E46 ZHP v. E90 330i

[jwalther]

I'd like to sell my 06 MB S55 (great car, but looking for more driver involvement), and get back into a BMW as a DD. Old school, more interesting ZHP v. more modern E90? What do you think?

[Roysneon]

If you find one in good shape, ZHP for sure, just because I like them more and at this point probably a little more DIY friendly.

[naplesE30]

ZHP more sought after and worht more, faster and better handling.... I love my 328e90 but would trade for a zhp in a heartbeat.

[audiquattrot]

ZHP no question

[Butler]

The ZHP has its own place in the history of cool BMW cars. But skip the 330. For an E90 go straight for the 335.

[jaywood]

The ZHP has its own place in the history of cool BMW cars. But skip the 330. For an E90 go straight for the 335.

This

[der affe]

Imho they ask too much for the zhp cars. While they are neat, it is all add ons that could be done to a 330ci with the money you would save. If you are going to modify the car anyways you would be doing the upgrades to make it the same or better and still come out ahead.

I was dead set on a e46 ZHP, BUT I just could not stomache the extra $6-7k everyone was asking . I bought my 330ci 6 speed with aftermarket sways and fresh suspension and a 3:46 rear end for $8k and could not be happier.

By the time you add headers and a cat back, you are over the 10 hp gain from the zhp. If you add headers and a tune you are even farther. You can pick up used ZHP. cams for $200-$300 & have the tune for that too.

If the car needs new suspensuon, you can up grade to the ZHP control arms. You can get blacked out grills and paint your trim black too. You can also buy after market plastic ZHP bumpers and skirts for under a grand. Then the only difference is the interior cubic trim and the alcantera trimmed steering wheel seats on the base ZHP (that will most likely be worn).

I say go 330ci or I and mod it from there. You will be happier.

[e30lyf]

ZHP all the way.. mine has 16k miles only & i love it. :)

[jwalther]

Thanks for the responses all. My original thought was ZHP, and I'm pretty sure that's the direction I'm going. Now just gotta sell my car. . .

[mcr_driver]

ZHP for the DIY guy, an e90 is still DIY-able and can be upgraded nicely.

Switching the intake manifold from the N52 to the N54 can yield huge gains (20ish chp) similarly from the M52 to M50 for example and they can be had for the same amount as a ZHP or even less with more content, interior space iDrive etc. But valvtronic is a PITA to work on if it ever decides it's had enough along with DI which will happen eventually like the timing guides on an M60...

Off course ZHP's have their own headaches, M54's cooling issue's are nothing new and the DME is a bit more tricky to modify if you go the FI route down the line. If you want a comfy daily have you looked at an e39/e60?

[jwalther]

If you want a comfy daily have you looked at an e39/e60?

I'm a former E39 owner (00 540/6), and I haven't completely ruled out buying another. I've never owned a modern 3 Series, and would like to try one for a change.

[butters]

Look at E46 M3s. Prices are coming down and I'd agree the ZHPs tend to be overpriced for what you get, simply because they are "rare". Ride comfort is very comparable between ZHP and M.

[Nick_S]

ZHP....I have 0 experience with either, they are just more appealing to me.

[mrmckie]

Look at E46 M3s. Prices are coming down and I'd agree the ZHPs tend to be overpriced for what you get, simply because they are "rare". Ride comfort is very comparable between ZHP and M.

was thinking the same...some zhp's seem to priced very close to the e46 m3 lately.

i still vote for the zhp though, my buddy has a red one with H&R's..good lord it drives sweet.

[bighitbiker3]

zhp bye.