ZHP M Performance Package FAQ

[Gamite]

M-Performance Package - ZHP (US Models)

The performance package was available on 2003-2005 330 sedans (330i) and 2004-2006 330 coupes and convertibles (330Ci/330Cic). In 2003, it was only available with the 6-speed manual transmission and WITHOUT the premium package. In 2004, all performance package cars were also available with the automatic (steptronic) transmission as well as the premium package.

Obviously, the Performance Package is a level above the Sport Package, so they're not available together.

Changes Include:

-Engine mods (new camshafts, electronics, & lighter flywheel) for 10HP & 8 ft/lb of torque increase & 6800 max RPM (from 6500).
-6 speed short throw shifter (for manual transmission equipped cars)
-3.07:1 Final drive ratio w/ manual trans instead of the standard 2.91:1. Convertibles retained the already installed 3.07 ratio.
-Max Speed Limiter set to 155 mph/248km/h (instead of 128mph/205km/h)
-New M suspension, more "sporty" than standard sport package:
-There are no "ZHP" specific springs. The same springs are used for comparably equipped 330's for both the ZSP and the ZHP. In both cases, the spring rate for the post 4/01 build ZSP and ZHP is believed to be slightly less than that of the pre-4/01 ZSP
-Firmer shocks (Jounce: front +50%, rear +20%), (Rebound: front +35%, rear -8%)
-ZHP does use different dampers than the ZSP. There is a shortage of shock dyno data, but based on the SACHS damping parameter values it is believe the jounce damping is the same but rebound damping is stiffer on the ZHP. Pre-4/01 sport package cars had similar damping values to the ZHP but used the higher grade SACHS "Advantage" dampers rather than the "Super Touring" model
-ZHP control arms are different and use a stiffer ball joint
-BMW M exterior trim elements (front & rear fascia, side sills, & trunk lid spoiler)
-Special exterior trim: Anthracite (charcoal) headlight & foglight surrounds, High-Gloss Shadowline (black gloss) trim
-Large diameter stainless steel dual exhaust outlets (no exhaust flap in right tip)
-Extra thick Alcantra steering wheel (later switched to perforated leather)
-ZSP Sport Seats
-Alcantra & cloth upholstry to replace leatherette and standard trim (leather still optional)
-Choice of "Black Cube" or "Silver Cube" aluminum interior trim
-Anthracite headliner
-Red Needles (**ONLY US models)
-Unique 18" Wheels (style 135M), 18x8.0" front, 18x8.5" rear
-Wider Tires: 225/40ZR-18 in front and 255/35ZR-18 in the rear.

Quick Checklist to determine if you have the M-Performance/ZHP package:

- Alcantara or Perforated Leather "M" steering wheel
- Alcantara shift and handbrake boots
- 6800rpm redline
- No flap in right exhaust tip

[Polish_328ci]

Nice post, good to know what it actually comes with

[mstearnsy]

Here's a slightly reworked version of your checklist, for Canadian specific M Performance package cars (factory option code ZAM):

Quick Checklist to determine if you have the M-Performance/ZAM package:

- Alcantara or Perforated Leather "M" steering wheel
- Alcantara shift and handbrake boots (leather if the leather wheel came from the factory)
- 6800rpm redline (is only for US vehicles, Canadian cars have the stock gauges with 6500 RPM but will rev to at least 6800.)
- No flap in right exhaust tip (it's easier to look at the tips of the muffler than inside the exhaust, the M Performance has a stainless steel muffler with razor thin tip edges, the regular M Sport has the 330's "chrome tips" that are fatter)

[mstearnsy]

Illustrating the exhaust-tip-test to determine ZHP authenticity. The grey coupe is an M Performance Package ("ZHP") while the red car has the standard 330i exhaust and is an M Sport Package.

[ixguy]

Just to be clear, on a Canadian car, provided the stock muffler is still intact,

fat exhaust tip & a flap = M Sport (225HP)

thin tips & no flap = M Performance [MAS] (235HP)

Is there *any* other way to tell?

I'm assuming the shorter rear end ratio goes only with MAS, is that correct?

[busamoose]

Originally Posted by ixguy

Just to be clear, on a Canadian car, provided the stock muffler is still intact,

fat exhaust tip & a flap = M Sport (225HP)

thin tips & no flap = M Performance [MAS] (235HP)

Is there *any* other way to tell?

I'm assuming the shorter rear end ratio goes only with MAS, is that correct?

send me your vin........

moose@bmwwaterloo.com

[phill_e46]

Is there any major issues with these things I'm thinking of getting 2005 330i

[330Ci_OB]

I recently bought a 2004 330Ci with M Sport Package, a $5400 option as stated in the original bill of sale. According to an article by Laurence Yap awhile back, it has 231 HP? I'm guessing this is a typo?

http://www.autos.ca/car-test-drives/...2004-bmw-330ci

Sorry if this article has been posted and discussed before but I just want closer as I've read and is pretty sure my car has 225HP and not 231HP or 235 like the M Performance package. The sales rep. also told me my car had 230+ HP which add to the confusion...

[330zhp]

I'm new so forgive if this is an old subject.

I just purchased a 2005 330ci ZHP convertible, imported from the U.S. I was wondering if there are any others in Canada/Ontario that own this car? Mine had 45k miles and was in pristine shape, 6 speed manual with nav and leather seats being the only extras. I'm pretty happy with it but haven't driven much yet. What little I have I must say... it is awesome! Look forward to hearing from other ZHP owners.
Cheers.

[BiTurbo]

Originally Posted by 330zhp

I'm new so forgive if this is an old subject.

I just purchased a 2005 330ci ZHP convertible, imported from the U.S. I was wondering if there are any others in Canada/Ontario that own this car? Mine had 45k miles and was in pristine shape, 6 speed manual with nav and leather seats being the only extras. I'm pretty happy with it but haven't driven much yet. What little I have I must say... it is awesome! Look forward to hearing from other ZHP owners.
Cheers.

1 ZAM here!