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The 330d's engine is smooth and quiet, delivering its outputs like a petrol engine and sounding much less like a diesel than the bulk of its forebears. Photo Gallery
Stuart Martin road tests and reviews the BMW 330d, the brand’s first turbodiesel six-cylinder 3-Series, at its Australian launch.
BMW's first turbodiesel six-cylinder 3-Series has arrived in Australia, boasting more grunt and a lower thirst than its German rivals. BMW Australia marketing general manager Tom Noble said the company believes its new-generation diesel offers three-fold benefits — high-performance, low consumption and low emissions.
“The new BMW 330d Sedan gives our customers the opportunity to mix V8 engine performance with four-cylinder fuel economy, but at the same time delivering the tangible delights of our highly-acclaimed straight-six cylinder engines."
“BMW in Australia has been selling increasing volumes of diesel vehicles each year. “Our customers really appreciate the benefits of high torque, low consumption engines — now we can offer a truly muscular diesel performance option in our most popular body style,” he said.
Engine
The 330d, which starts from $87,250 thanks to tax concessions for its lower fuel consumption, is endowed with 520Nm of torque — more than the twin-turbo petrol 335i and the M3 — accompanied by 180kW of power. The new-generation alloy turbodiesel is also claiming a four-cylinder sized thirst of 6.8-litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 180g/km, but is also capable of reaching 100km/h in 6.2 seconds — less than a second slower than the 335i — with its top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Equipment
The turbodiesel six competes with its petrol siblings on features as well — 17in alloys, upgraded brakes, leather trim, satellite navigation, bi-xenon headlights, a 10-speaker sound system, power-adjustable front seats, sports steering wheel with shift levers, cruise control, parking sensors front and rear and Bluetooth phone link.bb
Driving
First impressions of the car on Australian country roads were good, with only the tyres — in concert with the coarse-chip bitumen — providing any intrusive noise.
The engine is smooth and quiet, delivering its outputs like a petrol engine and sounding much less like a diesel than the bulk of its forebears. Peak power of 180kW arrives at 4000rpm but it’s the 520Nm shove in the back from just above idle through to near the peak power arrival that makes the new diesel six so appealing.
The 330d has civilised road manners, with a definite lean towards the handling side of the equation, but ride quality in the standard car is reasonable — anyone opting for the M-Sport package will really want to consider the ride, as experience suggests it's not really necessary.
The alloy diesel powerplant is a little lighter than comparable diesels and its 1550kg kerb weight undercuts its less powerful, less frugal slower opposition. Fuel consumption during the launch drive through twisty, mountainous country remained respectable despite the engine being asked to work reasonably hard — the trip computer hovered around seven litres per 100km for the journey.
The new-generation diesel 330d is an exceptionally quiet, comfortable cruiser that offers performance and economy that is difficult to ignore.
BMW 330d
Price: from $87,250
Engine: three-litre 24-valve turbodiesel six-cylinder.
Transmission: six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power: 180kW @ 4000rpm
Torque: 520Nm between 1750 & 3000rpm
Performance: 0-100km/h 6.2 seconds, top speed 250km/h (governed)
Fuel consumption: 6.8 litres/100km
Emissions: 180g/km
Rivals:
Mercedes-Benz C320 CDI, from $95,956
Audi A4 3.0 TDI quattro, from $86,056.
Alfa Romeo 159 2.4 JTD Ti, $62,990.
Citroen C5 2.7 HDI, from $66,490.
Cheap tyres 
Credit crunch 
Ford Fiesta 
Hyundai ix35
