Of all the BMWs, why choose a BMW 330 ZHP?

[Tampa330i]

At some point or another before getting a ZHP, something must have pushed us all in that direction because here we are. I think this is the last thing I read before I stopped looking at the lower 3 series and 5 series and went exclusively for a zhp:

http://www.thecarconnection.com/review/1005504_2004-bmw-330i

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Here is a thread that goes along with this one.

Why We Enjoy the BMW 330 ZHP Performance Package (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?31-What-Makes-The-ZHP-So-Special-That-We-Feel-The-Need-For-Our-Own-Forum)

And then the pictures of my car also tell the story of why I love the ZHP over all others. (I do drive a 335, too, so it's not as though I got the ZHP at the exclusion of all others, though.)

Pictures of my BMW 330 ZHP 2005 Performance Package Bimmer (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?69-My-2005-ZHP)

Yes, those links are SEO optimized. Haha.

[nk_zhp]

I can't think of any other car that combines looks, luxury, sport, practicality and price in such an effective manner.

[Washburn]

The old Acura Legend Coupes with the GS-II engine, and previous gen. Lexus SC300/400 are kinda close, I think. (Both those with more reliability, IMO)
But I do love my ZHP due the great balancing of performance, economy AND practical enough and not too over the top to be a daily driver.

[danewilson77]

I wanted to be the only kid on the block with one.

[pyreguy]

I wanted the baddest E46 Sedan that existed, and the ZHP was the perfect jumping off point.

I have big plans my friends, big plans.... I say that, really my plans aren't all that involved. The ZHP is so very badass stock that I am happy right now with my H&R Sports, intake, and Shark Injector. I am saving my pennies for a twin screw SC and a header and will call it a day after that.

But yeah, I've always wanted an E46 and prefer them above all others, even today. There still isn't another BMW that would make me chub faster than this one. Maybe there will be one in the future, but not now.

[az3579]

I wanted to be the only kid on the block with one.

THIS.
Since I've bought mine, I've only seen two other ZHP's. One's a TiAg one that I see maybe once every few months around here (It's slush-o-matic, btw) and the other was coming the opposite direction from where I just picked up my duplicate title in MA from the PO! It was pretty much a clone of my car...

I love the fact that the ZHP is much rarer than an M3. I like my cars rare...

[pyreguy]

I finally saw another ZHP in Baton Rouge. A Grey sedan. It has a huge dent in the rear door on the passenger side :(

[danewilson77]

I have only seen one here in the area. And that is my buddys, that bought one after much discussion....and he got it in Fla...

[Daddyoh]

My wife suggested finding our way out of the E36 wilderness this summer, after the expansion tank burst on my '92 in the Dairy Queen drive-thru. "Maybe you should start thinking about something a little more reliable...?"
So I started looking around and stumbled across a thread in September on Bimmerforums: 'ZHP Information' I believe, started by Marcus. Intriging. I started talking to Marcus, a great counselor you'll find, if you don't already know. After much research and many of the same reasons found above, I'm now one of the fortunate few of us.
Daily Joy. And the distinction of the ZHP is what I think I like best. I feel I drive one of the premier cars in my town, and I hope to drive it every day. And when it snows, hell, I might move south so I can drive it 365! ;)

[rikdee]

Just to chime in, the ZHP is, IMHO, the perfect balance for street application. Sharp handling, buttery smooth drivetrain, terrific brakes, intoxicating exhaust note, great NVH, and more-than-sufficient comfort/features all contribute to its deserved and growing reputation. Plus, it's relatively easy to work upon for those of us that DIY. Again, of all BMWs I've owned, this is the car!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Just to chime in, the ZHP is, IMHO, the perfect balance for street application. Sharp handling, buttery smooth drivetrain, terrific brakes, intoxicating exhaust note, great NVH, and more-than-sufficient comfort/features all contribute to its deserved and growing reputation. Plus, it's relatively easy to work upon for those of us that DIY. Again, of all BMWs I've owned, this is the car!

Perfect explanation. My feelings precisely.

[jjcools]

When I first started looking for a small car for a commuter, I decided I couldn't do another FWD cause the torque steer and cornering just were not the same. I narrowed it down to the IS 300 and the 330i, then saw a few ZHPs for sale and read up, never looked at another non ZHP after that. The drive is amazing and not punishing at all.

[zhpnsnv]

Well I disagree with the line in the article that says the ZHP isn't a commuter - I commute quite a bit and am never disappointed.

My story is that I was intrigued by the ZHP when it first came out, but like so many tasty morsels that came out in the early 2000s, I wasn't in position to come close to affording it. So like many other cars, I put it on the back-burner and moved on. E46 M3 is currently on that back burner. So is the E30 M3, M Coupe (the original), MINI Cooper S GP, etc...

As most BMW enthusiasts do, I take pride in my ability to indoctrinate friends to the cult. My college roommate took a long time and lots of effort, but a few years ago he started to tilt. He began a search for an E46 based on his shiny new job, salary and a desire to own something better than his current Corolla S. I told him he'd need nothing more than a 325ci, so his search commenced. A month or so later, I get a call, "Hey - I'm looking at this silver 330ci and it's really cool. It looks really sporty and has a different interior trim than I've seen. The wheels are really cool." I had him send me a picture of the dash to check for red needles and to confirm the ZHP status. After doing so, I told him that while he has no idea what it is, BUY THE CAR!

He did and is a full bimmerphile. Once I drove his car I knew I had to have one, too, so I made it happen.

[Linh]

I've driven a cousin's back in 2004 when he bought it brand new. The car was very sharp appearance wise and very smooth performance imo. Now almost six years later. . . finally saved up enough money and I bought mine, paid cash for it.

Absolutely an amazing jack of all trades machine =)

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Well I disagree with the line in the article that says the ZHP isn't a commuter - I commute quite a bit and am never disappointed.

I only want to comment on this part of your post.

While I do not commute, I can say, unequivocally, that the ZHP is a great car to drive long distances in. We drove the car from Denver to San Diego in August. It was a heavenly drive. It's a total cruiser.

The previous owner, meanwhile, used to commute in this car. He loved it. If I ever start commuting, I will absolutely have no problem jumping in the ZHP. It's a great, all-around car.

[Washburn]

I commute 1 hr each way, almost every day to work (sometimes I take the Tbird) - I can say it's a good commuter car.

[Washburn]

My wife suggested finding our way out of the E36 wilderness this summer, after the expansion tank burst on my '92 in the Dairy Queen drive-thru. "Maybe you should start thinking about something a little more reliable...?"
You do realize that the cooling system in E46 is also prone to failure, and people here overhaul the expansion tank and the rest of the cooling system around 50-060k? it's still the major reason for engine damage on these cars. So I would still be doing preventative maintenance. I really don't know how much more reliable the E46 over E36 in that respect. More knowledgeable folk will chime in.

[jjcools]

If Daddyo is anything like me, he just used it as a excuse to get the newer sportier car. Then the wife thinks it is more reliable cause it is newer.

Worked for me, however, FAIL! I have an oil leak that I cannot trace cause it goes up high in the engine bay. The car has been parked for the last week. I get an ear full about every other day about it. :)

She likes it when she drives it so it kindof balances out without too much drama. lol

[danewilson77]

Oil leak is typically from VCG, or oil filter housing gasket...

[jjcools]

Oil leak is typically from VCG, or oil filter housing gasket...

VCG? Which oil filter gasket? I thought this might be the problem but I just changed the oil/filter and the housing looks good. I was wondering if it is leaking where the housing meets the motor??

[danewilson77]

Valve cover gasket = VCG.

The oil filter housing gasket bro! Either one is a pretty simple fix..if you can isolate where the leak is coming from...

Piece 6.....

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EV53&mospid=47725&btnr=11_2201&hg=11&fg=30
http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/239.png

or

Piece 16

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EV53&mospid=47725&btnr=11_2172&hg=11&fg=15
http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/25.png

[jjcools]

Dane, you are the man! Thanks for the diagram. I am no mechanic so I am learning more and more. I take the Allroad to the shop cause it is too complicated. The ZHP will be my tinker toy.

[danewilson77]

ok.....I've done both repairs...more than once. Give me a call. There's a ton of diy's that support these two maintenance items.

Might I also suggest...if it is VCG...that you do...

1. Plugs (NGK BKR 6 EQUP)
2. VANOS repair. www.beisansystems.com

[jjcools]

Your killing me Dane. I was going to do the Vanos but then I have not noticed anything weirde like lag or unstable idle. Should I also do the rattle even though I don't hear any rattle. I am going to order the Oil filter gasket and try that first. Then I will go from there.

Thanks for your help, and I am sure I will be asking you more stuff if I have to do the VCG. The rattle fix makes me nervous since people were talking about sanding to get it right.

[danewilson77]

Naaa....fugit about the anti rattle kit. Your car may be under-performing, and you may not even know it.

[pyreguy]

As far as the commute goes, this car is certainly comfortable enough to commute in everyday. I enjoy the sporty, but not jarring ride and the exhaust note is perfect as far as I'm concerned. And it gets great smiles-per-gallon!

[Linh]

Dane, you are pretty darn knowledgeable when it comes to the zhp. Especially for just getting it not long ago.

Glad to have you around Dane! :-)

[danewilson77]

It's an E46....same as my last non-zhp car...lol. I have learned alot over the last 3 years....

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Silver%20Bimmer/DSC02725sz1200.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Silver%20Bimmer/DSC00077retouch.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Silver%20Bimmer/DSC01449sz10001.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Silver%20Bimmer/DSC01441sz1000.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Silver%20Bimmer/DSC01443sz1000.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Silver%20Bimmer/DSC01649sz1200sharp.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Silver%20Bimmer/DSC01745sz800sharp.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Silver%20Bimmer/DSC01975sz1100.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Silver%20Bimmer/DSC02898sz1200.jpg

Oops...

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Silver%20Bimmer/2010-07-07061723.jpg

And there that story ends.....

The other guys car....

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Silver%20Bimmer/2010-07-07065219.jpg

[jjcools]

Which tails are those on the Tiag? The leds for the sedan?

[danewilson77]

Those are Eagle eyes I got at JLevisw.com

[zhp43867]

Which tails are those on the Tiag? The leds for the sedan?

Yes they are.

Dane- looks horrible!

[danewilson77]

I thought they looked delicious.

[pyreguy]

I licked mine the other day, and they were quite tastey

[danewilson77]

^exactly. Delectible in fact...hehe

[az3579]

Yes they are.

Dane- looks horrible!

Not at all my cup of tea. Don't want anything pre-facelift-looking on my car. :p

[badzhp]

was originally looking for a 325I and saw an ad for a 330I w/ perf pkg. did research to what it was and then starting looking for one.

[pyreguy]

I wanted pretty wheels

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Often, but not always, the pretty wheels are too dang heavy.

[pyreguy]

To be fair, I was oversimplifying my reasons. Mine are the same as everyone else who buy a performance-packaged car. I wanted the performance and the looks. To me they are equally important. I was actually looking at changing the wheels for something lighter as soon as I got the car, but talked myself out of it because these wheels are so unique. Even though they are on the heavy side, they are made by BBS and very strong and they just belong on the ZHP if that makes sense.

[az3579]

To be fair, I was oversimplifying my reasons. Mine are the same as everyone else who buy a performance-packaged car. I wanted the performance and the looks. To me they are equally important. I was actually looking at changing the wheels for something lighter as soon as I got the car, but talked myself out of it because these wheels are so unique. Even though they are on the heavy side, they are made by BBS and very strong and they just belong on the ZHP if that makes sense.

That, and lighter wheels really won't make much of a difference if you're just driving around on the street. The fuel economy difference and speed difference will be so negligible that it just isn't worth spending money on an entirely different set just to screw around on the street because you'll never gets your money's worth. For looks, that's a different story, and if you want a different set of wheels for the looks, then you might as well get lighter ones if you're going to be buying another set anyway.

[pyreguy]

^agreed

[zhp43867]

That, and lighter wheels really won't make much of a difference if you're just driving around on the street. The fuel economy difference and speed difference will be so negligible that it just isn't worth spending money on an entirely different set just to screw around on the street because you'll never gets your money's worth. For looks, that's a different story, and if you want a different set of wheels for the looks, then you might as well get lighter ones if you're going to be buying another set anyway.

Wrong. I ran my car with DS2s and crappy light-ish tires (~43.5lb each corner) and my fuel mileage improved 2.5mpg and the car was much snapier. The fact that I did not have to get into it with the gas pedal so much every time I stopped I'm sure helped the fuel mileage.

Typically, what you're saying is true, but BMW wheels in general (especially zhp wheels) are piggy heavy; let me lay down some numbers.

OEM ZHP Wheel Weight:

Rear= 28.5lbs x 2
Front= 27.8lbs x 2

Wheel weight= 112.6lbs

Tire Weights (Star Spec)

225/40/18= 25lbs
255/35/28= 27lbs

Tire weight= 104lbs

Total weight= 215.6lbs
Each front wheel= 52.8lbs
Each rear wheel= 55.5lbs

A lightweight setup

Apex ARC-8 18x9" Square= 18lbs each
Wheel weight = 72lbs

Continental DW/Michelin PS2 235/40/18= 22lbs each
Tire Weight= 88lbs

Total lightweight setup= 160lbs
Each wheel/tire= 40lbs

That is a savings of 54.6lbs, or the equivalent of 546lbs off of the car by the most extreme rotational weight calculations.

Lightest setup:

Kosei K1/Apex ARC-8 17x8.5"= 16lbs each
Wheel weight= 64lbs

Michelin PS2 245/40/17= 22lbs each
Tire weight= 88lbs
Each wheel/tire= 38lbs

Total weight = 154lbs

Savings of 61.6lbs, or the equivalent of 616lbs off the car.
I read in a couple places that 100lbs off the car can be a 10th off your 0-60, so potentially this could be up to six tenths off (obviously not), but take that for what you will.

I will add that this cheap setup costs ~$1200 less shipping on tire rack, which is very tempting to me.

[az3579]

Savings of 61.6lbs, or the equivalent of 616lbs off the car.
I read in a couple places that 100lbs off the car can be a 10th off your 0-60, so potentially this could be up to six tenths off (obviously not), but take that for what you will.



I just happened to have a set of Kosei K1s which I had on the car for about a week when I first bought them (they are technically my track-only set). I made a trip which I make every Friday, same route, same time, same conditions. Fuel economy was the same. No change in driving habit. The same goes for my weekly commute to work.

You can throw numbers at me all you want, reality -> math. There definitely is not a 6/10ths difference in acceleration you claim, which draws the calculations into question. The first time I read those calculations posted up somewhere, I immediately called BS on it, based soley on a feeling that it isn't that simple. When I tried this little experiment with the Kosei's, I proved it to myself. Don't really know if anyone will take this with any weight, but that is the only experience I have and it goes against the calculations. That is all...