2003 BMW 330i Performance Package

Good tidings for BMW 330i sedan fans: More power and better handling from a new, North American-only Performance Package. The $3900 factory option comes as close to an M3 sedan as BMW is willing to offer--for now. According to press materials, there will be no four-door M3 because, "the new M3 [2-door] generation incorporates sharply widened body sides that would not harmonize with the openings for the rear doors." Look for it with the next 3 Series, currently under development.

Until then, the subtle aerodynamic bumpers, side sills, and deck spoiler only hint at the hardware beneath. Inside, extensive use of Alcantara and unique surfaces differentiate this 3 Series from Sport Package-equipped versions. BMW's M division developed a sharper suspension, riding 0.6 inch lower on 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport tires. BMW Individual fine-tuned the 3.0-liter inline-six for a claimed 10 additional horsepower. A new six-speed manual transmission features a shortened M-spec shifter and is combined with a more aggressive axle ratio--plus a true "overdrive" sixth gear.

Our test results show the Performance Package only somewhat lives up to its billing with a 6.1-second 0-to-60-mph time compared with our best-ever 330i Sport Package at 5.8 seconds. The car's improved braking and handling are what's most dramatic (see below). What these numbers can't tell you is how cohesive and right the whole car feels, with only a slight ride penalty. Yet the benefits of this reasonably priced option make us especially yearn for a real M3 sedan.