I have owned a 330d, it was quick, but not any quicker than say a mapped Mk5 GTi, just a nice flat torque delivery and lots of it.
What people fail to realise is that a 3 series is a different car completely to most hatchbacks, its a purpose made RWD sports car and with the right driver it can outpace most things, not by its power but its balance, handling and braking.
I replaced it for a 335d, which is 10x better than the 330d, this will outpace and outhandle most things, depending on who is driving it. People whoc complain about RWD + WET are just not capable of driving the car properly 
330d purpose built rwd sports car? outpace most things? not sure would agree there mate, all bmws are good cars at what they do, only the m cars are purpose built sports cars though. dont get me wrong i want a 135i next, but even them are not known to be the best in terms of handling.
The 330d Msport was purpose built with vastly different suspension and brakes to the rest of the 3 series line up, what i mean by purpose built is that there was very little compromise, they didnt just recycle a pre made chassis like VAG do with a vast array of engines and body models.
I never mentioned that a 330d would outpace most things, i said the 335d, which is an extremely capable car. Mine will easily pull away from a mates new shape impreza sti and will stay with it easily through bends (in the dry) and once up to 50 mph most fwd hothatches dont come close. Its by no mean an M3 in the bends and for the thrill factor but straight line pace theres not much in it.
Yes its comfy and quiet but by no means boaty.Its economical and seriously quick, but thats not what everyone likes
I am also looking at the 135i for next year, but not 100% convinced yet, need to talk a customer into letting me have theirs for a weekend to test it 'properly'
