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I'm replacing my Mazdaspeed Protege with (provided the inspection checks out tomorrow) a 2001 330i sport. I took 2nd locally (missed first by a hair!), and all our DS regulars have decided to go to nationals together next year, though none of us expect to be contenders. (the other three are in Type-Rs) We're all in the top 20 PAX locally. I'd love to do better, but if I can be consistently 1st or 2nd locally (as this year) I'll be happy. I imagine it will take me some time to get used to RWD and a bit less steering feedback. I can tell the 330 is definitely not as well-sorted from the factory as the MSP was, so the question is, what do I need to do?

I haven't found any definitive guides, but from what I read it seems that Koni double-adjustables, a front bar, and an alignment are what I'm looking at. Am I missing anything? Is there a specific line/model of koni's I should look for? The car seems to have 225/45/17's on it, with the M3 (sport package) wheels. I already have 225/45/17 V700's, so I'll use those, but I will need to buy another set of wheels, are there other options I have for this car? (I've heard that the newer 330CI can use bigger wheels, but AFAIK this one can't, correct?)

 Thanks for your input,

Matt
 

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DS #313 | the rolling couch of doom | La-Z-Boy Racing

I may be way off base here, but are then 330s still in DS?

(i'm probably way off base)

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I am Chris Hammond.
Going2Colorado.com

Last time I checked, it was still in D Stock. At least they were in the end of September. You know something I don't? 

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Matt Murray

I am perfectly capable of learning from my mistakes. I will surely learn a great deal today.

murph1379:

I'm replacing my Mazdaspeed Protege with (provided the inspection checks out tomorrow) a 2001 330i sport. Matt 

Why are you bailing from the MSP? They are very competent in D Stock. The MSP has a limited slip, correct?

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Matt Murray

I am perfectly capable of learning from my mistakes. I will surely learn a great deal today.

They are still there.....look at the bottom of Nat's results  :p

 

AFAIK, 225 isn't nearly enough tire.

TC Kline sells Koni DA's and you'll want the largest front bar you can find (probably H&R or Ground Control.)

I don't recall what years the 330 was available with 18" wheels, I think it was 2002 and possibly early 2003.  Either way you'll want to find some light aftermarket wheels as the OE wheels are very heavy.
 

 
 

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www.teamWTF.org
WDCR
AS C4 z51
ASP e46m3 "slower than an Evo" ;)

bren:

They are still there.....look at the bottom of Nat's results  AFAIK, 225 isn't nearly enough tire. TC Kline sells Koni DA's and you'll want the largest front bar you can find (probably H&R or Ground Control.) I don't recall what years the 330 was available with 18" wheels, I think it was 2002 and possibly early 2003.  Either way you'll want to find some light aftermarket wheels as the OE wheels are very heavy. 

You can still find them in the top third of the class. Look to about tenth. You can order Kline's stuff through Bob Tunnell at bimmerhaus.com. In '03 (actually late in the 2003 production run) BMW offered a "Performance Package" with an option code of ZHP. One part of the package was 18" wheels (8" in front and 8.5" in the rear), among other options. You could probably stuff a 285-18 on the rear.

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Matt Murray

I am perfectly capable of learning from my mistakes. I will surely learn a great deal today.

mattm:

One part of the package was 18" wheels (8" in front and 8.5" in the rear), among other options. You could probably stuff a 285-18 on the rear.

Yeah, but would you want to? Does the 330i ZHP really need more rear-end grip? Was the problem at Topeka putting the power down?

Now possibly more interesting would be if a 285 all around would give you the extra grip that's obviously needed. The Solsti have run both 245 and 285 on their 18x8 wheels, albeit with a better front suspension design. I don't know if either way is faster

-Mike

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Mike Shields
1993 BMW 325is | 92/192 DSP

I drove a bone-stock 03 sport pkg with well loved V710's at the Wendover Pro.  225's will be great to just get a feel for the car on R-comps, but go to the 245/40-17 Hoosier ASAP.  Shocks are a must.  Front sway bar is a must.  Alignment will help, but not too much available to do there (toe front and rear, you can try to get whatever little slop there might be up front for camber).  An aftermarket exhaust is a must, IMO.  Significant weight savings, and the increased sound levels they put out will help you recognize rpm's and shift points without having to look at the tach.  The cars are quiet, especially with a helmet on.  Believe it or not, that held me back more than anything at the Pro.  I'm used to shifting by ear. 

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Utah Region

I think the 18s only became an option in 2002. 

mattm:

Last time I checked, it was still in D Stock. At least they were in the end of September. You know something I don't? 

I most likely just know nothing at all :) I thought there was rumors of moving them all to BS a earlier this year or last year? Chock it up to too much going on in my life, haven't followed the rule book enough lately. Perhaps after 12/2, more like 12/10, I'll have more time to stay up to date on things.

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I am Chris Hammond.
Going2Colorado.com

Christoc:

mattm:

Last time I checked, it was still in D Stock. At least they were in the end of September. You know something I don't? 

I most likely just know nothing at all :) I thought there was rumors of moving them all to BS a earlier this year or last year? Chock it up to too much going on in my life, haven't followed the rule book enough lately. Perhaps after 12/2, more like 12/10, I'll have more time to stay up to date on things.

You are thinking of the (D)SP BMW's. 

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www.teamWTF.org
WDCR
AS C4 z51
ASP e46m3 "slower than an Evo" ;)

Any recommendation on an aftermarket exhaust that won't attract a lot of police attention on the street? I commute through quite the cop redzone every day, I was hoping the Bimmer would be less conspicuous than the wing on my MSP. (which really isn't that bad, just ricier than I like)

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DS #313 | the rolling couch of doom | La-Z-Boy Racing

I'm bailing from the MSP mostly because I found a really good deal on the 330i. I've really loved the MSP, it handles better than anything I've ever driven except the Type-R, just doesn't go as well as the Type-R. (or, well, any of the other cars in DS) And really, the bimmer is just a really nice car.

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DS #313 | the rolling couch of doom | La-Z-Boy Racing

I'm not any kind of expert on this but I understand BMW changed the e46 steering rack for 2001 which resulted in less feel.  Apparently, many journalists and customers complained and they changed it back for 2002.  (Source:  Edmunds.com)  I had heard that BMW changed the rack on 2001 models for customers who had complained.  I don't know how different the steering feels but you may want to see if your rack was changed or, if not, look into changing it.  I would think it'd be a DS-legal mod since BMW made the change for several customers.

Maybe someone who has driven both 2001 and non-2001 e46s can comment on the steering feel issue and whether this change is important for autocross.  As I am considering getting an e46 330i one day, I'd like to know this info as well. 

Regarding the option of 18's in 2002, this is my understanding as well, does this mean the 18's are illegal for the 2001's?

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DS #313 | the rolling couch of doom | La-Z-Boy Racing

gar7777:

I'm not any kind of expert on this but I understand BMW changed the e46 steering rack for 2001 which resulted in less feel.  Apparently, many journalists and customers complained and they changed it back for 2002.  (Source:  Edmunds.com)  I had heard that BMW changed the rack on 2001 models for customers who had complained.  I don't know how different the steering feels but you may want to see if your rack was changed or, if not, look into changing it.  I would think it'd be a DS-legal mod since BMW made the change for several customers.

 

Ooh, that's good to know, I definitely don't have the feel of the road I had in my MSP, but I figured the shocks would bring some of that back, and the rest I'd just have to give up as a tradeoff to a nicer/faster car. I'll have to talk to the service folks at my dealership.  

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DS #313 | the rolling couch of doom | La-Z-Boy Racing

murph1379:

Regarding the option of 18's in 2002, this is my understanding as well, does this mean the 18's are illegal for the 2001's?

Yes. 

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www.teamWTF.org
WDCR
AS C4 z51
ASP e46m3 "slower than an Evo" ;)

ok, I've been trying to figure out what size wheels are actually on my car, and what sizes were offered for my year. (ie, what is DS legal) According to this site:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=AV53&mospid=47725&hg=36&fg=15

 the wheels I have, from the sport package, are 17x7.5 in the front, and 17x8.5 in the rear. It also states there were 17x8's and 18x8/18x8.5 available, which I'm pretty sure isn't correct.

 
Does anyone know where I can find more definitive info? If I can use 17x8's, do you think that'll be better for autocross than 17x7.5/17x8.5 staggered? It'd certainly be easier to rotate, which might decide it for me. (not a national competitor)

 

Thanks again!
 

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DS #313 | the rolling couch of doom | La-Z-Boy Racing

The 17x8 were only available on the 325 w/Sport pkg. and are not legal for a 330.

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www.teamWTF.org
WDCR
AS C4 z51
ASP e46m3 "slower than an Evo" ;)

ok, thanks, I figured that was wrong somehow. =]

 So after a quick measurement in the garage, it looks like the existing wheels are 17x7.5 front, 17x8.5 rear. From what I can tell my only other option is 17x7 all around. (clearly not the choice) So I'll get another staggered set. Yikes, I better get real friendly with a mounting & balancing guy...

 

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DS #313 | the rolling couch of doom | La-Z-Boy Racing