6-speeds - When?

EmDeeAr · 11-30-2012, 01:20 PM

Hey everyone,

I'm curious when the 330s became 6-speeds. I remember reading a while back that - I think - the sedan became a 6-speed in 2003 (maybe 2003.5?).

Is this accurate? Does it apply to the coupe as well, or did the coupe get a 6-speed at a later or earlier date?

Thanks in advance,
-Michael

Mango · 11-30-2012, 01:23 PM

I'm pretty sure it's 03.5. maybe june?? i'm also pretty sure it applied to all non-m e46s in manual

shanneba · 11-30-2012, 01:37 PM

http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index...ut_the_E46_run

Changes for March 2003 Production
Performance package introduced on the 330i sedan. It's only offered with a manual transmission and NOT offered with the premium package.
All E46s are now pre-wired for the BMW bluetooth kit
All 330 manual transmissions now 6-speed instead of 5-speed
All steptronic transmissions are now GM, not ZF.

Nervous · 11-30-2012, 03:03 PM

Coupes are 6spd since 2004. Sedans ^

JCip91 · 11-30-2012, 04:03 PM

I have a 6spd 3.5 coupe.

Nervous · 11-30-2012, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCip91

I have a 6spd 3.5 coupe.

Hmm... Really? Ok, maybe I am messing it with ZHP coupes, which started on 2004?....

EmDeeAr · 12-01-2012, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nervous

Hmm... Really? Ok, maybe I am messing it with ZHP coupes, which started on 2004?....

Well ZHP coupes as a whole started in 2004 (ZHP sedans started in 2003), so that's probably what you are thinking.

I think it is accurate to say that all 330s became 6-speeds around the 2003 model year.

Any more input is welcome.

MercForHire · 12-01-2012, 12:34 AM

who needs the 6th gear. I don't even use my 5th.
High RPM = more power

Stinger9 · 12-01-2012, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCip91

I have a 6spd 3.5 coupe.

I bet you do, but it's not a BMW!

None larger than 3.0

EmDeeAr · 12-01-2012, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stinger9

I bet you do, but it's not a BMW!

None larger than 3.0

lololol nice

Pierce1 · 12-01-2012, 12:46 AM

My 03 330xi is has a March production date. It has the sport package and it has a 6 speed manual.

TxZHP04 · 12-01-2012, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stinger9

I bet you do, but it's not a BMW!

None larger than 3.0

I think he was referring to the year, not displacement (ie, 2003 post March production).

Silversixspeed · 12-01-2012, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxZHP04

I think he was referring to the year, not displacement (ie, 2003 post March production).

Stinger9 · 12-01-2012, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxZHP04

I think he was referring to the year, not displacement (ie, 2003 post March production).

I believe your case is a weak one Counselor.
Court decides in favor of the litigant!

NOVAbimmer · 12-01-2012, 09:39 AM

I have a 2001 6 speed sedan

daki_bmw · 12-01-2012, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nervous

Coupes are 6spd since 2004. Sedans ^

All facelifted 330 coupes (petrol and diesel) were 6 speed and they started producing them in March 2003. One can call them 2024. model year, it doesn't matter - the production date is from March 2003 and on...

Stinger9 · 12-01-2012, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daki_bmw

All facelifted 330 coupes (petrol and diesel) were 6 speed and they started producing them in March 2003. One can call them 2024. model year, it doesn't matter - the production date is from March 2003 and on...

Where can I find the brochure for one of those 2024 Three Series?

EmDeeAr · 12-01-2012, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daki_bmw

All facelifted 330 coupes (petrol and diesel) were 6 speed and they started producing them in March 2003. One can call them 2024. model year, it doesn't matter - the production date is from March 2003 and on...

Great info, thanks.

What are the wheels that are in your sig? What style #? Where they the premium option wheels for the 330i or Ci?

TerraPhantm · 12-01-2012, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nervous

Hmm... Really? Ok, maybe I am messing it with ZHP coupes, which started on 2004?....

You're both right. Coupes built in march 2003 were all titled as 2004 models.

ZHP coupes werent sold built until September 2003 however.

daki_bmw · 12-01-2012, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stinger9

Where can I find the brochure for one of those 2024 Three Series?

I don't know. I don't think anyone knows...but one can call it "ultra-mega next millenium model", it doesn't matter, it's just the name. When it comes to buying/replacing parts, what really matters is production date (probably the reason why Germans put THAT date beside VIN number on the VIN plate, and not "model year").

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmDeeAr

Great info, thanks.

What are the wheels that are in your sig? What style #? Where they the premium option wheels for the 330i or Ci?

Style 72s or V-spoke. They were option 18'' sport wheels for earlier coupes in Europe. Standard ones were 17'' style 68s at that time.

11-30-2012, 01:20 PM	#1
EmDeeAr Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 135 My Ride: 330i ZHP View My Garage	6-speeds - When? Hey everyone, I'm curious when the 330s became 6-speeds. I remember reading a while back that - I think - the sedan became a 6-speed in 2003 (maybe 2003.5?). Is this accurate? Does it apply to the coupe as well, or did the coupe get a 6-speed at a later or earlier date? Thanks in advance, -Michael

11-30-2012, 01:23 PM	#2
Mango Platinum Plus Quality Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 16,270 My Ride: M54B30 View My Garage	I'm pretty sure it's 03.5. maybe june?? i'm also pretty sure it applied to all non-m e46s in manual __________________ Cooling \| Maintenance \| Vacuum \| Suspension \| Costs "Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected." -Steve Jobs

11-30-2012, 01:37 PM	#3
shanneba Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,854 My Ride: 2003 330Ci View My Garage	http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index...ut_the_E46_run Changes for March 2003 Production Performance package introduced on the 330i sedan. It's only offered with a manual transmission and NOT offered with the premium package. All E46s are now pre-wired for the BMW bluetooth kit All 330 manual transmissions now 6-speed instead of 5-speed All steptronic transmissions are now GM, not ZF. __________________ Join BMWCCA Discounts on new and CPO cars. Most Dealers offer a parts discount, BMP Design 10% off Last edited by shanneba; 11-30-2012 at 01:37 PM.

11-30-2012, 03:03 PM	#4
Nervous OEM ///Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: MD, USA Posts: 1,476 My Ride: 01 330CI 6MT ZSP EU3 View My Garage	Coupes are 6spd since 2004. Sedans ^ __________________ My auto-6MT swap thread - FINISHED! A/C diagnostics, overhauling and charging DIY DIY: A/C expansion valve replacement DIY: Harness for SMG paddle shift retrofit (for steptronic auto) Oil pan gasket, motor mounts, steering guibo DIY (pics) DIY: Post-cat O2 (oxygen) sensors replacement (w/pics) FIXED: One-touch driver window opening - doesn't work

12-01-2012, 12:34 AM	#8
MercForHire Sh1tty Advisor Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Waterloo,Ontario Posts: 4,122 My Ride: 323Ci 5 Speed Black View My Garage	who needs the 6th gear. I don't even use my 5th. High RPM = more power __________________ Oops! My Water Pump Broke Again .................... Coolant in a Bottle

11-30-2012, 04:03 PM	#5
JCip91 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Williamsport Posts: 20 My Ride: '04 330ci View My Garage	I have a 6spd 3.5 coupe.

12-01-2012, 12:46 AM	#11
Pierce1 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: LaConner WA. Posts: 262 My Ride: 03 330xi View My Garage	My 03 330xi is has a March production date. It has the sport package and it has a 6 speed manual.

12-01-2012, 09:39 AM	#15
NOVAbimmer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: VA Posts: 10,649 My Ride: GT/CS, 01 330 6MT View My Garage	I have a 2001 6 speed sedan __________________ -Mike Removed Ask an Insurance Adjuster Anything Cup of Joe for a Joe! http://www.greenbeanscoffee.com/coj/ buy my O.Z. Ultraleggeras!

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