Is a 2005 better than a 2003?

[CkDedmon]

Been looking for a ZHP for a while; focusing on a low-mileage, late-model sedan.

My thinking was that a low-mileage, "newer" vehicle would give me less maintenance issues. However, I'm wondering if I'm making my search more difficult than necessary.

I've passed up some low mileage 2003 models simply because they are ~2 years older than I might be able to find. Assuming other factors are the same, should a 2005 model really be that much more desirable than a 2003 model?

Appreciate some feedback from the ZHP Mafia.

[Washburn]

If all other things equal, I personally would definitely choose a newer car, so for me 05 over 03.

Also:
leather perf. steering wheel was only available mid-late 2005 and onwards
05 vs 03 audio: the audio system might be MP3 compatible...(perhaps with some 2003's too...not sure)-
This is important when hooking up ipod management systems through the CD changer wiring, like USAspec, etc, so that the songs can be displayed on the radio..I don't think some 03 and older business radios have that capability.

[danewilson77]

Washy = voice of reason

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[johnrando]

If you're looking for coupe or vert you could even go '06.

[llll1l1ll]

I would think in the later models certain problems and design issues may have been worked out.

[WOLFN8TR]

I would think in the later models certain problems and design issues may have been worked out.

This is true. I once read there was a few issues with the 2003 that were addressed in the later models. I believe the tranny was one but I can't recall what else.

[S85FTW]

I believe late 04 a lot of these things were addressed. So look for a car with a door tag of at least 03/2004 (03/2004 door tags were dates of the start of the build, the date of completion is on your dash when you perform dash diagnostics you can see it, eg. mine was completed 07/2004 with a door tag of 03/2004)

[johnrando]

Oh, I didn't know that. Good info.

[derbo]

I dont remember seeing a perforated steering wheel on any sedan from factory when I first started working at BMW in 2005. I could be wrong.

like Wash said, MP3 readable radio and optional bluetooth would be available on 05. Beyond this there isn't much difference besides age.

Like wash, I would pick the 05.

[S85FTW]

I really am starting to think that BMW did have 04.5 models of the zhp, if mine is considered and 04, I dont know why I have Mp3 readability in my cd player and black leather vs alcantara interior.

[Daddyoh]

Yes, I love my '05: Premium Pkg and Cold Weather AND ZHP. It has 77k on it now, but never had a moment's trouble. Prod. date 1/05: Black Sapphire over black leather, alcant. steering wheel! Gotta have 3 peddles :biggrin
Use this web site to verify trim, using the last 7 characters of your VIN: http://www.rubmw.ru/vincode/eng/

[S85FTW]

Yes, I love my '05: Premium Pkg and Cold Weather AND ZHP. It has 77k on it now, but never had a moment's trouble. Prod. date 1/05: Black Sapphire over black leather, alcant. steering wheel! Gotta have 3 peddles :biggrin
Use this web site to verify trim, using the last 7 characters of your VIN: http://www.rubmw.ru/vincode/eng/
Turns out mine had M leather steering wheel out of the factory, but when I bought the car it had Alcantara! That explains my leather seats!

[Washburn]

BMW changed the alacantara wheel to perf. leather sometime during mid-late 2005.
I have the perf. leather wheel and alacantara seats, cold weather pkg, HK audio, xenons...

[webster]

I have the perf. leather wheel and alacantara seats, cold weather pkg, HK audio, xenons...

the holy grail of options packages.

[az3579]

Don't all forget that 04-onwards had rain sensor (auto wipers) and auto headlights.


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[Washburn]

Thanks Webster :) I am so glad I have the cold weather pkg - yesterday we were able to transport a rolled up outdoor carpet using the pass-thru ski bag! It fit perfect; I never thought i'd use that thing :)

AZ3579: Yep - important point. I think pre-2004, those things were part of some option package.
2004+ Home link modules have a better chance of being rolling code compatible, too...although I don't know exactly when that changed.
(mine didn't have home link - i just bought a rolling code version HL off ebay and installed it myself)

[webster]

^ all ZHP coupes have the fold down rear seats. i used it a few weeks ago when buying a bunch of pots and plants and a large set of blinds from home depot.

[derbo]

Good point that auto headlights/rain sensors were part of premium package. Since premium wasn't offered in 2003 for cars with ZHP, it would mean no auto headlights/rain sensor for those cars.




Wish I had fold down seats for my sedan sometimes...

[jiggz]

Good point that auto headlights/rain sensors were part of premium package. Since premium wasn't offered in 2003 for cars with ZHP, it would mean no auto headlights/rain sensor for those cars.




Wish I had fold down seats for my sedan sometimes...

I'm pretty sure the automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers were, at one time (earlier E46 models), only available with the premium package. However, in 2004 they became standard equipment, at least on the 330. My 2005 has both, but does not have the Premium Package.

With that said, I think both are worthless and annoying options.

[derbo]

auto headlights/rain sensor was part of premium package until 2004 for sedans/wagons

I got a 2004 330i with ZHP only but have auto headlights.


i wonder how accurate all this from e46wiki is .


Changes from 2003 to 2004
Performance package now available on coupes and convertibles, as well as with the automatic transmission and the premium package (on all 330s).
The climate control head unit has a new control button layout (temp, fan and recirc control buttons) for simpler operation and ease of use.
Sedan and wagon:
The rain sensor and automatic headlight control standard for all Sedans and Sports Wagons. These features were previously only available with the Premium Package (ZPP).
Automatic STEPTRONIC transmission will be available in conjunction with the Performance Package.
New Sport Package wheel for 325i Sedan and Sports Wagon. Styling 119 replaces Styling 96.
New base wheel for the 330i/330xi Sedan and 325xi Sedan/Sports Wagon when equipped with the Sport Package. New wheel replaces Styling 73.
Titanium exterior trim on the front grille and headlights will no longer be a differentiator for 330i and 330xi Sedans. (The headlights will be black and the front spoiler will be a combination of black and body color.)
Coupes and Convertibles:
Coupes and convertibles receive a major face lift with a new front grille (larger "BMW kidneys"), revised cleaner looking lower bumper design and front/rear light design including LED tail lights, repositioned side turn signal lights and clear front corners on sport package cars.
The Xenon headlight package was upgraded to the Adaptive Xenon package for coupes/convertibles only.
Adaptive Xenons not only auto-level as the standard Xenons do, but they also rotate side-to-side depending on orientation of the steering wheel. The goal is to point the light in the direction the car is traveling. A complex algorithm uses car speed, wheel angle, etc. to determine where to point the lights. Of interesting note is the fact that when the car is not moving, the lights will not turn to the driver's side (this is to avoid potential blinding of oncoming traffic, e.g. at a stop light). The headlight switch must be in the "A" (automatic) position -- turning the headlight switch to the "On" position will auto-level the headlights and turn them on, but they will be fixed straight ahead and not turn left and right.
325i and 325i Sports Wagon:
Styling 119 (17 x 8) with performance tires replaces Styling 96 when the sport package (ZSP) is ordered. This aligns the 325i with the 325Ci. Now all rear-wheel drive 325 models have the same Sport Package Wheel.
MY2004 330i/330xi Sedan Base wheel. 325xi and 325xi Sports Wagon Sport Package wheel.
Styling 137 (17 x 7) with all-season tires replaces Styling 73, also known as the Radial spoke.
Changes from 2004 to 2005
Performance package 330s get a perforated leather steering wheel instead of alcantara
The change was made about halfway through the 2005 model year and driven primarily by the inability of the alcantara wheel to hold up well over time. Prior to May 2005, Performance Package 330s shipped with alcantara, after that they shipped with a perforated leather wheel. Many originally-alcantara Performance Package 330s, however, will have had the alcantara wheel swapped out for leather under warranty due to excessive wear of the alcantara.
Lumbar seat support added to the premium package on the 325.
CD shuttle became MP3 compatible




Also 9/03 production and on, all 330i/330ci must be ordered with sunroof.

[johnrando]

^ all ZHP coupes have the fold down rear seats. i used it a few weeks ago when buying a bunch of pots and plants and a large set of blinds from home depot.

LOL, I did the same thing with my cold weather package ski pass. No way it would have fit w/o it.

[llll1l1ll]

I really wish my sedan had fold down seats. I've always been tempted to punch out the ski bag pass through slot, but that seems like a bad idea.

[jorbon]

Ok, so, not to be contrary, but I don't think its really as easy as either/or... My current zhp, a 2003 I bought this past feb is in better shape, better cared for and lower miles (39k at purchase) than most out there. I'd have been very hard pressed to find a 2005 that matched the care and low miles.
I'd say, look for the lowest miles you can find in the car you want... if you find 2, then let the production year into the decision tree. Just my 2c

[llll1l1ll]

Exactly. I think so long as the car has been cared for, it shouldn't matter of it's production year. However, if it's options you are looking for, then it's another situation.

[danewilson77]

Ok, so, not to be contrary, but I don't think its really as easy as either/or... My current zhp, a 2003 I bought this past feb is in better shape, better cared for and lower miles (39k at purchase) than most out there. I'd have been very hard pressed to find a 2005 that matched the care and low miles.
I'd say, look for the lowest miles you can find in the car you want... if you find 2, then let the production year into the decision tree. Just my 2c


Exactly. I think so long as the car has been cared for, it shouldn't matter of it's production year. However, if it's options you are looking for, then it's another situation.

I would mention however that certain issues are addressed throughout the model life. I am sure it's been mentioned in this thread....and certainly....by 2003 most issues had been addressed.

[llll1l1ll]

That's true. I think I mentioned earlier that by 2004 a lot of things had been sorted out.

[Washburn]

rain sensor and auto headlights have nothing to do with premium pkg after 2004 I think.
Rain sensor became standard in 2004, with facelift.

my 05 coupe doesn't have premium pkg, and has rain sensor and adaptive xenons.

btw, one CAN find late low mile cars-must have petience.
my 05 had only 12k miles when I got it, and was in pristine shape.

[CkDedmon]

Thanks, guys, for all the great feedback. I definitely agree that model year isn't the only factor and that a particular 2003 may be in better shape than a 2005. I just wanted a reality check on how much emphasis I should put on finding a late model ZHP.

I'm a believer that later models generally have any issues addressed. Plus, with the availability of additional features/options, I think I'll keep looking for that late model, low mileage ZHP.

I just need to exercise patience...

[Washburn]

I think you're heading in the correct/wise direction...
Here's hoping you find that ZHP of your dreams :)

[Daddyoh]

^^Agreed. Hope you find it sooner than later cause driving time is flying by! :roundel