When the current generation 3 Series BMW was introduced for the 1999 model year, it was not a case of "just in time." In fact, the previous E36 car was doing a marvelous job of staying young. It was still regarded as the king of the small luxury sport sedan segment; in fact, some would argue that it was the sole occupant of that niche. Its engines were powerful, its suspension was very well sorted, and it lacked for very little indeed. It was aging as gracefully as Kim Bassinger.
So the E46 had its work cut out for it. Not only did it have the unenviable task of replacing a car with no serious faults of its own, it had to raise the bar even higher in the areas of style, luxury and performance. Style and luxury were slam-dunks. It took the sleek lines of the E46 to show how dated the E36 had become, and the luxury content was suitably notched higher as well.
But it wasn't until just this year that power increases made their way to the car. Originally introduced with its predecessor's 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine, the 328i and 328Ci were fine cars, no doubt. But new style and a new chassis code cried out for more oomph.
For the 2001 model year, the 2.8-liter engine that had powered 3 Series cars for so long was upgraded to a larger 3.0-liter version. Boasting 225 bhp and 214 lb-ft of torque, it gives the 330 a very pleasant extra kick in the pants, all while retaining the legendary smoothness and sound of BMW's classic straight six.
Of course, "enough" never is for some people, and they are always looking for more. One year after its introduction, it's time to check the pulse of the 330 aftermarket. How has it kept up? Just fine. The changes made to the engine were enough to cause some retooling, and some companies have not yet caught up. The good news is that many of the styling and other cosmetic enhancements from the earlier E46 cars bolt right up to the new one. And remember, this is just one year later. There is more coming, to be sure.
Our website list (europeancarweb.com) is not comprehensive, and there are certainly some out there that we've missed. In our pursuit of this guide, we tried to include not every company that sells parts, but rather those that manufacture parts for the cars. However, this isn't an endorsement of the companies listed. Rather, the guide is intended to help you along as you tune your own BMW 330, be it an i, Ci or convertible.
Log On To:europeancarweb.com for a comprehensive list of BMW tuners and parts purveyors, and a sampling of their latest offerings.
330 Tuning NewsWe talked to some of the big boys in the BMW tuning industry and asked them which upgrades they've been successfully using on the BMW 330i, and this is what we found:
*Dinan: This veteran tuning firm offers engine software to work along with some of its other upgrades, including a cold-air intake, rear muffler, and a high-flow throttle body that reportedly produces an extra 6 to 7 hp and increases throttle response. Dinan's software speeds up the drive-by-wire throttle system, and the company also offers software for 330s with automatic transmissions to speed and firm up shifts, in addition to allowing more rpm by reducing clutch slippage, thus reducing transmission temperatures. Dinan is currently working on a lightweight clutch and flywheel assembly.
*Active Autowerke: AA has successfully tested its software program, which has been yielding substantial horsepower and torque gains, especially when used in conjunction with its intake kit and exhaust system, which they now have available as well.
*BMP Design: BMP had a 330i at last year's One Lap of America, equipped with BMP's H&R coilover kit. The company also has Supersprint's full exhaust system available for the 330i, which includes headers, metallic racing cats and a stainless-steel muffler.
*Eibach: Eibach's Pro System Plus includes its own shocks, springs and swaybars. The system will lower the car between 1.0 to 1.3 in. up front and 1.0-1.25 in. at the rear, depending on the exact 330 model. The swaybars are 27mm and 21mm for the front and rear, respectively.
*European Racing Technologies: ERT looks to release its cold-air intake and exhaust in early 2002. In addition, a supercharger system is currently undergoing testing that will reportedly produce 90 more hp and will be available at the same time.
*Turner Motorsport: Turner offers Bilstein coilovers known as the PSS and PSS-9 coilover kits. The PSS system offers height adjustability whereas the PSS-9 is more advanced, offering nine-way damping adjustments. The company also works closely with Jim Conforti and has his intake system for the 330i available. The software to go with it is currently in the works and will be out soon.