330i ZHP Upgrades

[AdiS]

Hey Guys,

So as many of you E46 330i fanatics will know, the lucky guys in the US and UK got a competition package towards the end of the 330i's life. As far as I can tell, amongst other changes, it mostly consisted of upgraded suspension, cams, and software.

I see these upgrades are available as kits from Tischer in the US:

BMW Performance Engine Kit
To boost power to an even more intense level, where your heart is racing as fast as your tachometer, the logical place to start is at the source of that power, the BMW engine.

Increases engine performance to 235 hp
Boosts torque by 8 ft lb
Raises redline to 6,800 rpm (from 6,500 in the regular 330i)
Quicker acceleration out of corners, easier hil climbs and more aggressive power delivery

$440.00

BMW Performance Differential
This price includes a Core Charge of $100.00
Power. It's the elemental fore generated by a car. And how it is transmitted to the road makes all the difference. When you choose a BMW Performance Differential, that power is not only increased, but delivered smoothly and efficiently. The result is a heightened responsiveness, and a more exciting drive no matter where you are headed.

Boosts power transformation from 2.93 to 3.07
5% increase in axle ratio increases the torque delivered to the ground for faster, more immediate acceleration
Accelerates up to 60 mph approximately half a second faster than the standard 330i

$1300.00

BMW Performance Exhaust
An engine that exhales easier is an engine that will run smoother, rev higher, accelerate faster, and deliver more horsepower - but that's not all. As the RPMs escalate, so does the exhaust note, creating a racy but never intrusive sound. Now drivers can not only feel the enhanced performance, but hear it with every shift and acceleration.

Improves exhaust flow and subsequently engine performance by reducing back presure
Manufactured using cutting edge CAD and FEA technology to ensure optimum fitting accuracy and OEM quality
Manufactured from highest-quality stainless steel ensuring durability and corrosion resistance
Designed for E46 M54 cars (330i, 325i)

$550.00

BMW Performance Front Control Arm Kit (ZHP control arms)
A BMW Performance control arm gives a BMW an almost instinctual feel for the road, providing as aggressive a ride as possible.

More ridgid, stiffer bushings integrated in an aluminum control arm
Better all-round performance
Tighter performance when changing direction quickly
Stiffer bushings considerably reduce roll and increase responsiveness and agility
Athletic handling, faster turn-ins and an immediate, more intense reaction to the road
$450.00

BMW Performance Air Intake System
A breath of fresh air is enough to invigorate any engine. And upgrading to a BMW Performance air intake will unleash gains not only in horespower and torque, but add fuel economy, reduced pressure drop and overall performance.

Increases engine performance by reducing pressure drop and improving air flow
Additional inline scoop and special element radically changes the internal air path and reduces system losses by 24%
Three air inlets in total allow air to flow efficiently
Designed for E46 M54 (330i, 325i) cars
All parts manufactured from highest-quality, injection molded plastic to ensure OEM quality, durability and heat resistance
Carbon fiber insert with silver "BMW Performance" wordmark adds a stylish touch to the engine compartment
Designed to work with standard engine calibration and does not influence emissions
$315.00


Now, I know not all of the above is part of teh ZHP pack, but it seems to me that you can get pretty close if you were to import a few parts. So my question is this, has anyone considered these? I believe Sankeur (spelling) has fitted the performance air intake? My guess is that most rather opt for cheaper local alternatives for things like cams and software.

Any comments/insights would be most useful.

A

 

[Karthik]

Thanks , looks usefull now I know what to go looking for when I finally arise at the day to mod my 325i . Everything seems to enhance the performance one by one . I'm sure a 330i with all those options must make the high 5 second times to 100kph .

 

[De@nO]

Thanks , looks usefull now I know what to go looking for when I finally arise at the day to mod my 325i . Everything seems to enhance the performance one by one . I'm sure a 330i with all those options must make the high 5 second times to 100kph .

+1 I have heard of guys in the US getting times of 5.7s to 60mph with their ZHP's
Would love all these upgrades on mine! Who wouldnt!

 

[JustNN]

Very interesting.....

 

[AdiS]

Yea so I think the ZHP consists of the Performance kit (cams and software), the diff, and the control arms. Perhaps breaks and shocks as well. I think these upgrades could be pretty cool, especially since the reliability should be top notch given that its OEM.

Thanks , looks usefull now I know what to go looking for when I finally arise at the day to mod my 325i . Everything seems to enhance the performance one by one . I'm sure a 330i with all those options must make the high 5 second times to 100kph .

+1 I have heard of guys in the US getting times of 5.7s to 60mph with their ZHP's
Would love all these upgrades on mine! Who wouldnt!

 

[Bayn46]

Would be interested to hear what the BMW performance exhaust sounds like. The stock one is very tame.

 

[AdiS]

From what I have read and seen on youtube, its quite a subtle upgrade which adds some extra bass/boom, and gives a slightly more racy sound at revs, which for me would probably be perfect.

I tend to think the standard 330i exhaust sounds pretty good - especially compared to most other stock cars, and a subtle upgrade on that could be awesome.

Perhaps take my opinion with a grain of salt though as I don't own a 330i.... yet

Would be interested to hear what the BMW performance exhaust sounds like. The stock one is very tame.

 

[Bayn46]

Just went on to Youtube now and had a listen, subtle difference indeed. I feel that the stock exhaust kills some of the bass from the engine but will see how it sounds after a decat.

 

[Sankekur]

Compared to the individuals we have here the only performance bits the ZHP has is the engine kit and the uprated diff.

Then there are some interior cosmetic changes as well, things like red gauge needles etc.

The performance intake it something I would definitely recommend
Vid of it on my car:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="

" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Personally I would not waste my money on the BMW performance diff, rather get yourself the diff from the 330i and 330Ci auto which is a 3.38.

As for the performance exhaust I don't think it is worth it, better to just get a full aftermarket exhaust at the same price.

 

[AdiS]

Have you tried the golf T mod which opens the flap constantly?

Just went on to Youtube now and had a listen, subtle difference indeed. I feel that the stock exhaust kills some of the bass from the engine but will see how it sounds after a decat.

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Yea I have to say, the diff is the one I would probably have the least interest in doing, especially given the price. I think the Air intake + Exhaust + Performance Kit woud be a nice little package.

Where did you order your intake form? I recall you mentioning that you imported it from the US ?

Compared to the individuals we have here the only performance bits the ZHP has is the engine kit and the uprated diff.

Then there are some interior cosmetic changes as well, things like red gauge needles etc.

The performance intake it something I would definitely recommend
Vid of it on my car:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="

" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Personally I would not waste my money on the BMW performance diff, rather get yourself the diff from the 330i and 330Ci auto which is a 3.38.

As for the performance exhaust I don't think it is worth it, better to just get a full aftermarket exhaust at the same price.

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As for the performance exhuast not being worth it - you might be right - but I wouldn't trust a full system to be quiet enough for my standards. I tend to want a more refined and subtle setup.

 

[Bayn46]

Have you tried the golf T mod which opens the flap constantly?

Had a look now, looks like the previous owner did it already. Either that or it's stuck

What I'm looking for is something similar to the Eisenmann systems. Like this.
[video=youtube]

 

[AdiS]

Have you tried the golf T mod which opens the flap constantly?

Had a look now, looks like the previous owner did it already. Either that or it's stuck

What I'm looking for is something similar to the Eisenmann systems. Like this.
[video=youtube]

Yea I don't think the BMW exhaust will give you what you are looking for..

 

[Bayn46]

Definitely not the E46 one. The performance one for the x35i's has a nice tone to it, quite a good system imo. Also, the price on the E46 one is quite low so you aren't getting much extra.

 

[Crash_Nemesis]

Just supercharge it... for the price of all those extra's, burgy will sort you out quicker.

My 323i is close to 300hp... and it only has a bolt on Charger. No other mods...

 

[JustNN]

Just supercharge it... for the price of all those extra's, burgy will sort you out quicker.

My 323i is close to 300hp... and it only has a bolt on Charger. No other mods...

Before even reading i knew you would say that:rollsmile:

 

[Crash_Nemesis]

ha ha... oops... I guess I do tend to go overboard. Just really impressed with this Charger.

 

[Legacy]

@AdisS: So which of the above mods do you have on your 330i?

 

[JustNN]

ha ha... oops... I guess I do tend to go overboard. Just really impressed with this Charger.

Nope that is something to boast about, there is no such thing as going over board when bragging about your sc bmw, if i had the cash i would go charger aswell:thumbs: over these oem mods

 

[Sankekur]

@AdiS: Well I would say the diff is probably the best of all these "performance" mods that you can do and will be the one that makes the most difference in terms of how the car feels. As for the performance backbox, from what I have read its best feature is that is about 6 pounds lighter than the standard one, though it does give a better sound to the car I have read a lot of guys complaining that it tends to drone at cruising RPM. A properly made 3 box system on the 330i give a really nice deep sound that is not too loud. As for the intake I got it from the US as it is the only country where it is available.
Also note the the performance suspension is the same as the sportspack suspension here in SA.

 

[AdiS]

@Crash_nemesis: While I believe that your supercharging route is a good way to get a huge amount of extra power, I am a motoring purist, and hence I would like to preserve the NA engine. The approach I take to modifying is generally that of 'factory spec' mods, so in other words, teh mods should appear as if they had come from the factory. This is to preserve (1) resale, and (2) the original character of the car in that its not obvious that its modified.

And I hate forced induction

@Legacy: Unfortunately, I do not own a 330i... yet. I am an aspiring e46 330i Individual owner, and I have been considering one for the last few months. At this stage I am still doing my research with regards to ownership etc, but I have to say, I am pretty convinced already. I have loved the E46 range since its introduction, and while an E46 M3 is teh car I am really after, I feel that a 330i will be a great stepping stone. It's a pity we only get the 330Ci in Convertible guise.

As mentioned above, I imagine the Performance kit + intake would probably be quite nice and match sort of subtlety I am looking for.

I anticipate beginning a proper search for one next year, so I will need the help of all you guys, as I am pedantic/have massive attention to detail with regards to the condition of a potential car.

@Sankekur: Interesting about the diff, but it makes sense. I would imagine it increases your fuel consumption a bit though as well as you dont have those long gears for cruising etc - I have heard that is the case with the 4.10 diff on the M3.

If the performance backbox drones at highway speeds then it is simply out of the question. It's by far my biggest gripe with most after market or high performance exhausts, they are so incredibly loud, which is gerat for when you are nailing it, but they never seem to have the ability to quiten down and be civil when you don't want to look and sound like a clown. What I am looking for, is character and a BIT of noise when I want it, and ONLY when i want it.

Where in the US did you buy from?

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Here's another question, regarding the Performance Engine Kit from Tischer. The software upgrade that comes with it is only compatible with the MS45 ECU. I was just reading on a thread now that only the US models have that ECU?

Does anyone know if we have the MS45 ECU in the latter E46 330i models?

Thanks