Euro BMW 330 ZHP?

[Wisco]

Hello all,

As I search for my ZHP, I found a private seller with a 2004 ZHP that he claims is a "privately imported European ZHP originally purchase in Germany". He's looking for a premium price for this car and I wonder if there are any red flags with this description.

Thanks for your insight

[Marcus-SanDiego]

The ZHP was a United States option package. Was not available in other countries.

I suspect that a US military member could have bought the car initially -- and kept it until he or she moved to the US. But it would have been a US spec car.

Fact is, all of our cars were imported from Europe -- directly from Germany.

I'd like to see the ad.

[Wisco]

The ZHP was a United States option package. Was not available in other countries.

I suspect that a US military member could have bought the car initially -- and kept it until he or she moved to the US. But it would have been a US spec car.

Fact is, all of our cars were imported from Europe -- directly from Germany.

I'd like to see the ad.

Thanks Marcus. Something doesn't seem right about this ad, but the sellar claims essentially a "private import". I think I'll pass for now.

Here is the ad: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=285136202&dealer_id=65606141&car_year=2004&doors=&systime=&model=330I&search_lang=en&start_year=2003&keywordsrep=122104112&keywordsfyc=__emhw__&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=used&distance=0&min_price=&drive=&rdm=1299434408652&marketZipError=false&advanced=y&fuel=&keywords_display=zhp&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2005&make3=&showZipError=n&make2=BMW&certified=&engine=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&transmission=Manual&mod_bookmark_id=42027864&default_sort=newsortbyprice_DESC&max_mileage=60000&address=53593&color=&sort_type=priceDESC&model2=330CI&max_price=&awsp=false&make=BMW&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=417&standard=false

[danewilson77]

I don't think they made zhp's in Europe. They made the club sport package.

EDIT: late to the party...

[Marcus-SanDiego]

From the ad:

"2004 BMW 330i Performance Package, ZHP-6speed manual transmission. 19,980 Original Miles Premium Package - Leather Seats vs. Alcantara (alcantara steering wheel, gear shifter boot, and hand brake boot), Short Shifter, Navigation System, Parking Sensor, 18" Premium wheels, xenon lights, rear window sun shade. Color - Imola Red Clear tail lights and clear finish head lights (see pictures). Car was brought privately from Germany. European Version. Very few 330i were made with a Performance Package, and low milage makes it extremely rare. Very well maintained. Never driven in the snow. Extra wheel and tire available for the rear of the car for a separate price."

There was no European version for the ZHP. There was a Canadian and UK version, but it didn't get the upgraded cams and it didn't get any more power. It was purely aesthetics. It was called the M Clubsport. The car is the ad is not an M Clubsport unless the person swapped out the front bumper, since it is missing the M Clubsport splitters. This car also has the M3 spoiler on the trunk, instead of the M Clubsport spoiler. Finally, the redline looks to be 6800 rpm on the car in the ad. The M Clubsport would have been 6500 rpm, since there were no engine mods done on that package.

I'm also guessing that a true European car would have been right-driver side (unlike this one).

This is a "not so special" ZHP (United States). There's nothing European about it -- except for the fact that it was built in Germany.

I'd call the guy and ask him to explain how the European version of the ZHP differs from the United States version. Would be interesting to see how that goes.

[adb1028]

This might be one of the Canadian versions, I believe they came with ///M badges on the trunk

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Alex, see my previous comment. Not a Canadian version either. Look at the splitters and the spoiler. I saw the M badge as well, which made me think M Clubsport. But then I discounted it once I saw that it was missing some things from that package.

[danewilson77]

IDK....I think its a zhp that someone put ///M badge on and diy'd the rear sun shade...

[Marcus-SanDiego]

IDK....I think its a zhp that someone put ///M badge on and diy'd the rear sun shade...

That's correct.

[Nivo]

My car was a US Spec ZHP bought in Germany and shipped over the USA. It is exactly like any other ZHP from 2004.
Now if it was a 1 out of 1000 i would pay that price but nope..

[gr330zhp]

The guy just probably got European Delivery. Not worth anything more, it was just the experience he paid for.

In Europe it was dealer options to put MtechII, 135s, etc. I talked with a guy in Greece with an E46 318ci that looked IDENTICAL to a ZHP cabrio, minus interior. He paid an equivalent of $80k for the car brand new. The exchange rate is crazy!! And under the hood, the N42 was sooooo small

[MasterC17]

The guy just probably got European Delivery. Not worth anything more, it was just the experience he paid for.

Exactly what I was going to say; although sometimes people will pay a (small) premium due to it. He needs to come down $5k to be at a reasonable price but it is a nice car.

[MisterMotorist]

Looks like the speedo is in mph and it has a mpg gauge - US car - possible euro delivery

[mimalmo]

Haedlight trim is wrong. It should be black.

[az3579]

I'm also guessing that a true European car would have been right-driver side (unlike this one).

Nope. In fact, most of the European countries have left-hand drive, including Germany.


Looks like the speedo is in mph and it has a mpg gauge - US car - possible euro delivery

Doesn't necessarily mean anything. Imported cars would have had their gauges swapped, so it would still be in mph even if it was "imported".

[mikeyb74]

I ran the VIN and it was a European Delivery. He wants way to much for that ZHP even if it has 19K on it. I just looked at an 08 335i with 20K for a 1g more. And that was even with CPO.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Nope. In fact, most of the European countries have left-hand drive, including Germany.

Thanks. Didn't know that.

Mikey ran the VIN. European delivery for this car. It's a regular ZHP (as we knew).

[jvr826]

One thing I notice that's different, at least from my coupe, is the inside of the headlight surrounds... they are silver-ish on the pictured car. Mine are black.

Perhaps "privately imported" means "euro delivery" and the seller is trying to recover the cost of his associated European vacation?

[mikeyb74]

Tiag headlight inserts were an option on all non M e46s to my knowledge.

[mikeyb74]

Thanks. Didn't know that.

Mikey ran the VIN. European delivery for this car. It's a regular ZHP (as we knew).

The VIN was on the ad this morning but now is gone. Strange.

[az3579]

The VIN was on the ad this morning but now is gone. Strange.

Gee, I wonder why. :biggrin

Sent from my DROIDX