Bought a ZHP by mistake

[TripleBlackZHP]

Hello, I just picked up a 2006 - black sapphire metallic - 330ci convertible - 6 speed manual with only 119,000kms (74,000miles). I found it at a small used car dealer for $8500 CND ($6518 USD) who didn’t seem to know it was a ZHP, he said it was an M package but no performance engine (maybe he meant M3 engine). Unfortunately it has had an accident, I see the fenders and hood have been replaced also the front bumped but it still has a clean title, so no rebuilt or salvage title. So I wasn’t sure it was a ZHP even after I bought it (mostly because my car doesn’t have any alcantera, not even the e-brake or shift boot) but I thought maybe it was, so I decode the VIN and sure enough S767A code!! (I will post the decode results and pics below) Then of course I tested the engine and YEP IT REVS UP 6800!! I’m upgrading from a 325CI vert (5speed manual) that was a great car but the 330 is noticeably better in every way possible. I have been an e46 enthusiast for some time and was aware for the ZHP package and the ZHPmafia!! I enjoy wrenching on my own cars, the first thing I plan on doing is just maintenance stuff like transmission, diff fluid and fresh oil. Thanks for reading and its good to be a part of the family.

Type Code-BW53
E Series-E46 (CFL)
Series-3
Type-CABRIO
Model-330CI (USA)
Steering-LL
Doors-2
Engine-M54
Displacement-3.00
Power-170
Drive-HECK
Transmission-MECH
Colour-BLACK SAPPHIRE METALLIC (475)
Upholstery-STANDARDLEDER/SCHWARZ (N6SW)
Prod Date-2006-03-04
L838A-National version Canada
S1CAA-Selection of COP relevant vehicles
S210A-Dynamic stability control
S226A-Sports suspension settings
S249A-Multifunction f steering wheel
S251A-Runflat indicator
S354A-Green windscreen, green shade band
S380A-Hardtop-preparation
S388A-Softtop, black
S399A-Softtop, electromech. all-autom.
S431A-Interior mirror with automatic-dip
S441A-Smoker package
S459A-Seat adjuster, electric, with memory
S464A-Ski bag
S473A-Armrest front
S481A-Sports seat
S488A-Lumbar support, driver and passenger
S494A-Seat heating driver/passenger
S508A-Park Distance Control (PDC)
S520A-Fog lights
S521A-Rain sensor
S522A-Xenon Light
S524A-Adaptive Headlights
S534A-Automatic air conditioning
S548A-Kilometer-calibrated speedometer
S550A-On-board computer
S645A-BMW US Radio
S650A-CD player
S661A-Radio BMW Business (C43)
S674A-Hi-Fi System Harman Kardon
S692A-Preparation, BMW 6-CD changer I-bus
S710A-M leather steering wheel
S716A-Aerodynamics package
S760A-High gloss shadow line
S767A-Performance Package
S772A-Interior moldings Alu Black Cube
S785A-White direction indicator lights
S787A-BMW alloy wheel, M double spoke 135
S818A-Battery master switch
S823A-Hot-climate version
S832A-Battery in luggage compartment
S845A-Acoustic belt warning
S853A-Language version English
S876A-Radio frequency 315 MHz
S896A-Daytime driving light switch
S8SPA-Control unit COP
S925A-Dummy-SALAPA
S992A-Control of number-plate attachment

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m513/StickyThumb/zhp5.jpg (http://s1129.photobucket.com/user/StickyThumb/media/zhp5.jpg.html)
http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m513/StickyThumb/ZHP.jpg (http://s1129.photobucket.com/user/StickyThumb/media/ZHP.jpg.html)
http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m513/StickyThumb/zhp3.jpg (http://s1129.photobucket.com/user/StickyThumb/media/zhp3.jpg.html)
http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m513/StickyThumb/zhp2.jpg (http://s1129.photobucket.com/user/StickyThumb/media/zhp2.jpg.html)
http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m513/StickyThumb/zhp6.jpg (http://s1129.photobucket.com/user/StickyThumb/media/zhp6.jpg.html)

[704sw]

Good looking example. Welcome aboard, ZAM brethren.

[Cabrio330]

Hmmm, the gauge needles are white but US zhp's have red gauge needles. A Canadian difference perhaps?

[TripleBlackZHP]

Good looking example. Welcome aboard, ZAM brethren.

Thanks!

[TripleBlackZHP]

Hmmm, the gauge needles are white but US zhp's have red gauge needles. A Canadian difference perhaps?

I've read online that the Canadian ZHPs(ZAMs) don't get the red needles and also the RPM redline is at 6500. But it still revs to 6800, as tested.

[Cabrio330]

Well then, congratulations! Great car for what seems like a bargain price!

[TripleBlackZHP]

Well then, congratulations! Great car for what seems like a bargain price!

Thanks! The seller didn't know what they had.

[Reasoned1]

Ya did GOOD! Welcome!

[DeathTrap]

Those are the kind of mistakes to make. Welcome!

[Oli77]

That's a dream come true story. Congrats man!

[704sw]

I've read online that the Canadian ZHPs(ZAMs) don't get the red needles and also the RPM redline is at 6500. But it still revs to 6800, as tested.

This is exactly right (mine is technically a ZAM too, but I replaced the gauge faces with US/ZHP ones and painted my needles red shortly after importing her).

And IIRC the reason you have leather wheel/boots is because you have a 2006. As much as I love a fresh alcantara wheel, there’s just no comparison to the ease of living with leather instead.

[hardrivn]

Looks great and is very clean.

[TripleBlackZHP]

That's a dream come true story. Congrats man!

I couldn't wipe the simile off my face when I found out! I still can't believe its a ZHP :):)

[danewilson77]

I've read online that the Canadian ZHPs(ZAMs) don't get the red needles and also the RPM redline is at 6500. But it still revs to 6800, as tested.Welcome. Nice find.

Question: And what about the BMW 330 vehicles in Canada that look like the ZHP in the United States?

Answer: Canada was different. In fact, BMW created the M Performance Package in Canada. It not only got the looks of its US counterpart, it also got the upgraded camshafts and engine tweaks. One thing that it didn't get, though, was the red needles on the instrument cluster. Moreover, the redline is at 6500 RPM, even though the car will rev to 6800 RPM -- just like its US ZHP counterpart. It also got the BMW Performance Package exhaust with the thinner walls (exactly like the one on the ZHP). Therefore, while it was not given the ZHP code name, it's simply a ZHP by another name. Indeed, it was given the option code of ZAM.

Question: I know that I've seen other BMW 330 vehicles in Canada that look like the US ZHP and the Canadian M Performance Package. However, they did not get the upgraded engine tweaks. What was that version called?

Answer: That's the M-sport package. The M-sport package came standard with 225 HP (like the stock 330) but it got the M-tech II Aero body kit. The M-sport package has the standard 330i thick chrome exhaust tips with the flap inside of the right-side tip.

Sent from my Note 9 using Tapatalk

[fredo]

Congrats. Car looks good ! :roundel

[johnrando]

+1

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[TripleBlackZHP]

Congrats. Car looks good ! :roundel

Thanks Fredo!

[TripleBlackZHP]

Ya did GOOD! Welcome!

Lol thanks, I'm definitely pleased with my purchase!

[TripleBlackZHP]

Welcome. Nice find.

Question: And what about the BMW 330 vehicles in Canada that look like the ZHP in the United States?

Answer: Canada was different. In fact, BMW created the M Performance Package in Canada. It not only got the looks of its US counterpart, it also got the upgraded camshafts and engine tweaks. One thing that it didn't get, though, was the red needles on the instrument cluster. Moreover, the redline is at 6500 RPM, even though the car will rev to 6800 RPM -- just like its US ZHP counterpart. It also got the BMW Performance Package exhaust with the thinner walls (exactly like the one on the ZHP). Therefore, while it was not given the ZHP code name, it's simply a ZHP by another name. Indeed, it was given the option code of ZAM.

Question: I know that I've seen other BMW 330 vehicles in Canada that look like the US ZHP and the Canadian M Performance Package. However, they did not get the upgraded engine tweaks. What was that version called?

Answer: That's the M-sport package. The M-sport package came standard with 225 HP (like the stock 330) but it got the M-tech II Aero body kit. The M-sport package has the standard 330i thick chrome exhaust tips with the flap inside of the right-side tip.

Sent from my Note 9 using Tapatalk

Thanks! I was searching all over for a clean 330ci vert and I had to drive 3 hours to get to the dealer selling this one, so didn't come easy. He was asking 9500 and I got him down to 8500.

[TripleBlackZHP]

This is exactly right (mine is technically a ZAM too, but I replaced the gauge faces with US/ZHP ones and painted my needles red shortly after importing her).

And IIRC the reason you have leather wheel/boots is because you have a 2006. As much as I love a fresh alcantara wheel, there’s just no comparison to the ease of living with leather instead.

That is interesting, I have heard that BMW switched to a perforated leather steering wheel in 2006 due to premature wear, but I always assumed the shift boot and e brake would still be alcantera, good to know.

[704sw]

That is interesting, I have heard that BMW switched to a perforated leather steering wheel in 2006 due to premature wear, but I always assumed the shift boot and e brake would still be alcantera, good to know.

Hmm, you might be right. Maybe it’s something they did for the Great White North? BMW loved to do small little variations between markets.

[John in VA]

My '06 coupe with Alcantara/cloth interior has the perforated wheel with leather boots. I picked up a pair of Alcantara boots though, because!

[TripleBlackZHP]

My '06 coupe with Alcantara/cloth interior has the perforated wheel with leather boots. I picked up a pair of Alcantara boots though, because!

Good to know, can anyone else who has an '06 with perforated leather wheel confirm? Lol yeah I kind want to switch to alcantera boots too, and I wouldn't mind getting the lip spoiler, make it more ZHP like. :)

[704sw]

Good to know, can anyone else who has an '06 with perforated leather wheel confirm? Lol yeah I kind want to switch to alcantera boots too, and I wouldn't mind getting the lip spoiler, make it more ZHP like. :)

Do yourself a favor and pay up for Coby boots. I tried the “CliqTuning” tri-stitch alcantara boots and while they look nice they’re a PITA—shift boot barely fits the frame and kinda pulled apart at the stitching when trying, and the brake boot material is so thick it barely folds back over itself to zip tie it like you’re supposed to.

[TripleBlackZHP]

Do yourself a favor and pay up for Coby boots. I tried the “CliqTuning” tri-stitch alcantara boots and while they look nice they’re a PITA—shift boot barely fits the frame and kinda pulled apart at the stitching when trying, and the brake boot material is so thick it barely folds back over itself to zip tie it like you’re supposed to.

Thanks! Coby wheel products look amazing and priced not too bad, I will defiantly get these in the future. That being said I just cleaned and treated all the leather in my car and the leather boots look pretty nice now, they should hold me over for a while until I sort some of the bigger issues out.

[ZHPizza]

Do yourself a favor and pay up for Coby boots. I tried the “CliqTuning” tri-stitch alcantara boots and while they look nice they’re a PITA—shift boot barely fits the frame and kinda pulled apart at the stitching when trying, and the brake boot material is so thick it barely folds back over itself to zip tie it like you’re supposed to.Mine fit great tho?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181023/09ccad3ccca77422af67e1922151dd79.jpg

[bandwagn]

Good to know, can anyone else who has an '06 with perforated leather wheel confirm? Lol yeah I kind want to switch to alcantera boots too, and I wouldn't mind getting the lip spoiler, make it more ZHP like. :)

Mines an 06 with all leather, no alcantara - July build - and I didnt even get a ZHP shift knob (was a stock M3 one)

[704sw]

Mines an 06 with all leather, no alcantara - July build - and I didnt even get a ZHP shift knob (was a stock M3 one)

Oh heavens, no. The M3 broom handle is horrible. Too tall and no weight.

[az3579]

Mines an 06 with all leather, no alcantara - July build - and I didnt even get a ZHP shift knob (was a stock M3 one)Not even an M3 one; I think it was a regular shift knob! The M3 one is all leather with an integrated boot, and is lit. I remember yours being a standard non-lit knob with a separate boot, right?

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

[bandwagn]

Not even an M3 one; I think it was a regular shift knob! The M3 one is all leather with an integrated boot, and is lit. I remember yours being a standard non-lit knob with a separate boot, right?

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

Yes, that was the first thing that I replaced. Wasn’t an integrated boot, but had the ///M logo (I still have it so that I can swap it back if I ever decide to sell)

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?15344-2006-BMW-330Ci-ZHP-Convertible-MT6-w-72k-miles-(Fairfield-CT)-12-863&p=422086#post422086

The shift knob is not a standard ZHP shift knob, but instead an M3 style one with a separate shift boot. The boot leather is in excellent condition, as is the shift knob and emblem.

[az3579]

Yes, that was the first thing that I replaced. Wasn’t an integrated boot, but had the ///M logo (I still have it so that I can swap it back if I ever decide to sell)

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?15344-2006-BMW-330Ci-ZHP-Convertible-MT6-w-72k-miles-(Fairfield-CT)-12-863&p=422086#post422086

The shift knob is not a standard ZHP shift knob, but instead an M3 style one with a separate shift boot. The boot leather is in excellent condition, as is the shift knob and emblem.

Dang, I actually reread that post. I sure am anal. LOL

[BMWCurves]

Good to know, can anyone else who has an '06 with perforated leather wheel confirm? Lol yeah I kind want to switch to alcantera boots too, and I wouldn't mind getting the lip spoiler, make it more ZHP like. :)

My father's '06 330Ci came with a perforated leather wheel from the factory, along with leather parking brake and shift boots.

[Yelkos]

Good to know, can anyone else who has an '06 with perforated leather wheel confirm? Lol yeah I kind want to switch to alcantera boots too, and I wouldn't mind getting the lip spoiler, make it more ZHP like. :)

My 06 Vert has perforated leather wheel and leather boots, all factory.34139

[TripleBlackZHP]

Mines an 06 with all leather, no alcantara - July build - and I didnt even get a ZHP shift knob (was a stock M3 one)


My father's '06 330Ci came with a perforated leather wheel from the factory, along with leather parking brake and shift boots.


My 06 Vert has perforated leather wheel and leather boots, all factory.34139

Well that confirms it to me, perforated wheel means leather boots in the later models, if I knew that when I bought my ZHP I would have known it was a ZHP at the time!

[johnrando]

Yup, my '06 vert, all leather, perforated steering wheel.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Johnd]

I bought my ZHP by mistake as well. The dealer in TX thought it was a regular 330CI and had it listed for 12k as it needed tires, and the rims repaired. I ended up getting it for 12K shipped to FL and invested about 4K in tires, wheels, and replacing all the fluids, belts, and brake sensors. The car still looks as good as the day it rolled out of the show room

[TripleBlackZHP]

I bought my ZHP by mistake as well. The dealer in TX thought it was a regular 330CI and had it listed for 12k as it needed tires, and the rims repaired. I ended up getting it for 12K shipped to FL and invested about 4K in tires, wheels, and replacing all the fluids, belts, and brake sensors. The car still looks as good as the day it rolled out of the show room

Hey Johnd sorry for the delayed response, that is awesome mistake!! It seems a lot of dealers price these cars very differently, I see them here for any were between 20K down to around 10ish. I assume the shipping wouldn't be cheap, that's a great deal. And I bet ZHP from TX must be a clean rust free car. What kind of rims and tires did you go with?

[TripleBlackZHP]

Update to an old post. So I've now owned/daily driven this car for 3 years, I have keep up on maintenance (see below) and will be taking off on a 5000km (3,100mi) road trip this weekend. See you in the rocky mountains! Car is now at 154km (95,000 mi).

Fuel pump 152,000
Oil change and air filter 152,000
Tires, michelin a/s4 150,000
Water pump 148,000
Thermostat, water temp sensor 148,000
Upper and lower rad hoses 148,000
Coolant tank with cap 148,000
Coolant level and temp sensor 148,000
Coolant 148,000
Control arm bushings 146,000
Oil Change 144,000
New ZHP shift knob 138,789
Air filter 138,789
Cabin air filter 138,789
Spark plugs 137,777
All coil packs 137,777
Both intake boots 137,777
Rear differential fluid, redline 130,000
Transmission fluid, redline 130,000
9” android head unit 125,000
All interior, trunk and license plate light bulbs to LED 122,000
Above all in kilometers, due to being in Canada eh.