Ratio of differential

[bmwtech113]

I just bought a 2004 (9/03) 330i zhp 6 speed manual. I have been reading that the zhp's came with a 3.07 gear ratio but according to real oem and the bmw parts department, the sedans didnt come with a 3.07 until 3/04. I found the sticker on my diff but the numbers were faded off. Can anyone verify that the early zhp's came with the 3.07 diff? Thanks

[danewilson77]

That's a good question.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

This is the Car and Driver article about the 2003 ZHP: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/03q3/bmw_330i_with_performance_package-road_test

You'll notice that they say that the final drive ratio is 3.07. Additionally, BMW also said that the final drive was 3.07, which is probably why C&D put that information in the article. I will have to find a press release from 2003 that shows BMW saying that as well.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Kris also has a 2003 ZHP. He advocates that the ZHP had a 3.07 final drive as well. http://www.linquist.net/motorsports/bmw

[bmwtech113]

Thanks for the information. I don't know why they show a production break for the differentials.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Not sure. I can tell you that there was a serious parts shortage during the spring of 2004. I wonder if this had something to do with it.