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I have always been a fan of german engineering. Honestly, I have. I used to drive a 1986 BMW 325i during my first year in Orlando back in 2001. It was an older car, but it took me from point A to point B. I eventually traded it in and purshased my 1993 Honda Prelude Si. After 6 years, I guess I grew out of the prelude and did not have as much time to maintain it as I did when I was in college. I decided to move on and get something a bit roomier, more luxurious (hey I work hard, give me a break), sportier, and classier. I was mainly looking for an entry to mid-level luxury sedan with a slight aggressive appeal, and of course, some decent horse power. I looked at Infiniti G35, Volkswagen Jetta, Audi A4 and A5, Lexus IS. I have my reasons for not picking anything else. I elected to go with this particular BMW because of its rarity. In mid 2003, BMW of North America introduced the 330i Performance Package, order code ZHP, also known as the M Performance Package. This was a trim level upgrade that included engine modifications for an increase in horse power, torque and redline over the standard equiped 330i. The ZHP option also provided a 6-speed M series short-throw manual transmission, a higher final drive ratio and speed limiter setting, a M tuned suspension for better handling, and various BMW M exterior trim elements such as the M-Tech II aerodynamic package, M series 18 inch wheels as well as an interior similar to that of the M3. The ZHP package (a M car, but not an M3) was only available on select 330i and 330Ci models between mid 2003 and late 2005. It has since become a highly sought-after model due to its unique modifications. Track wise, the ZHP produces a 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds and passes through the 1/4 mile in 14.2 seconds. Sadly the model I purchased did not come with the navigation package...So I took the car apart within a few days of the purchase, and proceeded to install my own custom computer setup. I have always been a "Do it yourself" type of guy, so this was yet another week/weekend project. Feel free to check it out, and send me some comments if you have any. My car is now equiped with the following enhancements: - Touch screen LCD
- Ipod and USB integration
- Wireless Internet
- 80gb Hard Drive
- MP3,MP4, Dvix & DVD playback
- GPS Navigation
- Bluetooth integration
- And more
More photos can be seen here:
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