2004 BMW 330Ci Road Test

Better Than the Sum of Its Parts

According to BMW, "the whole is more than the sum of its parts, provided the parts are perfect." This is the credo the German auto

I wouldn't go so far as to say that all the parts of the 330Ci are perfect, but I would agree that their whole is far greater than their sum. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

manufacturer applies to every vehicle rolling forth from its many assembly lines. For most the well-known axiom, modified somewhat by BMW, has no greater meaning than the inane slogans offered up by various fast food chains or the nauseating prattle of daytime TV. But spend a little seat time piloting a 330Ci and the true meaning of the words crystallize somewhere deep within the cerebral cortex.

Although I wouldn't go so far as to say all the parts of the 330Ci are perfect, I would agree that their whole is far greater than

Aggressively styled 18-inch double spoke alloy wheels fortify the aggressive M-performance package image. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

their sum. Those parts begin with exterior elements that fit firmly and accurately together to produce a beautiful body on wheels. Whether in two or four door configurations, the 300-series Bimmers are stout, well-proportioned units that show just enough attitude to raise an eyebrow or two, but still adhere to desirable levels of civility.

In my M-performance equipped test unit, an aerodynamic front air dam, discreet rear deck lid spoiler and revised lower apron combine with aggressively styled 18-inch double spoke alloy wheels to fortify that image while giving the powerful coupe the racer's-edge styling needed to complement its hyper-extended performance capabilities. South of the 49th, the M-performance package is simply termed the "Performance Package," which doesn't convey the same mystique and authority that the letter "M" does when associated to the letters "BMW."