THE coupe holds a special place in the hearts of BMW fans. The M3 coupe, for instance, has an image of outstanding power, balance and brutal style. Take a step down the tree and you find the 330Ci coupe, launched in September 2000, to replace the 328Ci. It is still coded E46 in BMW-speak which means the body remains the same. The big change is under the bonnet, where a new 3.0-litre straight six engine replaces the old 2.8. It makes a fine car better and undoubtedly continues that BMW tradition of building great coupes.

BMW E36 3 Series coupe
Released: April 1992
Ended: October 1999
Family Tree: 3 SeriesAS per BMW's normal staggered roll-out, the previous E36 generation of BMW coupes appeared gradually, and in quite a variety. The 103kW 318i appeared in April 1992, and ran right through until 1999 when the E46 appeared. The most relevant E36 coupe to the 330Ci, the 328i coupe, was not released until June 1995, powered by a 142kW 2.8-litre straight six. That car was replaced by the 328i Executive in 1997, which ran until the range was phased out.
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