Price: SOLD
Mileage: 142,300 Miles
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual Transmission
Exterior color: Sapphire Black Metallic Exterior (475)
Interior: Black Leather Interior (N6SW)
Additional features:
Performance Package (ZHP):
BMW Business CD Player
Harmon Kardon Premium Sound
Xenon Headlights
Lightly Tinted Windows
18” Style 135 ZHP Wheels
Barum Bravuris 3HM Tires
BMW Enthusiast Owned and Maintained
2-Owner ZHP
If you are unfamiliar with the BMW E46 Performance Package, or ZHP, here is the original BMW North American press release:
The 330i Performance Package has been created exclusively for the U.S. market for enthusiasts by enthusiasts at BMW Individual, a division of BMW M GmbH. There is no aspect of the driving experience that has not been enhanced by the Performance Package. Modifications to the 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine, which include different camshafts and performance-modified Digital Motor Electronics, yield a ten horsepower increase to 235. For the first time in a 330i a six-speed manual transmission will be standard. With the Performance Package it will include a short-throw shifter. The package also includes a shorter final drive ratio. The benefits of these modifications are immediately apparent - the 330i with a Performance Package will accelerate from 0 - 60 miles-per-hour in 6 seconds, about half a second faster than a standard 330i. To match the straight-line performance a new sports suspension, more aggressively tuned than the 330i’s standard sport suspension, is mated to 18-inch wheels with mixed-size performance tires. In addition to the wheels and tires the exterior of the 330i Performance Package is distinguished by its Aerodynamic Package, black headlight trim, high gloss shadowline trim and a new exhaust that not only appears but also sounds more aggressive. The look and feel of the interior has been refined with cloth and Alcantara sport seats matching the Alcantara sport steering wheel. An anthracite headliner and Black cube aluminum trim complete an ambiance tailored to the enthusiast. Silver cube aluminum trim is optional. The instrumentation includes red needles while the tachometer reflects the modified engine’s 300 higher rpm limit. Production of the 330i Performance Package will begin in March 2003 with the first cars arriving at BMW centers in April.
The ZHP is the most evolved and developed four-door E46, and a more practical alternative to the two-door only E46 M3, that said from someone who has plenty of seat time behind the wheel of both. There are few better buys in the E46 market than a ZHP.
This 2003 Sapphire Black Metallic over Black Leather ZHP sedan first came to us in 2018 when we found it and sorted it for the current owner—a Glen Shelly regular. We purchased it from the original owner in California, brought it Colorado and gave it thorough round of maintenance and refreshing. We just got it back on trade for a manual Porsche Cayenne to meet the growing needs of his family. It has always been properly owned and maintained. There are extensive service records from the dealer as well as Dinan dating back to 2003, including the window sticker. BMWs are like airplanes; proper care, preventative maintenance and repairs are more important than strictly age and mileage. Clean ZHPs are getting hard to come by, and this is a great example of a driver-quality car you can use and enjoy. In 2018 at 120K miles we replaced the spark plugs, front brake pads and rotors, transmission and differential fluids, most of the window regulars, and replaced the worn alcantara steering wheel with a leather M3 unit. In preparation for sale this time around we replaced the trunk lid spoiler, BMW Business CD stereo, front control arm bushings, lower air boot, and oil dipstick. The ZHP is the most evolved and developed four-door E46, and a more practical alternative to the two-door only E46 M3. As it sits, it’s a great driver-quality example of a ZHP with proper ownership and maintenance history.
The Sapphire Black Metallic paint is in decent condition. Several panels have been refinished, but some others have been subject to the unforgiving sunshine of California and Arizona, so the driver’s side doors have the beginnings of clear coat failure beneath the window trim. The front clip is free of the rock chipping that we get here in Colorado. There are some small dents and scratches commensurate with age and mileage, but nothing glaring. The glass is clear and crack-free, with the exception of minor windshield pitting. The windows are tinted with the exception of the driver’s window glass, which we can have match or have all tint removed for additional expense. There is absolutely no rust anywhere. All VIN tags are in place. The window glass and “shadowline” trim are clean. The headlights are clear and crack-free, as are all indicator and marker lights. The Style 135 Wheels are wrapped in Barum Bravuris 3HM tires with 50% tread remaining in the front and 40% in the rear.
Overall the interior is in good shape. Black leather is BMW’s most durable interior color. The driver’s seat has a split in the driver’s seat bottom and moderate bolster wear. The rest of the seats are in great shape. The carpet has no stains or tears. The headliner does not sag. The A-pillar covers are not sagging (a common issue). All switches and functions work correctly. There are no blown out pixels in the instrument cluster, radio screen, or HVAC control. The heat blows hot and the air conditioning blows cold. The blower motor whines a little bit when first turned on, and the final stage resistor is good. The Harmon Kardon BMW Business premium sound system is fantastic, with the original unit replaced due to a faulty volume knob. The sunroof shade panel has a broken clip (a common issue), which prevents the sunroof from opening. Currently the button is disconnected to prevent accidentally opening it. We can repair the shade (which is relatively expensive), remove the shade so the sunroof is operable (just with no shade), or leave it as it is—just depends if and how you’d like to use the sunroof. This is a common issue and we usually recommend leaving it disconnected.
This ZHP has been mechanically well cared-for its entire life, with extensive documentation dating back to new. All maintenance is up to date and all common E46 issues are either not present or have been addressed as detailed in the summary paragraph. The engine idles smoothly and pulls strongly to redline. There are no fluid leaks. All door lock and window regulators work, three of them being replaced recently. There are no driveline, wheel bearing, or suspension noises or vibrations. The sport suspension is firm and compliant. The brakes are strong with plenty of pad life and rotor run-out remaining. We would like to find an owner for this ZHP who will continue to care for it and appreciate it for what it is. It is a great driver-quality example that you can use and enjoy on a daily basis, while still being clean enough to look good at Cars and Coffee. Clean E46’s are getting hard to find, and this is especially true for the ZHP.
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