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Lorenzo
12-30-2015, 06:46 AM
I picked up my 2005 330ci ZHP on Dec 27 and I'm proud to join the ZHPMafia community. I bought my ZHP through a BMWCCA classified ad from a single owner in Storrs, CT. Here is a quick summary:

* Silver grey metallic
* 114,338 miles
* New clutch at 113K
* Coolant overhaul and Valve cover gasket at 70K
* Control arm bushings at 95K
* Spark plugs at 80K
* Oil changes every 7500 miles
* Brake flush every two years
* New battery 3 years ago
* Differential fluid change 50K

I've owned BMWs since 2006. My first was a black 2004 325 convertible. Then went through a few E90s for daily driver. Currently my daily is a red 2012 328. I love the new technology of the F30, but the handling and feel of the car is far from the E90 and E46. Still, it's a great daily - especially with 27 mpg.

Now my passion will turn to this ZHP. I'm excited to detail the car in and out. I did a leatherique treatment with some success, but weather is too cold for optimal. So on recommendation from a ZHPmafia member I met yesterday (Benny), I'm sitting at metroleather while they restore the drivers seat. I'll repeat the leatherique in summer on the rest of the seats.

The car has Bridgestone pole position tires with 17k miles, but the rears are worn to 2-3/32 and will barely pass state inspection, if at all. I picked up Pilot super sports and will be installing soon.

I'm considering changing out the shocks and struts. They are original. I had them inspected and there are no leaks, but obviously they are well worn due to its age. I'm not looking to lower the ride, but I'd like the car to ride more like a lower mileage e46. I recently sold a 2004 325 convertible with 23k miles - it was a base model but drove like a new car. The ZHP obviously does not feel as new - the steering doesn't feel nearly as tight. I assume the shocks/struts will improve the feel significantly. I welcome any advice on this suspension upgrade.

I've looked through the recommended maintenance and I believe all the key items have been covered except for VANOS replacement, but I had that checked and it's fine. Its never had a fluid change for power steering or manual gearbox. I will address those in the next few months.

I installed a new ZHP shift knob as the original one was worn down and ordered a rewraped alcantara steering wheel from CobyWheel - that should take a few weeks to arrive. I am super excited for this upgrade.

I'll post more pictures after I detail the car.

fredo
12-30-2015, 06:54 AM
Welcome, Lorenzo ! Glad you joined this forum.

danewilson77
12-30-2015, 07:03 AM
Lorenzo, wilkommen.

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Lorenzo
12-30-2015, 07:08 AM
Thanks! This is actually my 2nd ZHP. My first I had bought from Bruce in 2013. It was a red convertible with 50k miles. It was spectacular. I sold in an attempt to downsize to one car. Big mistake. That car was a gem. Bruce maintened it exceptionally well. Live and learn, right?

Vas
12-30-2015, 07:11 AM
Welcome. Glad to have another NOVA member on these boards.

Some of us are planning to meet up in the spring time for a maintenance day. Koni will offer their sale starting in March as well for shocks. Something to think about.

[USMC]Skywalker
12-30-2015, 07:37 AM
Welcome Larry! Nice meeting you yesterday. Glad could be of help. We should definitely take part in the next ZHP mafia meet up.

BCS_ZHP
12-30-2015, 08:53 AM
Nice to see you finally join here Larry. Vic up in NH bought my son's ZHP too back in June, he's racking up the miles on each of them and enjoying them.

johnrando
12-30-2015, 09:03 AM
Welcome! Lots of good suspension advice on this forum. If you don't get answers, I'll throw my .02 later when I have more time.

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BMWCurves
12-30-2015, 09:58 AM
Welcome! Great looking example!

For suspension it sounds like you want a refreshed setup similar to stock in terms of performance and comfort? If so, I recommend Koni Sport (yellow) shocks and struts with the stock springs. I just refreshed my suspension along with front control arm bushings (FCABs, but you've already done these) and rear trailing arm bushings (RTABs) for a Z4M and have loved my setup. You can read more about my suspension questions, installation, and review here: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?16182-Help-with-Suspension-Refresh-at-50k-miles-10-years.

The only other maintenance item on there I might consider is the state of your DISA valve, but since I've never had to repair it, I don't know too much about it. Other members can help you out. Otherwise you sound pretty set to me!

Lorenzo
12-30-2015, 02:14 PM
Washed and did clay bar treatment today. Plan to polish in th next few days.

Lorenzo
12-30-2015, 02:18 PM
Metroleather refinished drivers seat - sand, clean, dye. I scrubbed passenger seat with Lexol since it was in better shape.

fredo
12-30-2015, 02:25 PM
Amazing job.

BMWCurves
12-30-2015, 03:21 PM
Looks great!

Vas
12-30-2015, 04:27 PM
Looks great

[USMC]Skywalker
12-30-2015, 07:07 PM
Looks great man!

ELCID86
12-30-2015, 07:19 PM
Congrats on the car. Amazing garage! Loved that red vert too. Lots of us NOVA owners around and as Vas said, let's have a meet/drive soon!


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"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 e46f member

330i ZHP
12-30-2015, 11:48 PM
Welcome

jhemmer01
12-31-2015, 10:06 AM
Welcome to the brotherhood! Nice car.


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Au2bahn
12-31-2015, 02:14 PM
So, who got you into ZHPs? :-). I hear your mechanic is just awesome! :-p

Au2bahn
12-31-2015, 02:18 PM
Keith now has a twin

Lorenzo
01-01-2016, 06:01 AM
So, who got you into ZHPs? :-). I hear your mechanic is just awesome! :-p

He most certainly is!!!