Its Bimmer Time BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

[BMW4LIFE]

M3 vs. 330ci ZHP

pros and cons

give some reasons too please


thanks!

[spyrot1]

Which M3?

[repenttokyo]

M3!

cons: ugly side grilles/

pros: more responsive engine than the 330. I've driven the 330 extensively, and I'm just not impressed.

[Rick L]

Do you even have to ask? No comparison!

E46 M3:

Pros: Much more powerful engine, trans, and clutch. Also, limited slip differential. Wider body and aluminum body panels. More robust mechanical valves over hydraulic for hard driving. More precise handling over 330i. More throaty exhaust sound! BLAST TO DRIVE! And I like the side grills...

Cons: Feels not as refine compare to 330i and feels more raw. Engine is high strung. Clunky gearbox.

E46 330i:

Pros: Smoother engine and gearbox. Cheaper to maintain. Still fun car to drive and handles well.

Cons: Not enough power. No limited slip diff. Just another standard 330i.

M3 vs. 330ci ZHP

pros and cons

give some reasons too please


thanks!

[Sam-Son]

Do you even have to ask? No comparison!

E46 M3:

Pros: Much more powerful engine, trans, and clutch. Also, limited slip differential. Wider body and aluminum body panels. More precise handling over 330i. More throaty exhaust sound! BLAST TO DRIVE! And I like the side grill...

Cons: Feels not as refine compare to 330i and feels more raw. Engine is high strung. Clunky gearbox.

E46 330i:

Pros: Smoother engine and gearbox. Cheaper the maintain. Still fun car to drive and handles well.

Cons: Not enough power. No limited slip diff. Just another standard 330i.

this really shouldnt even be a poll
get the M3

also the ZHP does get a LSD

[BMW4LIFE]

this is kind of a dumb question but why is the ZHP so expensive?

is it just because it is somewhat more rare than the M3?

[repenttokyo]

this is kind of a dumb question but why is the ZHP so expensive?

is it just because it is somewhat more rare than the M3?

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 (instead of 2.91:1)
* Max Speed Limiter set to 155 mph (instead of 128)
* New M suspension, more "sporty" than standard sport package:
o 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
o 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
o 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.
o More rigid forward bushings
+ Front Control arm bushings are the same ZHP/ZSP
+ ZHP control arms are different and use a stiffer ball joint
o 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
o -.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 Alcantra steering wheel (later switched to perforated leather)
* ZSP Sport Seats
* Alcantra & 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
o 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