The best we can come up with is an educated guess based on the total number of 330 sedans, coupés, and convertibles produced during the time that ZHP was offered and an assumed percentage of vehicles outfitted with ZHP.
For instance, from 2003 through the end of E46 manufacture in 2004, BMW sold roughly 800 330i sedans each month, and we may estimate that less than 20% of those featured ZHP. Therefore, there are probably only around 3000 sedans with ZHP on the road. Even when you factor in a fair estimate for the coupes and convertibles from 2004 to 2006, the overall number is still likely to be less than 5000, and most likely under 6000. Even those figures are likely too optimistic.
That may sound like a lot of vehicles, but BMW sold more than 100,000 3 series vehicles year in the US throughout the model’s production run, totaling more than 500,000 vehicles sold between 1998 and 2005.
In This Article...
ZHP Production Amount for the 330i
Although I have been reading this board for a while, this is my first post. I had owned a 2002 325i with the premium and sport packages. After viewing it and reading the posts on this board, I fell in love with the ZHP. I eventually found one I liked after hunting for a while and bought the 2003 330i ZHP with all the bells and whistles. I had the automobile for 3.5 months when I was rear-ended at 40 mph while waiting at a stoplight. On May 18 of this year, something happened. Since my automobile required a brand-new engine and suffered body damage costing $10,500, I still haven’t received it back. (Now being constructed in Germany) BMW’s warranty is actually being used to fix the engine (long story). I’m attempting to resolve the issue with the other guy’s insurance and am attempting to describe how unique and unusual this car is. I am attempting to find out how many of these cars were produced to assist demonstrate the rarity of this car. I know all the specifications that set this car apart from the standard 330i (Thanks to this board). Any assistance with regards to the quantity of ZHPs generated annually (03-05) would be greatly appreciated. Please enjoy your ZHPs for me and thanks. I certainly miss mine.
If anyone is interested in a wrecked/fixed ZHP with a brand new engine, please note that I will be selling this vehicle in about a month once the settlement has been completed.
I’m not sure how many were constructed. Why, though, are you selling? Will you purchase another ZHP given how much you like the first one? I adore ZHPs; they’re fantastic.
It is impossible to determine how “rare” the ZHP is. It doesn’t have its own chassis number, and BMW doesn’t keep track of how frequently a straightforward packaged option is purchased.
Bench racing professional drivers’ track times is like geeks debating which Princess Leia is hotter: the slave Leia or the pointless jail-bait Leia. No matter how strong your case, the basic truth is that none of you will ever be able to make that point.
I don’t want to operate a damaged vehicle. Additionally, I’m going to buy a 2003–2004 M3 at wholesale from one of my dealer friends with the money I’m getting from the other insurance company.
What information should a prospective E46 buyer know before making a purchase?
From 1999 to 2006, E46s were offered in the US in sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible body styles, with the coupe and convertible body styles being the only ones sold in the last model year. Now that they are old enough, only a few of them are still being utilized as daily drivers. Find the least expensive, cleanest, and lowest mileage example you can. If not, then you should boost your budget. Any initial savings will be lost by a few somewhat pricey repairs on a cheap but mistreated example.
In 2002, the sedan and wagon of the E46 underwent a mid-cycle refresh, and more improvements were made to all body types in 2003. In 2003, a 6-speed manual became an option, and a 5-speed automatic remained. Along its lifespan, engines grew bigger and more powerful, thus later models are typically a better value.
E46 values should rise over time if the increased collectability and values of earlier 3 Series are any indicator. The most collectible models will be those with manual transmissions, distinctive equipment (such as ZHPs), uncommon color schemes, and of course, M3s.
The BMW E46 330i ZHP is what?
Similar to the Camaro’s 1LE package, the abbreviation “ZHP” stands for BMW’s “Performance Package.” According to BMWBlog, it was exclusively offered in the US and Canada using the promotional code “ZAM.” From 2003 to 2005, it was available only for the BMW 330i sedan and the BMW 330Ci 2-door coupes and convertibles.
Although the E46 ZHP didn’t have the M3’s engine, calling it a “baby M3” isn’t incorrect, according to CarBuzzreports. Although Gear Patrol feels that the BMW M240i would be a better contemporary comparison. It’s not quite a M vehicle, but it’s still an improvement above the base model.
The 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine in the 330i ZHP produced 235 horsepower overall, 10 more than the basic E46. In addition, the redline was higher. Additionally, the ZHP’s suspension has been adjusted, featuring firmer springs, dampers, anti-roll bars, and control arms. Additionally, it had wider, sticker tires and a front underbody cross-brace. Although a 5-speed automatic was offered, the 6-speed manual is preferred by enthusiasts. For better acceleration, engineers gave it a short-throw shifter and a shorter final drive.
330i ZHP Package for the BMW E46
BMW just recently announced the release of the ZHP package for a select group of 435i customers. With the ZHP option, the normal BMW is essentially transformed into an enthusiast-specific model with a little bit more power, a manual transmission, sportier suspension, and some cool interior and exterior design changes. ZHP package enthusiasts are crazy about it, and we would do anything to get our dirty little hands on one.
A large portion of ZHP BMW owners identify with the “ZHP Mafia,” a group of fans.
From 2003 to 2006, the E46 3 Series was offered with the original ZHP package, which was limited to the 330i. The E46 330i ZHP did not offer an automatic transmission option, however the forthcoming 435i ZHP will. There were just six manual gears. One hell of a powertrain results from adding that to 300 more revolutions per minute of redline acceleration and 10 more horsepower (bumping it to 235). It could go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is speedy even by modern standards. It also had a shorter final gear ratio.
On the E46 ZHP, however, changes went beyond the engine and performance. Additionally, it received a suspension that was lowered and reinforced with stiffer springs, control arm balljoints, and bushings. Due to everything mentioned, the 330i ZHP outperformed its less powerful non-ZHP brother. It moved faster and with greater acuity. It was made for track duty, but it could also handle the weekly shopping run. Therefore, it was the ideal car for any enthusiast in terms of power and performance.
But BMW didn’t stop with just power and handling. No, there have been some significant improvements to both the interiors and the outside. A decklid spoiler and the M-Tech II body package were added to the E46 ZHP’s appearance. Additionally, it had unique wheels and some distinctive hues, including the fan-favorite Imola Red. A black headliner, an Alcantara steering wheel (which was replaced in 2005 with a perforated leather one), and Alcantara seating surfaces were among the upscale additions made to the inside. Additionally, it received a unique ZHP gear knob that is highly prized by BMW aficionados. Simply a beautiful car both inside and out.
Thus, the ZHP package improved one of BMW’s greatest vehicles ever. When a car manufacturer can do it without compromising the automobile’s essential features, it is just great. The E46 ZHP 330i still had a superb ride, but it had a little more edge to it than the normal E46. People are scouring the earth to find a used example of the beautiful antique ZHP packaging. Hopefully, the new 435i ZHP will be half as charming and desirable as the previous model.
How old are E46 BMWs?
The E46 3 Series was the successor to the E36 3 Series, whose manufacturing terminated in 2000, and is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series line of small executive automobiles. It was manufactured by the German automaker BMW from 1997 to 2006. The E46 was first made available in sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, and hatchback body styles in November 1997. The 3 Series Compact has been the name given to the latter.
The 2-door coupe version of the M3 performance variant debuted in June 2000, while the convertible version debuted in April 2001. The BMW S54 straight-six engine powers the M3, which has a 6-speed manual or 6-speed SMG-II automated manual transmission as an option.
After the E90 3 Series sedans were released in late 2004, the E46 lineup began to be phased out. The E46 coupe and convertible body types, however, were still manufactured up until August 2006.