6 Speed

[Croatsens]

Hey all,
Just a quick question. What is the earliest model of 330i that comes with the performance package that has 235HP and a 6 speed transmission? I heard that they started in some 2002's and they are standard for the performance package on 2005's. Thanks

[MrM3]

to the best of my knowledge, the performance package (ZHP) started in 2003 on sedans only, then in 2004 bmw started offering ZHP coupes. all ZHP's came with the special 18" wheels, hotter cam shafts, slightly advanced engine timing, M-tech exterior, 6speed w/ shortened shift lever, alcantara wrapped steering wheel, and a few other extra's.

[peterkulesza]

the set up as mrm3 descibes is an u.s. only option (if you are not here...). other countires have zhp packs which to my knwoledge do not have as many usefull goodies.

[jefft325i]

Originally posted by MrM3@Jan 7 2005, 12:35 PM
to the best of my knowledge, the performance package (ZHP) started in 2003 on sedans only, then in 2004 bmw started offering ZHP coupes. all ZHP's came with the special 18" wheels, hotter cam shafts, slightly advanced engine timing, M-tech exterior, 6speed w/ shortened shift lever, alcantara wrapped steering wheel, and a few other extra's.

[snapback]266311[/snapback]

This is all true. 2003 was the first year for the ZHP in the states, available only in a sedan and only in a 6 speed manual.

In 2004, the ZHP was offered with coupe & convertibles, as well as an automatic (steptronic) transmission, as lame as that may sound. No SMG with ZHP.

[zwke36]

Just so you know, the 6spd manual transmission became standard on the 330i, the same time the ZHP hit the states. But it's not a "short shifted" 6spd. So pretty much all 2003 330i's have a 6spd

[M3Rider]

I got the 330ci with perf package, and it kicks ass, can't imagine it to be THAT much different in the 330i, overall its 100% worth it