I just picked up my 2003 330i M package last Sat. The car comes in with 17 inch rims. Is that standard equipment for the 03 model? Someone here told me it's suppost to be 18 inch as it is in 04 and 05 models but I called BMW Canada today and they told me 2003 comes in with 17 inch. Is it because Canada spec is different from US or BMW gave me sh!t. [???1]
Any 03 M performance owner?
- Thread starter mousecrab
- Start date
The 330 comes standard 17x7 inch ( P205/50R17 ). I believe you are referring to the Performance Package option ( ZHP ). This comes with 18 inch Style 135 M staggered ( 225/40R18 Fr & 255/35R18 Rr ).
http://zoouz.free.fr/Wheels/TMP_wheel/bmw_wheel_135.jpg
US specs should the same as Canada. I saw a guy on this site in Vancouver with the ZHP.
You probably have the M Sport Package - 17 inch Style M 68
http://zoouz.free.fr/Wheels/TMP_wheel/bmw_wheel_068.jpg
http://zoouz.free.fr/Wheels/TMP_wheel/bmw_wheel_135.jpg
US specs should the same as Canada. I saw a guy on this site in Vancouver with the ZHP.
You probably have the M Sport Package - 17 inch Style M 68
http://zoouz.free.fr/Wheels/TMP_wheel/bmw_wheel_068.jpg
I'm 90% sure it's ZHP performance package. unless the original owner added the whole M kit on, changed to the M steering wheel, 6 speed manual, short shifter and so on.
Everything looks fine except the wheel is the 17 inch Style M68????
Would the VIN # tells wheather or not it's a ZHP?
Too bad it's hard to tell how much HP the car has...
HELP, anyone with a 2003 ZHP or even best M package in Canada?
Everything looks fine except the wheel is the 17 inch Style M68????
Would the VIN # tells wheather or not it's a ZHP?
Too bad it's hard to tell how much HP the car has...
HELP, anyone with a 2003 ZHP or even best M package in Canada?
Nataku, are you sure that the car comes with "225/40R18 Fr & 255/35R18 Rr " wheel/tire combo? I thought staggered is when the front is smaller in width than the rear, you specs tell us that the wheels are the same, while the tires are taller up front, doesn't make too much sense, but I am sure its just a typo. Just looking out for other bimmer mates. Have a good day guys.
Here's a guy from Toronto with the ZHP
http://www.bmwboard.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13513
ZHP - Check these to see if you have it
1. Style 135 M staggered ( 225/40R18 Fr & 255/35R18 Rr )
2. M-Tech Kit - Bumper ( like the M3), sideshirts, Rear Apron ( Black plastic cutout around
the exhaust.
3. Deep Throaty Exhaust
4. 3 Spoke M Steering Wheel ( Rapped in Alcatara Leather )
5. Short Throw M shifter ( MT )
6. Gray or Silver cube Interior trim ( looks like carbon fiber )
7. 235 HP ( +10 versus a regular 330 )
8. M Suspension
9. 6800 RPM redline ( +300 vs. regular 330 )
10. Alcantara leather seats
If you have all above minus the wheels, the dealer is taking you for a ride. Oh, one more thing. If you have donut instead of a full size spare then definitely a ZHP because the 18' is probably too expensive, I don't think it will even fit.
http://www.bmwboard.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13513
ZHP - Check these to see if you have it
1. Style 135 M staggered ( 225/40R18 Fr & 255/35R18 Rr )
2. M-Tech Kit - Bumper ( like the M3), sideshirts, Rear Apron ( Black plastic cutout around
the exhaust.
3. Deep Throaty Exhaust
4. 3 Spoke M Steering Wheel ( Rapped in Alcatara Leather )
5. Short Throw M shifter ( MT )
6. Gray or Silver cube Interior trim ( looks like carbon fiber )
7. 235 HP ( +10 versus a regular 330 )
8. M Suspension
9. 6800 RPM redline ( +300 vs. regular 330 )
10. Alcantara leather seats
If you have all above minus the wheels, the dealer is taking you for a ride. Oh, one more thing. If you have donut instead of a full size spare then definitely a ZHP because the 18' is probably too expensive, I don't think it will even fit.
Nataku did his research!
yea telling the real hp figures isn't something you can jsut do out of a whim![[:)]](/images/smilies/smile.png "Smile [:)]")
main things about the performance package that'll give it away. alcatara (suede like) steering wheel wrap and same material for the shift boot and eb (emergency brake) boot. and the cube trim. (remember that out side of US, M-Tek kits are availiable for a regular 330i.
i'd call bmw na and give them your vin. (the last 7 should suffice) adn find out what model you really have.
there is an off chance that the original owner decided to keep the style 135m rims, and got either a replica or genuine 68m rims. one way to check em: see if the tires are staggered. i think aftermarket replicas only come in 17 x 7.5 inch size. what size tires are you running on? complete numbers that is..
or but this might be the real story. i remember a guy that picked up an 03 zhp in Canada that didn't have the extra 300 rpms added to the tech. i highly doubt they would've done it that way, but maybe the Canadian bmw buyers got shafted in the 03 model year.
btw nataku: i don't think they give you a full spare in staggered rim situations. (it just doesn't make sense to give you a full size spare that'll only be a full size for one set.) and size is another issue.
andre: re-read what you typed. you must've misunderstood the numbers. the front tires are not taller, since it's 40% of the 225mm width, and the back is 35% of the 255mm width. they are very close in height if you figure it out. 90mm vs 89.25mm well i guess it's a hair taller..
yea telling the real hp figures isn't something you can jsut do out of a whim
main things about the performance package that'll give it away. alcatara (suede like) steering wheel wrap and same material for the shift boot and eb (emergency brake) boot. and the cube trim. (remember that out side of US, M-Tek kits are availiable for a regular 330i.i'd call bmw na and give them your vin. (the last 7 should suffice) adn find out what model you really have.
there is an off chance that the original owner decided to keep the style 135m rims, and got either a replica or genuine 68m rims. one way to check em: see if the tires are staggered. i think aftermarket replicas only come in 17 x 7.5 inch size. what size tires are you running on? complete numbers that is..
or but this might be the real story. i remember a guy that picked up an 03 zhp in Canada that didn't have the extra 300 rpms added to the tech. i highly doubt they would've done it that way, but maybe the Canadian bmw buyers got shafted in the 03 model year.
btw nataku: i don't think they give you a full spare in staggered rim situations. (it just doesn't make sense to give you a full size spare that'll only be a full size for one set.) and size is another issue.
andre: re-read what you typed. you must've misunderstood the numbers. the front tires are not taller, since it's 40% of the 225mm width, and the back is 35% of the 255mm width. they are very close in height if you figure it out. 90mm vs 89.25mm well i guess it's a hair taller..
Thanks for all the replies. I actually called BMW Canada twice, 2 different person on the phone. Both told me the 2003 M performance models comes in with 17 as standard and 18 inch as an option. The 18 became standard on 04+ models. The optional 18 for 03 are different than the 04+ models as well, forgot the code she told me. One of the lady actually told me the full spec of a M package for a 03 model and of cause when I ask I never mentioned I was questioning about the size of the rims 
The tire size are roughly 225 45 17 front and 245 40 17 at the back. I checked it last night but may be off a bit.
I does look like a M performance/ZHP to me and guess Canada was too cheap to but 18 as standard back in 2003.
Nataku, the guy from Toronto you pointed out has a 05 model, wich I have that kind of $$.
and i'll check the red line tonight.
The tire size are roughly 225 45 17 front and 245 40 17 at the back. I checked it last night but may be off a bit.
I does look like a M performance/ZHP to me and guess Canada was too cheap to but 18 as standard back in 2003.
Nataku, the guy from Toronto you pointed out has a 05 model, wich I have that kind of $$.
and i'll check the red line tonight.
Interesting!!!!!!! Called BMW Canada with the VIN. Guess what I was told. The car IS a M package, however, their is no true ZHP available in Canada back in 2003!!!!!
meaning I'm not getting the extra 10 hp, nor the higher redline. Not sure if the gear ratio is any different. Any way it's only a reguar 330 with dress up feature. F****
meaning I'm not getting the extra 10 hp, nor the higher redline. Not sure if the gear ratio is any different. Any way it's only a reguar 330 with dress up feature. F****
http://www.bmwboard.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3684 a fellow canuck w/ a zhp problem, only in an 04 model.
mousecrab: if you have a 6 speed manual, you should have the same gear ratios. interesting thing about bmw 5 speed manuals: they didnt' have an overdrive gear! the 5th gear was set as 1:1, yet it was still getting kickin highway milages.. on the other hand, new 6speed manuals, even w/ overdrive doesn't seem to be getting that much of an improved gas milage on the highway.
how did you get the car anyway? from a dealer? or from a seller? isn't there a buyer's remorse or something, if the full info wasn't disclosed before the sale? unless the sale went something like: you have the m spec 03!? how much? done!
mousecrab: if you have a 6 speed manual, you should have the same gear ratios. interesting thing about bmw 5 speed manuals: they didnt' have an overdrive gear! the 5th gear was set as 1:1, yet it was still getting kickin highway milages.. on the other hand, new 6speed manuals, even w/ overdrive doesn't seem to be getting that much of an improved gas milage on the highway.
how did you get the car anyway? from a dealer? or from a seller? isn't there a buyer's remorse or something, if the full info wasn't disclosed before the sale? unless the sale went something like: you have the m spec 03!? how much? done!
Got the car from a dealer. The manager over there was actually quite nice to me and he did agree it was the salesman's fault. Down side is getting a refund on the car seems very difficult because I had a trade in and my old car is gone already... Besides BMW policy is you can return within 5 days and today is the 6th...
Now we have a few options on the table; 1. they might cut me a check of a few hundred as that was their error, 2. give me a good deal for snow tire package, or 3. try to find a real ZHP for me and I pay the difference.
3. is difficult first of all ZHP are hard to find, even if they can find one the price gap would be significant because it would have to be a 04 model instead of 03 also the finance rate would be twice as much. Only option 1 and 2 are left now.
Wonder how much I have actual lost, the 10 horse and higher red line for sure (which is what makes me mad!!) hope the suspension is the REAL one and the gear ratio like Average Jae said.![[mad]](/images/smilies/mad.png "Mad [mad]")
![[bigcry]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_bigcry.gif "Big Cry [bigcry]")
Now we have a few options on the table; 1. they might cut me a check of a few hundred as that was their error, 2. give me a good deal for snow tire package, or 3. try to find a real ZHP for me and I pay the difference.
3. is difficult first of all ZHP are hard to find, even if they can find one the price gap would be significant because it would have to be a 04 model instead of 03 also the finance rate would be twice as much. Only option 1 and 2 are left now.
Wonder how much I have actual lost, the 10 horse and higher red line for sure (which is what makes me mad!!) hope the suspension is the REAL one and the gear ratio like Average Jae said.
That's the worst. To get your heart set on something that you really desire. To make matters worse you have to chase them to get a straight answer. I remembered when the dealer called to tell me that my car has arrived. I had to wait 3 sleepless nights of anticipation bf picking up my baby.
Please update us with your resolution. lots of luck!
Please update us with your resolution. lots of luck!
i for one forgive you ![[;)]](/images/smilies/wink.png "Wink [;)]")
i dont' think you even needed to go that far.. it's a common mistake. (look at me, its like i'm answering on behalf of Nataku.. if you want stupidity read the OP's question. while thinking it over, he does have a point, but for him to go off on bmw for his laziness turned habit, that was stupid!
Nataku: good to see another bimmer guy that's really into his car, and helpful to boot! keep up the good work.
finally mousecrab, i feel for ya. my salesman tried to jip me of $500. he even withheld the sticker to hide the sticker price. i think dealerships have been doing this for years, and they'll only "amend" when caught. i wouldn't be a nice guy about it. but they usually hold all the cards, so i just hope you make the best decision possible. ask them for the 18 inch style 135 rims/ tire set, and you'll give them the 17inchers back. if they give you crap, tell them about other things you didnt' get!
dealership snows are a rip off! (big suprise eh?) but that could be an ok deal, as stock on snows are dropping quicker than temps dropping in toronto. so do some calling around w/ local tire shops, national/international (US) tire shops and see if you can get your hands on one first, then deal off of those prices w/ the dealership. btw, you'll get 17 inch sliver steel doughnut rims from the dealer, unless you wanna drop around $500 us per rim for bmw oem part.
one of the other options you can ask for: is your car certified? if not ask for extended warranty upto 100k miles. 160k kilos right? if you did get it certified, ask for free maint until whenever![[:p]](/images/smilies/tongue.png "Stick Out Tongue [:p]")
maybe you can start a thread w/ your issues under a different title, if only to get more people to chime in. well good luck on this ordeal.. ....
i dont' think you even needed to go that far.. it's a common mistake. (look at me, its like i'm answering on behalf of Nataku.. if you want stupidity read the OP's question. while thinking it over, he does have a point, but for him to go off on bmw for his laziness turned habit, that was stupid!Nataku: good to see another bimmer guy that's really into his car, and helpful to boot! keep up the good work.
finally mousecrab, i feel for ya. my salesman tried to jip me of $500. he even withheld the sticker to hide the sticker price. i think dealerships have been doing this for years, and they'll only "amend" when caught. i wouldn't be a nice guy about it. but they usually hold all the cards, so i just hope you make the best decision possible. ask them for the 18 inch style 135 rims/ tire set, and you'll give them the 17inchers back. if they give you crap, tell them about other things you didnt' get!
dealership snows are a rip off! (big suprise eh?) but that could be an ok deal, as stock on snows are dropping quicker than temps dropping in toronto. so do some calling around w/ local tire shops, national/international (US) tire shops and see if you can get your hands on one first, then deal off of those prices w/ the dealership. btw, you'll get 17 inch sliver steel doughnut rims from the dealer, unless you wanna drop around $500 us per rim for bmw oem part.
one of the other options you can ask for: is your car certified? if not ask for extended warranty upto 100k miles. 160k kilos right? if you did get it certified, ask for free maint until whenever
maybe you can start a thread w/ your issues under a different title, if only to get more people to chime in. well good luck on this ordeal.. ....
Thank you for the support, but I am sorry and it is neccesarry. I accused an actual BMW enthusiast who appreciates the car for perfromance (something pretty hard to come by lately) of being wrong about something he/she knows and cherishes more than I could ever in my life. To conclude all of this, I really am sorry. I wasn't myself in the past few days and maybe it is still going on so don't take any of what I say too seriously.