Looking For The E46 Sweet Spot? 2004 BMW 330Ci ZHP Requires Your Attention

If you’re a fan of the BMW E46 3-Series Coupe and currently looking for a nice used example, then this 2004 330Ci ZHP with a six-speed manual wants to talk with you.

BMW USA offered the Performance Package (coded ZHP on the spec list) as an option on 2003-2005 330i models and on 2003-2006 330 Coupe and Convertible models.

It was a $3,900 package created by BMW Individual, which bundled plenty of BMW Performance parts in order to make the E46 330 a more engaging and slightly faster car to drive. ZHP-equipped 3-Series models have gained a cult-like following through the years, thanks to the car’s excellent balance between everyday usability and an amplified fun-to-drive character.

From the outside, the package added the M-Tech II body kit, a small boot lid spoiler and a set of 18-inch staggered wheels, complete with M badges. The suspension was updated with new springs, stiffer dampers, fatter anti-roll bars and special control arm ball joints, lowering the ride height and giving the 330i and 330Ci models of that era a slightly negative camber.

The 3.0-liter straight six engine was also upgraded with new cam shafts and new ECU software, taking horsepower from a standard 225hp to 235hp as well as lifting the rev limiter from 6,500rpm to 6,800rpm. Torque was rated at 222lb-ft, which is 8lb-ft more than the standard E46 330. ZHP models also got a shortened final gear ratio and rear axle. BMW claimed a 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds, instead of the 6.5 seconds of the standard 330i.

The car we have here is a 2004 example finished in Silbergrau Metallic with just under 52,000 miles on the odometer. The interior features black leather upholstery with heated seats, bright aluminum trim and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. Note the ZHP-specific short shifter which is also weighted and the different instrument cluster.

The specific example also comes with an aftermarket UUC Corsa exhaust and is offered with Carfax and AutoCheck reports, as well as a clean Florida title. It is currently auctioned over at Bring A Trailer, so if you want a really sweet E46 for daily duty, you know what to do.