked ECU, 300hp would feel a lot better.

[TJC tomcat]

Thanks, that’s awesome, you had the same buying experience as me, I never owned a e46 but my 330i did remind me of my e90, actually that was the first thing that came to my mind when I drove it. Living in Florida I really get to appreciate the rwd format and the roads were I live are perfect for driving, no potholes and the streets and highways are smooth as butter.

[RoGo330i]

Originally Posted by TJC tomcat

BMW finally figured out the right tire pressure because I run 35 front 41 rear and the car feels like it’s on rails. The power is excellent although I wish bmw tuned it for at least 280 hp but this car is plenty quick, faster then my 2007 328xi and it feels quicker then my 2015 328i. Overall, the car feels very premium and it is, bmw did a fine job with this car. I hope I post this in the right spot, I don’t want to get yelled at! Lol

Hi OP:
When I picked up my new 2022 330i, the front psi was 33.9 (for some reason), and the rear was 40. I have been running ever since at 34 front tire pressure and 40 rear, but maybe I’ll move up a pound for each!

Welcome to the Forum. I have learned a lot from everyone here, as this has been my first BMW experience, and I haven’t gotten yelled at yet!

Post a pick when you get a chance and have fun!

[thestumper]

I picked up a '23 a few months back. I would say that they car definitely "feels" like ~280HP 'at the crank' - maybe more. I feel like the rated number BMW quotes is closer to RWHP. I came out of a 2.0 turbo car with an advertised 280 HP and this car is faster across the board. It also "feels" more like the older BMW's I liked.

<Edit> It should be mentioned that it's my first BMW. I missed out on all the earlier good ones and then I just wasn't a fan of the newer generations. The G20 was what tempted me in - it felt more like the sweet older ones I test drove and passed on for various reasons. The previous generation did nothing for me. Still a little bummed I didn't spring for the 340i xDrive, but it's got more power than you think and I have even more planned

I'm old, so my mods will be limited. I've had fun coding so far and want to put some better tires on it - mine has Conti OEM run-flats that feel like solid rubber donuts. I'm toying with piggy-back tunes but I still have a lot of warranty left. My other gripe is that the gearing seems tall compared to my Alfa Giulia (which was a sweet ride but Stellantis/Alfa is a mess at the moment. I'll get used to the gearing.

[TJC tomcat]

Ro Go 330i, thanks for the warm welcome! I’m working on getting some good pics, good thing we both didn’t get yelled at! Lmao

[TJC tomcat]

The stumper: I think your right, it does feel like 280hp at the crank, I just wish the 0-60 was 5.1, which for a rwd would make it the fastest in its class, but this car is plenty quick for me, more then enough power for a daily driver. Ironically, I was looking for a m340 but I couldn’t find the right spec and honestly I just fell in love with the 330i, portimao blue with black rims, black interior and I added a black front grill and black rear spoiler. People on this forum say the m340i steering is a little numb on center, so for me personally that’s a deal breaker along with the rear rectangular exhaust tips, 2 deal breakers for me.

[erickonphoenix]

Congratulations and thanks for posting.

I'll be migrating over to the G20 330i when I retire the 328i. I've had Corvettes, Mustangs and an M3 and in my zip code I felt the extra power just made the cars tailgating machines. My test drive of the G20 was very impressive for a base model, especially if you stack it against the Audi A4 and Acura Integra. I do miss not having a manual option but most of the European owners report the manual is not the best.

Enjoy it!

[Gaviatrix]

Originally Posted by erickonphoenix

Congratulations and thanks for posting.
My test drive of the G20 was very impressive for a base model, especially if you stack it against the Audi A4 and Acura Integra.

You have to remember that elsewhere in the world the 330i is the mid-range model. In Europe there are 318s and 320s - even here in Australia we had until this year a 320d and 320i which is just 135kw/300Nm against 190kw/400Nm for the 330i.

What I really like about the 330i is the relative lightness, especially over the front end. I had E30s and E36s in my youth when they were new, and the RWD 330i feels much closer to those cars if you get the chance to hustle it on a winding backroad. It is also a great deal faster, more civilised, economical and far safer than those cars of old.

My car has just turned 5 years old, is still immaculate and running like a jeweled watch, and short of upgrading it to a B3 Alpina I really don't know what I'd buy instead. It still ticks all the boxes for me.

[dman918]

I installed a JB+ and now the power is perfect for the car it is. I highly recommend it, especially when used ones can be had for under $150.

[cr cook]

I have owned 3 and 5 series since '91

Favorite was the E28 M5. Like a big go-cart that you could put two child car seats in. Just couldnt afford to keep it running. About a million small hoses, one of which was always failing. E39 with a 5 speed was a great car. Took it to almost 200K miles.

But, current 2019 330i is my favorite car, save the M. On a recent 5 hour drive, got over 40MPG. Plenty of power, decent handling, quiet and smooth.

[thestumper]

Originally Posted by TJC tomcat

The stumper: I think your right, it does feel like 280hp at the crank, I just wish the 0-60 was 5.1, which for a rwd would make it the fastest in its class, but this car is plenty quick for me, more then enough power for a daily driver. Ironically, I was looking for a m340 but I couldn’t find the right spec and honestly I just fell in love with the 330i, portimao blue with black rims, black interior and I added a black front grill and black rear spoiler. People on this forum say the m340i steering is a little numb on center, so for me personally that’s a deal breaker along with the rear rectangular exhaust tips, 2 deal breakers for me.

I drove an M240i xDrive twice - I couldn't get past how non-communicative the steering was. My Alfa was telepathic. The 240i was out to lunch. Tons of power but no feedback. Great car; close but no cigar. I'd still have the Alfa if it weren't for the Stellantis trainwreck. Not willing to drive 2.5 hours for warranty work, and with dealerships closing, I ran out of faith. My BMW dealer is walking distance; long walk, but I'm fat and need the exercise

[Nasri12000]

Hi
This is the 3rd BMW i personnaly own.
My first was an e21 320 1976, used to challenge my friends who could
go through a turn with full throttle on any gear they wanted (impossible)
it had the worst handling but lot's of fun...
Then had an e34 535i 1988 ( went through other brands over the years) ,
was a 180° switch from the old 3 series: stability and luxury back then.
I drove that beast at speeds of 245Km/h with full confidence.
My newest (again after going through other brands) is the 2021 G20 330i xdrive
BMW regained my trust after years of bad reputation ( my brothers and friends
still owned BMWs and was a nighrmare, always parts breaking down)
I would say BMW came a long way from the old cars: the new 3 series
replaces the old 5 series ( comfort and luxury while maintaning driving
pleasure).
Through the years, i had fun driving other BMWs like the 323i, the 325i,
the old 735i but my biggest fun was the 850.
Hopefully my new 330i don't make me regret going back to BMW

[anibap]

Originally Posted by TJC tomcat

Hey guys, new to the forum, I just wanted to give a quick review of my 2020 bmw 330i msport package, portimao blue with 40,000 miles. First impression was wow, I went shopping for a m340i and couldn’t find the right spec so I decided on the 330i. This car is by far the best car I ever owned, as soon as I went for a test drive, I bought the car on the spot. I purchased the car on 8-15-23 with 26,000 miles CPO, car looks brand new, with brand new pirelli p7 tires. Black rims, I replaced the front grill with black and also added a black spoiler for the rear. BMW finally figured out the right tire pressure because I run 35 front 41 rear and the car feels like it’s on rails. The power is excellent although I wish bmw tuned it for at least 280 hp but this car is plenty quick, faster then my 2007 328xi and it feels quicker then my 2015 328i. Overall, the car feels very premium and it is, bmw did a fine job with this car. I hope I post this in the right spot, I don’t want to get yelled at! Lol

Welcome to the forum. 330i is a lovely car and so far the best car I have owned.

My story is similar in terms of choosing the 330i; I was initially looking into approved used 320D and 320i. Test drove both and preferred the 320i although the 320D had better torque and instant power (due to MHT). Didn't like the diesel engine noise coming from a petrol car.

A week later, another dealer contacted me, saying there is a 330i if I want to try.

I went for a test ride of the 330i and luckily there were nice roads to drive around. It felt more agile, faster, responsive, and fun to drive, and I was super impressed right away.

Unfortunately, someone else booked it before me. I decided to wait until I got hold of a 330i and finally secured a very low mileage (17500 miles) approved used Mineral Grey RWD 330i

Here's my 330i spec

G20 330i RWD

• Mineral Grey
• Packs : M Sport Pro | Premium | Comfort | Visibility | Technology
• Parking Assistance Plus
• Driving Assistance Professional
• Sunroof
• Adaptive M suspension
• Front Lumbar support
• Electric Memory seats
• Gesture Control
• 19 inch 791 Alloy with staggered set up RFT (Pirelli PZero summer tyres)
• M Sport Brakes with Blue Callipers
• M Sport Differential
• Drive Recorder
• Laser Adaptive Lights
• Heated seats and Steering Wheel
• HUD
• Harman Kardon
• Auto High Beam Assistance
• Wifi Hotspot
• Extended Storage
• M Sport spoiler

[arentz07]

Originally Posted by TJC tomcat

Hey guys, new to the forum, I just wanted to give a quick review of my 2020 bmw 330i msport package, portimao blue with 40,000 miles. First impression was wow, I went shopping for a m340i and couldn’t find the right spec so I decided on the 330i. This car is by far the best car I ever owned, as soon as I went for a test drive, I bought the car on the spot. I purchased the car on 8-15-23 with 26,000 miles CPO, car looks brand new, with brand new pirelli p7 tires. Black rims, I replaced the front grill with black and also added a black spoiler for the rear. BMW finally figured out the right tire pressure because I run 35 front 41 rear and the car feels like it’s on rails. The power is excellent although I wish bmw tuned it for at least 280 hp but this car is plenty quick, faster then my 2007 328xi and it feels quicker then my 2015 328i. Overall, the car feels very premium and it is, bmw did a fine job with this car. I hope I post this in the right spot, I don’t want to get yelled at! Lol

Congrats. That sounds like the same spec as the 330i my wife had. It was a great car - traded it for an X3 just because we needed a car that is easier for some family members to get in and out of. I miss the 330i though - super efficient but also a lot of fun to drive around. The Portimao Blue with black 791M wheels is choice, too. Enjoy.

[BeeEhmWie]

It’s a great car! Plenty fast enough, awesome handling, refined, and super efficient!

Averaged 47.8mpg round trip on freeway today, 120.3mi at 68mph cruise control. With elevation changes and a lot of coasting / energy conservation.

Didn’t touch the brakes at all on highway and barely in the city, just slowed down by coasting. I’m sure it annoyed a few LA drivers!

[stormchaser]

That is awesome! In reality though if you calculate manually my guess it will be a bit lower. I have a 530 and can squeeze out 35-36 on the highway but not close to the 47 you saw.

[TJC tomcat]

I’m sure you definitely pissed off some LA drivers! lol! Great car, there’s a lot of love for the 330i, best all around car in its class, in my opinion.

[BeeEhmWie]

Originally Posted by stormchaser

That is awesome! In reality though if you calculate manually my guess it will be a bit lower. I have a 530 and can squeeze out 35-36 on the highway but not close to the 47 you saw.

Possibly, the miles calculated were right on the money with what Google said the length of the route was.

Probably off 1-2% which is about 1mpg. It’s pretty accurate as I presume it knows how much fuel it’s using

[W288SH]

Originally Posted by TJC tomcat

Hey guys, new to the forum, I just wanted to give a quick review of my 2020 bmw 330i msport package, portimao blue with 40,000 miles. First impression was wow, I went shopping for a m340i and couldn’t find the right spec so I decided on the 330i. This car is by far the best car I ever owned, as soon as I went for a test drive, I bought the car on the spot. I purchased the car on 8-15-23 with 26,000 miles CPO, car looks brand new, with brand new pirelli p7 tires. Black rims, I replaced the front grill with black and also added a black spoiler for the rear. BMW finally figured out the right tire pressure because I run 35 front 41 rear and the car feels like it’s on rails. The power is excellent although I wish bmw tuned it for at least 280 hp but this car is plenty quick, faster then my 2007 328xi and it feels quicker then my 2015 328i. Overall, the car feels very premium and it is, bmw did a fine job with this car. I hope I post this in the right spot, I don’t want to get yelled at! Lol

Can you share the part number of the spoiler you bought?

[TJC tomcat]

I can’t find the the number but I bought it at my bmw dealership.