Everything You Know About The ZHP

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Xenon lights were an option.

Black cube trim was standard. Silver cube trim was the option.

The ZHP coupe, in 2004, had a trunklid spoiler delete option (code 326).

Some ZHPs, in early 2004, did not come with trunklid spoilers (even though customers ordered the car with the spoiler) -- because of a parts shortage. Customers who complained eventually got them installed at the dealer at no cost (covered under warranty).

[gr330zhp]

2005 model year, moonroof became standard

[danewilson77]

ZHP - Performance Package
The performance package was available on 2003-2005 330 sedans (330i) and 2004-2006 330 coupes and convertibles (330Ci/330Cic). In 2003, it was only available with the 6-speed manual transmission and WITHOUT the premium package. In 2004, all performance package cars were also available with the automatic (steptronic) transmission as well as the premium package.

Obviously, the Performance Package is a level above the Sport Package, so they're not available together.

Per the BMW press release, this package included the following changes. However, many of these claims have been found to be misleading:

Engine mods (new camshafts, electronics, & lighter flywheel) for 10HP & 8 ft/lb of torque increase & 6800 max RPM (from 6500).
6 speed short throw shifter (for manual transmission equipped cars)
3.07:1 Final drive ratio w/ manual trans instead of the standard 2.91:1. Convertibles retained the already installed 3.07 ratio.
Max Speed Limiter set to 155 mph (instead of 128)
New M suspension, more "sporty" than standard sport package:
Firmer springs (front +6%, rear +8%)
There are no "ZHP" specific springs. The same springs are used for comparably equipped 330's for both the ZSP and the ZHP. In both cases, the spring rate for the post 4/01 build ZSP and ZHP is believed to be slightly less than that of the pre-4/01 ZSP
Firmer shocks (Jounce: front +50%, rear +20%), (Rebound: front +35%, rear -8%)
ZHP does use different dampers than the ZSP. There is a shortage of shock dyno data, but based on the SACHS damping parameter values it is believe the jounce damping is the same but rebound damping is stiffer on the ZHP. Pre-4/01 sport package cars had similar damping values to the ZHP but used the higher grade SACHS "Advantage" dampers rather than the "Super Touring" model
Larger diameter anti-roll bars: 23.5 mm front (v. 23.0), 18.5 mm rear (v. 18.0)
Sway bar diameters are 23.5 mm and 18.0 mm for all post 4/01 build 330's. There is no 18.5 mm rear sway bar offered by BMW for the E46.
More rigid forward bushings
Front Control arm bushings are the same ZHP/ZSP
ZHP control arms are different and use a stiffer ball joint
Lower ride height by 15 mm (.6 inches) utilizing shorter auxiliary springs
Since both the ZSP and ZHP use the same springs, they have the same ride height. Both are 15mm lower than a non-sport E46
-.5 degrees of camber (for a total of -1.1 degrees)
Alignment settings are the same ZSP and ZHP
BMW M exterior trim elements (front & rear fascia, side sills, & trunk lid spoiler)
Special exterior trim: Anthracite (charcoal) headlight & foglight surrounds, High-Gloss
Shadowline (black gloss) trim
Large diameter stainless steel dual exhaust outlets
Extra thick Alcantara steering wheel (later switched to perforated leather)
ZSP Sport Seats
Alcantara & cloth upholstry to replace leatherette and standard trim (leather still optional)
Choice of "Black Cube" or "Silver Cube" interior trim
Anthracite headliner
Red needles on the instrument cluster
Unique 18" Wheels (style 135M), 18x8.0" front, 18x8.5" rear
Wider Tires: 225/40ZR-18 in front and 255/35ZR-18 in the rear.
Quicker steering rack ratio. 13.7:1 versus 15.4:1
All post 4/01 330's use the same part number steering rack. The ratio of this rack has not been confirmed, but it is believed to be different from that used on the 325's

That is all. Thank you.

[mimalmo]

ZHP's without a sunroof or optioned for a sunroof delete are rare.

[gr330zhp]

Very rare! Ive seen a cabrio before with that option :cool:

[danewilson77]

Moar good data....

ZHP:
0-60 in 5.6 sec
235 hp
222 lb/ft torque

The E90
0-60 in 6.1 sec
255 hp
220 lb/ft torque

[MrMaico]

Car and Driver road test.....

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/03q3/bmw_330i_with_performance_package-road_test

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Moar good data....

ZHP:
0-60 in 5.6 sec
235 hp
222 lb/ft torque

The E90
0-60 in 6.1 sec
255 hp
220 lb/ft torque

Must be the difference in weight that makes the ZHP faster.

[adb1028]

Must be the difference in weight that makes the ZHP faster.

Actually, the weight difference is minimal:

2003 330i ZHP: 3370 lb
2006 330i: 3417 lb

Only a 47 lb difference

[thesixsins]

ZHP's without a sunroof or optioned for a sunroof delete are rare.

Mine has no sunroof!
My last e46 had one and the sun screen broke 3 times under warranty... I gave up trying to fix it.
I also have rear PDC... I love it!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Actually, the weight difference is minimal:

2003 330i ZHP: 3370 lb
2006 330i: 3417 lb

Only a 47 lb difference

Gear ratios?

[badzhp]

+1 on gear ratios. pretty sure the 06 E90 330i did not come with the 364 ratio's.

[3ZHP]

Moar good data....

ZHP:
0-60 in 5.6 sec
235 hp
222 lb/ft torque

The E90
0-60 in 6.1 sec
255 hp
220 lb/ft torque

The ZHP 0-60 time was quoted from this Car & Driver road test. http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/03q3/bmw_330i_with_performance_package-road_test. They also Quote a 14.3 1/4 mile but, the best I could ever get with mine stock was a 15.133 and they quote the 330I without at 14.8. So I don't know how true this is!

[mimalmo]

Actually, that article shows a 14.3 quarter mile time.

[Washburn]

Sometime in mid-2005, the steering wheel changed to a leather perforated one, replacing the alcantara wheel.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Yes. I believe it was August of 2005. Though do not hold me to that.

[zhp43867]

[U]
[B]Quicker steering rack ratio. 13.7:1 versus 15.4:1
All post 4/01 330's use the same part number steering rack. The ratio of this rack has not been confirmed, but it is believed to be different from that used on the 325's



I am not attempting to get into the detail of purported ZHP rack's existence or other in this thread, just reporting on the install

After doing all my research, I believe I was able to isolate the mysterious ZHP rack part number - and then able to obtain a rack.

The quicker ratio steering over the 325 stock rack is immediately noticeable.
This was a simple and relatively cheap mod.:thumbsup:

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=809438&highlight=zhp+steering+rack


I came across an interesting factoid while doing this research - all photos of racks on actual ZHPs, depict an identical (differing manufacture dates) yellow tag, listing ZF part number. Again, perhaps coincidental, but I have come across 5 actual photos (enclosed) and they all have the same tag. Further, the production dates of these 5 racks range from 10/03 to 05/05, so appears there may have been some consistency using this specific rack across the years. I have also seen standard 330i tags and they have different ZF numbers.


http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=806967&highlight=zhp+steering+rack


Actually, the weight difference is minimal:

2003 330i ZHP: 3370 lb
2006 330i: 3417 lb

Only a 47 lb difference

I found 3255 and 3287 for the E46 330...


Sometime in mid-2005, the steering wheel changed to a leather perforated one, replacing the alcantara wheel.

Was this after the end of sedan production? I've never seen a zhp sedan with a perforated wheel.

[Washburn]

Not sure about the sedan steering wheel...i have the leather on my 2005 coupe (luckily)

[kayger12]

Same here with an August '05 build.

[rikdee]

I really like my Alcantara steering wheel. A little TLC and I'm good to go; plus, its a perfect application for driving gloves. I don't have a single car-crazy friend whose ride has such a feature. Leather wheel - nein danke. Alcantara is one of the many charactaristics that makes my Z a stand-out...

[nk_zhp]

+1 on the steering rack. The rack has the same ratio as non-ZHP.

[zhp43867]

+1 on the steering rack. The rack has the same ratio as non-ZHP.

Read my above post. It has the same BMW part number but a different one from ZF. It is again up for debate.

[Linh]

I always thought/heard that the zhp and competition option M3's came with the CSL steering rack.

[zhp43867]

I always thought/heard that the zhp and competition option M3's came with the CSL steering rack.

If it is the same as it's specced it's tighter than the CSL

14.5:1 Ratio (Standard M3 15.4:1)

[pyreguy]

The way the steering felt was the third thing that really impressed me about my ZHP. The first was the exhaust note as the PO pulled into the parking lot to meet me, the second was how the fuzzy seat hugged me when I sat in it. I still love all of those, but I am really glad the steering is the way it is cause that was a source of contention for me and my previous car.

[az3579]

Was this after the end of sedan production? I've never seen a zhp sedan with a perforated wheel.

Correct. Last month of production for the sedans was 1/05 in the US and 2/05 in Europe.

[M3TA5IN]

If this was already posted I apologize and it can be removed. I looked and didnt see it, but could just be lack of sleep.

E46 ZHP (Performance Package) Breakdown

ZHP Years

330i Sedan 2003-2005
330Ci Coupes and Convertibles 2004-2006

Power Plant

Engine: S54B30 I6, 24V
Power: 235 bhp
Torque: 222 ft-lbs
0-60 mph 5.6s
1/4 mile 14.3s

Aesthetic Enhancements of the ZHP

M Badges on the 18" Style 135 wheels
M Badging on the multi-function steering wheel
M Badging on top of the 6-speed short throw weighted shifter.
M-Tech II bodykit was standard
High gloss anthracite window trim
Clear turn signals to include headlights, side-markers, and tail-lights instead of the standard amber markers.
Available in all exterior standard color options and also in Imola Red
Half cloth, half alcantara sports seats (optional upgrade to leather)
Alcantara wrapped sports steering wheel (this was switched to perforated leather in mid-2005)
Aluminum cubed faux-carbon fiber interior trim available in silver or black
Instrument gauge cluster was modified with red needles and polished metal trim rings.

Performance Enhancements

Equipped with the more aggressive BMW Performance camshafts and DME tune increasing power from 225 hp to 235 hp
Engine redline raised from 6500 rpm to 6800 rpm
Shorter drive ratio, allowing faster acceleration
- Automatic raised to 3.64 opposed to 3.38
- Manual raised to 3.07 from 2.93
Suspension
- Firmer spring and dampers
- larger anti-roll bars
- stronger front control arm ball joints
- lower ride height
- slightly negative camber



I am going to ad to this tomorrow, if anyone sees anything I missed or that is incorrect I will adjust it.

Marcus if this is somewhere and I just missed it, delete :)

[nk_zhp]

It should be noted that the suspension in reality was no different from SP. Aside from bigger/stronger control arms.

[rikdee]

Just an anecdotal comment on the steering [rack]: My friend, to whom I sold my E36M3, when taking my ZHP for a spin, was surprised by the (as he put it) 'go-cart like' steering as compared to the E36. Irrespective, our cars, whether or not having the same steering rack as other performance E46 models, do exhibit really sharp steering response.

[pyreguy]

The clear lenses didn't come on sedans

[MasterC17]

It should be noted that the suspension in reality was no different from SP. Aside from bigger/stronger control arms.

The ZHP also had different dampers. The control arms I think have replaceable ball joints.

[danewilson77]

No replaceable ball joints. Just a lil heavier.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

When you say dampers...you refering to climate control?

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[SC4ME]

I think dampers is referring to shocks, now termed struts. :shifty

[nk_zhp]

I think dampers is referring to shocks, now termed struts. :shifty

Shocks and Struts are both used to identify front vs back. Struts are upfront (inside a strut housing), shocks are in the back. Dampers are, as far as I know, referred to either of them.

[mr hish]

another reason why the ZHP is the best 3 series ever made

[jvr826]

Yes. I believe it was August of 2005. Though do not hold me to that.

Actually, it was in March. I've got an April build perforated wheel and I love it.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Actually, it was in March. I've got an April build perforated wheel and I love it.

Excellent. Thanks for the incremental data, Jeff.

[Mike V]

I suggest making this thread a sticky. It's very useful!

[danewilson77]

I suggest making this thread a sticky. It's very useful!

Done.

[jsachs71]

I was always wondering why my coupe had no spoiler! March (I think) 04 build... You think if I bitch to BMWNA now they will give me one?!?!? Or, do I even want one? Already have deleted the "330ci"

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I was always wondering why my coupe had no spoiler! March (I think) 04 build... You think if I bitch to BMWNA now they will give me one?!?!? Or, do I even want one? Already have deleted the "330ci"

You were right in the middle of the parts shortage. It's obviously been a long time. However, here's how I would play it. Say that you just found out today that you were supposed to have one of these on your car. In fact, pull up the option sheet for your car. See if option code 326 is on there (spoiler delete). If it is not, see if your local dealer will do a goodwill adjustment for you. See if they'll give you one and install it for you (it's just 3M double-sided tape that holds the spoiler on). You'll need to get it painted too -- perhaps you'll pay for that out of your pocket (as a sign of compromise).

Seriously, if you have a good relationship with your dealer, it's worth a shot.

[danewilson77]

Or....buy a $40.00 lip spoiler....get it painted and put it on yourself.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

The OEM spoiler is only $40?

Also, I would go the free route first, though. Then, if all else fails, go the Dane route.

[CERF04ZHP]

$40? I wish!

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EV53&mospid=47725&btnr=51_4330&hg=51&fg=80

[danewilson77]

$40? I wish!

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EV53&mospid=47725&btnr=51_4330&hg=51&fg=80

Can't really go by the oem price. Everyone that sells the poly lip knows thats a bullshit price. They are much, much cheaper.

[CERF04ZHP]

True... but just to give you an idea of what they expect for a full-bore list/retail on such a piece!

[95m3ltw]

True... but just to give you an idea of what they expect for a full-bore list/retail on such a piece!

RealOem prices are all over the place, both below and above BMW retail prices. I've stopped looking at their prices now because they are so out dated. Many items are way cheaper, then on the other hand a $5 bolt on Real Oem is $19 wholesale so it is almost pointless to note their prices. I use it just for part numbers and diagrams.

[danewilson77]

Its still ball park imho. The realoem numbers typically seem to be more or close in my experience. Haven't seen it low too many times.

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[lilcdkey]

I had one quick question guys, is the leather from ZHP seats any different from normal 330 seats? I have a 05 ZHP with 46k miles and maybe just because its newer and less used, but It feels so much better than my friends 01 330ci and even different from my brother's E92. I've also heard someone say that they are Nappa leather, but isn't that only used on M3's? I searched already but nothing came up.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

BMW didn't give us anything special v. the rest of the 330 world. Most of us, I suspect, have Montana leather. Not sure if Dakota was introduced toward the end of the E46 production run.

M cars got Nappa.

My 2005 ZHP has Montana leather.

[danewilson77]

Mmmm....I think the leather is different.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Dane, if you get confirmation of that, let us know. It was my understanding that we all had the same leather (minus the M3).

[danewilson77]

Dane, if you get confirmation of that, let us know. It was my understanding that we all had the same leather (minus the M3).

Roger Boss.

[lilcdkey]

Yeah it definitely feels higher quality to me, but then again it is newer so I cant say for sure.

[95m3ltw]

Yeah it definitely feels higher quality to me, but then again it is newer so I cant say for sure.

Comparing our ZHP to my parents 325iT, they are the same. And I know BMW would have been advertising the difference when they introduced the ZHP.

[johnrando]

Not sure if this is the right thread, but I learned one thing about my car on a recent road trip, the NAV distance countdown to your next turn appears on the center console readout once you get to 600' or less. Kinda cool.

[kayger12]

Not sure if this is the right thread, but I learned one thing about my car on a recent road trip, the NAV distance countdown to your next turn appears on the center console readout once you get to 600' or less. Kinda cool.

Yep, it really got me the first time I saw it because I had the computer set to fuel miles remaining and I looked down to see 600 and thought it was malfunctioning, lol.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[Meric]

My 2004 ZHP has leather steering wheel. :S Maybe its different for Canadian Models?

[danewilson77]

Could be....but many of the Alcantara wheels were swapped out CPO early on due to wear issues...

I have leather as well.

[Hermes]

also, mid-2005 they switched to perforated leather

[derbo]

also, mid-2005 they switched to perforated leather

I don't think I ever saw a factory sedan with perforated leather. I only know that the coupes MY2006 had the perforated leather. I remember because thats when I first started working at BMW.

[Meric]

Mine has leather steering wheel (no zhp) Maybe they ordered leather..

[johnrando]

I'm sure a mod will clean up these extraneous comments, but for the record, mine has a perforated leather steering wheel.

[Washburn]

factory perf-leather wheel started in mid-2005, and not 2006.
Mine is a 2005 coupe, and has factory perf-leather wheel.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

From the FAQ:

Question: So, if the car doesn't have all of those features, it's not a ZHP-optioned 330?
Answer: Not necessarily. Customers could order the car with leather seats (option) and a perforated leather-wrapped M steering wheel (option). What's more, during the spring of 2005, BMW stopped putting Alcantara steering wheels on the ZHP (because of problems with premature wear), which means there are many ZHP-optioned cars on the road today without Alcantara steering wheels. Moreover, before BMW discontinued the Alcantara steering wheel, it also replaced many wheels under warranty, replacing them with leather wheels. Yet another reason why you'll find leather wheels coupled with Alcantara-clad seats. Additionally, while the trunk lid spoiler came standard, there was an option to have it deleted (option code 326). And this side note: some ZHPs, in early 2004, did not come with the trunk lid spoiler (even though customers did not choose option code 326) -- because of a parts shortage. Customers who complained eventually got them installed at the dealer at no cost (covered under warranty).

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

[bmwdriver]

Im glad my zhp has the alcantara steering wheel. Its one thing that makes my car different from others.

[gr330zhp]

Im glad my zhp has the alcantara steering wheel. Its one thing that makes my car different from others.

+1

Even better when it's a new Alcantara steering wheel :)

[danewilson77]

Where'd bmwdriver go?

[JKO_ZHP]

Read somewhere that ZHP's are faster than the newest E92 328i's.
Also, that a ZHP with a twin-screw supercharger from ESS will eat E46 M3's, hence my next mod :headbang

[CSBM5]

Moar good data....

ZHP:
0-60 in 5.6 sec
235 hp
222 lb/ft torque

The E90
0-60 in 6.1 sec
255 hp
220 lb/ft torque

Taking both from C&D test data:

E46 330i ZHP sedan 6MT:
0-60 5.6
0-100 15.3
1/4: 14.3 @ 97mph
weight: 3370lbs
2003 330i ZHP C&D road test (http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/bmw-330i-with-performance-package-road-test)

E90 330i sedan 6MT:
0-60 5.6
0-100 15.3
1/4: 14.3 @ 98mph
weight: 3450lbs
PDF file of C&D E90 330i 6MT test results (http://media.caranddriver.com/files/2006-bmw-330i2006-bmw-330i-specs.pdf)

Having owned both cars together for many years, the E90 feels like it has a broader torque curve in daily driving, but both feel very similar. The E90 gets better gas mileage.

FWIW, I think my ZHP was the C&D test car in that it has that "press package" option in the build sheet, is identical in options/color to the C&D test car, and before I bought it, it was owned by BMWNA. No sunroof = awesome headroom clearance when wearing a helmet (main reason I hunted forever to find an E90 M3 w/o sunroof). I bought it with 14k miles on it back in April 2005 with CPO warranty. By 20k miles the transmission was grinding 2nd and 3rd horribly which of course was replaced under warranty along with clutch/flywheel. My daughter owns the car now (and tracks/autocrosses it regularly).

[YoitsTmac]

Quicker steering rack ratio. 13.7:1 versus 15.4:1
All post 4/01 330's use the same part number steering rack. The ratio of this rack has not been confirmed, but it is believed to be different from that used on the 325's

I assume most of you drive the ZHP daily and that most (if not all) of you have driven normal 330's or other E46's. So, are we confirming that the ZHP rack is mechanically similar to the normal 330 rack. If not, is there truly any additional steering feel? And if so, is it really noticeable? Don't mean to pick a fight, I know this is a touchy subject on other BMW forums. I'm genuinely curious to hear from the people that experience ZHP steering the most

[BMWCurves]

I assume most of you drive the ZHP daily and that most (if not all) of you have driven normal 330's or other E46's. So, are we confirming that the ZHP rack is mechanically similar to the normal 330 rack. If not, is there truly any additional steering feel? And if so, is it really noticeable? Don't mean to pick a fight, I know this is a touchy subject on other BMW forums. I'm genuinely curious to hear from the people that experience ZHP steering the most

I used to have a 2003 330Ci ZSP and I would argue it felt like it had a larger steering rack ratio than my current 2005 330Ci ZHP. But I can't confirm that claim though since I haven't driven my 2003 for three years.

[holyc0w]

Based on this thread: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?8273-ZHP-Steering-Racks-apparently-*are*-different

I can only say there is no certain answer. I don't know if more digging has been done since.

[YoitsTmac]

I used to have a 2003 330Ci ZSP and I would argue it felt like it had a larger steering rack ratio than my current 2005 330Ci ZHP. But I can't confirm that claim though since I haven't driven my 2003 for three years.

Larger as in more turns?


Based on this thread: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?8273-ZHP-Steering-Racks-apparently-*are*-different

I can only say there is no certain answer. I don't know if more digging has been done since.

Yup. I found that quote on the E46 forums. It sounds like this endless debate that never ends conclusively. Thanks for digging that up! Good read

[slater]

I used to have a 2003 330Ci ZSP and I would argue it felt like it had a larger steering rack ratio than my current 2005 330Ci ZHP. But I can't confirm that claim though since I haven't driven my 2003 for three years.

was it a pre-3/03 build car?

[BMWCurves]

I had to dig around to find the VIN, but the build sheet states it was built 2003-01-16, so yeah, pre 3/03.