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2003 BMW 330i Performance Package

2003 BMW 330i Performance Package

2003 BMW 330i Performance Package

The all-new Performance Package for the 2003 330i Sedan makes its world debut today at the Los Angeles International Auto Show and the BMW ALPINA ROADSTER V8 makes its North American debut today. Also featured, making its first appearance at the Los Angeles Auto Show, is the all-new Z4 Roadster.
BMW 330i Performance Package raises the renown 3 Series Sedan driving experience to a new level

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 BMW 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.

In Detail

engine Inline-6
displacement 2979 cc / 181.8 in³
bore 84 mm / 3.31 in
stroke 89.6 mm / 3.53 in
compression 10.2:1
power 175.2 kw / 235 bhp @ 5900 rpm
specific output 78.89 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 152.6 bhp per tonne
torque 406.75 nm / 300 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm
front brakes Vented Discs w/ABS, Single-Pot Calipers
rear brakes Vented Discs w/ABS, Single-Pot Calipers
steering Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist
f suspension MacPherson Struts w/
r suspension Central Arm Axle
curb weight 1540 kg / 3395 lbs
wheelbase 2725 mm / 107.3 in
front track 1471 mm / 57.9 in
rear track 1783 mm / 70.2 in
length 4488 mm / 176.7 in
width 1757 mm / 69.2 in
height 1369 mm / 53.9 in
transmission 6-Speed Manual
0 – 60 mph ~6.0 seconds