ZSP v. Non-ZSP

darkcloud · 09-09-2006, 03:04 PM

I know this has probably been posted too many times to count but I really couldn't find the answers I was looking for through searching. Anyways, are the only difference between having ZSP and not are rims/tires, springs, and the mph limiter??

I couldn't bring myself to getting the ZSP package because I wasn't too thrilled with the rims it came with, nor did I want 17' rims being my winter rims. I'm getting rims I like more on my own obviously. MPH limiter can easily be changed.

My main question is for the guys who have driven both cars. I have not but I want the sport springs for the drop. I don't want to spend 1K on coilovers. Do the sport springs compromise the ride quality and comfort a lot or is it barely noticable? I got my new car partly for those reasons and don't want to turn my new car back into the bumpy annoying ride I had from my lowered celica I used to have. I don't think I could install these myself, so how much would a stealership charge me?

Any help would be greatly appreciated....

Garrett

klaxian · 09-09-2006, 03:07 PM

As far as I know, the sport package does not change the springs/suspension. It includes: rims, increased speed limiter MPH, and sport seats. Correct me if I'm wrong guys.

darkcloud · 09-09-2006, 03:17 PM

I was under the impression the sport springs were different but the overall suspension was the same. Anyone?

oneshare325 · 09-09-2006, 03:19 PM

different steering wheel also the suspension is different!

darkcloud · 09-09-2006, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oneshare325

also the suspension is different!

How different? Difference in ride quality between the sport and non-sport?

DFW_M · 09-09-2006, 03:28 PM

As for the feel difference -- huge. I would never get a non ZSP 325/330. It is floaty and more lux feeling -- I had a non-ZSP 6MT for the weekend prior to purchasing mine. Also, the seats in the ZSP are much better, The steering-wheel look nicer. As for the rims and speed limiter -- I don't care about it -- you can always switch the rims. I am sure you can switch the suspension and springs. But the seats are super expensive to do after market -- BMW quoted to my buddy $4700 per seat!!!

Chesmu · 09-09-2006, 03:28 PM

there is a definite firmness to the sport suspension. th enon-sport is not "bouncy" but not as firm. I like the firmer feel, so to me it's not uncomfortable, though I know it has bothered other people. THe steering wheel is vastly different, and is a huge improvement over non-sport.
and yes, the sport seats are very nice...

desirusso · 09-09-2006, 03:33 PM

I definitely noticed a difference between having the sport and not. When I test drove the 330 non- zsp I hated it, everything about it, ride, seats, handling. I didn't like it so much I was considering the Acura TL instead. Then I drove the ZSP and loved it. We also have an 02 M3 so not having the sport was a big difference.

irowharderthanyou · 09-09-2006, 04:53 PM

I think some of you guys are confused about the suspension. On the sedan (with the exception of the xi), the sport package includes stiffer springs as well as different steering wheel, seats, wheels, and tires. On the coupe, every model gets the sport suspension and the sport package only adds steering wheel, seats, and wheels. Hope this helps.

sbw · 09-09-2006, 09:07 PM

If the Sport Package was a woman, I'd marry her!

I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooove the Sport steering wheel! And the Sport seats! And the Sport wheels! Drives like a dream!

irowharderthanyou · 09-09-2006, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbw

If the Sport Package was a woman, I'd marry her!

I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooove the Sport steering wheel! And the Sport seats! And the Sport wheels! Drives like a dream!

SBW, i LOVE your car. In my opinion, red is the best looking color for the e90. The sport package just sets it off! Drive well.

Saberwalk · 09-09-2006, 09:41 PM

I know this is sacrilege, but I hated the sports package. You will definitely notice the difference in handling. Sports package wins hands down. You will probably love the seats, though I found those vertical side panels (don't know what they are called) uncomfortable until I figured how to adjust them. Compared to the non-sports, the sports package was a dream (including the rims, which look a damn sight better)...that is until you hit your first bump.

I had read about this in several reviews so tested ZSP and non-ZSP 300i's on this concrete surfaced highway near the dealership. Some of the gaps have been filled with asphalt so it is somewhat consistently bumpy for a good five to seven mile stretch.

This was the closest I could replicate the streets of Washington, DC without actually driving there. Let me tell you that after testing out the ZSP at speeds between 50 and 75, I just felt bruised. You felt every bump. I also felt that the handling was really exilerating, but at the end what I remembered was the soreness.

Ultimately went with the 330xi non-ZSP, but that's another story.

zamboni · 09-10-2006, 01:49 AM

All E92 comes with sport suspension set up but if you need sport seats then you have to upgrade to sport package.

Boondoggler · 09-10-2006, 09:49 AM

The sport suspension with the larger rims and lower profile tires is a much firmer ride than the non-ZSP version, but the handling is significantly better. The only way to tell which you like better is to drive both. I personally love the M-Tech steering wheel, which is a mod you can only do inexpensively on a vehicle with the ZSP option as you have to replace the air bag to add the M-Tech wheel on a non ZSP car.

espo · 09-10-2006, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saberwalk

Ultimately went with the 330xi non-ZSP, but that's another story.

Yea, but the suspension on the ZSP and non-ZSP are the same for the xi...

You get the nice seats and stearing wheel though, which I thought was very worth it...

mkoesel · 09-10-2006, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irowharderthanyou

I think some of you guys are confused about the suspension. On the sedan (with the exception of the xi), the sport package includes stiffer springs as well as different steering wheel, seats, wheels, and tires. On the coupe, every model (with the exception of the xi) gets the sport suspension and the sport package only adds steering wheel, seats, and wheels. Hope this helps.

Small correction. I bolded it to show the addition.

tx330i · 09-10-2006, 11:39 AM

I live in Houston and most highways around here are concrete with expansion joints. I test drove a non sport and a sport. I liked the sport seats, but to be honest I barely noticed any difference in the steering wheels. The ride in the sport was definitely firm and I think I would have been tired of it after the first month or two. I'm sure the sport handles better, but the non-sport handles better than most cars around, and I don't burn my tires up taking corners as fast as I can.

I just drove to my parents house last weekend. Drove up 59-north to Livingston. Luckily we were in our suburban because I was thinking I would have hated to have my 330i (non-sport) on that road. It was bumpy! With a sport version, I would have probably abandoned 59 and headed for I-45.

So in summary: if you're into autocrossing and seeing how fast you can take corners, the sport is for you. You will definitely get a rougher ride. The non-sport is firm. The sport is rough (in my opinion). I do like the sport wheels over my non-sport wheels though.

my .02.

Robert

Fraggy · 09-10-2006, 11:46 AM

I drove a sport model last week, and I love the feel. The ride is smoother than my e46 with sport, hands down.

SoYank · 09-10-2006, 11:52 AM

I'm looking at the 2006 brochure and the sports package consists of:

[325i] Double spoke (sytling 161) light-alloy wheels, 17x8.0 front, 17x8.5 read; 225/45R-17 front, 255/40R-17 rear fun-flat performance tires.
[325xi] 17x8.0 Star spoke (styling 159) light-alloy wheels, 225/45R-17 run-flat all-season tires.
[330i] Star spoke (styling 162) light-alloy wheels, 18x8.0 front, 18x8.5 rear; 225/40R-18 front, 255/35R-18 rear run-flat performance tires.
[330xi] 17x8.0 star spoke (styling 1580 light-alloy wheels, 225/45R-17 all-season tires.

8-way manual adjustable front sport seats with adjustable back bolster, and 2-way headrest and thigh support (325i/325xi)
8-way power front sport seats with adjustable back bolsters, 2-way manual headrests and thigh support; driver memor for exterior mirror and seat positions. (325i/325xi/330i/330xi)
3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel with audio controls. (325i/325xi/330i/330xi)
Sport suspension calibration (325i/330i)

SapphireBlackG01 · 09-10-2006, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irowharderthanyou

I think some of you guys are confused about the suspension. On the sedan (with the exception of the xi), the sport package includes stiffer springs as well as different steering wheel, seats, wheels, and tires. On the coupe, every model gets the sport suspension and the sport package only adds steering wheel, seats, and wheels. Hope this helps.

Ding, ding ding. We have a winner.

Saberwalk · 09-10-2006, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by espo89

Yea, but the suspension on the ZSP and non-ZSP are the same for the xi...

You get the nice seats and stearing wheel though, which I thought was very worth it...

Must be the tires then. Aren't the ZSP tires 19 instead of 18? Don't know the answer, but there is a noticeable difference to my backside.

jmonier · 09-11-2006, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saberwalk

Must be the tires then. Aren't the ZSP tires 19 instead of 18? Don't know the answer, but there is a noticeable difference to my backside.

ZSP are 18 vs 17 std,

09-09-2006, 03:04 PM	#1
darkcloud Colonel 335 Rep 2,385 Posts Drives: 09 VW JSW Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: cleveland, oh iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	ZSP v. Non-ZSP I know this has probably been posted too many times to count but I really couldn't find the answers I was looking for through searching. Anyways, are the only difference between having ZSP and not are rims/tires, springs, and the mph limiter?? I couldn't bring myself to getting the ZSP package because I wasn't too thrilled with the rims it came with, nor did I want 17' rims being my winter rims. I'm getting rims I like more on my own obviously. MPH limiter can easily be changed. My main question is for the guys who have driven both cars. I have not but I want the sport springs for the drop. I don't want to spend 1K on coilovers. Do the sport springs compromise the ride quality and comfort a lot or is it barely noticable? I got my new car partly for those reasons and don't want to turn my new car back into the bumpy annoying ride I had from my lowered celica I used to have. I don't think I could install these myself, so how much would a stealership charge me? Any help would be greatly appreciated.... Garrett __________________ retired 06 E90 325i New: 09 VW Platinum Grey Jetta Sportwagen 2.0T SEL w/DSG, panoramic sunroof and Ipod adapter
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

09-09-2006, 03:07 PM	#2
klaxian Private 0 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 07 BMW 335i cp, 04 Honda S2000 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Upstate NY iTrader: (0)	As far as I know, the sport package does not change the springs/suspension. It includes: rims, increased speed limiter MPH, and sport seats. Correct me if I'm wrong guys.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2006, 03:17 PM	#3
darkcloud Colonel 335 Rep 2,385 Posts Drives: 09 VW JSW Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: cleveland, oh iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I was under the impression the sport springs were different but the overall suspension was the same. Anyone? __________________ retired 06 E90 325i New: 09 VW Platinum Grey Jetta Sportwagen 2.0T SEL w/DSG, panoramic sunroof and Ipod adapter
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2006, 03:19 PM	#4
oneshare325 Brigadier General 199 Rep 4,178 Posts Drives: E90 325i, E82 135i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Arlington, VA iTrader: (11) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00]	different steering wheel also the suspension is different!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2006, 03:28 PM	#6
DFW_M Major General 1671 Rep 6,589 Posts Drives: Macan GTS Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (4)	As for the feel difference -- huge. I would never get a non ZSP 325/330. It is floaty and more lux feeling -- I had a non-ZSP 6MT for the weekend prior to purchasing mine. Also, the seats in the ZSP are much better, The steering-wheel look nicer. As for the rims and speed limiter -- I don't care about it -- you can always switch the rims. I am sure you can switch the suspension and springs. But the seats are super expensive to do after market -- BMW quoted to my buddy $4700 per seat!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2006, 03:28 PM	#7
Chesmu Brigadier General 89 Rep 3,011 Posts Drives: 2013 X6 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Phoenix,AZ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	there is a definite firmness to the sport suspension. th enon-sport is not "bouncy" but not as firm. I like the firmer feel, so to me it's not uncomfortable, though I know it has bothered other people. THe steering wheel is vastly different, and is a huge improvement over non-sport. and yes, the sport seats are very nice... __________________ "Teach the ignorant. Ignore the stupid."
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2006, 03:33 PM	#8
desirusso Private First Class 22 Rep 100 Posts Drives: 06 E90 SG Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I definitely noticed a difference between having the sport and not. When I test drove the 330 non- zsp I hated it, everything about it, ride, seats, handling. I didn't like it so much I was considering the Acura TL instead. Then I drove the ZSP and loved it. We also have an 02 M3 so not having the sport was a big difference. __________________ 2019 X5 M Sport Alpine White Coffee interior , Matt trim
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2006, 04:53 PM	#9
irowharderthanyou Private First Class 25 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 330i TiAg Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	I think some of you guys are confused about the suspension. On the sedan (with the exception of the xi), the sport package includes stiffer springs as well as different steering wheel, seats, wheels, and tires. On the coupe, every model gets the sport suspension and the sport package only adds steering wheel, seats, and wheels. Hope this helps. __________________ 2006 330i TiAg - Beige, Step, ZPP, ZCP, Sat. Prep.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2006, 09:07 PM	#10
sbw Ultimate Driver 35 Rep 368 Posts Drives: 2015 Porsche Cayman Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	If the Sport Package was a woman, I'd marry her! I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooove the Sport steering wheel! And the Sport seats! And the Sport wheels! Drives like a dream! Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2006, 09:41 PM	#12
Saberwalk Private 27 Rep 88 Posts Drives: 2018 RWD DCT M2 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Rockville, MD iTrader: (0)	Hated the Sports Package I know this is sacrilege, but I hated the sports package. You will definitely notice the difference in handling. Sports package wins hands down. You will probably love the seats, though I found those vertical side panels (don't know what they are called) uncomfortable until I figured how to adjust them. Compared to the non-sports, the sports package was a dream (including the rims, which look a damn sight better)...that is until you hit your first bump. I had read about this in several reviews so tested ZSP and non-ZSP 300i's on this concrete surfaced highway near the dealership. Some of the gaps have been filled with asphalt so it is somewhat consistently bumpy for a good five to seven mile stretch. This was the closest I could replicate the streets of Washington, DC without actually driving there. Let me tell you that after testing out the ZSP at speeds between 50 and 75, I just felt bruised. You felt every bump. I also felt that the handling was really exilerating, but at the end what I remembered was the soreness. Ultimately went with the 330xi non-ZSP, but that's another story.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-10-2006, 01:49 AM	#13
zamboni I want to drive a Zamboni 1131 Rep 5,557 Posts Drives: 13 E93 M3 18 F80 M3 16 K71 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Monte Sereno, CA iTrader: (7) Garage List 16 K71 F800GT [10.00] 2018 F80 M3 [10.00] 2013 BMW E93 M3 [10.00]	All E92 comes with sport suspension set up but if you need sport seats then you have to upgrade to sport package. __________________ 18 F80 Imola Red 6MT 16 K71 F800GT Montego Blue 13 E93 M3 Melbourne Red 2000 E46,2006 E90,09 E82,13 E93 328i,14 F30 335i,18 F80 M3 My next vehicle would be a Zamboni
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-10-2006, 09:49 AM	#14
Boondoggler Lieutenant 72 Rep 402 Posts Drives: 2023 G01 LCI X3 M40i Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lawrenceville, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2016 340i xDrive [6.50]	The sport suspension with the larger rims and lower profile tires is a much firmer ride than the non-ZSP version, but the handling is significantly better. The only way to tell which you like better is to drive both. I personally love the M-Tech steering wheel, which is a mod you can only do inexpensively on a vehicle with the ZSP option as you have to replace the air bag to add the M-Tech wheel on a non ZSP car. __________________ 2023 G01 LCI X3 M40i My Garage \| Phytonic Blue \| Black Sensatec \| Carbon Fiber Trim \| Parking \| Premium \| Remote \| Wireless \| Harmon Kardon \| 19" 887M Bi-color Midnight Grey
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-10-2006, 11:39 AM	#17
tx330i Private 5 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Katy, TX iTrader: (1)	I live in Houston and most highways around here are concrete with expansion joints. I test drove a non sport and a sport. I liked the sport seats, but to be honest I barely noticed any difference in the steering wheels. The ride in the sport was definitely firm and I think I would have been tired of it after the first month or two. I'm sure the sport handles better, but the non-sport handles better than most cars around, and I don't burn my tires up taking corners as fast as I can. I just drove to my parents house last weekend. Drove up 59-north to Livingston. Luckily we were in our suburban because I was thinking I would have hated to have my 330i (non-sport) on that road. It was bumpy! With a sport version, I would have probably abandoned 59 and headed for I-45. So in summary: if you're into autocrossing and seeing how fast you can take corners, the sport is for you. You will definitely get a rougher ride. The non-sport is firm. The sport is rough (in my opinion). I do like the sport wheels over my non-sport wheels though. my .02. Robert __________________ '06 330i Alpine White
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-10-2006, 11:46 AM	#18
Fraggy Brigadier General 193 Rep 3,469 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: San Diego iTrader: (11)	I drove a sport model last week, and I love the feel. The ride is smoother than my e46 with sport, hands down.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-10-2006, 11:52 AM	#19
SoYank Major General 571 Rep 7,519 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 335i MT Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Vinton, Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW E90 335i S ... [9.00]	I'm looking at the 2006 brochure and the sports package consists of: [325i] Double spoke (sytling 161) light-alloy wheels, 17x8.0 front, 17x8.5 read; 225/45R-17 front, 255/40R-17 rear fun-flat performance tires. [325xi] 17x8.0 Star spoke (styling 159) light-alloy wheels, 225/45R-17 run-flat all-season tires. [330i] Star spoke (styling 162) light-alloy wheels, 18x8.0 front, 18x8.5 rear; 225/40R-18 front, 255/35R-18 rear run-flat performance tires. [330xi] 17x8.0 star spoke (styling 1580 light-alloy wheels, 225/45R-17 all-season tires. 8-way manual adjustable front sport seats with adjustable back bolster, and 2-way headrest and thigh support (325i/325xi) 8-way power front sport seats with adjustable back bolsters, 2-way manual headrests and thigh support; driver memor for exterior mirror and seat positions. (325i/325xi/330i/330xi) 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel with audio controls. (325i/325xi/330i/330xi) Sport suspension calibration (325i/330i) __________________ **2009 E90 335i Montego Blue · Black Leather · Burl Walnut · 6MT · US Spec** SatNav • ZPP • ZCW • 6FL • TPMS • iDrive • PDC • HWS • Xenons • BMW Assist • Power Rear Sunshade • Logic 7 European Taillights • Rear Foglamp • OEM Alarm • PicoTray • DataToys XM-DVR • Multi-view Processor Quaife ATB LSD • Short Shift Knob • Hartge Anti-Roll Bars • AP Racing Front Brakes • 19" Style 269
	Appreciate 0 Quote