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