2003-2005 Auto/Paddle/Shifters - How to tell?

[Dathaeus]

Ok so I am searching for some new e46/ZHP is possible, and I see some photos that are not that clear. I want to avoid fully automatic with my life, so even if it has the autostick/Steptronic or paddle shifters I am fine with that.

Someone here told me you can install paddle shifters for a few hundred $$$ fairly easily, so that would be my last resort.

But some of these e46 from 2003-2005 I see I can swear I see that +/- thing next to the "D" like say, the Sonata has for auto-stick/SHIFTRONIC shifting.

How do I find out from the model, year, maybe even VIN if it has Steptronic, or was it a plain option and the only way to know is to ask the owner?

[ELCID86]

For ZHPs (at least) if it's not MT and is AT it is steptonic. I added the paddle shifters to one of my previous cars. Not hard. Need the M parts (clock spring, etc).

[anandoc]

AFAIK all automatic E46s have the steptronic transmisson. I haven't seen any automatics which do not have steptronic.

I have added the paddle shifters to my automatic car as well. You need a M3 SMG steering wheel with paddle shifters, the corresponding clockspring and some wiring.

Here is a DIY for the wiring:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=895897

[johnrando]

Only M3's had paddles unless added by the owner, and that is likely rare.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[nextelbuddy]

Just to make sure you understand what you are getting into..

E46 m3 came in SMG.. its a 6 speed manual gearbox with a clutch and flywheel and a different bell housing and sequential hydraulic system actuated by paddle shifters and had no clutch pedal. since it still has a true 6 speed gearbox, a lot of people convert it to manual by adding a clutch pedal system, removing the hydro system and modifying the housing or swapping the bell housing.


the E46 NON M only had a step tronic auto transmission option available. it does not have a clutch or flywheel. its still a true auto transmission (GM auto transmission actually) with a torque converter and drive plate system with a transmission. it has an auto transmission ecu that has faster shit points but nothing more. you can add the paddle shifters to the steering wheel column as others have said by purchasing and installing the M3 SMG clock spring, your choice of paddle shifters for the SMG M3 and some wiring. its still the same thing as hitting + - with the shifter on the console.

the E60 5 series and E90/92 automatic transmission also had a similar setup for the steptronic mean while the M cars got true 6 speed DCT (the newer version of SMG essentially)



you can still do it but dont think you are going to have a true 5/6 speed manual setup with paddle shifting.

[Dathaeus]

Ya I dont think I am converting to paddle shifters.... but it seems for some reason everything on sale now in FL are automatics, and to me, the Steptronics is better than a full auto, and the paddles are not such a big deal to me right now, let alone tight finances.

Just frustrating in a tight time frame I cant find one manual that I can at least drive to and come back in a day. This freakin ahole dealer is trying to convince me that automatic is better because its easier to drive in traffic. REALLY? After I TOLD you I wanted a manual? SMFH, clueless. I guess I wont be haggling him down.

I'll most likely settle for a Steptronic and then be able to relax at least not renting car out of pocket and then keep looking in the future to trade or buy/sell. I really dont wanna be paying $35/day for no reason driving a Sonata, which actually isnt a bad car and has a decent autostick like Steptronic, but ya, I need to move on quick.

[az3579]

You may need to fly to find the right car. ZHPs aren't a dime a dozen, unfortunately.
I know there's expense involved, but it's worth finding exactly what you want, even if it means a little travelling, no? You can definitely make that trip in a day; planes travel very quickly. :)

You may want to hit up GDMChRiZ - I think he sells ZHPs on a semi-regular basis on the forum, and he is based in FL if I remember correctly. He has one for sale right now, though it's a coupe: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?20016-2004-BMW-330ci-ZHP-Performance-Package-Coupe

Send him a PM and see if he can get you something.

[Dathaeus]

You may need to fly to find the right car. ZHPs aren't a dime a dozen, unfortunately.
I know there's expense involved, but it's worth finding exactly what you want, even if it means a little travelling, no? You can definitely make that trip in a day; planes travel very quickly. :)

You may want to hit up GDMChRiZ - I think he sells ZHPs on a semi-regular basis on the forum, and he is based in FL if I remember correctly. He has one for sale right now, though it's a coupe: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?20016-2004-BMW-330ci-ZHP-Performance-Package-Coupe

Send him a PM and see if he can get you something.

Yes I may, although there are a couple here in FL but not one is ringing a bell with me, and no way I'd spend that much on that coupe, that seems overpriced even if in great shape, seen many live listings much lower than that, and I prefer a 4dr 6MT which I might pay more for. The bonus for looking through private sellers is MANY people dont know they have a ZHP, and thus, price is much lower in my experience anyways.