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Thread: Performance limits of E46 ZHP sedan

  1. #1
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    Performance limits of E46 ZHP sedan

    Currently daily drive an F80 M3 6MT which is great. But getting nostalgic for the E46 ZHP manual sedan. I find it a classic timeless design (and I once owned a 2001 325xi). Probably the most handsome 3 series sedan. Always wanted the ZHP in Imola red. Also like the smaller footprint which is hard to get in any sedan these days. The F80 is huge and the M3 is only going to grow in size. Add to that the simple interior with no nav screens and the classic BMW orange glow. So what are reasonable performance limits with the E46 ZHP? I know I'm comparing apples and oranges. I don't need 425hp but I do want something that handles excellent in the twisties. While it is a daily, I do take it out for spirited drives and the rare track day. I figure find a clean low mileage example and add coilovers and exhaust to start. I also daily much older Porsches and for me the driving experience is more important than stats on a sheet or crazy acceleration. That said if you think I'm crazy let me know.

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  3. #3
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    The ZHP are great cars, but far from powerhorses in todays standard. They only have about 15hp more then the 330i. Id look at E46 M3 if you are looking for power. The only way to get significant more power out of a ZHP or 330 is to go forced induction.
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    Ex's: 1984 325e, 1988 325IX, 1992 525I, 1995 540i/6, 2002 330i, 2005 330xi, 1992 850i, 2003 330i #1, 2003 330i #2, 2002 330ci, 2004 330ci, 2007 328CI, 2007 335i, 2001 M3, 2006 M5 6 speed

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by popandburble View Post
    Currently daily drive an F80 M3 6MT which is great. But getting nostalgic for the E46 ZHP manual sedan. I find it a classic timeless design (and I once owned a 2001 325xi). Probably the most handsome 3 series sedan. Always wanted the ZHP in Imola red. Also like the smaller footprint which is hard to get in any sedan these days. The F80 is huge and the M3 is only going to grow in size. Add to that the simple interior with no nav screens and the classic BMW orange glow. So what are reasonable performance limits with the E46 ZHP? I know I'm comparing apples and oranges. I don't need 425hp but I do want something that handles excellent in the twisties. While it is a daily, I do take it out for spirited drives and the rare track day. I figure find a clean low mileage example and add coilovers and exhaust to start. I also daily much older Porsches and for me the driving experience is more important than stats on a sheet or crazy acceleration. That said if you think I'm crazy let me know.
    Part of the value of a ZHP is that it already has a (different) great set of springs and shocks that give it it's well-known and beloved handling and ride. Coilovers is a bad idea on that car, and sacrilegious to most ZHP fanatics. An exhaust is only going to give a bit more sound; maybe a few HP to the 235/240 of the original engine.

    Have you looked at the M2, or 235M?

  5. #5
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    I'm looking for a 4 door sedan. Otherwise the e46 m3 would be perfect.

  6. #6
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    As an ex owner of a 325xi and a current owner of 2 zhps, I can tell you that zhp is helluva more car than xi could ever be! But on the other hand, modern 4 door 3 series I am sure isn't too shabby either if you get some spiced up one.

  7. #7
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    Sister has a '15 M Sport F20. Its very quick for a TT 4cyl.

  8. #8
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    You can get a stage 2 supercharger for it adding over 100bhp. Change all of the airflow components such as headers and cai and you will have a beast 4 door e46 zhp.

    I have a zhp and really like the car. It is fast enough for around town and with strut bars cornering is extremely sharp aka fun.

    Also they are very low maintenance bemers when compared to other BMWs. For example the engine requires no valve adjustments as the engine has hydraulic lifters.

    See attached photo
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by charter21p5; 12-07-2017 at 10:05 PM.

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