[BillD1953]

Yesterday I dropped my X3M40i for its routine 40,000 mile service. I ordered it new January 2018.
The M40i has been flawless during the 40,000 miles.
I wore out the original runflat Bridgestone Duellers @ 39,000 miles.
I just bolted on 4 new Good Year Eagle Exhilirates, what a difference in the ride and handling compared to the hockey puck noisy runflats.

OK, I asked the BMW service dept @ the Stratham NH dealer if they had a G20 330i available as a loaner and they did. A black stripper base model xdrive, sticker showed a $48,000 +- list. Standard hifi, standard suspension, heated wheel, seats, moon roof, not much else.
Car was fairly new with 4,000 miles on it.

I took the G20 330i loaner for a real good spin. Burned 3/4 tank of fuel over the day.

Went from Stratham NH to Portland Maine up the Maine Turnpike INT 95, then back south down 95 to RTE 128 north in Peabody Ma. to Gloucester, Ma. and back to Stratham NH end of day to pu the M40i.

Cruised at 90 mph on the turnpike, 128 north is a twisty with rough roads. Drove state and town roads 25-50 mph...overall a very good mix of driving.

1st impressions:

What a great 4 door sedan for the money. Although I'm used to the M40i's 6 cyl B58 power, the 4 banger in the 330i is PLENTY of power for this car. Plenty fast from a stop, smooth, will hit 90 mph in no time. Good power band. Has an overdrive gear that keeps rpms around 1600-1700 @ 80mph on the highway. Press the peddle and she'll downshift just a bit. All very smooth, no herky jerky crap.

Yesterday was about as windy as it gets for highway driving. 80mph the car was rock straight down the highway. Wind didn't bother the 330i like in my M40i and IMO the 330i is super quiet with little wind noise and road noise even with the Pirelli P7 18" runflats.

The new passive suspension is notable. Smooth when need be, stiffer when need be. It's a great passive suspension IMO with great handling and ride when pushed on lousy pavement.

Doors are solid when shut.

This a great car, I'd by one just like it if going to a 3 series sedan. No need IMO for the big motor in the M340i.

For what it's worth,

[premier3is]

Originally Posted by BillD1953

Yesterday I dropped my X3M40i for its routine 40,000 mile service. I ordered it new January 2018.
The M40i has been flawless during the 40,000 miles.
I wore out the original runflat Bridgestone Duellers @ 39,000 miles.
I just bolted on 4 new Good Year Eagle Exhilirates, what a difference in the ride and handling compared to the hockey puck noisy runflats.

OK, I asked the BMW service dept @ the Stratham NH dealer if they had a G20 330i available as a loaner and they did. A black stripper base model xdrive, sticker showed a $48,000 +- list. Standard hifi, standard suspension, heated wheel, seats, moon roof, not much else.
Car was fairly new with 4,000 miles on it.

I took the G20 330i loaner for a real good spin. Burned 3/4 tank of fuel over the day.

Went from Stratham NH to Portland Maine up the Maine Turnpike INT 95, then back south down 95 to RTE 128 north in Peabody Ma. to Gloucester, Ma. and back to Stratham NH end of day to pu the M40i.

Cruised at 90 mph on the turnpike, 128 north is a twisty with rough roads. Drove state and town roads 25-50 mph...overall a very good mix of driving.

1st impressions:

What a great 4 door sedan for the money. Although I'm used to the M40i's 6 cyl B58 power, the 4 banger in the 330i is PLENTY of power for this car. Plenty fast from a stop, smooth, will hit 90 mph in no time. Good power band. Has an overdrive gear that keeps rpms around 1600-1700 @ 80mph on the highway. Press the peddle and she'll downshift just a bit. All very smooth, no herky jerky crap.

Yesterday was about as windy as it gets for highway driving. 80mph the car was rock straight down the highway. Wind didn't bother the 330i like in my M40i and IMO the 330i is super quiet with little wind noise and road noise even with the Pirelli P7 18" runflats.

The new passive suspension is notable. Smooth when need be, stiffer when need be. It's a great passive suspension IMO with great handling and ride when pushed on lousy pavement.

Doors are solid when shut.

This a great car, I'd by one just like it if going to a 3 series sedan. No need IMO for the big motor in the M340i.

For what it's worth,

Great review, nice to hear you enjoyed the 4 banger outside of your B58. I notice people discussing the run flats aren't the greatest and have road noise concerns along with more of a rough ride, yet I never really experienced it as well. Maybe if I swap to non run flats, I would notice the difference.

[BillD1953]

Originally Posted by premier3is

Great review, nice to hear you enjoyed the 4 banger outside of your B58. I notice people discussing the run flats aren't the greatest and have road noise concerns along with more of a rough ride, yet I never really experienced it as well. Maybe if I swap to non run flats, I would notice the difference.

I should have mentioned I owned a new 2016 228i 6MT that came with the same Pirelli P7 runflats. New they were good but by the time 38,000 rolled around (when I traded it for the X3M40i) the P7s were hard as rocks and very very noisy.

The new Good Year Eagle Exhilirate is a very nice tire on the M40i. I'd bolt a set on the 330i when the P7s, if that's what you have now, get noisy

One last observation. The 4 cyl in the 330i loaner was about vibration free at a stop. And yes the auto/off was OFF.

[premier3is]

Originally Posted by BillD1953

I should have mentioned I owned a new 2016 228i 6MT that came with the same Pirelli P7 runflats. New they were good but by the time 38,000 rolled around (when I traded it for the X3M40i) the P7s were hard as rocks and very very noisy.

The new Good Year Eagle Exhilirate is a very nice tire on the M40i. I'd bolt a set on the 330i when the P7s, if that's what you have now, get noisy

One last observation. The 4 cyl in the 330i loaner was about vibration free at a stop. And yes the auto/off was OFF.

Will keep that tire in mind. I am on a lease so don't think I'll need to change but in case I do I will give them a look.

As far as vibration free, do you mean when coming to a stop? If so, yes I agree, no vibrations whatsoever. Auto start/stop is a different story though

[BillD1953]

Originally Posted by premier3is

Will keep that tire in mind. I am on a lease so don't think I'll need to change but in case I do I will give them a look.

As far as vibration free, do you mean when coming to a stop? If so, yes I agree, no vibrations whatsoever. Auto start/stop is a different story though

the on/off engine crap at a stop sucks....even with the 6 banger.
1st thing that gets shutoff/

I'm thinking the RWD must be even a bit better for driving vs the xdrive

[alpinewhite3]

Originally Posted by BillD1953

I should have mentioned I owned a new 2016 228i 6MT that came with the same Pirelli P7 runflats. New they were good but by the time 38,000 rolled around (when I traded it for the X3M40i) the P7s were hard as rocks and very very noisy.

The new Good Year Eagle Exhilirate is a very nice tire on the M40i. I'd bolt a set on the 330i when the P7s, if that's what you have now, get noisy

One last observation. The 4 cyl in the 330i loaner was about vibration free at a stop. And yes the auto/off was OFF.

Nice review. I have the 330i RWD with the passive base suspension and absolutely love it. It's super smooth and compliant when it needs to be but firms up when you push it hard. (It's def more stiff/firm than the base suspension on the F30 but i will take the handling trade off any day). I am so glad BMW listened to enthusiasts and stiffened up the base version of the G20 even though the majority of their "new" customer base prob prefers the F30 setup or softer.

At first i was a bit peeved that BMW didn't put a high performance all season tire and opted for a grand touring a/s-that too in fairly skinny 225/45/18 set up but the P7's have really grown on me. Much better than the continental runflats that came on my F30. Super quiet and smooth and actually have tons of grip. Hold the road really well and have sharp steering. I wonder how much better this car would feel on Michelin pilots??

How much tread life did the P7's have left at 38k? I am trying to figure it out if i can squeak through my lease (45k miles) without changing tires.

[JDUNITNOW]

I am in a 330I base from Enterprise now. My sister backed into my wife's BMW 330I convertible on Christmas eve and did 5k in damages. I will say I am thoroughly enjoying this car. Everything you say is spot on and I am not looking forward to turning it back in. I will be getting rid of my 7 in April and ordering a M340I in September.
I do not need the 6 cylinder but I have driven a 7 series for the past 10 years, 5 to be exact and am looking forward to a smaller car and revive the hooligan in myself on occasions. 😂

[Stav]

I have an F90 M5 and a 330i as a loaner for a day. What a great car - underpowered but so nimble. Made me miss my previous m3 and m4 and their size.

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

I just had a G20 330 xdrive loaner for 3 days, or about 300 miles. I think it's a fantastic car for a non enthusiast. It feels like it has enough power until you really get on it; and the suspension is fine until you push it. Even the base audio system is fine if you don't try and listen at too high a volume or have high expectations.

[alpinewhite3]

Am the only one who doesn’t think the 330i is underpowered ? I guess it’s all relative and this is a forum for enthusiasts but I’ve never been in a single situation in this car where I felt like I needed more power. Every morning I merge on the highway and I’m at 90mph before I can even blink. Transmission is always lightning fast too. I do have the lighter RWD 330i and maybe some of these loaners have been running 87 octane. All this while averaging 37mpg!

Genuine question - Where/when are you guys using the extra power In day to day commuting ?

[premier3is]

Originally Posted by alpinewhite3

Am the only one who doesn’t think the 330i is underpowered ? I guess it’s all relative and this is a forum for enthusiasts but I’ve never been in a single situation in this car where I felt like I needed more power. Every morning I merge on the highway and I’m at 90mph before I can even blink. Transmission is always lightning fast too. I do have the lighter RWD 330i and maybe some of these loaners have been running 87 octane. All this while averaging 37mpg!

Genuine question - Where/when are you guys using the extra power In day to day commuting ?

It's more than enough power lol. Would more power be nice, sure but it's definitely quick enough.

Got to remember also that it seems like there are more m340i owners on this forum vs. a 330i, so anyone driving an m340i and then a 330i will feel the lack of power.

[praxis218]

Originally Posted by alpinewhite3

Am the only one who doesn’t think the 330i is underpowered ? I guess it’s all relative and this is a forum for enthusiasts but I’ve never been in a single situation in this car where I felt like I needed more power. Every morning I merge on the highway and I’m at 90mph before I can even blink. Transmission is always lightning fast too. I do have the lighter RWD 330i and maybe some of these loaners have been running 87 octane. All this while averaging 37mpg!

Genuine question - Where/when are you guys using the extra power In day to day commuting ?

I liked my 330i loaner. It had leather, ambient lighting, adaptive LED, live cockpit, convenience package. Very relaxing vehicle to cruise in if I had a long highway commute.

As to the power issue: it depends on your driving style. If you're getting 37mpg we're not driving the same way. I get 14mpg, and got about the same (~17mpg) in most of my previous 3-series cars. I don't drive recklessly or cut people off, just spiritedly.

On my 10 minute commute there's an onramp onto a bridge that's basically empty and I get to go full throttle daily. This puts a huge grin on my face every time. When I punched it to kickdown in the loaner, it felt as if the 330i wasn't moving and the car didn't make any noise. So if you drive spiritedly it's a bit underpowered. Can't point and shoot into holes in traffic if you need to. Otherwise it's a great car.

[alpinewhite3]

Originally Posted by praxis218

I liked my 330i loaner. It had leather, ambient lighting, adaptive LED, live cockpit, convenience package. Very relaxing vehicle to cruise in if I had a long highway commute.

As to the power issue: it depends on your driving style. If you're getting 37mpg we're not driving the same way. I get 14mpg, and got about the same (~17mpg) in most of my previous 3-series cars. I don't drive recklessly or cut people off, just spiritedly.

On my 10 minute commute there's an onramp onto a bridge that's basically empty and I get to go full throttle daily. This puts a huge grin on my face every time. When I punched it to kickdown in the loaner, it felt as if the 330i wasn't moving and the car didn't make any noise. So if you drive spiritedly it's a bit underpowered. Can't point and shoot into holes in traffic if you need to. Otherwise it's a great car.

That makes sense. The only time I floor it is merging on the highway and when i have to pass some jerk on the right b/c he refuses to move out of the left lane. I do drive fast but leisurely get up to speed if that makes sense lol. My commute is mostly highway so once i get up to 90ish i'm just cruising.

[BillD1953]

Originally Posted by alpinewhite3

Nice review. I have the 330i RWD with the passive base suspension and absolutely love it. It's super smooth and compliant when it needs to be but firms up when you push it hard. (It's def more stiff/firm than the base suspension on the F30 but i will take the handling trade off any day). I am so glad BMW listened to enthusiasts and stiffened up the base version of the G20 even though the majority of their "new" customer base prob prefers the F30 setup or softer.

At first i was a bit peeved that BMW didn't put a high performance all season tire and opted for a grand touring a/s-that too in fairly skinny 225/45/18 set up but the P7's have really grown on me. Much better than the continental runflats that came on my F30. Super quiet and smooth and actually have tons of grip. Hold the road really well and have sharp steering. I wonder how much better this car would feel on Michelin pilots??

How much tread life did the P7's have left at 38k? I am trying to figure it out if i can squeak through my lease (45k miles) without changing tires.

@38,000 miles there was still tread left. My driving is mostly highway and I'm not a "racer" LOL

[oln08]

Originally Posted by alpinewhite3

Am the only one who doesn’t think the 330i is underpowered ? I guess it’s all relative and this is a forum for enthusiasts but I’ve never been in a single situation in this car where I felt like I needed more power. Every morning I merge on the highway and I’m at 90mph before I can even blink. Transmission is always lightning fast too. I do have the lighter RWD 330i and maybe some of these loaners have been running 87 octane. All this while averaging 37mpg!

Genuine question - Where/when are you guys using the extra power In day to day commuting ?

I'm with you. Wife just got a 330i and I really don't think its underpowered. This thing goes when you need it to, yea not the same pep as you get with the 6cyl but not underpowered by any means.
For comparison, I've owned/own n54, n55 and s55 engined cars.

[VipinLJ]

I think “underpowered” is a variable. What is “underpowered” to one person might be too much power to another. I own a 140bhp tuned car in India and when I moved to America and got my first car, it had more than twice the power of the car I had in India. I told my friends about it and they were like “That’s way too much power!”. To someone who owns M3s or M5s, the same car will feel grossly underpowered.

Also, like someone else mentioned. One can hardly utilize the full potential of a 250bhp car on the roads here. I can’t imagine driving a 600+ bhp car in the same setting. I’d be extremely frustrated on the highway, being forced to do 75-80mph, barely feathering the throttle and resisting the urge to floor it. But does that mean I don’t want more power? Hell no. There’s never enough power

Also yes. The 330i is a lovely car for what it is. When I first got it, I was sad letting my B9 A4 go and regretted getting the G20. But I’ve grown to love it and now, I have no regrets getting it. Well. One regret. That it isn’t an M340i.

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

I was trying to say that I thought the 330i felt peppy at normal part-throttle driving, but felt slow at full throttle.

[VipinLJ]

Originally Posted by glennQNYC

I was trying to say that I thought the 330i felt peppy at normal part-throttle driving, but felt slow at full throttle.

I understand. It’s also weirdly peppy in sport mode. Weirdly because the throttle makes the car feel way too sensitive and jumpy off the line but then, up top, there’s nothing much.
But that changed for me with a JB+. Idk how or why but it did. I hated sport mode in the city before I got the JB+. Now it’s sport mode in the city too.

[alpinewhite3]

Originally Posted by VipinLJ

I think “underpowered” is a variable. What is “underpowered” to one person might be too much power to another. I own a 140bhp tuned car in India and when I moved to America and got my first car, it had more than twice the power of the car I had in India. I told my friends about it and they were like “That’s way too much power!”. To someone who owns M3s or M5s, the same car will feel grossly underpowered.

Also, like someone else mentioned. One can hardly utilize the full potential of a 250bhp car on the roads here. I can’t imagine driving a 600+ bhp car in the same setting. I’d be extremely frustrated on the highway, being forced to do 75-80mph, barely feathering the throttle and resisting the urge to floor it. But does that mean I don’t want more power? Hell no. There’s never enough power

Also yes. The 330i is a lovely car for what it is. When I first got it, I was sad letting my B9 A4 go and regretted getting the G20. But I’ve grown to love it and now, I have no regrets getting it. Well. One regret. That it isn’t an M340i.

Interesting- what did you like about the A4? I rented a B9 A4(non sport) from silver car Audi and drove it from Denver to Aspen. It was a very comfortable highway cruiser but that was about it. Steering was way too light and numb (even by EPS standards) and the car didn’t feel particularly agile-way too much roll in the corners when pushed hard. It felt pretty quick though and the seats were comfortable. 330i feels much more nimble and confidence inspiring when I push it and just has much better overall feel/

[premier3is]

Originally Posted by alpinewhite3

That makes sense. The only time I floor it is merging on the highway and when i have to pass some jerk on the right b/c he refuses to move out of the left lane. I do drive fast but leisurely get up to speed if that makes sense lol. My commute is mostly highway so once i get up to 90ish i'm just cruising.

I didn't realize you get 37mpg sheesh. I am getting 20mpg lol, guess I am more of a spirited driver.

[clausmoll]

Originally Posted by alpinewhite3

Am the only one who doesn’t think the 330i is underpowered ? I guess it’s all relative and this is a forum for enthusiasts but I’ve never been in a single situation in this car where I felt like I needed more power. Every morning I merge on the highway and I’m at 90mph before I can even blink. Transmission is always lightning fast too. I do have the lighter RWD 330i and maybe some of these loaners have been running 87 octane. All this while averaging 37mpg!

Genuine question - Where/when are you guys using the extra power In day to day commuting ?

Originally Posted by alpinewhite3

Am the only one who doesn't think the 330i is underpowered ? I guess it's all relative and this is a forum for enthusiasts but I've never been in a single situation in this car where I felt like I needed more power. Every morning I merge on the highway and I'm at 90mph before I can even blink. Transmission is always lightning fast too. I do have the lighter RWD 330i and maybe some of these loaners have been running 87 octane. All this while averaging 37mpg!

Genuine question - Where/when are you guys using the extra power In day to day commuting ?

I'm totally with you. I have the 330i RWD and running on octane 100 (sometimes 98) and has plenty of power. It's fast, nimble and just fun to drive. Of course it's not a 340i - but it's all I would ever need.

[NewM3driver]

Originally Posted by BillD1953

Yesterday I dropped my X3M40i for its routine 40,000 mile service. I ordered it new January 2018.
The M40i has been flawless during the 40,000 miles.
I wore out the original runflat Bridgestone Duellers @ 39,000 miles.
I just bolted on 4 new Good Year Eagle Exhilirates, what a difference in the ride and handling compared to the hockey puck noisy runflats.

OK, I asked the BMW service dept @ the Stratham NH dealer if they had a G20 330i available as a loaner and they did. A black stripper base model xdrive, sticker showed a $48,000 +- list. Standard hifi, standard suspension, heated wheel, seats, moon roof, not much else.
Car was fairly new with 4,000 miles on it.

I took the G20 330i loaner for a real good spin. Burned 3/4 tank of fuel over the day.

Went from Stratham NH to Portland Maine up the Maine Turnpike INT 95, then back south down 95 to RTE 128 north in Peabody Ma. to Gloucester, Ma. and back to Stratham NH end of day to pu the M40i.

Cruised at 90 mph on the turnpike, 128 north is a twisty with rough roads. Drove state and town roads 25-50 mph...overall a very good mix of driving.

1st impressions:

What a great 4 door sedan for the money. Although I'm used to the M40i's 6 cyl B58 power, the 4 banger in the 330i is PLENTY of power for this car. Plenty fast from a stop, smooth, will hit 90 mph in no time. Good power band. Has an overdrive gear that keeps rpms around 1600-1700 @ 80mph on the highway. Press the peddle and she'll downshift just a bit. All very smooth, no herky jerky crap.

Yesterday was about as windy as it gets for highway driving. 80mph the car was rock straight down the highway. Wind didn't bother the 330i like in my M40i and IMO the 330i is super quiet with little wind noise and road noise even with the Pirelli P7 18" runflats.

The new passive suspension is notable. Smooth when need be, stiffer when need be. It's a great passive suspension IMO with great handling and ride when pushed on lousy pavement.

Doors are solid when shut.

This a great car, I'd by one just like it if going to a 3 series sedan. No need IMO for the big motor in the M340i.

For what it's worth,

I had a 330 for a loaner as well last week. It is a very good car. Coming out of an M3 that engine simply would not cut it for me.

I have been driving BMW's for 35 years. BMW's should be 6 cylinders. I have had a V8 540 and a V8 M3. Didn't love either of them. We have a 320 that is a VERY nice car, but the sounds the 4 banger makes are simply not BMW sounds. Neither is the sound of a 330.

The legend of BMW is all about the engine. Their straight 6 engines made the brand. They have the best straight 6 engines in the world. They are just the sweetest engines on the planet.

If you are going to splurge on a BMW, do yourself a favor. Get it with a SIX.