Just put ///m strut bar on '01 330ci -- why not on new ZHP?

[WilliamsGPE]

Hello all,

A couple of weeks ago I installed an oem e46 ///m3 strut tower bar on my '01 330ci. After worrying greatly about the hood closing (I swear if the bar were 2mm higher it wouldn't) all was well and I headed up Mullholland drive for a twisty test. The good news is I can't think of any other way to spend ~$300 on the car that gives such a noticible improvement. Even in the slow-speed traffic hell I drive (Hollywood) the steering feedback and sense of stability in turns are greatly improved. Imagine you enter a given corner at 50mph. Where before I would need a 1/3 or 1/2 lift of the throttle to fully balance the back end, now the car stays planted and stable. Is the ride harsher -- yep, but I'll happily take that for feeling like I steer w/an exacto knife (the 35 series 18's help too). I love the bar and consider it a must do upgrade for the E46.

The bad news -- WHY wouldn't BMW include this $300 bit of metal in their new $4K ZHP performance package? With all of the work put into making the suspension a bit lower and tighter than the previous 330 sports package -- why not include the strut bar? (Page 46 of the dec Bimmer mag shows a 330ciczhp without)

I thought it was because they want to keep ///M parts on the ///M3, but this kit comes with an ///M wheel, shift knob, and tiny-spoiler on the trunklid...

Not trying to start a zhp vs non thing here its a spiffy option package, this is just a question my dealer couldn't answer when I test drove an 04 zhp the other day... BTW if there's 10 more HP in that car than my stock engine '01, I'll just have to take BMW's word on it. For my $0.02, get a nice used ///M3 before a new zhp for similar money...

cheers,

 

[rjp325i]

I installed the M3 strut bar on my ZHP and did not notice any difference except at the very extreme. It looks nice tho and was a snap to install. It probably should be std just for the looks. Having both a 2003 330ci with sport suspension and 18 in wheels as well as a 2004 ZHP in the family I like the ZHP suspension setup better than the stock or even the optional sport setup. Both came fitted with Michelin Pilot Sports (staggered sizes) so that part of the equation was equal. There is a difference in the factory spring and shock calibration between the sport and ZHP setups. I also prefer the ZHP setup (a little more compliant) for the street over that of the M3. In this respect I agree with the many reviews by the magazines. However there is no question the E46 M3 is better for the track, besides here the insurance companies hit you pretty hard for an M.