The 2001 BMW 330 SERIES- For the last 30 years, BMW and 'Ultimate Driving Machine' have been one in the same. No other automobile can claim such a synonymous relationship between its automobiles and its slogan. Though driving is what makes this automobile an ultimate, it is all to often forgotten what it is that is driving. Is it the cars power? The cars handling? The cars features? No, what it is could perhaps be the most beautiful blending of all, it is the way that the car makes you feel as if you, the car, and the road are one. BMW blends these majestic qualities so perfectly that it deserves the slogan, and its 3-series compacts deserve a piece of that slogan as much as the next Bavarian Beaute.

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BMW and 'Ultimate Driving Machine' have been one in the same. No other automobile can claim such a synonymous relationship between its automobiles and its slogan.

No one knows how to make six-cylinders like the Germans, and of those, no one can do an inline like BMW. BMW makes a good engine perfect. First of all, an inline-6 has a perfect natural balance unmatched by any other configuration. It has an inherent lack of vibration that puts V-6's to shame. And a six cylinder offers enough displacement to generate ample power, while small enough pistons to make for quick revving, a beautiful combination that other manufacturers have long forgotten. And lastly, a row of cylinders, as opposed to a vee, requires a pair of camshafts, rather than a quartet, to fit a complex valvetrain that employs some variable timing.

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With a 200-cc gain in displacement, a longer stroke adds some valuable power: An increase to 231 bhp, up from 193, is achieved by blending several qualities that improves the cars efficiency. More than half the power increase is achieved by stream-lining the car's intake-tract. Its like the car never runs out of breath. New, aggressive cams account for another couple more ponies, but, once again, its not what they do, its how they make what they do work with everything else. Though horsepower is a big prize here, a significant increase in torque doesn't go unnoticed. More than the increase, its availability is superb. The torque is everywhere. From a warm up idle to a 6500-rpm stomp, you'll never need more torque. Translation: who needs to downshift for more power, its already there. A manual tranny in the coupe will get you to 60 mph in about 6.4 seconds, while BMW claims the automatic sedan or convertible will be there in about another second. Also noticeable is the increase in driver forgiveness. Not only is the car more powerful, it is also easier to drive. A lighter steering and larger brake rotors prove for a ride that is quite possibly second-to-none.

The all-wheel drive option is again on the sticker. Identical to the X5, it's an open differential design that distributes power amongst its wheels by preventing any of them from slipping via automatic brake application. The center differential sends some of the power forward to a front differential, offset to the driver's side of the engine (its right-hand halfshaft stub actually passes through the oil sump). The pivoting (unsprung) portions of the front halfshafts are of equal length to reduce steering-torque effects. The sub-$2000 option (a bargain) is unnoticeable to the everyday driver, but when winter weather brings undesirable driving conditions, you'll be glad you have it.

IWith a traditional BMW interior, you won't be disappointed, An elegant and sophisticated dash puts all the buttons where you'd expect them to be. Firm seats give you the sports car feel your looking for, while German leather soothes your soul. Sound system is superb, and road noise is minimal. This is a luxury car from hood to trunk, not forgetting the cabin. Leg and head room are gracious for a compact, yet taller passengers in the back of the coupe can find longer rides a tad uncomfortable.

SWith a $15,000 difference separating high and low end models: (yes, $15,000), choose your needs carefully. With the coupe waiting in showrooms now, prospective buyers will be happy to know that the 330i sedan, 330Ci coupe and convertible are expected by November 2000. This is by every meaning of the slogan an ultimate driving machine, and should be enjoyed by both a family-hauler and soulful mid-life crisis rejuvenator. AZ/AutoNetDirect.com

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