Difference between ZSP and ZHP sedan?!

[Throttle Happy]

Hi all

I currently own an e46 325i and looking to upgrade to a 330i. I am pulling the trigger on one soon but I dont know if it has the ZHP performance package or just the ZSP sport package. Only reason is it would be a bonus if it is a ZHP. Ive done some research and cant find a definite answer. Hopefully the answer isnt too obvious haha.

The specs:
-2003 330i graphite grey, cold weather package, premium package (canadian spec)
-m-tech front and rear bumpers, m steering wheel, m shift knob
-black leather power seats with power lumbar
-black cube interior trim and shadowline exterior trim, lip spoiler
Pretty much everything pointing towards a ZHP


The problem:
-Car doesnt come with OEM rims so I cant tell if its ZHP
-In the ad it says its a 5 speed manual transmission. I read the 2003 only came in 6 speed
-It is a canadian car so there arent red needles to help verify

Question:
-Is this car a ZHP? If not, how can I tell if it is?
-Is it possible for ZSP to have identical exterior/interior as ZHP?


Hopefully you guys can help clear this up!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

This should be very helpful: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?1789-Frequently-Asked-Questions-%28FAQ%29-About-the-BMW-E46-330-ZHP-Performance-Package-Option

Welcome to the site, by the way.

[Katu]

I was just about to post the link that Marcus provided. Sounds like it might not be a ZHP.

Question: What transmissions were available for the BMW 330 ZHP?
Answer: The 2003 model was only available in a 6-speed (Getrag) manual transmission (GS6-37BZ, part number 23007532498). From 2004 to 2006, the ZHP was available in a 6-speed manual transmission and automatic transmission.

[Throttle Happy]

Thanks! I have already looked at that a couple times but still cant figure it out.
So if it is a 5 speed manual then it is not ZHP? =(

[Marcus-SanDiego]

That is correct. The manual in the ZHP only came in 6 speed.

[danewilson77]

Thanks! I have already looked at that a couple times but still cant figure it out.
So if it is a 5 speed manual then it is not ZHP? =(

Hold out for Zebra Horse Power!

[az3579]

Thanks! I have already looked at that a couple times but still cant figure it out.
So if it is a 5 speed manual then it is not ZHP? =(

This is the telltale. It appears it has all of the visual goodies (except wheels), but you just cannot easily swap the transmission without spending lots of money on it, so if it's a 6sp, it most likely is a ZHP, though still not definitive. Some non-ZHP 330i's came with 6-speed manuals, but a way to test this is to drive the car on the highway and check to see how many revs it's turning in 6th gear around 70mph. It should be turning around 3k at around 90mph (maybe a little less or a little more if I remember correctly). The ZHP's got a slightly higher ratio diff than regular 330's.

[Crickett]

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.
Sounds like it's either a Canadian ZAM or M-Sport; the 5-speed (if that's right) may point to M-Sport . . . but either way it won't be a "ZHP".

[Marcus-SanDiego]

The ZAM was a 6 speed manual.