Looking to buy a ZHP [Archive] - BMW E46 330 ZHP For Sale Forum

TheStig

11-18-2012, 07:49 PM

With the fiance driving Zhpnsnv's Imola sedan, I completely get it now, and I'm in love. :D

So I thought I would come to the car hunting experts and see if you guys can help me track down one as nice as I found for her. I'll break it down into requirements and preferences.

Requirements:
Price: $12,000-$20,000
Condition>Mileage
No accidents or other title muckery
No coupes or verts
No autos
No silver(other than dark grey) or black
No leather
Near perfect interior, very good exterior(I understand highway chips happen, that's fine)
Heated seats
Xenons

Strong Preferences
Detailed service history
Nav
No sunroof
Spare winter set
Stock

Light tasteful modding is ok(read TCK/Koni suspension), but euro trash modding is not. I understand Alantara steering wheels are wear items, that isn't an issue, especially now that Coby wheel exists.

Thanks in advance gents. :roundel

TheStig

11-18-2012, 08:22 PM

Oh and I don't mind a lower price if someone just thinks it is just a normal 3er, but at the same time I wouldn't mind an enthusiast owner much like Zhpnsnv.

zhpnsnv

11-18-2012, 08:37 PM

What happened to the BRZ?! I guess my old car is doing well if it's convinced you; very happy to hear this.

There's a very nice silver gray sedan on sale on this site right now.

haha you might get two new cars in the time it's taken me to get one!

alexandre

11-18-2012, 08:46 PM

This. (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?8358)

Oops just saw no silver lol. Oh well, I'm sure you'll find one very soon!

TheStig

11-18-2012, 08:46 PM

BRZ just wasn't quite what I was looking for. That SG is nice, but leather is an absolute no go for me. Your former alcantara has spoken volumes compared to our other leather E46s.

BRGcoopahS

11-18-2012, 09:59 PM

The BRZ/FRS is the only new car I'd want to own next to an F30. (Something moderately affordable) What didn't you like about it

zhpnsnv

11-19-2012, 04:11 AM

BRZ just wasn't quite what I was looking for. That SG is nice, but leather is an absolute no go for me. Your former alcantara has spoken volumes compared to our other leather E46s.

Okay, got it. Yes, the ZHP alcantara/cloth is absolute perfection, and every time I think about it, I wonder what the hell I was doing in getting rid of it!

cakM3

11-19-2012, 04:24 AM

Okay, got it. Yes, the ZHP alcantara/cloth is absolute perfection, and every time I think about it, I wonder what the hell I was doing in getting rid of it!

I agree :thumbsup

Andrew, just take your time and you will find a great example!

JupiterBMW

11-19-2012, 04:35 AM

I have to admit, after seeing a few alcantara interiors, I'm glad I have leather, but that's just me...

Take your time and hold out for the perfect ZHP... And honestly, if you think about, look all over the country. Finding one that is across the country, or at 1000 miles away really isn't that big of a deal. Just make sure you have all the details and plan to look it over really well before you buy it.

TheStig

11-19-2012, 06:17 AM

Okay, got it. Yes, the ZHP alcantara/cloth is absolute perfection, and every time I think about it, I wonder what the hell I was doing in getting rid of it!

No comment. ;)

I have to admit, after seeing a few alcantara interiors, I'm glad I have leather, but that's just me...

Take your time and hold out for the perfect ZHP... And honestly, if you think about, look all over the country. Finding one that is across the country, or at 1000 miles away really isn't that big of a deal. Just make sure you have all the details and plan to look it over really well before you buy it.

Yup, I'm no stranger to driving across the country. Previous cars were from Ohio, New Hampshire, and Florida.

webster

11-19-2012, 07:11 AM

Mike V

11-19-2012, 07:16 AM

I posted this one in the classified area so you might have already seen it, but this car is owned by a friend of a friend. My friend (also a member on here) says it's a very good car for the money.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3401163340.html

BCS_ZHP

11-19-2012, 07:22 AM

So you listed just a sedan, have you considered broadening your search by getting your fiancé a coupe/vert and then you taking over her sedan?

TheStig

11-19-2012, 03:30 PM

GLWB

the alcantara interior is much nicer than the standard leather IF and only if it's well maintained (and preferably not PO'd by a large/overweight individual)

if it's ratty it's awful, whereas worn leather can be leatherique'd back to look pretty decent as long as no cracks.

My experience with leather and Leatherique, which is pretty good, is that Leatherique can only maintain a leather's current state, not improve. Either way, I don't like the 3er leather.

I posted this one in the classified area so you might have already seen it, but this car is owned by a friend of a friend. My friend (also a member on here) says it's a very good car for the money.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3401163340.html

It's a good deal, but I'm looking for the top 1% or so of ZHPs. That hole in the seat is an instant no go. My budget is healthy enough that I don't need to compromise.

So you listed just a sedan, have you considered broadening your search by getting your fiancé a coupe/vert and then you taking over her sedan?

She has no interest in the coupe for the same reason I don't. If I was going that route I would just go all out and get the M3.

zhpnsnv

11-19-2012, 03:50 PM

My experience with leather and Leatherique, which is pretty good, is that Leatherique can only maintain a leather's current state, not improve. Either way, I don't like the 3er leather.

It's a good deal, but I'm looking for the top 1% or so of ZHPs. That hole in the seat is an instant no go. My budget is healthy enough that I don't need to compromise.

She has no interest in the coupe for the same reason I don't. If I was going that route I would just go all out and get the M3.

These comments why we get along so well; we're like long lost car brothers with the same likes/dislikes :cheers.

328ioc

11-19-2012, 03:50 PM

Stig,

I will keep a look out for you but my guess is that the no-sunroof option will be hard to find.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

zhpnsnv

11-19-2012, 03:58 PM

Stig,

I will keep a look out for you but my guess is that the no-sunroof option will be hard to find.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

Agreed. Have been in the ZHP community for a while and have only seen a few, and none of them were for sale.

Hermes

11-19-2012, 04:01 PM

I've seen only one for sale... ever (but it was TiAg)

zhpnsnv

11-19-2012, 04:11 PM

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=99531894&listingRecNum=1&criteria=sf1Dir%3DDESC%26mkId%3D20005%26stkTyp%3DU %26mdId%3D20409%26rd%3D100000%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTyp Id-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-trId-transTypeId-yrId%26zc%3D08540%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-1-1%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dpric e%26yrId%3D20199%26yrId%3D20143%26yrId%3D20198%26s f2Nm%3Dmiles%26isDealerGrouping%3Dfalse%26transTyp eId%3D28112%26trId%3D25905%26rpp%3D50%26feedSegId% 3D28705&aff=national&listType=1

Can't see interior on this one: http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=101571891&listingRecNum=5&criteria=sf1Dir%3DDESC%26mkId%3D20005%26stkTyp%3DU %26mdId%3D20409%26rd%3D100000%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTyp Id-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-trId-transTypeId-yrId%26zc%3D08540%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-1-1%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dpric e%26yrId%3D20199%26yrId%3D20143%26yrId%3D20198%26s f2Nm%3Dmiles%26isDealerGrouping%3Dfalse%26transTyp eId%3D28112%26trId%3D25905%26rpp%3D50%26feedSegId% 3D28705&aff=national&listType=3

zhpnsnv

11-19-2012, 04:22 PM

AW!!!!!!! http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=92037&endYear=2005&listingType=used&driveCodes=2WD&listingTypes=used&sellerTypes=b&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&mmt=[BMW[330I[]][]]&featureCodes=6&modelCode1=330I&driveCode=2WD&showcaseOwnerId=568999&makeCode1=BMW&startYear=2003&searchRadius=0&bodyStyleCodes=SEDAN&listingId=317417656&Log=0

Good maintenance: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=92037&endYear=2005&listingType=used&driveCodes=2WD&listingTypes=used&sellerTypes=b&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&mmt=[BMW[330I[]][]]&featureCodes=6&modelCode1=330I&driveCode=2WD&showcaseOwnerId=568999&makeCode1=BMW&startYear=2003&searchRadius=0&bodyStyleCodes=SEDAN&listingId=331553190&Log=0

Stop me if you've seen all of these!

This would be a lot easier if you'd accept silver into your life. I did.

danewilson77

11-19-2012, 04:27 PM

TheStig

11-19-2012, 05:08 PM

These comments why we get along so well; we're like long lost car brothers with the same likes/dislikes :cheers.

Glad to hear I'm not alone out there. :cheers

Stig,

I will keep a look out for you but my guess is that the no-sunroof option will be hard to find.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

Yup. I accept that, but I might as well list my unicorn. :fingerscrossed

Being 6'5" makes you lust for weird things.

AW!!!!!!! http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=92037&endYear=2005&listingType=used&driveCodes=2WD&listingTypes=used&sellerTypes=b&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&mmt=[BMW[330I[]][]]&featureCodes=6&modelCode1=330I&driveCode=2WD&showcaseOwnerId=568999&makeCode1=BMW&startYear=2003&searchRadius=0&bodyStyleCodes=SEDAN&listingId=317417656&Log=0

Good maintenance: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=92037&endYear=2005&listingType=used&driveCodes=2WD&listingTypes=used&sellerTypes=b&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&mmt=[BMW[330I[]][]]&featureCodes=6&modelCode1=330I&driveCode=2WD&showcaseOwnerId=568999&makeCode1=BMW&startYear=2003&searchRadius=0&bodyStyleCodes=SEDAN&listingId=331553190&Log=0

Stop me if you've seen all of these!

This would be a lot easier if you'd accept silver into your life. I did.

I think I've seen the AW one, if it is that one with 6x,xxx miles. Top of my list right now. The other I'm not sure as neither link works.

Silver will never be a part of my life. You oddly enough are ordering that way from the factory... :ninja

zhpnsnv

11-19-2012, 05:23 PM

Aw crap. Don't know why the links don't work. The one with good maint. is on autotrader - imola I think.

TheStig

11-19-2012, 07:21 PM

Aw crap. Don't know why the links don't work. The one with good maint. is on autotrader - imola I think.

I see it now. Looks very promising but I suspect it lacks fold through seats.

Vas

11-19-2012, 07:26 PM

Aw crap. Don't know why the links don't work. The one with good maint. is on autotrader - imola I think.

This? http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?endYear=2005&zip=22841&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&sellerTypes=b&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&mmt=%5BBMW%5B330I%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&modelCode1=330I&makeCode1=BMW&startYear=2003&extColorsSimple=RED&searchRadius=0&bodyStyleCodes=SEDAN&listingId=331553190&Log=0

zhpnsnv

11-19-2012, 07:29 PM

That's the one.

Vas

11-19-2012, 07:30 PM

Lol that car is no longer for sale.

TheStig

11-19-2012, 09:05 PM

Lol that car is no longer for sale.

Yours?

Vas

11-20-2012, 06:40 AM

Yours?

That is correct. It came equipped with a full maintenance history. But does not have fold down rear seats.

TheStig

11-20-2012, 07:19 AM

That is correct. It came equipped with a full maintenance history. But does not have fold down rear seats.

Looks like I was right then. No cold weather package almost always means no fold through seats on the sedans. After not having them on my M5, never again. :p

Hermes

11-20-2012, 07:36 AM

Actually, there was an IR sedan for sale here in town I checked out a while back (somebody on here bought it, can't remember who) that has rear folding seats but not full ZCW. It was also a step but I'm just saying that these unicorns do exist... somewhere

Vas

11-20-2012, 08:06 AM

Looks like I was right then. No cold weather package almost always means no fold through seats on the sedans. After not having them on my M5, never again. :p

See it was not a deal braker for me. The car has heated seats and that is all I care about anyway.

TheStig

11-20-2012, 10:08 AM

See it was not a deal braker for me. The car has heated seats and that is all I care about anyway.

Gain a good bit of torsional rigidity, but lose out on a good bit of practicality.

BRGcoopahS

11-20-2012, 10:27 AM

Gain a good bit of torsional rigidity, but lose out on a good bit of practicality.

Not having fold down seats gains rigidity? God, I don't even want to know how much owning a vert loses.

Hermes

11-20-2012, 10:53 AM

BMW E46 Sedan (w/o folding seats) - 18,000 Nm/deg
BMW E46 Sedan (w/folding seats) - 13,000 Nm/deg
BMW E46 Wagon (w/folding seats) - 14,000 Nm/deg
BMW E46 Coupe (w/folding seats) - 12,500 Nm/deg
BMW E46 Convertible - 10,500 Nm/deg

TheStig

11-20-2012, 12:13 PM

E46 vert actually does pretty well, most cars halve their torsional rigidity when they become verts. Downside is you still get the weight and some additional flex.

Should also be noted that that coupe figure does not refer to the M3, which was assembled very differently than the standard e46. In the end there was something like 7% parts sharing.

Hermes

11-20-2012, 07:41 PM

quoting from terra (post 23 on this thread: http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=412483):

"I don't think BMW published the specs. So those numbers floating around are all a load of crap. Here's what we do know: E30 M3 is 23000 Nm/° (I'm assuming that's a legit number since it seems to be quoted from BMW).suspended if that number applies to all E30 M3s, or just the evo or something... As Ian pointed out, generally each newer BMW is stiffer than the last - the E36 may be a exception. I can't find any press releases or technical documents from that era

The E46 is said to have "much improved" stiffness over the E36, and the E90 more than the e46. M3 has more than non-M. No indication as to whether or not the E90 is stiffer than the M or not.

In the case of the Z3M and Z4M, the stiffness difference between convertible and coupe is huge. I dont know the numbers for the Z3M, but BMW says the coupe 2.6 times stiffer than the roadster. Similarly the Z4MC is 32000Nm/° according to a press release, while the Z4MR is 14,500 Nm/°

Does it stand to reason that the M3 coupe should be stiffer than the very by a similar factor? If so, I think it's reasonable to say the M3 is probably around 25000Nm/° - assuming the convertible is at least 11,500 and the difference is the same factor as the z4mr -> z4mc (2.2x)"

webster

11-23-2012, 11:53 AM

UdubBadger

11-23-2012, 11:58 AM

I'll trade ya for your 1er

JupiterBMW

11-23-2012, 01:02 PM

AW!!!!!!! http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=92037&endYear=2005&listingType=used&driveCodes=2WD&listingTypes=used&sellerTypes=b&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&mmt=[BMW[330I[]][]]&featureCodes=6&modelCode1=330I&driveCode=2WD&showcaseOwnerId=568999&makeCode1=BMW&startYear=2003&searchRadius=0&bodyStyleCodes=SEDAN&listingId=317417656&Log=0

Just an FYI, this AW car officially doesn't exist as far as I can see. This was the car I dubbed as my Unicorn as well... I contacted the seller many times, and even contact AutoTrader themselves to verify the authenticity of the ad because I never heard from seller. When I got Autotrader on the phone, they contacted seller, managed to get him on the phone, and then told me that he had received my messages, and was sorry because he had been out of town... Well, he never called me back.. I called again, many times...

This car officially is impossible... LOL... I finally gave up, and glad I did... Ended up finding my car instead. :)

There is another AW sedan on Autotrader though, in Lousiana, 92K miles, with alcantara, but its a step...

Good luck.

zhpnsnv

11-23-2012, 02:12 PM

I'll trade ya for your 1er

His is a 128i - you okay with that? Personally, I think they're all great, but I know there are those out there who wouldn't go from 135i to 128i.

And to add - I drove Andrew's 128i M-sport. Very tight and fun, plus plenty quick. I think he said it was the lightest possible combination of options/lack of options available in NA.

TheStig

11-23-2012, 03:18 PM

Manual transmission, no sunroof, no iDrive, manual seats, and no turbos. Each one of those is a huge amount of weight. Only weight adding options are leather(2lbs) and Xenons(4lbs). Probably over 250lbs lighter than your normal 135i.

UdubBadger

11-23-2012, 05:14 PM

His is a 128i - you okay with that? Personally, I think they're all great, but I know there are those out there who wouldn't go from 135i to 128i.

And to add - I drove Andrew's 128i M-sport. Very tight and fun, plus plenty quick. I think he said it was the lightest possible combination of options/lack of options available in NA.

yeah assumed it was 135i... no go on a 128.

TheStig

11-23-2012, 07:40 PM

yeah assumed it was 135i... no go on a 128.

No worries. The 128i is for people who liked what BMW was, and the 135i is for people who like what BMW is now.

Hornung418

11-23-2012, 08:07 PM

No worries. The 128i is for people who liked what BMW was, and the 135i is for people who like what BMW is now.

So true!

Sent from my GSIII, bitches.

UdubBadger

11-23-2012, 08:51 PM

No worries. The 128i is for people who liked what BMW was, and the 135i is for people who like what BMW is now.

Ehhhhh... I disagree. I've had an e90 328 and it was nothing like my Zhp is.

- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

zhpnsnv

11-23-2012, 10:33 PM

No worries. The 128i is for people who liked what BMW was, and the 135i is for people who like what BMW is now.

Yea I disagree with this, too, as binaries are always less explanatory than we'd like them to be. They may make us feel good about some fictional ethos we ascribe to a car company, but the company gets our $ either way. The binaries sound good, for sure, and I suppose we could come up with different opinions to support whatever worldview one might have regarding what BMW was and is, but it's all pissing in the wind, and frankly, something that doesn't really get done on this site (which I happen to like about this place).

TheStig

11-24-2012, 09:32 AM

Ehhhhh... I disagree. I've had an e90 328 and it was nothing like my Zhp is.

- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

E90 328i and E82 128i are worlds apart. I've had 328i loaners and I wanted to run them up a tree.

*Edit* It should be noted it was an automatic. That said from driving the 335i in manual and the M3, I know the E90 platform is not my cup of tea.

zhpnsnv

11-24-2012, 12:39 PM

Update on search? Anything interesting? Remember I can go check cars out for you if they're up here.

TheStig

11-24-2012, 01:21 PM

Nothing so far, but there is no immediate rush. I would need to move the BRZ first. I really appreciate the offer though and may very well take you up on that.

I also need to stop glancing at 993s and such...

UdubBadger

11-24-2012, 03:16 PM

E90 328i and E82 128i are worlds apart. I've had 328i loaners and I wanted to run them up a tree.

*Edit* It should be noted it was an automatic. That said from driving the 335i in manual and the M3, I know the E90 platform is not my cup of tea.

Actually they're a lot closer than you'd think and share about 70% if their parts. Msport suspension helps on both but even with the 1er being a touch lighter, it's the 3 that is more nimble through the corners.

- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

TheStig

11-24-2012, 05:38 PM

Actually they're a lot closer than you'd think and share about 70% if their parts. Msport suspension helps on both but even with the 1er being a touch lighter, it's the 3 that is more nimble through the corners.

- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

Msport suspension is just lowering springs, nothing much gained there. Might even be worse as the struts are working outside of their intended range. They certainly fail sooner on cars with MSport suspension.

Sure they have parts sharing, but the shorter wheel base and 150-200lb difference make them worlds apart in driving dynamics. 1 series might be twitchier in the turns, but is definitely the more nimble one.

danewilson77

11-24-2012, 06:18 PM

What is the intended range of a shock/strut?

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

UdubBadger

11-24-2012, 06:58 PM

Msport suspension is just lowering springs, nothing much gained there. Might even be worse as the struts are working outside of their intended range. They certainly fail sooner on cars with MSport suspension.

Sure they have parts sharing, but the shorter wheel base and 150-200lb difference make them worlds apart in driving dynamics. 1 series might be twitchier in the turns, but is definitely the more nimble one.

Well if that's your experience I can respect that but it wasn't mine nor was it car and drivers when they tested m3 v 335 v 135. They found the 3 a few tenth a quicker in the turns than the 1er but the 1er was quicker on the straights because of the lower weight.

Msport doesn't lower the car any more than sport package does but had a firmer spring and stiffer bushings which helped (how much it helps is debatable) reduce the body roll in the corners IIRC.

My 1 was very nimble stock but it was also a lot easier to take the car sideways when on the gas than in a 3 which is why I said the 3 felt more balanced.

Anyway no use debating this as its off topic on the thread.

GL finding a zhp

- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

TheStig

11-25-2012, 08:10 AM

Fair enough. Whatever our opinions on the two are, we certainly are angling to end up in the same location. :)

TheStig

11-26-2012, 04:02 AM

What is the intended range of a shock/strut?

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

Usually around 50K of normal use, but it varies.

danewilson77

11-26-2012, 04:17 AM

Usually around 50K of normal use, but it varies.

I thought you were eludung to the intended travel (range) of a shock/strut, not lifespan.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

Hornung418

11-26-2012, 05:08 AM

Any shock/strut combo from BMW shouldn't really exceed more than an inch below the intended range with out having to cut in to the lifespan of the unit.

danewilson77

11-26-2012, 05:36 AM

Thanks. Is there and intended (Approximate average) design range given a said shock/coil/strut (not the deviation)?

Hornung418

11-26-2012, 05:46 AM

Not sure, but most aftermarket Co.'s will give you the low down on shock/strut travel. I know the Koni FSDs aren't to exceed 1.4 inches in drop from the stock ride height. So my guess is that the Baseline for a stock car would be the non M-sport height.

TheStig

11-26-2012, 06:45 AM

I thought you were eludung to the intended travel (range) of a shock/strut, not lifespan.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

Ah, I was. For some reason I read that as lifespan. Average use usually has stock struts wearing out around 50k, and MSport around 20k-30k, which seems to imply, as they are on the same struts, that MSport springs are pushing them outside their optimum performance envelope. Generic lowering springs on stock struts yield much the same result.

Vas

11-26-2012, 07:04 AM

That's a good explanation to use in my case with the wifey to get coilovers lol.

TheStig

11-26-2012, 08:54 AM

That's a good explanation to use in my case with the wifey to get coilovers lol.

If you need the adjustable rebound/damping, they absolutely make sense. We are lucky that we have the option to use TC Kline. One of the few that properly understands strut performance instead of just lowering bling.

To just gain a bit of performance and a long term maintenance lockdown, Koni yellows are your best bet.

Vas

11-26-2012, 09:03 AM

I am pretty much set on a set of Fortune Auto coilovers.

TheStig

11-27-2012, 01:09 PM

You should check in with Obioban on M3Forum from DER Motorsports. Depending on your needs he can really help you find what is best for you, and he never pushes products. Definitely one of the BMW community's definitive resources on suspension.

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/member.php?u=10887