Should I trade '04 ZHP for '06/7 330i?

[atlDinan3]

Hey gang, I just got a qstn (request for advice) from a Bimmer friend but I'm not sure I am the best person to answer it since I'm still "old skool" with my e46/36 knowledge. Any useful input would be appreciated.

"Do you think I'm crazy to get rid of my 2004 ZHP for a 2006 330i w/Sports package? Do you think the 2006 will allow me to drive as aggressively, even though a ZHP package isn't offered? What about 2007 330i with Sports package - same question... all automatics. (Because I can't drive in ATL traffic with manual transmission)... "

[Blue330i2006]

Having had both...

Do it, The 330i is a better car, faster car, handles better, and more comfy inside.
Find a 6 speed with sports package and you will be very happy!!

[K330i]

Hey gang, ...What about 2007 330i with Sports package - same question... all automatics. (Because I can't drive in ATL traffic with manual transmission)... "


330i E90 was 2006 only......

[cemimms]

Having had both...

Do it, The 330i is a better car, faster car, handles better, and more comfy inside.
Find a 6 speed with sports package and you will be very happy!!


I find this slightly hard to believe, but you have had both so i guess i'll take your word. Acceleration I could see the newer e90 330 taking the cake with more power even though its a tad heavier, but handling, really?? I would have guess the e46 330Ci ZHP would be the nimbler of the two. But then again I have never driven either.

[The HACK]

Hey gang, I just got a qstn (request for advice) from a Bimmer friend but I'm not sure I am the best person to answer it since I'm still "old skool" with my e46/36 knowledge. Any useful input would be appreciated.

"Do you think I'm crazy to get rid of my 2004 ZHP for a 2006 330i w/Sports package? Do you think the 2006 will allow me to drive as aggressively, even though a ZHP package isn't offered? What about 2007 330i with Sports package - same question... all automatics. (Because I can't drive in ATL traffic with manual transmission)... "

Are you kidding? Trading the greatest and rarest BMW ever built? Isn't there like only half a dozen ZHPs in the world or something?

[mryakan]

rare cars aside, the e9x platform and suspension setup is more advanced than that of the e46 and I believe it translates to a much better handling car (forgot how stiffer the e90 chassis vs the e46, but I vaguely recall a number that is not small by any means). That being said, just go and test drive a ZSP e90 or an e92 and judge for yourself. You've been in the ZHP the longest and are the best judge. Just make sure to spend a long time in the e9x not just a short drive and take it on the twisties. I am amazed at how fast I can take corners with this car, some ramps that I couldn't exceed 85kph on my nimble 318ti e36 w/sports package, I can now take at 100kph with no drama, and this is a much heavier car.

[atlDinan3]

Ok so what I am hearing is that the e9x platform has better handling in the sports package, even than the e46 ZHP. I can believe that.

But what about power? Isnt the e9x 330 (or 328 in '07+) the SAME 3.0L engine as the e46 330i? If thats true, then it would stand that the e46 ZHP should be FASTER as it has the same base engine plus the performance goodies of the ZHP (cams, exhaust, etc).

Am I understanding correctly? What am I missing?

[mryakan]

Ok so what I am hearing is that the e9x platform has better handling in the sports package, even than the e46 ZHP. I can believe that.

But what about power? Isnt the e9x 330 (or 328 in '07+) the SAME 3.0L engine as the e46 330i? If thats true, then it would stand that the e46 ZHP should be FASTER as it has the same base engine plus the performance goodies of the ZHP (cams, exhaust, etc).

Am I understanding correctly? What am I missing?
Nope, totally new engine. The N52 is very different than the M54:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_N52
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M54

2003-2006 330i ZHP - 3.0 L M54B30 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M54#M54B30), 235 hp (175 kW)
N52B30:
e90-330: 255 hp (190 kW) @ 6600 rpm and 221 ft.lbf (300 N·m) @ 2500-4000 (7000 rpm max)
e90-328: 230 hp (172 kW) @ 6500 rpm and 200 ft·lbf (271 N·m) @ 2750 rpm

[2005 330iZHP]

Isn't there like only half a dozen ZHPs in the world or something?

:lol

[EDog]

If it was a 335 you are upgrading to then yeah, but for a 330, I wouldn't.

[Ty Vil]

There's no reason here not to go for the E90

[deems]

... just go and test drive a ZSP e90 or an e92 and judge for yourself. You've been in the ZHP the longest and are the best judge. Just make sure to spend a long time in the e9x not just a short drive and take it on the twisties.

+1

Great advice.

[mitch186]

As an e46 ZHP owner that's also spent a significant amount of time driving an e90 335i ZSP, I'd say don't do it. While the additional hp you get with the 335i is compelling, you're going to seriously miss the nimble handling of your ZHP. I think simply moving to an e90 330i is going to be a move you'd regret.

Don't get me wrong...the handling on the latest 3 series surpasses all versions of the e46 (IMHO), but the e90/e92 ZSP just feels mushy compared to the e46 ZHP.

That said, as suggested spend some quality time in both and make up your own mind. In the end that's all that matters.

[deems]

mitch:

Does the E46 ZHP ride much rougher than the E90 with ZSP? Thanks.

[RuskiBimmer]

I know what the ZHP is but what is the ZSP?

[deems]

I know what the ZHP is but what is the ZSP?

ZSP = Sports Package
ZPP = Premium Package

and there's more....