Steptronic question

[Tucker]

I searched around a bit and didn't find anything, so forgive me if this is addressed elsewhere:

Is the ZHP's steptronic unit the same as can be found in normal 3-series cars?

The reason I ask is because I'd like to get a feel for it to decide whether I'd like it (I fear I've been spoiled by manually shifting the DSG in my VW) and there are a few run of the mill e46's in my area that I could test drive, but no ZHPs.

[johnrando]

I've never heard anything stated about the STEP being different, but that's certainly not the definitive answer. What backs that up is if you look in the FAQ and it talks about the ZHP package, and it says nothing about the STEP.

[Tucker]

Thanks, John, that's what I figured. Lack of evidence to the contrary.

I'm at the point in my car search where I need to start thinking about options that are expendable in order to find the right car for me, and I'm not so sure I want to deal with driving stick after I move back to Augusta, Georgia, next month. The traffic really is awful and I'd spend Mon-Fri regretting stick. So who knows.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

It's my understanding that the Step in the ZHP is the same as other E46 vehicles. If there is any difference, it's in the software, which allows it to hit 6800 RPM. However, I've seen others (on the Internet) say that, even when they try, there is no way to hit the redline (6800) with a ZHP Step. It always shifts before that.

[shadowpuck]

it will not be like your DSG - that's for sure. I've driven both and the DSG was pretty outstanding.

The automatic in the e90 and 1 series is quite nice - the DCT (double-clutch) in the new M3 is awesome!
not relevant, but BMW did at least learn from SMG and made improvements.

good luck on your search!

[johnrando]

Certainly try it out. I really don't like it much because it's so far away from a manual feel. Just too much lag. I've driven other STEPS that feel much more responsive. Still, if you have to have AUTO for certain reasons like myself, a STEP is better than nothing.

[Whitexi]

That depends, there were two types of autos used on the E46 the GM Auto and the ZF auto. I hope that the zhp's got the GM auto......please hope so too!

All xi models got the A5S-390R which was a GM auto. The A5S-360R was a GM auto also but used in the regular non AWD E46's. Then ZF's ( which have the reverse drum issue ) were thrown around in the mix at the 328's and 330's from what I have read and the 323's and 325's were said to get th GM autos but this has been proven otherwise against the vin decoder. So basically unless you get under the car and look for your self at the tag you won't really know.

[Mtnman]

I can hit the redline in my auto. But, it really lags in "manual" mode. Takes about 1 full second to respond to your "shift". It is not a bad auto, but dont be fooled that is is an "auto-manual" i never really use the manual mode...it holds shift points really well in auto mode. Actually, when i do use the manual part of it, I am usually shifting it out of 2cnd or third, and into 4th or 5th, because its hanging out at 3500rpms waiting for me to stomp on it.

[az3579]

330's (non-xi) up to 03/03 had the A5S325Z transmission, and ones after 03/03 had the A5S390R tranny. The model #'s suggest ZF manufacture, but oddly enough I don't see any GM's listed in the table in the Bentley and we know for a fact some were GM's...

[Marcus-SanDiego]

During those years, then, there were two transmission numbers. But as to ZHP v. non-ZHP, there is no difference? The only thing that changes the transmission number is the production dates?

[GSEN820]

I have an automatic in my ZHP and it will redline just fine.

I have been driving the 2011 328i and the ZHP is still better to me. I was not one for automatic but I think the way the ZHP is set up, really has not been that big of a deal. I actually enjoy the automatic.

[Tucker]

Wow. Thanks, everyone, for dropping some knowledge.

[otto99]

I bought mine with STEP for the very reason you state - the commute was tiresome with a manual, which I endured for 5 years with my E34. Then about a year after purchase I changed jobs, and I really wish now I'd gone manual. But it's still a fun car, and even with the STEP sloppiness (they got WAY better with the E90 and so on) I'm only a couple of seconds off the M3 boys at the autocross.