When did Steptronic start on US models?

[Ron B]

Due to a left knee problem I can not work a clutch any longer and I also can't afford a new model with SMG (unfortunately). So, I'm looking into Steptronic 3 Series models but I can't seem to find any info on when they became available on US models. If anyone knows, I have 2 questions:

1) In what year and on what 3 Series models did steptroninc first become available?

2) Have steptronic controls always been on the steering wheel and if not, in what year did that start?

Thanks,

Ron B.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Due to a left knee problem I can not work a clutch any longer and I also can't afford a new model with SMG (unfortunately). So, I'm looking into Steptronic 3 Series models but I can't seem to find any info on when they became available on US models. If anyone knows, I have 2 questions:

1) In what year and on what 3 Series models did steptroninc first become available?

2) Have steptronic controls always been on the steering wheel and if not, in what year did that start?

Thanks,

Ron B.

I believe the 2001's and up got the steptronic...... Also the controls are not on the steering wheel. They are on the shift knob. You tip it to the left when in D and it's in sport mode. Then you can move it up or down to change the gears M1-M5.

 

[Ron B]

Thanks!

 

[BMW-FW26]

The controls on the steering wheel is really SMG.