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Exterior photo of 2003 BMW 330i ZHP Sedan

2003 BMW 330i ZHP Sedan

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Details

Price: SOLD

Mileage: 158,700 Miles

Transmission: 6-Speed Manual Transmission

Exterior color: Imola Red Exterior (405)

Interior: Black Alcantara / Cloth Interior (G7AT)

Additional features:

1 of 80 Imola Red / Alcantara Cloth 330i ZHP Sedans

Performance Package (ZHP):

ZHP-specific cams and DME producing 235 horsepower and a 6800-RPM redline

Weighted Illuminated ZHP Short Shifter

3.07:1 Final Drive

Sport Suspension (control arms bushings, sway bars, dampeners, 15mm lower)

Reduced Steering Ratio (13.7:1 instead of 15.5:1)

M Aerodynamics Package (front and rear valence, trunk lip spoiler)

Shadowline (gloss black) Trim

Large Diameter Exhaust Tips

Anthracite Headliner

Alcantara Shift and E-Brake Trim

Alcantara M-Stitched Sport Steering Wheel

Power Sport Seats w/ Memory

Black Cube Interior Trim

Red Instrument Cluster Needles

Red Seat Belts

Recently Recovered Steering Steering Wheel w/ Red Stitching

Avin Modern Stereo w/ Apps

Harmon Kardon Sound System

Cold Weather Package:

Heated Seats

Headlight Washers

Ski-Bag

Xenon Headlights

Fog Lights

Power Glass Moonroof

Front Armrest

On-Board Computer

Staggered 18” Style 135 ZHP Wheels (18x8 Front, 18x8.5 Rear)

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ Tires

BMW Enthusiast Owned and Maintained

All Records Since New

Original Paint

Clean Carfax

2-Owner Car

Background

2003 BMW 330i ZHP Sedan exterior photo

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.

Summary

 exterior photo

This 2003 Imola Red over Black Alcantara Cloth 330i ZHP sedan is an exceptional outlier example. It is 1 of 80 Sedans in Imola Red over Alcantara Cloth—arguably one of the best ZHP color combinations. It is outfitted with all of the standard ZHP kit outlined above, along with several accents including red seatbelts and an Avin modern stereo with apps, Bluetooth, and a host of other options. The Alcantara steering wheel has been reupholstered with red accent stitching; the shift boot and e-brake handle have been refinished as well. But what makes this ZHP truly special is the mileage—the odometer reads 157,300 miles—yet its condition is that of a car with a fraction of those miles. The only way that happens is with proper ownership, and proper ownership is the most important element in any BMW purchase.

It was originally delivered by Flow BMW on May 12, 2003 and remained in North Carolina with the first owner for 20,550 miles through 2006. After that it spent the next fifteen years with its second owner, who fastidiously maintained it until we purchased it from his business partner early this year. The thick binder of records dates to the original window sticker and shows frequent and regular services, the majority of which are at BMW specialist Redds Automotive Import Specialist and BMW of Annapolis. Maintenance over the last six years includes replacement of the front control arm bushings, expansion tank, starter, spark plugs, power steering hoses, fuel pump, oil stand gasket, engine mounts, flex disc, trailing arm bushings, rear shocks, and the oil pan gasket. In preparation for sale, we replaced the valve cover gasket, power steering suction line and a steering rack boot, cam position sensor O-ring, and VANOS solenoid. We also preventatively replaced the majority of the cooling system including the water pump, thermostat, expansion tank, serpentine belt, serpentine idler pulleys, air conditioning belt, idler pulley, and tensioner. The Carfax is clean and all paint is original and in exceptional condition (outlined below). There is faint smoke odor, likely from early in its life, but it is tolerable (also detailed below).

The ZHP is the most evolved and developed four-door E46, and a more practical alternative to the two-door only E46 M3. A ZHP in this color combo represents one of the best E46 BMWs ever built. We would like to find a new steward who appreciates what it is and will continue its ownership pedigree.

Exterior

2003 BMW 330i ZHP Sedan exterior photo

The Imola Red paint is in fantastic condition. The leading edge of the hood and fenders has some minor rock chipping, but nothing like you see on Western cars. All paint is original, and in exceptional condition. There is no rust, aside from a very small bubble next to the trim in the passenger rear doorjamb. The body panels are very straight, with no glaring dents or dings. All VIN tag is in place. The glass is clear and crack-free, with the exception of moderate windshield pitting and one chip on the lower passenger side. The headlights are clear and crack-free, as are all indicator and marker lights. The fog lights are clear with minor pitting. The plastic trim is all present and very nice, with some minor UV fade. All Shadowline trim is present and very clean. The Style 135 wheels have no curb rash and are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Tires with 2016/2017 DOT dates and lots of tread remaining.

Interior

 interior photo

Overall the interior is in great shape. Black Alcantara is not known to be BMW’s most durable interior finish, but this one is an outlier in great condition. The alcantara is in clean, with no tears and no significant bolster wear, only minor matting and some creasing. The rear seats are in great shape. The carpet has no stains or tears. The headliner does not sag and has no stains or tears. The A-pillar covers are not sagging (a common issue); the previous owner reported replacing the A, B, and C-pillars. All switches and functions work correctly. There are no blown out pixels in the instrument cluster, radio screen, or HVAC control. The Avin Modern Stereo is a nice upgrade from the dated factory head unit and sounds great with the Harmon Kardon speakers. The heat blows hot and the air conditioning blows cold. The door cards are very clean; there are a handful of minor scratches on the black cube trim on the driver’s door card. The shift knob, boot, and surround are very nice. The ash tray cover is missing the chrome trim piece. The blower motor is quiet. The sunroof operates correctly, but the shade does have one broken clip and takes a delicate touch. There is faint smoke odor, but the rest of the car is so exceptional it is forgivable. One key and the owners’ manuals are included, along with the thorough record binder.

Mechanical

 engine photo

This ZHP has been mechanically well cared-for its entire life, with extensive documentation from both independent BMW specialists as well as the BMW dealer. 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 locks and window regulators work. 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 runout remaining. In preparation for sale, we replaced the valve cover gasket, power steering suction line and a weepy steering rack boot, thermostat, cam position sensor O-ring, and VANOS solenoid. 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 clean, unmolested example that will make the next owner very happy.

VIN Decode

 exterior photo

VIN Decode

  • VIN: WBAEV53443KM04010
  • Model Code: 0342 EV53
  • Model: 330i
  • Series: E46
  • Motor Type: M54
  • Color Code: 405 (Imola Red)
  • Trim Code: G7AT (Black Cloth)
  • Prod. Date: 2003/03

Options

  • 640 phone preparation
  • 818 battery switch
  • 522 xenon headlights
  • 441 smoker’s package
  • 650 in-dash CD player
  • 674 harmon-kardon sound system
  • 403 glass moonroof
  • 534 automatic air conditioning
  • 925 shipping package
  • 692 CD changer preparation
  • ZHP performance package
  • 495 center rear headrest
  • 249 multi-function steering wheel
  • 459 power front seats
  • ZCW cold weather package