E46 Tow Vehicle

[bimmer nut]

This is not a trick photo, yes I really tow a deep V boat with my Convertible E46 ZHP. And it does a great job. Nice stiff suspension.

[genphreak]

Nice one Ed! I bet it does a better job than most SUVs... esp if things ever get hairy on the highway!

[bimmer nut]

Better fuel economy too.

I was worried about the tongue weight, but with the ZHP's stiff suspension, it really don't move much. And because the ZHP is geared lower, it pulls great.

[TechnoWeeny]

Nice to see someone with a classy tow vehicle

[shogun]

That is a piece of cake for the E46, have seen E46 with larger pleasure boats on the hook. In case you have a auto transmission, make sure the trans fluid is not getting too hot, some people therefore install external/additional trans fluid coolers. High temperature is not good for transmissions.
http://www.aautomotive.co.nz/tips-ad...il-cooler.html

[mattyb]

real noice

[whiskychaser]

Had to search for 'ZHP' but it turns out to be what is called a 'Sport' here. Spec is very similar to my own car though mine is not a soft top. I wouldnt want to tow with it but it is more than capable. IMHO, much better suited than some tall 4x4 which is easily flipped by a trailer

[Bill R.]

I'd hate to use that e46 to launch with though

[bimmer nut]

It's a breeze to launch the boat with. It is a manual tranny. You know we bimmer nuts are not real fond of the slushies. 4 of five in my family drive manual tranny. And 4 of five are girls/women.

ZHP is the Performance Package on the E46. One notch above the sport package and one notch below the M3. Essentially it has the M suspension, and not the M engine. It has an upgraded 330 engine, different camshaft. A couple more HP, that's all, but still nice. It has a great sound and with the soft top it can really be heard. I love it, too bad it's wifey's car! As a convertible, me and my 6'4" frame fit very well. Lots of headroom, no sunroof!

They came out with the ZHP on the e46 because they never did a 4 door E46 M3. This was what they offered in it's place. And they offered it on the 2 door and vertible as well.

[Bill R.]

I didn't think it would lack the power to do it, i was more concerned about backing my car into the lake/ocean depending on the type of boat ramps you guys have and how deep the vee is on your boat. With our trucks here we have to back pretty far into the water to unload...