ZHPs are very cool. And when I was in the market last year you couldn't make a ZSP into a ZHP for less than just buying a ZHP in the first place. Even with the price increase they command. We're talking wheels, interior, cams, suspension, body kit, etc.
Like any base E46 3 series, they are hindered by that open diff. But this is an otherwise great handling car, and one that has a fantastic balance between road feel and refinement. I have a ZSP 330ci. I daily drive the car and it's a fantastic car to DD.
E46, like any BMW, has a few achillies heels:
-Cooling system. Replace it all before anything goes.
-CCV system. Prone to clogging if you drive the car in cold weather. Replace the separator and hoses before a failure. Trust me on this. It's not worth blowing out all the engine seals.
-Front strut towers prone to mushrooming. Put in rough road plates before this happens.
-Rear floor pan failures. Check this on *any* E46. Although a ZHP will be unlikely to have an issue.
-Interior pillars and console plastics are seriously low rent. The eco friendly materials and glues didn't stand the test of time. All you can do is reglue and/or replace.
-A few more little things like the intake boots, DISA, and FSR.
Other than that, they're very solid cars. Super fun, very comfortable, and very enjoyable to own and drive. If you want an E46, the ZHP is a great car. The ZSP isn't significantly watered down in comparison. But if you want the top of the line base 3, you're gonna pay the premium. If you want to trade that for something with more refinement, more modern features, and something a bit less driver oriented, the E90 would be the one to take.
If you want to pay a good chunk less for something that's still a fantastic car, a ZSP & ZPP 330 is a great choice.
Like any base E46 3 series, they are hindered by that open diff. But this is an otherwise great handling car, and one that has a fantastic balance between road feel and refinement. I have a ZSP 330ci. I daily drive the car and it's a fantastic car to DD.
E46, like any BMW, has a few achillies heels:
-Cooling system. Replace it all before anything goes.
-CCV system. Prone to clogging if you drive the car in cold weather. Replace the separator and hoses before a failure. Trust me on this. It's not worth blowing out all the engine seals.
-Front strut towers prone to mushrooming. Put in rough road plates before this happens.
-Rear floor pan failures. Check this on *any* E46. Although a ZHP will be unlikely to have an issue.
-Interior pillars and console plastics are seriously low rent. The eco friendly materials and glues didn't stand the test of time. All you can do is reglue and/or replace.
-A few more little things like the intake boots, DISA, and FSR.
Other than that, they're very solid cars. Super fun, very comfortable, and very enjoyable to own and drive. If you want an E46, the ZHP is a great car. The ZSP isn't significantly watered down in comparison. But if you want the top of the line base 3, you're gonna pay the premium. If you want to trade that for something with more refinement, more modern features, and something a bit less driver oriented, the E90 would be the one to take.
If you want to pay a good chunk less for something that's still a fantastic car, a ZSP & ZPP 330 is a great choice.
Comment