WTB: 04-05 330i ZHP Sedan - Help Badger pick his ZHP

[UdubBadger]

My lease is in the process of being assumed as of today so I have about 21 days to find a new car.

I won't lie, I'm also looking at E91 wagons and A4 Avants but my heart still says a ZHP is a really good choice to give me what I need: a little more space to haul the dog and photo equipment/ a fun car to enjoy and satisfy my need for a sports car/sedan. So I'm calling on the family to help me find a ZHP before I have to take the wagon option.

Sooooo... here is what I need out of a ZHP to make it work:


Cold Weather Package - must have it, no questions (and not just heated seats). My stuff won't just fit in the trunk all the time so I need the fold down rear seats or else it's WAGON TIME.


Under 100k miles - the lower the better obviously and I'm willing to pay for a bit less miles (maintenance history would be nice and clean carfax/autocheck too)


Under $17,000ish I know its tight but I also know it can be done. I'm gonna have to pay for a few of my own things for the car like winter tires and any items that need refreshing like the steering wheel and shift knob (tax and possibly even shipping too) so I need to keep costs down or else there is no reason for me to get rid of my 135i in the 1st place.


2005 very much preferred, 2004 acceptable, no 2003's - because of the loans I need a 2005 to make a 5 yr loan by my bank, if not I go 4 yrs on an '04 and my payments could actually be higher than the '05 depending on its price. '03 I'm just thinking it's a bit too old but again, if its a steller deal in pristine condition... maybe I guess.


After that, the plus's include:
-BMW Assist/Bluetooth (if it doesn't have it I'll have to add something aftermarket)
-Extras like iPod hookups, angel eyes and any mods.
-Colors preferred: 1.Imola Red 2.Silver Grey 3.TiAg 4.Alpine White 5. Mystic Blue 6. All others - would love to avoid black unless its the perfect car/deal.

Thank you all for your help in finding me a car. I've seen a few on here already as well as posting a few myself. Just want to make sure I search every corner of the globe for the right car as I'll probably be keeping it a while.

-Badger

[UdubBadger]

I'll just post this one up now to save time... I love it but not sure it's the right DEAL in terms of mileage, price and location (would need to ship it).

http://www.maverickcarcompany.com/vehicle-details/189d8bad9cd86a47a60c70b71af31536/default.html

[Hermes]

I like that one you posted earlier. I'll see what I can find, hopefully we can find one for you soon

[UdubBadger]

also adding fullybalanced's zhp to my list

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?5892-For-Sale-2004-BMW-330-ZHP-Imola-Red-sedan-59.9k-miles-as-close-to-perfect-as-you-will-find-period.

[UdubBadger]

I also need to throw this one in the mix

http://www.bellaudi.com/used/BMW/2005-BMW-330-f0b72dd10a0d0669016feec009c1cd56.htm

[brettbimmer]

^ Car listed with Bell Audi is Steptronic. Did you have a transmission preference?

[UdubBadger]

^ Car listed with Bell Audi is Steptronic. Did you have a transmission preference?

I'd like a 6mt but having a step wouldn't be bad cuz then the wife could drive it too.

[az3579]

I would definitely buy the first one in your post. That natural brown is ridiculously hard to get, the mileage isn't high, the price is awesome, and those wheels... :drool

http://www.maverickcarcompany.com/vehicle-details/189d8bad9cd86a47a60c70b71af31536/default.html


I think you'd be hard pressed to find something better for the price, assuming there's nothing wrong with the car.

[brettbimmer]

Actually you could jump over to the registry files and see how many/of what color combos were built, if hunting specifics.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[UdubBadger]

hmmmm.... tough choices to make.

[imola red zhp]

hmmmm.... tough choices to make.

Seth, I would go with fully balanced, I know he's asking a lot might be able to squeeze a little out but, I almost bought that car, I think it has everything you want in it folding seats etc.....CW, plus its maintained, I offered to buy it but he changed his mind.

[mimalmo]

My car should be done this week with fresh paint on the hood and bumper & small fix on the driver's side skirt. Still has under 89k miles since I picked up another car to daily drive. Already wears a set of Blizzaks with plenty of tread left. 6MT, Cold Weather Package, Silver Grey Metallic, ultra-clean interior, lots of tasteful mods.

[danewilson77]

My car should be done this week with fresh paint on the hood and bumper & small fix on the driver's side skirt. Still has under 89k miles since I picked up another car to daily drive. Already wears a set of Blizzaks with plenty of tread left. 6MT, Cold Weather Package, Silver Grey Metallic, ultra-clean interior, lots of tasteful mods.

Shit just got real.

[UdubBadger]

yeah no kidding... people THROWING their cars at me it seems like.

I'd personally prefer to deal with a family member but that Imola on natural brown is SOOOOO appealing too. I'll probably pass on the one from Bell Audi - I hate Audi dealerships anyway. Sucks though cuz it had the BSW package in it and wifey would have liked the AT.

Just got my lease assumption paperwork emailed to me... shit just got REALLY real. I can't believe I'm giving up this car. :(

[danewilson77]

Just got my lease assumption paperwork emailed to me... shit just got REALLY real. I can't believe I'm giving up this car. :(

Me either......SMH.

[johnnyrad]

Here's a nice one in MD for $15,990 wit 75k...oh and it's on special! http://www.eurostarautos.com/powersearch.cfml

[danewilson77]

Coupe? I thought Homey wanted a sedan.

[UdubBadger]

Shit just got REALLY REALLY REALLY REAL... just got prequal'd for my loan. I'm officially ready to buy.

[UdubBadger]

Here's a nice one in MD for $15,990 wit 75k...oh and it's on special! http://www.eurostarautos.com/powersearch.cfml

yeah no coupes, 4 doors only. Thanks though.

[danewilson77]

Fo Does Fo Mo...ummm....pizza.




^Self correction in progress.....

[UdubBadger]

:rofl

[edlvrt]

If the current car you are looking at does not work out, keep in mind that the fold down rear seats can be a stand alone option, so I wouldn't limit yourself to a car with the cold weather package. My car does not have heated seats, but has the folding seats FTW. Good luck!

[UdubBadger]

well TBH, my rear end is also spolied so I WANT the heated seats too. Winters in the midwest are (usually) pretty brutal.

[s!ke]

I feel like my car has everything you want. Minus the color... and its a coupe... but its in pristine condition...

[UdubBadger]

I feel like my car has everything you want. Minus the color... and its a coupe... but its in pristine condition...

the coupe thing is the killer... 110% not getting a coupe. Thanks though.

I have a verbal agreement with a private party for a ZHP sedan right now so I'm gonna go through with that one for now.

[UdubBadger]

I originally asked this to Marcus but think he was a little busy last night to answer (no worries bossman)

Things have kind of hit the fan so to speak...

I really wanted to buy mimalmo's car but don't think it's gonna work out because my bank (along with many others I inquired at) won't finance a car older than 2005 or over 75k miles. So because of that and the fact that I don't think he can find a dealership to foster the sale through, I need to being to look elsewhere... my car is supposed to be going bye bye in about 10 days or so.

I'm really liking that imola / natural brown one I found in Boise (http://www.maverickcarcompany.com/ve...6/default.html), but it's pretty far away from me so that poses some issues. I was going to call in later today and just wanted some advice on what I should ask (or ask for).

I'm obviously trying to be aware of mechanical condition, what can I do about that other than ask for an autocheck/carfax? What is a PPI and who should be paying for it? Is it totally necessary?

How does everyone think price is for that car if condition was overall good?

Anyone know anything about shipping cars? Should I ask that be included in price for financing through them (assuming their rates aren't horrible)?

Having it shipped would mean I don't see it or anything till it gets here, is that too risky? I know some of you have done it, just wondering. I think the 1700 mile drive would be a waste of mileage and time on my part, especially considering I'm in school and just picked up a more permanent spot at one of my PT jobs which will have me working 20-30 hrs a week on a regular basis.

Anything else I need to think about?

Thanks guys.

[Hermes]

I would ask Dennis (Imola red zhp) about shipping, he just got his from Ohio. As for questions you want to ask its going to be mainly the maintenance stuff: condition of bushings, lower intake boot, VANOS, VCG, coolant system, etc... There is a list on here somewhere

PPI - Pre-Purchase Inspection, a definite must especially since you're not going to see the car. You likely will have to pay for it, should only be about $100. I would post on a bigger site asking where to get a PPI done in out there since I don't think we have any members in the area.

[UdubBadger]

I'm assuming Boise has a BMW dealer, good place for PPI or probably overpriced?

EDIT:

just contacted these guys
http://www.eurosportboise.com/

[Hermes]

That place can do it but they look more like a Benz shop. I would try a dealer, shouldn't be too much price difference anywhere you go

EDIT: http://www.petersonbmw.net

Also, good list of stuff to ask about on this thread: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?5979-Back-in-the-hunt-for-a-ZHP!

[UdubBadger]

thanks, was looking for that thread.

[Hermes]

Update?

[zj96sc]

a little late to this party but i'll throw a few cents in

- I'd never buy a 7 year old car site unseen. No recourse, and no matter what no other person will tell you everything you want to know.

- I'd go to indies for PPIs over dealerships. Most indies care, most dealerships put a check in the box.

- If your bank won't finance a 2004 find a new bank. this is not an outrageous request on your part.

[UdubBadger]

heres the only update...

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=630356&stc=1&d=1326380423


I am looking into other banks though, Credit Unions to be exact

[imola red zhp]

Seth, sorry I'm late on this too.

Fortunately I never flew out to look at my 2005 Imola. The owner (second) was a record keeper and had his car serviced at a BMW dealer, with the help of JP (Hermes) and supplying him with the VIN# got me all the records from the time it left the factory.

Secondly, I used the thread
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?4294-I-Need-Someone-To-Check-Out-A-BMW-330-ZHP-For-Me
Lucky for me (kpro) checked the car out for me and gave me her recommendations on vehicle and where to get PPI

Third you can look at this thread for out of state purchase I made a checklist that can help you
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?1274-Out-of-State-Car-Purchase&highlight=state+purchase

Fourth, shipping I have a friend who's on a bunch of Corvette forums and recommended (Uship) it works like ebay you list your vehicle with destination and companies bid for you delivery. The companies on Uship have to be bonded. So the're safe I would use them again ( you saw my pics when my car was delivered). It was an enclosed truck and my Imola had a Grand Marquis and a Maserati as companions with her ride to me.
The cost was $1600 from 2400 miles from Columbus Ohio to San Ramon Ca.

I would recommend looking at the vehicle in person if you can, but if you can use the MAFIA to help use them, like yourself and the others here have great knowledge, its Family and were all here to help.

I wouldn't have my car today if wasn't for the help of all of you out there.

[johnrando]

Choices, choices. Good luck, it's nice to have options, even it you want to pull your hair out during the process.

[UdubBadger]

Its honestly just the loan process thats killing me.

TBH, I've been sold on a mafia members car for some time now, just wanted to make sure it was going to work out before blabbing about it too much. I wanted to keep my options open in case it didn't but I think it's safe to say it's happening as I'm picking up the check on Saturday morning from the bank. Had this last loan not gone through, I would have had to grab one from a dealership somewhere that didn't care what year car and mileage car they were selling me. I've never heard of a bank being so restrictive on this kind of stuff for a private party loan.

Anyway, barring any last minute fiascos I should be picking up the car this week.

;)

[Jon D]

I shipped mine from Chicago to Ft. Lauderdale using a carrier as well not uship but one recommended by a Porsche dealership that the sellar used to get his new car a 911. Worked fine did non covered as was late spring. Regarding which car, lowest mileage best maintained documented one you can afford. In the end the extra few thou up front will pay for themselves. I got mine with 22K on the clock and outside routine maint. So far not put any money into car outside mods I wanted.

Jon D. Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I wanted to keep my options open in case it didn't but I think it's safe to say it's happening as I'm picking up the check on Saturday morning from the bank.

;)

Congrats!

[Hermes]

Which car are you getting, Eli's?

[UdubBadger]

Which car are you getting, Eli's?

:dunno.... you'll have to wait and see ;)

[Hermes]

:dunno.... you'll have to wait and see ;)

:roundel


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTyN-vvFIkE

[UdubBadger]

I'm going to listen to that for the entire hour...

[S85FTW]

check out this one on ebay, I know your not looking for an 03 but its low mileage:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-3-Series-330I-2003-BMW-330I-6SPD-ZHP-Package-/140681260710?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item20c141aea6#ht_500wt_1182

[Hermes]

I'm going to listen to that for the entire hour...

hahahaha... i think there is a three hour version too

[UdubBadger]

check out this one on ebay, I know your not looking for an 03 but its low mileage:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-3-Series-330I-2003-BMW-330I-6SPD-ZHP-Package-/140681260710?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item20c141aea6#ht_500wt_1182

not bad but what I found is going to work out so I'm done looking. Thanks.