Is the BMW 330 ZHP is the Perfect E46?

Best of Both Worlds

The BMW 330Ci ZHP is one step above the regular 330 in price, and one step below the M3. This North American exclusive performance package gave the 3-Series a bump in power, torque, and a lot more handling capability. I had the chance to take this cool convertible for a drive and witness first-hand just what makes it so special. Is it quite as good of a performance car as the M3? No. But I believe that given the high maintenance nature of the M3, the classy and very exclusive ZHP is a better all-around car.  

Bump in Power

With the ZHP package, the 3.0-Liter l6 engine in the E46 produced 235 HP, 10 more than the stock engine. The sportier camshafts, performance exhaust system, and a more performance oriented tune make the ZHP's powertrain stand head and shoulders above the base model 330. The 6-speed manual gearbox with a shorter shifter makes this BMW a blast to drive. 

>>Join the conversation about the BMW 330Ci ZHP Package right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!

Tight Handling

The lower stance of the ZHP, the stiffened dampers, and the upgraded suspension parts give this car the handling ability that far surpasses the base model 3-Series. The chassis also feels very stable and the car allows you to attack corners with a lot of confidence. 

>>Join the conversation about the BMW 330Ci ZHP Package right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!

All the Good Looks

The E46 is undoubtedly my favorite generation of the 3-Series as far as styling is concerned. It has all the best characteristics of the old legendary BMW design mixed with modern looking lines and proportions. With the ZHP, it seems like the North American section of BMW design knew that the 3-Series was going to be tuned and modded by owners anyway, so they decided to give you your upgraded version... only much better... and under warranty. 

>>Join the conversation about the BMW 330Ci ZHP Package right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!

The Feel of a Sportscar

The sportier seats, the BMW M steering wheel, and shifter knob, as well as the lower ride height, all work together in harmony to create a feeling of sportiness. Driving is a very emotional task, and spirited driving is all about the overall experience, and all the little details are what make the experience whole. Of course, a little bit of carbon fiber doesn't hurt to visually persuade the driver. 

>>Join the conversation about the BMW 330Ci ZHP Package right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!

The Sporty Daily Driver

Of course, the ZHP will fall short of the M3 on the track, but that's not what this car is about. In truth, a very small number of M3s actually get taken to their limit on the race track. Rather, they live most of their peaceful lives on city streets, with the occasional rush of adrenaline. And when it comes to day to day driving, the ZHP is hands-down the better car. You have all the performance you could possibly need on your daily commute, and as compared to the notorious M3, you will have a fraction of the maintenance cost. 

>>Join the conversation about the BMW 330Ci ZHP Package right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!

On The Canyon Roads

Everything we just talked about now leads us to the most important part of the conversation. What does it really feel like to drive? 

I place the utmost importance on the user experience aspect of any automobile's design above anything else. And one thing that is for certain when it comes to the overall user experience of the BMW 330Ci ZHP is that it is exactly everything it is designed to be. It looks like the happy medium between an angry track car and a relaxing beach cruiser, and that's just what the ZHP is. And one thing is for sure: it feels very happy, playful, and very much at home carving through the canyons. 

Watch the episode of The Sunday Club on the ZHP on YouTube