4 June 2026
The last time I ran a 2005-model-year long-term test car was, more or less, in 2005. But here we are again. This is an E46-generation BMW 330Ci coupé and, I have to say, it's rather good.
At least it was when it was new. The 330Ci had a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine with no turbos and made 228bhp at 5900rpm and 332lb ft at 3500rpm. It had a six-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, hydraulically assisted steering, an actual knob to change the stereo volume and no bongs that went off when it couldn't read a road sign properly. It is a car from a previous era, and if you think I'd like that sort of thing today, you'd be right.
