Yes. I did a great deal of research on this ZHP before I bought it, and I drove a couple of comparable year M3s (and Ive driven other M3s over the years). I dont regret the ZHP one bit. It is a free handling, high revving car that work great...
the M3 is heavier feeling, MUCH faster straight line (4.9 to 60 vs. 5.5 to 60 for a ZHP) but they require much more maintanance... cost much more to maintain... require special oil etc. high maintainance for what....? a bit faster straight ahead and the honor of driving an M3? not worth it, especially when it breaks down....
The ZHP is a fast, fun, free wheeling car that is not as heavy feeling as an M3...
If straight power is what you want, go M3, but if you want a real world car that is uber fun to drive...with far less maintanance....check out the ZHP...
Id suggest that you drive both models and make your choice... for LA daily traffic, the ZHP is a much better choice for me...
your mechanic needs to know that there is a huge difference between normal 330 and ZHP models...
Im not alone in choosing the ZHP over the M3....see this thread for more:
Handling: 330Ci ZHP vs. M3 - Page 3 - BMW M3 Forum.com (E30 M3 | E36 M3 | E46 M3 | E92 M3)
that said, the M3 is amazing car...just not a better daily driver than the ZHP. It is plenty quick enough, rides with feel and the steering and brakes are amazing.