New Recruit in Portland, OR

[Lublisha]

Hello to all,

Hello to all! Name is Shaun. Been searching far and wide for my first ZHP and have found myself clicking around on this site more and more often. Currently in a 2011 335d. Look forward to getting acquainted!

[ELCID86]

Welcome. Happy hunting. Have you driven one? Would like a comparison with the 335d.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - an e46fanatic

[BMWCurves]

Welcome, Shaun! You'll like it here, everyone's incredibly helpful.

Where in Portland are you located?

EDIT: Post pics of your 335d! It's the only E90 that intrigues me besides the M3.

[san]

Welcome! Good luck on your search


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Lublisha]

Hope those attached alright. Exact location is just West in Hillsboro. As for the ZHP, I've only driven a couple. Hoping to end up in a Ti Silver, Silver Gray or white sedan. Both cars are fantastic in my opinion. The torque in the diesel is borderline obnoxious, but makes for a lot of fun driving in the city. and it goes without saying that the 40+mpg on the freeway is nice. I've only gotten in little 5-10minute test drive sessions in the ZHP, but the car feels damn incredible in the corners, and made me realize how much I missed a car sounding like a car. And as time goes on, the e46 just keeps looking better.



24028

24030

[Vas]

Welcome

[fredo]

Welcome. Nice color on your 335d.

[ZacharyMikel]

I'm curious to know if the newer e90 chassis really feels that much different than the e46 cars. I figured they were fairly similar.

Sent from my SGP561 using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Hope those attached alright. Exact location is just West in Hillsboro. As for the ZHP, I've only driven a couple. Hoping to end up in a Ti Silver, Silver Gray or white sedan. Both cars are fantastic in my opinion. The torque in the diesel is borderline obnoxious, but makes for a lot of fun driving in the city. and it goes without saying that the 40+mpg on the freeway is nice. I've only gotten in little 5-10minute test drive sessions in the ZHP, but the car feels damn incredible in the corners, and made me realize how much I missed a car sounding like a car. And as time goes on, the e46 just keeps looking better.

Looks good :thumbsup

Why do you say the torque is obnoxious in your car? I would think it would make for very easy city driving/overtaking.

What are your other preferences apart from Titanium Silver/Silver Gray/Alpine White exterior color and sedan? Manual/Auto? Miles? Packages/Options? Budget?

I'll keep my eyes peeled for you, locally. I live closer in to town and I know there is at least two Silver Gray sedans (both manuals), a black sedan (manual), an Alpine White sedan (automatic), an Imola sedan (automatic), an Imola coupe, two Sparkling Graphite coupes (both manuals), a TiAg coupe (my father's), an Orient Blue coupe (mine), and a few others I can't remember in the area. Maybe if you see them and pester the owners enough they'll sell to you, excluding me and my father :p

[Lublisha]

Looks good :thumbsup

Why do you say the torque is obnoxious in your car? I would think it would make for very easy city driving/overtaking.

What are your other preferences apart from Titanium Silver/Silver Gray/Alpine White exterior color and sedan? Manual/Auto? Miles? Packages/Options? Budget?

I'll keep my eyes peeled for you, locally. I live closer in to town and I know there is at least two Silver Gray sedans (both manuals), a black sedan (manual), an Alpine White sedan (automatic), an Imola sedan (automatic), an Imola coupe, two Sparkling Graphite coupes (both manuals), a TiAg coupe (my father's), an Orient Blue coupe (mine), and a few others I can't remember in the area. Maybe if you see them and pester the owners enough they'll sell to you, excluding me and my father :p

Thanks! I meant obnoxious in a good way. That instant acceleration just feels almost comical compared to other cars I've driven. The most critical things aside from color for me are leather heated seats. Preferable gray interior (which I've noticed isn't the case with most people), but most colors are fine. sunroof, Full CW package is a plus. A 6 speed would be nice, but either will do as I know I will save a pretty penny by going Auto. I'd go as high as 120k miles, just depends on the price. Checking out a fully loaded Titanium Silver this weekend actually! just found it today

[RITmusic2k]

Greetings from a fellow Hilsboro resident! I'm on the other side though, bordering Beaverton. Your 335d looks quite nice, but I wish you all the luck in your ZHP search!

[BMWCurves]

Thanks! I meant obnoxious in a good way. That instant acceleration just feels almost comical compared to other cars I've driven. The most critical things aside from color for me are leather heated seats. Preferable gray interior (which I've noticed isn't the case with most people), but most colors are fine. sunroof, Full CW package is a plus. A 6 speed would be nice, but either will do as I know I will save a pretty penny by going Auto. I'd go as high as 120k miles, just depends on the price. Checking out a fully loaded Titanium Silver this weekend actually! just found it today

Yup, a gray leather interior tends to be less preferred so that works in your favor. Any link to the car you're seeing this weekend? I would say go and see it today or tomorrow if you can. Good condition ZHPs go fast. When I originally spotted the ZHP I would eventually buy it was on Craigslist and while the ad was only 2 hours old, when I called I was third in line to go see it.

At any rate, good luck!

[Cadeez]

Always great to have another member from the PNW, or Portland metro area to be more specific, welcome! I live in Tanasbourne so I'm on the border of Beaverton & Hillsboro, sounds like there's a few of us close by. Good luck in your ZHP hunt!

[Lublisha]

Always great to have another member from the PNW, or Portland metro area to be more specific, welcome! I live in Tanasbourne so I'm on the border of Beaverton & Hillsboro, sounds like there's a few of us close by. Good luck in your ZHP hunt!

I'm actually right there too! Just on the Hillsboro side of 185th. Didn't realize there was so many members right here.

Here's the car I'm checking out. Black interior. 117k miles. Auto. Any advice on value? Very Dirty, but looks nice underneath it

24032

[BMWCurves]

Did you like it? Did you take it for a test drive? Does the owner have any maintenance history (with paperwork)? Important items to have done by that mileage include but are not limited to:

Cooling system refresh (hoses, expansion tank, water pump, thermostat, etc.). Very important.
Suspension work (bushings, shocks/struts, possibly control arms)
Fluids (motor oil, differential oil, power steering fluid, transmission oil [not sure about this with automatics], etc.)
Spark plugs
Filters (fuel, cabin air, intake)
VANOS seals (I'm not really sure on the mileage for these)
DISA rebuild/replacement (again, not sure on mileage but is common maintenance by members here)
Gaskets if there were/are oil leaks (oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, etc)

I guess my last question is does it have everything you would want? There are plenty of ZHPs out there so I personally think a buyer shouldn't jump at the first okay ZHP they see. Will you be okay with an automatic transmission, or do you secretly, deep down, prefer a manual? Only you can decide that. I spent over six months searching for a ZHP before I found the one I have now.

At the end of the day though, if this ticks all the right boxes for you, then I would move forward with a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) at a mechanic of your choosing.

How much is the seller asking for it, if you don't mind me asking?

[Oli77]

Welcome and good luck with your search.

You screen name make me think of a Serbian Ljubo.

[danewilson77]

Welcome

Sent from an S6 Edge

[Vas]

Any more pictures ?

[johnrando]

Welcome!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Lublisha]

I'll post more pictures tomorrow when they get me pics of the cleaned up car. It's a dealership car, just taken in. Haven't heard back on maintenance records, but carfax shows a few of those items (control arm bushings, hoses). It's an '05. Alcantara on steering wheel is in bad shape. I haven't actually gone up to it yet, have to hold of due to work, but I'm hoping to get into it for around 6500-7k.

Most recently I just missed out on shipping a 6 speed silver gray over from NC. Had about the same miles with an asking price of 8k. Too slow I guess

[Cadeez]

I'm actually right there too! Just on the Hillsboro side of 185th. Didn't realize there was so many members right here.

Here's the car I'm checking out. Black interior. 117k miles. Auto. Any advice on value? Very Dirty, but looks nice underneath it

24032

Crazy, sounds like we're almost neighbors! I'm right by Old Chicago. There's a couple of us out here, but not much activity. I like the ZHP prospect, looks like it's got some nasty clear bra on the front, hopefully it's still available when you're ready. I take it it's up in WA? Let me know if you need any local help

[Lublisha]

Crazy, sounds like we're almost neighbors! I'm right by Old Chicago. There's a couple of us out here, but not much activity. I like the ZHP prospect, looks like it's got some nasty clear bra on the front, hopefully it's still available when you're ready. I take it it's up in WA? Let me know if you need any local help

Yeah that's like.... a mile from me. They ended up not sending me pictures and send a video instead. It's got two decent sized dings in the hood. and minor rash on the wheels, but aside from that everything looked as it should. I'm looking for this car as a daily driver, so it being absolutely immaculate isn't the most important (though I'd probably fix the dings.). Unrelated, but which indy is preferred in the area? I do some of my own work but for those larger repairs.

[BMWCurves]

I've been going to Sebastian at Autobahn Motorwerks over in Beaverton. He's a good guy.

[Lublisha]

I've been going to Sebastian at Autobahn Motorwerks over in Beaverton. He's a good guy.
Thanks for the tip. Called them about a PPI price today. Totally reasonable.

The car however, was not pretty. Seemed to drive fine, but it looked like it had been hit (rear bumper was partially folded over rear panels). The quest continues

[oldzilla]

Welcome, and good luck with the search.

[Vas]

Good luck.

[Cadeez]

I've been going to Sebastian at Autobahn Motorwerks over in Beaverton. He's a good guy.

+1 I've heard good things about that place. I go to Autohaus Bayern right off 217 & Canyon by the Target, Darby is the man. Great guys and great work


Thanks for the tip. Called them about a PPI price today. Totally reasonable.

The car however, was not pretty. Seemed to drive fine, but it looked like it had been hit (rear bumper was partially folded over rear panels). The quest continues

Bummer man, on to the next I guess... I'm on craigslist pretty regularly looking for another ZHP, came across a few. I'm sure you've seen these already but...
http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/5409376382.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/5423202194.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/5425103792.html

[johnrando]

Hey, long time!

[BMWCurves]

+1 I've heard good things about that place. I go to Autohaus Bayern right off 217 & Canyon by the Target, Darby is the man. Great guys and great work

Bummer man, on to the next I guess... I'm on craigslist pretty regularly looking for another ZHP, came across a few. I'm sure you've seen these already but...
http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/5409376382.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/5423202194.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/5425103792.html

He was the closest BMW specialist near the seller of my car so I went to him for a PPI and I've gone back to him ever since. He's a great guy, it's just him and one other mechanic I think but he knows his stuff. I can call and ask him a question if I'm doing my work and he'll take 5 mins out of his time to explain stuff. Highly recommend. I have driven by Autohaus but never been in, glad they do good business.

[Cadeez]

Hey, long time!
Haha yep! I'm still kicking around here from time to time :) Good to see ya Johnny


He was the closest BMW specialist near the seller of my car so I went to him for a PPI and I've gone back to him ever since. He's a great guy, it's just him and one other mechanic I think but he knows his stuff. I can call and ask him a question if I'm doing my work and he'll take 5 mins out of his time to explain stuff. Highly recommend. I have driven by Autohaus but never been in, glad they do good business.

A good buddy of mine is selling his E90 Touring 6 spd, super nice car, and he said the buyer wanted to take it to Autobahn Motorworks for the PPI. That was yesterday, and I'd never heard of this place before then, but my buddy said the guy was super cool and knowledgeable and he'd definitely go back. I do 95% of my own work, it's rare that I need to go to a shop, but it does happen, so it's good to know there's another good local shop around. I've also heard very good things about Boyd Motor Werks. But they're way out in NE off Sandy, quite a ways for us Beaverton boys. They are always at the BMW CCA meets, sponsoring, etc.

[Lublisha]

Bummer man, on to the next I guess... I'm on craigslist pretty regularly looking for another ZHP, came across a few. I'm sure you've seen these already but...
http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/5409376382.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/5423202194.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/5425103792.html

I appreciate it! I may be checking out that 136k sedan this weekend. looks pretty clean to me.

[Cadeez]

I appreciate it! I may be checking out that 136k sedan this weekend. looks pretty clean to me.

Best of luck! If the condition is as good as the ad says, for that price, with nav, you can't go wrong. Same color as my last ZHP, brings back fond memories haha. Hopefully it's cleaner than the last one

[BMWCurves]

Best of luck! Hopefully it's cleaner than the last one

+1

[3ZHP]

Welcome!

[BMWCurves]

Sent you a PM about one in Portland

[Lublisha]

Finally officially joined 135k 6mt silver/black leather all options without nav. Purchase was dependent on a PPI so the car is with sebastien at autobahn. Hopefully I don't have to take the car back to tacoma haha

24940

[fredo]

Car looks good ! Hope the PPI goes fine.

[Vas]

Fingers crossed

[Lublisha]

Fingers crossed

Me too, last one fell through. It's super clean, and there's a lot of maintenance in the carfax, but it''s non specific.

[BMWCurves]

Good luck, you should be in good hands at Autobahn. I might see it there tomorrow if it's still there in the morning (I'm picking mine up from him).

[Lublisha]

Good luck, you should be in good hands at Autobahn. I might see it there tomorrow if it's still there in the morning (I'm picking mine up from him).

you probably will see it :D. I plan on picking it up around 1 tomorrow

[Lublisha]

All is well. needs tires and the sunroof will need some love at some point. But pretty much it was love at first sight and there would have had to have been some pretty big issues for me to let her go. Now for phase two which is sell the diesel.



249622496324964

[BMWCurves]

Congrats! And nice meeting you at Autobahn today, hope it all goes well

[Vas]

Congrats.

[fw_fw]

Awesome!

[Lublisha]

Congrats! And nice meeting you at Autobahn today, hope it all goes well
Good to meet you too! Your cars a real gem.


And thanks everyone, glad to finally look at more than the classifieds on the site. Any good place to start?

[fredo]

Project Thread, of course :

Projects (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?48-Projects)

[BMWCurves]

Project Thread, of course :

Projects (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?48-Projects)

+1

And click the "new posts" button at the top to see what other threads members are posting in.

[ELCID86]

+1

And click the "new posts" button at the top to see what other threads members are posting in.

Yep. I mainly use the "new posts". I like it better in the Tapatalk app b/c you get a preview of the latest post.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - anonymous

[Cadeez]

Congrats on the purchase! Looks like a nice one, hope it works out for you

[egiles14]

Congratulations on getting your car...it looks great! I do notice the trunk is missing the original VIN sticker. I'm guessing the trunk was repainted for some reason?



Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[Lublisha]

Congratulations on getting your car...it looks great! I do notice the trunk is missing the original VIN sticker. I'm guessing the trunk was repainted for some reason?



Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Well if it was they did a really good job. Didn't even notice that was missing. Kinda bummed lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Cadeez]

All is well. needs tires and the sunroof will need some love at some point. But pretty much it was love at first sight and there would have had to have been some pretty big issues for me to let her go. Now for phase two which is sell the diesel.



249622496324964

I recognize those apts! Everything checking out after a couple weeks of ownership? Any fun first ZHP purchases or maint done?

[Lublisha]

I recognize those apts! Everything checking out after a couple weeks of ownership? Any fun first ZHP purchases or maint done?

Currently just taking it on my two mile drive to work and back while I wait for my tires to show up and for DMV to call me so I can register it. Once I register it, Kuni BMW will release all the maintenance records to me to me so I can see where I'm at. To my knowledge all seems well except the car being slow to warm up, so the cooling system overhaul is probably occurring shortly. Should be interesting because I in no way boast much skill as a mechanic. I plan on starting a maintenance thread once my trial by fire begins. I did however splash a little cash on some gloss black kidneys and some original owners manuals (just like to have them).

Oh did I mention I've never been so obsessed with a car as I am with my ZHP?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

I had only basic maintenance under my belt before I tackled the cooling system last May. It's really not bad at all if you have all the right tools. Just read up on it, take your time, and it'll go well.

[Lublisha]

I had only basic maintenance under my belt before I tackled the cooling system last May. It's really not bad at all if you have all the right tools. Just read up on it, take your time, and it'll go well.

Been obsessively researching it and finding best pricing for the kit components. The task itself doesn't seem too bad (I'm a machinist by trade, so pulling things apart and using tools is no issue), but everyone's opinion seems to vary on just what all exactly needs replacing, and what should be OEM aside from the expansion tank and cap


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BMWCurves]

Sounds like you're set on background. I have the TMS kit in mine but if I were to do it again, I would pick and choose parts and source them from the cheapest sellers. For my sister's 330Xi refresh I'm doing in the next couple weeks, these are the parts and brands I suggested:

Radiator (Behr) - 17119071518
Expansion tank (OEM) - 17117573781
Expansion tank cap (BMW) - E46 - 17117639022 (2.0 bar) or E30 - 17137639023 (1.4 bar)
Expansion tank mounting clamp (BMW) - 17111707777
Water pump (BMW) - 11517509985
Thermostat (Mahle) - 11537509227
Upper radiator hose (Rein) - 17127510952
Lower radiator hose (BMW) - 11531436408
Coolant temperature sensor/auxiliary fan switch (BMW) - 13621433077
Coolant level sensor (BMW) - 17137553919
Coolant (BMW, 1 gallon) - 82141467704

Note: don't pay attention to the part numbers, since this is a 330Xi and might not fit yours. Also, I picked the Rein upper radiator hose because the price difference was a lot larger between it and BMW, but was smaller for the lower hose. I have Rein hoses in my car from the Turner kit so I feel comfortable with that brand.

[Cadeez]

Currently just taking it on my two mile drive to work and back while I wait for my tires to show up and for DMV to call me so I can register it. Once I register it, Kuni BMW will release all the maintenance records to me to me so I can see where I'm at. To my knowledge all seems well except the car being slow to warm up, so the cooling system overhaul is probably occurring shortly. Should be interesting because I in no way boast much skill as a mechanic. I plan on starting a maintenance thread once my trial by fire begins. I did however splash a little cash on some gloss black kidneys and some original owners manuals (just like to have them).

Oh did I mention I've never been so obsessed with a car as I am with my ZHP?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Haha nothing wrong with a little obsessiveness! Black kidneys FTW. Sounds like your drive to work is just like mine, I've got about 1.6 miles to cover. Granted I've been tinkering with BMW's for a while now, but these are the easiest cars you will ever work on. Everything makes sense, it was built to be taken apart, unlike all of my other vehicles. I've torn all of my BMW's down quite a bit and never had any issues getting them back together, so if you ever need anything (tools, advice, help, etc) don't hesitate to call. I'm nearby and chances are I've already done the job in question.


Been obsessively researching it and finding best pricing for the kit components. The task itself doesn't seem too bad (I'm a machinist by trade, so pulling things apart and using tools is no issue), but everyone's opinion seems to vary on just what all exactly needs replacing, and what should be OEM aside from the expansion tank and cap


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

OEM vs aftermarket is up to your personal preference. Unless you're having serious overheating issues, or have a leaky radiator, etc, I'd say one of the two kits below is all you will need for a cooling refresh. And for ~$300 it's a steal

https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Engine/Cooling/ES263518/
https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Engine/Cooling/ES2063861/

However if you want the full meal deal, this is it...
https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Engine/Cooling/ES2228846/

[Lublisha]

Getting off work at 1:30am gives me a lot of time to just stare at the computer screen matching prices. I really try to achieve the minimums for free shipping while getting the best prices. So far the outcomes have been as such:

Amazon:
OEM Expansion Tank: $75.95 link (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009CCHT3S?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=A3PYAOWTBWJ7AZ)
Behr Radiator: $133.51 link (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007HO53T0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=A3TZ17P9C9C3UR)
Total $209.46

Eeuroparts.com
Wahler Thermostat: $56.49 link (http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/9833/Engine-Coolant-Thermostat-97-Deg-11537509227/)
Rein Upper Radiator Hose: $28.74 link (http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/28737/Engine-Coolant-Hose-Upper-17127510952/)
Rein lower radiator hose: $25.49 link (http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/28736/Engine-Coolant-Hose-Lower-11531436408/)
Expansion Tank Mounting Plate(This may be overkill?): $59.49 link (http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/28610/Expansion-Tank-Mounting-Plate-17111436250/)
Shipping: $1.99
Coupon: -$25.00
Total: $147.20
Admittedly these aren't the best prices, but I have a $25 code for my first purchase from the website of more than $99(got this after purchasing the kidney grilles off of ebay) so it's definitely the best deal for me.

AutohausAZ.com
Behr Expansion Tank cap (listed as OE so I think this will work) $9.98 link (http://www.autohausaz.com/pn/17111742231)
Saleri Water Pump $50.73 (Seems like this was oem in some people's cars. Very good reviews from what I've seen.) link (http://www.autohausaz.com/pn/11517527910)
OEM Mounting Clamp: $6.69 link (http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pn.aspx?sku=18231346-17111707777&vehicle=2005%20BMW%20330I%20E46&brand=Genuine%20BMW&utm_source=google&utm_medium=nonpaid&utm_campaign=froogleSKU_BMW&gclid=CPPk_OmY2MsCFQslvQod8pMIpg)
Coolant: $25.45 link (http://www.autohausaz.com/pn/82141467704)
OEM coolant temp sensor: $13.90 link (http://www.autohausaz.com/pn/13621433076OE)
OEM coolant level sensor $14.91 link (http://www.autohausaz.com/pn/17117506601)
Total: $121.65
Grand Total: $478.31 or about $421 without the mounting plate.

My main question is when it comes to all the belts and pulleys. how essential is it to do these as well at the same time? It seems this is where there is the most variation in kits and tutorials. Better off to do them all at once, or save for later? Like I said before, the only thing I'm really noticing is that the car is very slow to warm, other than that, I really don't have any non sunroof related issues

[Cadeez]

That is quite the list! Looks like a full day of fun right there.

With the exception of the tensioner pulley, the idler pulleys and belts are pretty inexpensive. For me, it's one of those "while I'm in there" sort of jobs. For the small added cost, while you've got everything already torn apart, it doesn't make sense NOT to do it. Again, my personal opinion. Or you could even go one step further and get the TMS power pulley set, which I have, then you'll have a nice set of aluminum underdrive pulleys to go along with your cooling refresh. Every time I buy a new vehicle, I immediately do ALL of the maint items so I know everything is all fresh and new. So belts and pulleys would definitely fall into that category for me...along with plugs, filters, fluids, hoses, clean DISA & ICV, and a laundry list of other wear items

[rcwells]

Congrats on your car man! Look forward to seeing the refreshing.