BMW 330d M-Sport (2007) CAR review

Admit it, it’s an oil-burner in a sports jacket … why fool yourself?

Who said diesels can’t be nippy? You’ve not noticed a diesel’s won Le Mans? This 330d is an unashamedly rapid thing. With 231bhp it’s got more than enough whip in its tail - but it’s the huge amount of torque available that makes it so quick. Point-to-point across country, this baby can hustle… just as quick as the petrol 330 I’d wager, even though the 'd' cedes 41bhp.

How so?

Look at the numbers. The 330d’s 3.0-litre, six cylinder turbo creates 369lb ft at just 1750rpm, which is 133lb ft better than the more revvy petrol 330i. It’s only 15lb ft less than the M5! In the real world, that’s a great advantage.