GSR13
05-12-2003, 01:06 PM
Stopped by United BMW in Roswell, Georgia today, just to see if they had a ZHP in stock. I had yet to see one in person and really wanted to see the Alcantara Interior. As I parked, I happened to see a nice set of 18" Rims through my mirror attached to a stunning Imola Red E46. Sure enough, one ZHP on the lot. Man, Imola really is an awesome color. Possibly the only color I would consider over JetBlack. It just looks great to me.
I asked a Sales Associate, who I am somewhat familiar with, if I could have a look. He was just on his way out for training so he found someone else to entertain me. They offered to let me drive the car and I simply could not refuse.
Getting in the car, I immediately saw it had the Leather Option, so I still have no idea what the Alcantara looks like in person. The Leather and BiXenon's were the only options, so the car stickered at $41,345.00. Oddly enough, the Leather seemed much softer than the Leather in my car. Not sure if they changed it or what, but it was softer.
Visual changes, compared to my 330i, were the Anthracite Headliner and the Black Cube Trim. I actually liked the trim, which surprised me, and I loved the headliner. Definately a nice look!
I started the car and the exhaust note was excellent. I know some have complained that it is to loud, but I loved it. I ran through the gears and the salesman commented that it was a shorter throw, but compared to my UUC SSK it was way to long. I depressed the clutch and it went entirely to far down, reminding me again just how much I love my Clutch Stop. The longer throw and lack of a Clutch Stop caused me a bit of trouble on the test drive.
Driving the car is what definately makes the Package worth it. I was, honestly, most interested in the suspension and not the 10 extra Horsepower. This seemed to confuse the salesman, as all he seemed interested in was the extra power. Do not get me wrong, the power was there, but I only took the car to 4000RPM's. The HP upgrade is certainly not the major selling point, at least in my opinion. What should be the major selling point, performance wise, is the suspension. I have no idea exactly what BMW changed, but that car feels so good. Even at low speeds, the car just feels so different to me. I really hope my UUC Sways add some of this feel to my car. The ride was not harsh but it was definately more firm than the Sport Suspension.
Like everyone has said before, the individual pieces that make up the ZHP are not overly impressive. But the sum of the parts goes together to make an excellent package that is certainly worth the $3,900.00.
One thing to note, with me anyway, are the wheel's. As much as I would despise paying for 18" Tires, those wheels are stunning, absolutely stunning.
If I were in the market right now, I would likely get the ZHP Package over the SP/PP that I have. But, given my current 330 I do not feel that I am missing anything. I definately love my SSK and Clutch Stop even more after driving the ZHP.
I asked a Sales Associate, who I am somewhat familiar with, if I could have a look. He was just on his way out for training so he found someone else to entertain me. They offered to let me drive the car and I simply could not refuse.
Getting in the car, I immediately saw it had the Leather Option, so I still have no idea what the Alcantara looks like in person. The Leather and BiXenon's were the only options, so the car stickered at $41,345.00. Oddly enough, the Leather seemed much softer than the Leather in my car. Not sure if they changed it or what, but it was softer.
Visual changes, compared to my 330i, were the Anthracite Headliner and the Black Cube Trim. I actually liked the trim, which surprised me, and I loved the headliner. Definately a nice look!
I started the car and the exhaust note was excellent. I know some have complained that it is to loud, but I loved it. I ran through the gears and the salesman commented that it was a shorter throw, but compared to my UUC SSK it was way to long. I depressed the clutch and it went entirely to far down, reminding me again just how much I love my Clutch Stop. The longer throw and lack of a Clutch Stop caused me a bit of trouble on the test drive.
Driving the car is what definately makes the Package worth it. I was, honestly, most interested in the suspension and not the 10 extra Horsepower. This seemed to confuse the salesman, as all he seemed interested in was the extra power. Do not get me wrong, the power was there, but I only took the car to 4000RPM's. The HP upgrade is certainly not the major selling point, at least in my opinion. What should be the major selling point, performance wise, is the suspension. I have no idea exactly what BMW changed, but that car feels so good. Even at low speeds, the car just feels so different to me. I really hope my UUC Sways add some of this feel to my car. The ride was not harsh but it was definately more firm than the Sport Suspension.
Like everyone has said before, the individual pieces that make up the ZHP are not overly impressive. But the sum of the parts goes together to make an excellent package that is certainly worth the $3,900.00.
One thing to note, with me anyway, are the wheel's. As much as I would despise paying for 18" Tires, those wheels are stunning, absolutely stunning.
If I were in the market right now, I would likely get the ZHP Package over the SP/PP that I have. But, given my current 330 I do not feel that I am missing anything. I definately love my SSK and Clutch Stop even more after driving the ZHP.