So it is true then....330i HP = 330i Clubsport as per JST's earlier post

posted on e46fanatics by ttran:

Clubsport confirmed for 330i - March production

BMW Introduces the 330i Performance Package
To Debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show
The quintessential sport sedan once again raises the performance bar

December 9th, 2002, Woodcliff Lake, NJ… , An all-new Performance Package for the 2003 330i Sedan will make its debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on January 2nd, 2003 and begin production in March. 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, with the introduction of the Performance Package BMW will raise the driving experience to an even higher standard.

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 yield a ten horsepower increase to 235. For the first time in a 330i it will include a six-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter. With the addition of a shorter final drive 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 performance a new sports suspension more finally tuned than the 330i's standard sport suspension is mated to 18-inch wheels with mixed-size performance tires. 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 the interior look. Silver cube aluminum trim is optional. The instrumentation includes red needles while the tachometer reflects the modified engine's 300 higher rpm limit.

From the outside the 330i Performance Package will be immediately apparent from its Aerodynamic Package, black headlight trim and high gloss shadowline trim. The aforementioned 18-inch wheels and tires and new exhaust that not only appears but also sounds more aggressive complete the look.

Yes, it is true...

WIll it come with that stupid wing, Jon?

I'm sorry, that just looks too much like a faked press release.

Package is vailable for the SEDAN ONLY. So, basically, this is the US M3 sedan for the E46 model run.

Huh.

With the exception of omitting an LSD, they pretty much nailed our long-standing list of performance wishes.

Again. Huh.

Well, I will at least give one a test drive if I get the opportunity.

fake press??

Originally posted by TD
Package is vailable for the SEDAN ONLY. So, basically, this is the US M3 sedan for the E46 model run.

Huh.

With the exception of omitting an LSD, they pretty much nailed our long-standing list of performance wishes.

Again. Huh.

Well, I will at least give one a test drive if I get the opportunity.

sorry, DBW

Originally posted by Kaz


I'm sorry, that just looks too much like a faked press release.

No way they'll offer a 6-spd on the E46 non-M3s...

Originally posted by brave1heart
No way they'll offer a 6-spd on the E46 non-M3s...

why?, it's on the Z4

Originally posted by brave1heart
No way they'll offer a 6-spd on the E46 non-M3s...

Actually, we're looking at an end of model run spice up... They're trying to distract us from the upcoming E90(?). I wouldn't be at all surprised.

Jon, you gotta wipe away that grin and confirm is this is true or not...

It's all Kaz's fault.

Originally posted by Jon Shafer
Yes, it is true...

Now, I'm not saying this can't be true. There seems to be some legit indications that something is happening. But the way that 'press release' reads just isn't right.

I don't believe this for a second...

The 6-spd is too much work and too expensive for them to fit on the E46. Oh, and a shorter gear ratio...Mmmmm, I don't think so.

Originally posted by atyclb
why?, it's on the Z4

A 6MT in the 330i I believe will require a EPA recert. Engineeringwise it shouldn't be a problem. Its whether or not BMWNA would bother with the cost of the cert for this.

You've got a point...Kaz.

Also, the ClubSport edition in Europe is not worth so much of modifications. Magazines have reviewed the CS edition as a waste of money. I am surprised that the SSG isn't offered.

Then again, JST posted that link which did mention a 330i HP sport.

It is TRUE, and BMWNA cannot F**K with me because I didn't
post it!

Two things:

Limited slip diff?

Why not on the coupe? I would think the coupe market would be more responsive to a package like this. Unless, the facelifted coupe will have this as its standard sports package...

Originally posted by nate328Ci
Two things:

Limited slip diff?

Why not on the coupe? I would think the coupe market would be more responsive to a package like this. Unless, the facelifted coupe will have this as its standard sports package...

coupes are already faster - they don't need it

Originally posted by nate328Ci


Why not on the coupe? I would think the coupe market would be more responsive to a package like this. Unless, the facelifted coupe will have this as its standard sports package...

Coupe buyers have the M3 Nate...

Grrrrrrrrr.......

I wonder if they'll offer the options a-la-carte?

I'd want the software, the 6-speed/ssk, the headliner, and the aero-kit (as long as it doesn't include some ridiculous wing), but not the CF-like interior trim, cloth seats, exterior shadow trim, and black headlights.

I wish they had offered this a year ago, though.



Oh well.

Originally posted by brave1heart
coupes are already faster - they don't need it

True

Maybe after this package, the sedan might keep up!

Originally posted by Jon Shafer
Coupe buyers have the M3 Nate...

Do you seriously think that a 330Ci with these modifications would cut in on M3 sales?

Now, the '330i HP Sport' in and of itself appears to be legit. Today I've seen at least 2 places where this has been mentioned (along with the Alpina Z8, RX8, C320 Coupe, RX8, Cayenne/Touareg, GTO, EVOVIII, etc.) as a North American Debut at the LA auto show (which starts the 4th, with press day/preview party being the 3rd).

But some of those contents just sound like something made up around here or over at Fanatics.

Originally posted by Jon Shafer
It is TRUE, and BMWNA cannot F**K with me because I didn't
post it!

So, hypothetically speaking, if you were to hint at something, or maybe even have a private conversation and someone else posts the message....would that be ok??



edit - im not trying to get you into trouble or anything, just joking around of course