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

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.

 

hmm fully loaded 330 around 45G ,MSRP for m3 coupe starts at 46.5 , fully loaded M3 60G.

I guess this one will be around 45~50G

Paying that much for a 3 series? yeah fucken right.

 

that thing will be sweet though :o

 

Nice, that's exactly what they needed.

 

sounds cute.

Only thing i want is that steering wheel

 

where are the pics?

 

They might surface before the LA show or they may not.

 

they got pics of it over in europe... but dunno if that will be a U.S version... and im too lazy to post the pics now, maybe later :o

 

come on

 

Probably 50k would be my guess for it with those upgrades. Just gonna make the G35 and IS 300 more appealing for the $$

 

I highly doubt it's going to base higher than an M3 which is a tad over $46k. If I had to guess, I would say it will come in around $40-41k base.

 

totally agree with you

 

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i agree with u On G35.. but i would rather spend 45G for 330 than 35G for IS...(if i have the $)

Japanese cars will never drive the same as European cars...

 

You can't always go by MSRPs with these cars, the M3 has standard interest rates and basically no discounting. The 330i Performance will definitely be a discounted vehicle for one, but it will also have descent rates. So if you lease, a 330i Performance will come in significantly under an M3. If you finance and the rates aren't great for an M3, you can just go to the bank if need be.

 

now that's a hell of a performance package... not like the cheesy skirt & spolier packages the "Japanese" manufacturers slap on for additional revenue

 

Sounds cool. I'll have to search around for some pics. I want to see those 18's.

 

Ok not sure if these are the 18s that come with it... but this is what the bodykit and wing looks like in europe.

BTW, you can order that front bumper in the US now, its called the m-tech.. im pretty sure they offer it in canada.

Oh and those side mirrors dont come with the car, he added them.




im not feeling the spoiler

 

I would think that you could just buy a base 330 and add only the sports package which might keep a stripped one right at about 38-40K or less.

 

Those rims are dope!!!

 

Nice, but wtf?@# Undoubtly, these options will cost you an arm and a leg.
Hmmmmm 6speed, short throw tranny.......wonder where they got that idea


This is why i can't stand BMW. Why the heck would they have something that costs about the same as the m3?? Perhaps the new m3 is gonna have like 370 horse or something but i'm stilll confused as to why the they are priced SO closely together.

 

That wing needs to get replaced with a lip spoiler =)

 

Sounds like a nice little package. Hopefully it will make its way over to the NY Auto show this year.

 

Fully loaded G35 Coupe is MSRP just a tad over $37K. The new BMW may start here but when you load it up, I agree it's probably going to be in the high 40's.

 

I dont think they will signigicantly increase the price of the 330 with this package. I am sure a fully loaded 330 will still be in the 41-43k range. They are definetly being pushed by the Japanese and I am sure price hiking is not on their minds.

Btw, the package sounds dope, but I am not buying new cars anymore, so just gonna have to wait to get it used.

 

BMW packages ALWAYS costs money.....and lots of it.


Cold Weather Package $700
Premium Package $2,900
Sport Package $600

 

Whats the deal??? Car and driver tested the 330ci 5 speed manual at 5.9 seconds 0-60. Now this new 330i (with a 6 speed) should able to acheive 6.0 0-60, or a half second faster than a normal 330i.

These numbers don't add up. Is a 330ci that much faster than the four door?

-Ash

 

I actually like the wing, makes the car look more nimble or something. There is no argument about the rims i hope, they are gorgeous.

 

A 330i with sport and 18s is about 37500.

A base M3 is 47k.

For the additional 6 speed, power, interior, exterior, and stuff on the 330i, I could see 42k.

 

I think they added the new Sport Package to compete with the G35 Coupe which Automobile Magazine called "The BMW Beater". The straight-6 motor in the 330i only puts out 225 horses, compared to the G35 Coupe which puts out 280. I think BMW needs to do more than add 18 inch wheels. They cant compare to the pricing of the G35 either which is a good 10k less for the top of the line 3 Series 330i model.

 

either way, people will still buy it.

 

YIKES!!

Just found out that the clubsport package in europe costs 5k extra!!!!!
Fuck that!

 

what good is all the performance and price for it if the reliability is just as questionable as a hyundai's

shouldnt MORE $$$$$$$$$ = atleast more reliable car then others on the road ???

 

5K!!!???

BMW can eat it!!!

 

Looks like something I could do with some aftermarket parts from Hamann or AC Schnizer. I'd just assume buy a base 323ci or 325ci and hook it up with some aftermarket 19's and some Dinan upgrades with a Hamann Body Package....that would be dope!!!

But, that's just me...oh, and if I had the money!!!

 

Looks good but I'm not feelin the spoiler. Otherwise if $5k is true, no thanks... I'd stick to a regular 330

 

The previous M3 only had 5 more hp than this package will have. This package will also have a shorter final drive ratio, just like the old M3 did, which will allow it to spin up the RPMs faster. It's more than just a body kit.

 

yea, but a base 330ci is like $36k right? with JUST the package its like $40k...i dont know if 10 hp is worth it...

also, isnt the 330 due for the ravamping to the 240 hp engines?

well regardless, it DOES look real cool, even with the wing.

 

offical pic for the 330i performance package.

You will need to scroll down to find the pic.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/inde...&sid=176&n=156

IMHO........I like the look. But come on 235hP? I wonder if the torque increased as well?

As you all know, the 330i is governed by a 130mph limit, hopefully this version can have a higher speedlimit, or else it would be a shame.

later........

 

that looks sick!



cant wait to see what they do with the coupe