Any generation M3 is going to be a future classic. That’s why, as an M3 fanboy, I always suggest getting an M3. Daily driving an M3 can be a challenge since they lack low end torque that you normally use at public street speed limits. There aren’t many areas that you can rev out a motor to 8k rpm on a daily basis - unless you’re driving like Senna everyday & everywhere.
So, what’s an enthusiast to do if they want a BMW with a proper in-line 6 cylinder naturally aspirated motor, with a stick shift, the classic E46 look, a factory tuned chassis, & exclusive M colors? Look no further than the 2003-06 E46 ZHP package - offered on coupes, convertibles, & sedan.
“ZHP” is BMWs internal option code for a “sportier” sports package. What did the ZHP give you?
Aesthetically, you were privy to paint usually reserved for M cars, in this case, Imola Red was an option. You got the M-Tech II body kit - which includes a redesigned rear bumper & front bumper with a gaping mouth for cooling & functional brake ducts. The interior roof headliner was black instead of grey or beige that came standard on 3 series. Your hands were greeted by an alcantara steering wheel. 6 speed transmission drivers were pleasantly greeted by a factory short shift lever & one of the best shift knobs to ever come out of Munich. There was a special gunmetal interior trim that was exclusive to the ZHP cars. Finally, one of the rarest & nicest features was the optional full alcantara interior - all seating surfaces would be draped by alcantara - so soft.
The balanced M54 naturally aspirated inline 6 motor got a 10 hp bump in power up to 235hp, thanks to an upgraded camshaft. Transferring power through a short shift kitted 6 speed & an upgraded final drive that ran 3.46 gears compared to stock 3.07 gears.
The driving dynamics were also breathed on by Munich’s best, offering stiffer springs, revalved shocks, stiffer sway bars, different top hats for the shocks, upgraded control arms, stiffer bushings, & a tighter ratio steering rack. Frankly, the most tangible was the steering rack, which changed how the car reacted to steering inputs, & is so beloved that some E46 M3 owners will swap their steering rack for the ZHPs.
I got to experience a ZHP 330i sedan on track & was very impressed with the car as an overall package. It doesn’t have the power that the E46 M3 has, so you won’t pull on an M3 on the straights, but it does have the balance that is missing on a lot of non-M cars, which shines in the tricky bits. The steering rack felt quick & responsive through transitions. The weight of the car is right around 3300lb, which is heavy, but the upgraded suspension allows for the weight to hide itself well, keeping the car flat. The shifter, though short, could be upgraded, & the seats are pleasant, but the alcantara is more of a gimmick, as you’ll need more bolstering once you start pulling more G’s.
The 330i ZHP is a future classic. It doesn’t offer M3 power, but offers M3 agility through the twisties. The car has the motor that made BMW - naturally aspirated, literally perfectly balanced & harmonized, silky smooth, in-line 6. The ZHP also offers highly desired & exclusive options that owners of other BMWs of the time would put on their own car; i.e. the alcantara steering wheel, the weighted shift knob, the interior trim, the front & rear bumper, the wheels, & the steering rack.
My dream ZHP spec would be a 330i coupe in Imola Red, 6 speed, with the full alcantara interior. If I want to be a pig, sunroof delete please!
What do you think about the ZHP cars? A future classic?