Before other automakers caught up, BMW was the go-to choice for performance sedans. It still is, but now they’re struggling to persuade buyers, particularly with the G20 3 Series. This has never happened with early F30 models like the 2018 BMW 330i. However, as a sixth-generation model, it had started to lose some of its glory, and being a lower-trim, there had to be some compromises. Its powertrain supports agile handling, which is plenty, given that the car is not engineered for sporty performance. And given that it’s a sedan, the cabin matters, but it feels dated compared to current models. All this is not to say the 330i doesn’t deserve a spot in your garage because it does, for several reasons.
The 2018 BMW 330i has a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder under the hood, capable of making a healthy 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Its steering wheel might lack the feedback you’d expect from a BMW car, but its power delivery, through the standard 8-speed auto transmission or the optional six-speed manual, is efficient. 0-60 mph takes 5.6 seconds, 1.2 seconds slower than the more powerful 340i, and the top speed maxes out at 155 mph. These are almost disappointing numbers, but they’re also decent for a sedan weighing 3,541 lbs.
When you think of a sedan, cabin comfort is among the first things that come to mind. This means ample legroom and headroom with comfortable seats. These were a priority in the 2018 BMW 330i, which accommodates four people, although not as comfortably as we see with newer models. Front seats have three-stage heating and separate dual-zone automatic climate control. For storage, you get the usual door pockets, center console and dashboard compartments, and ample trunk space for larger carry-ons.
Looking at the 2018 BMW 330i from a distance, it doesn’t seem sophisticated, but it has subtle quirks that give it some character. A good example is the sleek blacked-out kidney grille. Even in 2018, BMW outfitted it with LED-illuminated headlights, DRLs, turn signals, and fog lights at no extra cost. Cameras were also included on the front bumper, side mirrors, front fenders, and parking sensors for visibility and security. Standard trims had 18-inch wheels, but you can find larger sizes in customized models.
The BMW iDrive 6.0 infotainment system was standard in all 2018 3 Series models. Some features it incorporates include navigation, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay as a subscription-based feature but no Android Auto compatibility, alongside some other essential features. All these are accessible through an 8.8-inch display which you can control using the handy iDrive knob. Its instrument cluster is also slightly digital, with a dynamic display that changes according to the selected driving mode. It wouldn't be a BMW without driver-assist features, although most of them, including lane-departure, collision, and pedestrian warning, were not standard.
Considering the car’s model year, it shouldn't come as a surprise that most of the 2018 BMW 330i units for sale have relatively high mileage and show signs of wear and tear. This impacts their prices, with some going for as low as $15,000. If you feel it’s the right car for you, then go ahead and buy one. And if you’d like to check out some we have for sale, browse though our BMW listings.
If you are in the market for a compact sedan that reminds you of the conventional BMW feel, the 2018 BMW 330i is a good choice. It retains agile handling and is complemented by a familiar powertrain with healthy power output. Its cabin and exterior designs are also pretty good, although newer models are incomparable. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today.
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