BMW Introduces the 330i Performance Package To Debut at the Los Angeles International

[Dado]

The all-new Performance Package for the 2003 330i Sedan will make its debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on January 2nd, 2003. The 330i Sedan continues to win comparison test after comparison test on the strength of its performance and handling prowess. Never being a company to leave well enough alone, the introduction of the Performance Package will raise the driving experience of the 3 Series Sedan to an even higher standard.

The 330i Performance Package has been created exclusively for the U.S. market for enthusiasts by enthusiasts at BMW Individual, a division of BMW M GmbH. There is no aspect of the driving experience that has not been enhanced by the Performance Package. Modifications to the 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine, which include different camshafts and performance-modified Digital Motor Electronics, yield a ten horsepower increase to 235. For the first time in a 330i a six-speed manual transmission will be standard. With the Performance Package it will include a short-throw shifter. The package also includes a shorter final drive ratio. The benefits of these modifications are immediately apparent - the 330i with a Performance Package will accelerate from 0 – 60 miles-per-hour in 6 seconds, about half a second faster than a standard 330i. To match the straight-line performance a new sports suspension, more aggressively tuned than the 330i’s standard sport suspension, is mated to 18-inch wheels with mixed-size performance tires. In addition to the wheels and tires the exterior of the 330i Performance Package is distinguished by its Aerodynamic Package, black headlight trim, high gloss shadowline trim and a new exhaust that not only appears but also sounds more aggressive.

The look and feel of the interior has been refined with cloth and Alcantara sport seats matching the Alcantara sport steering wheel. An anthracite headliner and Black cube aluminum trim complete an ambiance tailored to the enthusiast. Silver cube aluminum trim is optional. The instrumentation includes red needles while the tachometer reflects the modified engine’s 300 higher rpm limit. Production of the 330i Performance Package will begin in March 2003 with the first cars arriving at BMW centers in April.

Source: BMW USA

[Suneal]

Thats pretty cool, but I wonder why BMW isnt producing an E46 M3 Sedan. I gues this is the furthest they'll go.

[lemansv12]

whats most interesting is how fast they resoponded to infiniti's g35 which runs 0-60 in 6.1s and this new e46 runs 0-60in flat 6s...so bmw is watching very closely... the new Z4(3.0L 6speed) runs 0-60 in 5.4s just .1s faster than nissan's 350Z....

[Kyle M]

an E46 M3 sedan would just be a little M5, the two would fight for their share of the market and just waste BMW's money producing the car. The two cars would not have that diffrent of numbers, the only thing would be their size diffrence

[Deejay Falco]

Originally posted by lemansv12
whats most interesting is how fast they resoponded to infiniti's g35 which runs 0-60 in 6.1s and this new e46 runs 0-60in flat 6s...so bmw is watching very closely... the new Z4(3.0L 6speed) runs 0-60 in 5.4s just .1s faster than nissan's 350Z....

word, that's what came to mind to me as well.

[NCBimma]

wow...kinda makes me wish i waited

[robfrmny21]

Originally posted by lemansv12
whats most interesting is how fast they resoponded to infiniti's g35 which runs 0-60 in 6.1s and this new e46 runs 0-60in flat 6s...so bmw is watching very closely... the new Z4(3.0L 6speed) runs 0-60 in 5.4s just .1s faster than nissan's 350Z....

u can't compare a z4 to a 350z with just 0-60 times

[Deejay Falco]

Originally posted by robfrmny21
u can't compare a z4 to a 350z with just 0-60 times

well, both are 2 seaters, they both handle probably equally well? im not sure exactly on the handling, someone have g-force tests on the skidpad?

i honestly think the z4 is more appealing than the 350z ... and it's a convertible

both are 2 seaters ? if i get a 2 seater it better be a convertible ..

anyways im out guys lates

gianni

[TheFallen]

something that feels awkward is that while they strive to compete with the G35 by introducing the Performance package, why arn't they introducing other packages for the Coupe version that would make it more appealing.. since it seems that alot of imports are comming out with much more performance in mind with a much smaller price tag.. for instance.. the 240hp Accord ? that's 15 hp more than the 330Ci !

that and the G35 coupe.. 280hp i believe ...

it just seems that performance wise.. BMWs are not keeping up with recent market trend.. and if they're going to go .. go BIG.. and not just a 10 hp thing for the sedan and leave the coupe out to dry..

just my .02.. perhaps my rant on why my car isn't faster ?

[lemansv12]

you also have to realize the G35 coupe is a band new car never been produced till now...and the e46 has been in production for some time now and since 2004 will show off the new 3series there is no point in giving the current 330 or 3series anymore power...plus i think it has all the power you need for now...just marvel at the handling power you get...

autospies.com says the new 3series model will achieve 300hp...which to me makes no sense because the M3 is 333 and wont be replaced till 2006 ...and new 3 will officialy be sold Feb.2005...so there is a year difference...im thinking more of the lines of 250hp-260hp w/ a 6speed ill give you enough power to beat a infinity on a base level...

[M5_dude]

Another aspect to consider is just the overall quality of the vehicle. When you pull up in a BMW it not only is stylish but it has prestige. Pulling up in a Lexus or Inifinity means you just spent too much on a Toyota or Nissan. Although I also think BMW should offer this package with the coupe but with the rebirth of the 6 series coming up and the next 5 series style I think this is enough developments for right now.

[lemansv12]

2003 much BMW in store...

new 6 series.
new 5 series.
new x3 car
x5 face lift
3coupe facelift
possible M3 facelift
760 makes its way to the states.
Z4 gets SMG
end of 2003 330i and ci get SMG
new BMW p85 engine for F1 will be fully tested and ready for racing.
new x7 concept should be shown

BMW is working their assses off...

[Kyle M]

Originally posted by M5_dude
Another aspect to consider is just the overall quality of the vehicle. When you pull up in a BMW it not only is stylish but it has prestige. Pulling up in a Lexus or Inifinity means you just spent too much on a Toyota or Nissan. Although I also think BMW should offer this package with the coupe but with the rebirth of the 6 series coming up and the next 5 series style I think this is enough developments for right now.

Lets just clear some things up. I do not think that lexus is just like a toyota (even thought that would not be a bad thing) my parents 91 LS400 has 260,000+ miles and still is their everyday driver. As for BMW, they have made some trash, as has every car maker. My best friend is a BMW tech and you should hear what they have to say. One example is the 318, that is the biggest waste of space. The stories the techs have about these cars are sad, and the new 7 so many of them have bugs. All companies have their crap cars, and there are alot of BMW's with porblems. BMW is at the top, but they have alot of crap too

[TheFallen]

i'm not saying that my car is under-powered.. but perhaps for the price.. bmw should have created 3-series with more performance in mind since it is consider their "sportier" line as compare to the 5 and 7 series...

no complaints tho, i luv my car.. perhaps a AA s/c in the future will give me the boost i need, but until then, i'm just sick of hearing comparison tests with these par 30k cars that out perform BMWs

[Guido]

what is the price of the package going to be