ZHP vs normal

epiphany · Mar 30, 2004

I've read a LOT of stuff on this forum how people love the their ZHP, but I'm a little confused.

From what I've read (perhaps lame articles, I dunno), but it only adds like 10 rwhp and "dual" exhaust of which I've yet to see picks of. Is the 10 hp boost really that noticable? Is the cost REALLY that worth while, or is it all just a matter of thinking "I have more HP, I rock"?

Seriously interested in getting a 330ci, but haven't test drove one (the BMW dealer is I'll go to is a nice distance away, I'll only go when I'm getting close to purchase).

Honest feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks

bmwrocks · Mar 30, 2004

When concerned with HP and torque, every little bit helps........

In the 330i, I think it would be cool to have the sport suspension that comes with it for handling.

I say after you get the nav, xenons, and premium.....if you still have budget, then add the ZHP for the fun of it!!!

Are you buying the BMW for gadgetry and luxury, or performance, or a mix of both? The ZHP will give you added performance, but I say don't sacrifice the gadgets if making a choice. Because the perf increase is not all that much as you said.

AWD330XI · Mar 30, 2004

It does not have dual exhaust...

archang3l378 · Mar 30, 2004

Go with the options that's practical for you, where you are, and the type of driving that you do. From there splurge a bit on what would be nice to have. You can always get aftermarket performance parts for the car.

nasa43 · Mar 30, 2004

There's actually more to the ZHP package than just the 10 hp. 18" wheels, higher top speed (155 mph), different suspension, alcantara plus cloth seats, M-steering wheel, short shifter, unique trim, different front/rear bumper fascia, etc... BMW says it is half second quicker 0-60 than the base 330i (due primarily to different gearing). The Performance Package is essentially an enhanced Sport Package. Alos, you can't get the Premium package with the ZHP package. The decision process I went through was Sport + Premium package versus Performance Pkg. I decided on Performance Pkg and opted for Leather seats which drove the price up some. Of course, I also added in Moonroof, heated seats, and Xenons! [:p]

I love mine.

codex57 · Mar 30, 2004

10hp may not sound like much, but the actual performance difference that nasa43 explained shows the ZHP actually does a lot for the car. Plus, I like the m-tech bodykit that comes with the ZHP much more than the stock look.

epiphany · Mar 30, 2004

AWD330XI said:

bmwusa says otherwise...

Thanks to everyone else, I'm looking at a BMW (to answer someones question) for a little mix of luxury and performance.

codex57 · Mar 30, 2004

depends on your definition of dual exhaust. Some people consider the exhaust on the M3 to be dual exhaust. Others consider it to be quad exhaust.

epiphany · Mar 30, 2004

So basically, it's just a double exhaust tip? That's hardly dual exhaust, but as I said, I've not seen a picture, and I was just going by what's on the bmwusa website.

MrElussive · Mar 30, 2004

The ZHP cars just have dual tips, but don't all 3-series models have dual tips? The M3 is a dual exhaust, but quad tips. Some people (such as myself) refer to it as "quad pipe exhaust" because there are four pipes and it sounds hotter than saying "quad tip exhaust", lol.

The 10hp is not the only power improvement you get...there are a couple other mechanical changes (different tuning, really) that separate the ZHP from the regular 330 models. All these differences make for a 0.5-second faster 0-60 time over the 330 manual transmission models.

jaf211 · Mar 30, 2004

When it became time to sell my '00 323i and consider a new BMW, there was but one question that crossed my mind- How soon can the ZHP get in my driveway. If you want the most the 330ci offers without buying the M3, then the ZHP is the way to go. The car is just one incredible piece of work. It is a complete package that is downright awesome. I absolutely love the car- I love the way it drives, love the way it sounds, love the way it looks, love the way it feels, and made sure that before production ended on the E46 that that ZHP found it's way into my hands. If you want a true driver's car, that is it. If you don't like the stiff suspension and would rather have more of a luxury ride, stay away from the ZHP.

Did I say I love the car??

Best of luck in your decision.

Somefakename · Mar 30, 2004

Is alcantara standard and is it possible to opt for leather?

Is it possible to opt for leather? I have read that alcantara wears easily. Although, I am planning to lease so I guess in the end it does not matter unless I decide to purchase at lease end.

Fabp_330Ci · Mar 31, 2004

Somefakename said:

You can order the leather seats in place of the alcantra/cloth ones. I have a 330ci ZHP on order (should be taking delivery within the next 2 weeks) and I opted for the leather seats. I believe the leather seats are a $1400 option.

nasa43 · Mar 31, 2004

Somefakename said:

On the sedan, leather is an extra $1450. I opted for the leather because I just really love leather feel and smell. I do love the feel of the Alcantara steering wheel though.

paddyLV · Mar 31, 2004

"ZHP package..."

Hi all... [wave]

I think the best part of the 'ZHP' is the enhanced handling offered with the

upgraded $3900 option... Sort of a poor mans M3 [^]

and well worth the extra

$$$...

Fabp_330Ci · Mar 31, 2004

Another good thing about the 330i ZHP is that its the closest you can get to owning a 4-door M3

epiphany · Apr 1, 2004

4 doors = the devil

no thanks

ronh95 · Apr 1, 2004

4 doors...

I've always preferred the lines of the sedan over the coupe in the E46 platform. The proportions of the coupe doors and the way the doors fall between the wheel wells don't look right to me.

I hate the flimsy feel of the frameless side windows and all the rattles when the door shuts. I've had a couple of loaners that were E46 coupes and with less than 15K miles, they both sounded like tin cans.

The only coupe I covet is the M3...

ronh95 ('04 ZHP Silver gray/black leather, moonroof, Xenons, split rear seat)

Blue · Apr 1, 2004

At first I thought I was compromising by getting the sedan over the coupe (4 doors makes more sense for the 3 year old in the back seat), but I've come to really like the way the doors blend into the side on my jet black sedan with black tinted windows & black leather. The chrome window surround on the coupe looks great, especially on a colored car, but I didn't realize that the coupe had frameless windows. That's a compromise, in my opinion. Still, I'd love to pick up a 330 coupe.....can you get a 330 coupe ZHP?

MrElussive · Apr 1, 2004

paddyLV said:

I wouldn't think of the 330i ZHP as a "poor mans M3" for even one second. It is a truly unique vehicle that does not deserve a much better title than that.[headbang]

As for the frameless windows thing with Coupes, I agree that it feels kind of flimsy compared to your regular framed windows. But personally, I think it's really hot and I consider it as a definite plus for Coupes. I love opening and closing my door with the window down...and when the window is up, I love how the window automatically goes down 1/2" when I open the door, and then goes back up 1/2" once the door is closed again...too cool!!

ZHP vs normal

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