E46 330CI (Coupe)
 

I'm highly considering picking one of these up, although I'm a bit confused as to the differences from 2000-2005.
I'm only interested in manual shift ones, and noticed some have 5 speed while some are 6. Also som eare offered in 235 HP while some are 225?

So I'm wondering what years were the 225 hp from and when did the 235 hp start. Are there any more options/benefits other than more hp with the newer ones?

Also, anything to look out for when shopping for a 330? And recalls, or anything I should be particularly cautious about?

Thanks! *rockout*

well the 330 came out in 2001, from 2004+ it came in 6spd, and with a ZHP package which increased the HP from 225 to 235 and has other goodies like bumpers, better suspension and shit...IMO if you plan on moding the car i wouldn't get the ZHP, just get a standerd 330ci with 6spd and mod it, and it will comeout faster and better at the end ;) ... thats what i did....

So in 04+ the 6 speed was offered? And you can get a 6 speed without the ZHP package? Will an 04' 6 Speed non ZHP be 235HP stock? Or is that only the ZHP?

no only the ZHP has 235hp if im not mistakin...dont change ur mind about the 330 i just got a 325 about 6 months ago and regret not gettin a 330..dont end up like me :)

Haha yea....well I made the same mistake when purchasing my E36....wish I had opted for the 328....so I've learned from it ...and will only consider a 330 for my next car.

There were some minor cosmetic refreshes in 2004 too. Generally, pre-2004 cars are known as pre-facelift coupes and 2004+ cars are known as facelifted coupes. The facelifted coupes look better IMHO, the most obvious change being the front bumper I think.

BUT, here's the exception. I think there's an optional M-sport package on pre-2004 cars which gave you the better looking bumpers...

Oh, and 2004+ have LED tail lamps which are also better looking IMHO.

I have a regular 2002 330ci and my cosmetic wish lists are the more aggressive front bumper and LED tails.

Finally, I think the 2002+ coupes have a "heavier" steering feel. A big complaint for 2000 to 2001 was the power steering, so BMW made some changes 2002 onward.

Can't recall, but were 2000 cars prone to subframe tearing issues?

yeah.. :(

well from 2004 on all the 330's came in 6spd...yes even the zhp comes with 6spd.....a 2004 6sp 330ci NON ZHP will have 225hp and 214trq and a 04 6spd ZHP will have 235hp and 224trq.....

here is my NON ZHP(but can smoke a ZHP :D)

these aren't the stock rims, i just put on my friends to see how it looks ...

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...5/IM000344.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...5/IM000340.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...5/IM000342.jpg


these are the stock rims with a sport pack.. you get these rims,better seats and i think the suspension is bit better on the sport pack then the regular 330 and some other lil things i can't remember..

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...5/IM000285.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...5/IM000289.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...5/IM000287.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...5/IM000291.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3...005-track3.jpg



and as for as moding goes, you can pick up a CSL bumper for our facelift coupes or even a M3 type bumper from the states cheap and it will look better then the ZHP mtechII bumper.... so if you get the non ZHP which is like 7k or soo more when you buy them both new, well when i was buying them thats howmuch it was, well around there...well anyways with that extra 7k you can make the car look and drive better then a ZHP... and the ZHP has some software problem or something.. on a dyno the power dips at around 4000RPM, nothing really but it does, and even an aftermarket chip/software wont fix that... and also i have noticed that most if not all the S/C kits out there for the 330 non ZHP have 10hp and trq more then the ZHP, i dunno why , maybe cuz the software is different or something....


good luck, either car would be GOOD!!!!!

Nice...thanks for the info guys!

looks like it may be worthwhile for me to opt for something like an 04' 6 Speed....and black..haha. I love black 3 series coupes.....awsome pics
330ci05....your car looks awsome...especially with your friends rims on

Zhp
 

ZHP - Performance Package
The performance package was available on 2003-2005 sedans and 2004-2006 coupes and convertibles. In 2003, it was only available with the 6-speed manual transmission and WITHOUT the premium package. In 2004, all performance package cars were also available with the automatic (steptronic) transmission as well as the premium package. This package included:

Engine mods (new camshafts, electronics, & lighter flywheel) for 10HP & 8 ft/lb of torque increase & 6800 max RPM (from 6500).
6 speed short throw shifter (for manual transmission equipped cars)
3.07:1 Final drive ratio (instead of 2.91:1)
Max Speed Limiter set to 155 mph (instead of 128)
New M suspension, more "sporty" than standard sport package:
Firmer springs (front +6%, rear +8%)
Firmer shocks (Jounce: front +50%, rear +20%), (Rebound: front +35%, rear -8%)
Larger diameter anti-roll bars: 23.5 mm front (v. 23.0), 18.5 mm rear (v. 18.0)
More rigid forward bushings
Lower ride height by 15 mm (.6 inches) utilizing shorter auxiliary springs
-.5 degrees of camber (for a total of -1.1 degrees)
BMW M exterior trim elements (front & rear fascia, side sills, & trunk lid spoiler)
Special exterior trim: Anthracite (charcoal) headlight & foglight surrounds, High-Gloss
Shadowline (black gloss) trim
Large diameter stainless steel dual exhaust outlets
Extra thick Alcantra steering wheel
Sport Seats
Alcantra & cloth upholstry to replace leatherette and standard trim (leather still an option)
Choice of "Black Cube" or "Silver Cube" interior trim
Anthracite headliner
Red needles on the instrument cluster
Unique 18" Wheels (style 135M), 18x8.0" front, 18x8.5" rear
Wider Tires: 225/40ZR-18 in front and 255/35ZR-18 in the rear.

lol... thanxxx...... so you goin with the ZHP???

there is Mr. ZHP himself!!!!:D *th-up*

Hey,

What's up, Ice? Are you boosted, yet?

lol soon, in a year or two... since me dream for a trubo has gone to shit, i'll be waiting for the ESS TS S/C Stage 3 kit that they say will make 450whp or soo....not bad, thats close to what the turbo was goin to make and it's cheaper too but i want a TURBO, maybe someone might make it till then... what about you??? we should get a s/c 2gether and get a good deal lol.. FI all the way lol,.. fack N/A hehehe :D

Super Charge!
 

I wish, Man! However, I was in Quebec with my GF at her parents home and I spent way too much money over the Holidays. She has a big family.

Lots of eating and gifts, fun times, though. I am paying for it now... damn, the bills never stop coming!!!