They say if you love something, you have to let it go. My dream car of all dream cars is the beloved 2001-2006 BMW M3, and for a while, I thought if I believed hard enough I’d own one. However, a tragedy happened. The collective evils of rich collectors, car auction sites, and a particular Ohio dealership have jacked up prices to unbelievable territories. Not long ago, you could buy a decently maintained M3 for somewhere around of $20,000-$25,000. Now, you’re looking at nearly double or triple that. Unless I win the lottery or become the mastermind of a new cryptocurrency scam, I’d say my chances of owning an E46 M3 are slim to none.
Thankfully, BMW has an alternative option for those who want the M looks and performance, but don’t want to burn a hole in their pocket. These cars are known as M Performance models, and include several internal and cosmetic upgrades. The M340i is the latest model in the “M3-but-not-an-M3” lineage. 20 years ago, there was this: The 330ci with the M Performance Package (ZHP).
Although the ZHP 330i only has ten more horsepower than the base 3-Series, and one hundred less than the M3, its uniqueness shows through its driving feel and looks. I was blessed with driving one back when I worked at a BMW dealership, and I was impressed with how quick and thrilling it felt.
I would’ve loved shifting the 6-speed manual that this one has, but the automatic I drove wasn’t a slouch either. But by far the best thing about this car is the way it handles. Thanks to a lowered and stiffened suspension, the ZHP was the most responsive and engaging BMW I’d ever driven. Take this car out on a backroad and watch it come to life, as it’ll carve up corners with no fuss.
The ZHP’s price tag has gone up in recent years. However, it’s not as drastic as the M3’s several thousand dollar jump. A good condition coupe or sedan could cost between $10-15k, which is mildly expensive, but doable. I may have given up my dream of being an E46 M3 owner, but with how fun the 330i is, I don’t think I’ll be missing much.
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