Today’s Nice Price or No Dice features a one-owner E46 BMW. Let’s find out if the price of this desirable ZHP model makes you wonder if the dealer is miscalculating.
For vehicles such as boats, tractors, and heavy machinery, wear is often measured in engine hours rather than mileage. In contrast, for cars, the odometer can signal trouble as the numbers rise. In the past, when durability was questionable, cars would rollover at 100,000 miles. Nowadays, most vehicles might need to reach a million miles to see the same milestone. For instance, the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK 32 AMG showcased yesterday had over 200,000 miles, which impacted perceptions of its $8,500 asking price, leading to a nail-biting 51 percent ‘No Dice’ outcome.
Special Features
Fortunately, for those wary of high mileage, the featured 2005 BMW 330i has only 90,650 miles on its odometer. This model comes equipped with the sought-after ZHP performance package, recognized by its designation on the options sheet.
The ZHP package was a U.S.-exclusive enhancement designed to bridge the gap between the standard 330i and the more powerful M3, making it the ‘Mama Bear’ among them.
Enhancements with the ZHP include a revised suspension with thicker anti-roll bars, firmer springs, and tailored control arm bushings. Additionally, BMW tweaked the suspension geometry, lowered the car’s height, and made the steering ratio quicker. The vehicle features 18-inch Style 135M alloy wheels, making it a fun drive overall.
Performance Enhancements
A significant portion of the enjoyment stems from upgrades to the 2979cc M54B30 engine. The ZHP package introduces hotter camshafts, increasing horsepower to 235 and torque to 222 lb-ft, which arrives 300 rpm later in the rev range, providing a more spirited drive compared to its less powerful counterparts.
The ZHP is also paired with a ZF six-speed transmission and a shorter final drive in the limited-slip rear end, contributing to its spirited performance.
Aesthetic touches include unique bumper designs and chrome dual exhaust tips. Coupled with a lower ride height and bigger wheels, the ZHP ranks high in visual appeal among E46 models. This particular vehicle shows off its stylish dark silver hue, free of discoloration or flaking, while the wheels appear in excellent condition with no curb damage.
Luxurious Interior
The interior matches the exterior’s style. It features Alcantara upholstery on the well-bolstered front seats and rear bench, along with the sport steering wheel, creating a chic atmosphere.
It’s equipped with a wealth of features, including power front seats with memory settings, automatic climate control, power windows and locks, cruise control, and a CD stereo. Though the cabin shows its age with the absence of a center stack screen, it retains the nostalgic charm of BMW’s orange digital readout for mileage and information. Overall, everything appears to be in excellent condition, having been well-cared for by the single owner, except for a few missing items in the boot lid tool kit.
Is It Worth the Price?
The concise ad mentions a clean title and available financing. The dealer’s website provides limited additional information primarily around the model’s specifications, leaving many details about this specific car uncovered. Despite this, the car’s apparent condition and the popularity of the model among BMW enthusiasts raise the question: Is the asking price of $23,995 justified?
What do you think about the price for this appealing 330i? Is it a fair deal for what it offers, or does it seem excessive for ‘Mama Bear’?
You decide!
Nice Price or No Dice:
Fresno, California, Craigslist, or here if the ad disappears.
Thanks to RevUnlimiter for the tip!
If you have a fixed-price tip for NPOND, reach out to me at robemslie@gmail.com and include your commenter handle.
