proud new 330 owner - south bay

[Romulan]

Hi everyone,

My name is Tim and live in San Jose. I recently moved back up from San Diego, where I went to school at. My dream growing up one day was to own an M3. This weekend I found something even better (imo), a 2006 330Ci 6MT ZHP/Dinan S package with 43k miles :D. It is a significant upgrade from my 06 VW rabbit! I am a first time BMW owner and still can't get over how neat this car is. I'm a horrible photographer but here are some pics of it from my phone

http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p690/turtleboy267/CAM001111_zps5c98e358.jpg

http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p690/turtleboy267/CAM001101_zps10d9fe5d.jpg

http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p690/turtleboy267/CAM001141_zps272c06f1.jpg

http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p690/turtleboy267/CAM001151_zps1a05f73a.jpg

http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p690/turtleboy267/CAM001001_zps4e9b52bc.jpg

http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p690/turtleboy267/CAM001041_zps57c16a3e.jpg

I already put 200 miles on it (!) over the weekend, testing its handling along the mountain routes. RWD is a blast to say the least.

I understand some people have some spite towards Dinan? Why is this? I know they are overpriced, is that the only reason? If it was up to me I would have kept the 330Ci badge. The exhaust does sound really good. Sorry for my ignorance

[BavarianZHP]

Oh my. Oh my... That is complete WIN.

Congrats on the car and welcome to the forum!!!!

[johnrando]

Welcome Norcal, from a SoCal. Great looking car. I'm not an expert, but from what I've heard, Dinan kind of was "the only game in town", but since, many quality competitors have sprung up with better pricing. It's now somewhat perceived that Dinan has rested on their laurels, that they are somewhat arrogant, and are still too pricey (hence the arrogance... high prices, same stuff). So, I don't know that it's a quality thing. I would also guess that because they are somewhat "old school" vs. newer tuners, it's easier to bag on them. Take none of this to the bank, it's only what I hear second hand. I still think their products are fine.

[Hermes]

Welcome, beautiful car!

[JupiterBMW]

From someone that is desiring to build a Dinan ZHP, I love their products. Honestly, you can get much better bang for your buck with other manufacturers. But, Dinan products are phenomenal quality and I've been super impressed with the intake and exhaust (the ones I've put on my car). Dinan is perhaps considered more 'old school' but their mods are very understated and classy I think. If you like the mods, awesome, keep them and enjoy them.

Speaking of, do you know exactly what mods you have? I see intake, exhaust, and strut bar. What others??

[Avetiso]

WOOT more NorCal! I'm in Sacramento. Beautiful car, but I'd get rid of the DINAN badge. It looks crooked, but either way, smooth looks better! Welcome!

EDIT: Funny thing, my previous car was a 2008 Jetta 2.5l 5speed, so we have similar backgrounds, lol.

[Romulan]

From someone that is desiring to build a Dinan ZHP, I love their products. Honestly, you can get much better bang for your buck with other manufacturers. But, Dinan products are phenomenal quality and I've been super impressed with the intake and exhaust (the ones I've put on my car). Dinan is perhaps considered more 'old school' but their mods are very understated and classy I think. If you like the mods, awesome, keep them and enjoy them.

Speaking of, do you know exactly what mods you have? I see intake, exhaust, and strut bar. What others??

In addition to those, Dinan stage II software (supposedly) and floormats. I need to take the car to a local Dinan this week to make sure that the software is still installed and that it didn't get reflashed by a BMW dealership lately.


WOOT more NorCal! I'm in Sacramento. Beautiful car, but I'd get rid of the DINAN badge. It looks crooked, but either way, smooth looks better! Welcome!

EDIT: Funny thing, my previous car was a 2008 Jetta 2.5l 5speed, so we have similar backgrounds, lol.

I thought the same thing. It is slanted a little downwards. I'm going to find someone with a heat gun and just go badgeless. That's about the only visual mod I plan on doing.

[johnrando]

You probably don't need a heat gun. Should just be able to peel, then use gum-off type product to remove the leftover glue. Something like a credit card edge or a "markless" pry tool (plastic screwdriver).

[Avetiso]

Pip told me he "sawed" through the glue with floss.

[johnrando]

I've definitely hear that works.

[static667]

Welcome to the Mafia!

Sent from my yet to be hacked GS3.

[danewilson77]

Tim, welcome.

I used to live at 7074 Via Serena when I was a kid :)

Nice car.

[SoCalZman]

Great find locally! Welcome to the Family.

[JupiterBMW]

Floss will work to get the badge off, as will prying at it with a credit card or plastic trim tool.

Question... Can I have it when you've removed it? Not going to put it on my car as I'm working towards earning my own badge, but I'd like to have it for something else.

Also, your center console buttons just above the shifter... I see you've got seat warmers, DSC, HK button, but what are the other two..?

Beautiful color once again, and FULLY loaded, very nice... Even has PDC!

[Romulan]

Thanks everybody. I will have to do the floss trick when I get off work.


Floss will work to get the badge off, as will prying at it with a credit card or plastic trim tool.

Question... Can I have it when you've removed it? Not going to put it on my car as I'm working towards earning my own badge, but I'd like to have it for something else.

Also, your center console buttons just above the shifter... I see you've got seat warmers, DSC, HK button, but what are the other two..?

Beautiful color once again, and FULLY loaded, very nice... Even has PDC!

Next to the HK is "Flat tire warning" activator which I will probably never use. The button right of that is the rear windshield shade activator, if I want more privacy, or I have the sun right behind me. You are right though, the original owner bought this car and spared no options, according to the invoice from BMW :D

[echo46]

Sweet.

[derbo]

welcome local! I'm in san francisco, although I work in San jose.

[trancenation]

Hi Tim,

Welcome to the forums. I'm also located in San Jose, perhaps we may bump into each other!

[bmshen]

Congrats Tim-beautiful car! I'm in Castro Valley...admittedly not very active on the forum, but the best and friendliest source for info is from the Mafia!

[Johal E32]

Welcome!

Im in the East Bay, specifically El Sobrante. I am normally all over the East Bay, so if you are ever around here you might see my touring!

[webster]

sweet car and mods. love the graphite/silver cube combo. congrats!

[dotslashapex]

so pretty! Welcome!!

[Lost_One]

Welcome! I like Dinan stuff, but everyone's opinion varies. Don't let haters get you down; it's a beautiful car!

[Ryans323i]

Welcome Tim. Looks like you got yourself a wonderful car!

I can't believe I've never heard of this "rear window shade", now I'm curious.

[danewilson77]

Welcome Tim. Looks like you got yourself a wonderful car!

I can't believe I've never heard of this "rear window shade", now I'm curious.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1509613-Pictorial-DIY-E46-Rear-Electric-Sun-Blind-Retrofit-DIY-Instructions

[RITmusic2k]

Greetings and congratulations on a sweet find! Was the previous owner a member of the armed forces, by any chance? I saw what i believe to be this car driving in Cypress, CA last summer - the driver was wearing a military uniform. If not, then this car has a twin in Orange County.

[johnrando]

Kevin, I'm usually in Cypress playing hardcourt tennis every Sunday, maybe I'll run into you sometime down there.

[LivesNearCostco]

Welcome! I live in Los Gatos. If you're interested in driving events with the local CCA chapter, there is an AutoX this Saturday at Marina Airport (near Monterey) and an advanced car control clinic on May 4th at Candlestick Park. The April 20th AutoX is sold out but you can get on the wait list if interested and might still get in, or anybody can come watch and bum ridealongs for free, including non-CCA members.

[Dave_B]

Welcome to the Family.

[RITmusic2k]

Kevin, I'm usually in Cypress playing hardcourt tennis every Sunday, maybe I'll run into you sometime down there.Well, I'm only there on the weekdays because I work in Cypress. Weekends have me in Long Beach ;)