BMW 3 Series 330d 2012 review

One of the dumbest reasons to buy a diesel is to save money. The maths often doesn't add up when you take into consideration the extra showroom cost versus potential fuel savings.

But there are also some very intelligent reasons to buy diesel: you don't have to go to the servo as often, for one. BMW presents another great reason to buy a diesel - the 330d Coupe. It doesn't feel or sound like a diesel and it is an absolute joy to drive.

Value

It comes in under the Federal Government's 7L/100km cutoff so it qualifies for the 33 per cent luxury tax concession up to $75,000.

At $94,700, its two-door diesel coupe comparably priced competitor are the Audi A5 Coupe 3.0 TDI at $91,900 and the much cheaper Mercedes C250 CDI coupe ($69,900) which is more economical, but down on power to both the BMW and Audi.

It costs $10,886 more than the petrol-powered 325i, but has double the torque which makes it almost as puntable and pleasurable a drive as the 335i which costs $22,550 more.

The 3 Series coupes are now standard with Dakota oyster-coloured leather, voice control, anti-dazzle mirrors and a better audio system.

There are also many options available to personalise the vehicle, but they lift the ticket price substantially. The best way to add extra kit is to go for one of the option packages.

For example, you can save more than 25 per cent with the Innovations Package which includes a range of LED light features, adaptive headlights and satellite navigation.

Our test vehicle was fitted with the $8900 M Sport Innovations Package which includes M trim inside and out, adaptive headlights, a satnav with colour monitor, Harman/Kardon surround sound system, sports seats, voice control and sport suspension.

It was also fitted with an electric glass sunroof ($2920) and one of 15 metallic paint options ($1840) which brings the list price up to a whopping $108,360, but still $8890 short of the 335i.

Technology

The BMW turbo diesel has slightly more power than the Audi, but sips fuel at a slightly reduced rate (6.2L/100km compared with 6.6) and takes the same time to hit 100km/h (6.1s).

Economy is aided by BMW EfficientDynamics features such as brake energy regeneration and electric power steering with Servotronic.

Because it's a coupe the front doors are huge and that means the seat belt is a long way back. BMW gets around this with an automated mechanism that hands you the seat belt.

Design

This graceful coupe has all the proportions just right. It looks strong and muscular from every angle and the swooping roof doesn't impede rear headroom.

There are three new metallic paint options lifting the choices to 15, an extra interior trim choice (bamboo grain anthracite) making it six options and nine wheel designs - four of them new - across three wheel sizes (17, 18 and 19-inch).

Safety

Apart from six airbags and a crash-resistant shell, there is a raft of hi-tech primary safety gear to keep you on the black stuff. They include stability and traction control, cornering and dynamic brake control, and a brake function on the cruise control to prevent you from picking up too much speed down hills.

Driving

The smooth-running 330d Coupe is almost undetectable as a diesel, except for the tachometer which shows a low 4500 rev limit and the diesel sign inside the fuel filler.

Even when you wind the window down, there isn't the usual disharmonious exhaust note. It's actually quite fruity. The engine is a lusty performer from low revs with a quick and responsive transmission that deals well with the narrow power band of the turbo diesel.

This makes for an effortless drive experience that leaves you feeling calm and collected, even when punting along at a good clip. All 3 Series point and shoot with aplomb (except for the convertibles) and the heavier diesel donk up front doesn't seem to introduce extra understeer.

BMW has gone a long way to taking the torture out of its run-flat tyres and even its M Sport suspension by replacing the disc spring valves with coil spring dampers. Ride is firm but fair in most instances, considering the extremely low-profile tyres.

However, our test drive took us through the NSW Northern Rivers area where some roads are a pocked as a teenager's face. On several occasions it hit the bump stops with a deafening bang and when we hit a rapid succession of jolts such as corrugations the suspension could not rebound fast enough to keep the wheels in solid contact with the road. The result was a nervous sideways twitch.

The cabin is typical BMW fare with macho dashboard and lots of black and silver trim, a firm but supportive set of optional sports front seats and controls that take a little bit of getting used to, but are serviceable.

There is only space for two in the back and the legroom is very limited when you have tall front-seat passengers. Yet it's not claustrophobic back there with plenty of headroom; a real surprise for a coupe. Cargo space is generous with a flat, carpeted floor.

Verdict

This diesel coupe is a real coup. It doesn't sound or feel like a diesel, but it accelerates and sips fuel like one. It's also stylish and safe.