Marcus's Imola Red ZHP (2005 BMW E46 330 ZHP Coupe)

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I don't have a project car but I do want to lay out the things that I have done to my car.

I bought the car in August 2010. It had 56,700 miles on it.

These are the pictures that the seller was using when I became interested:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/backseat.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/cockpit.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/interioragain-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/exterior.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/leatherinterior2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/navlook.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/imolared330.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/exterior2.jpg

As you can see, the interior was in immaculate condition. The exterior, meanwhile, looked great as well. But it was the interior that caught my attention. The interior was so clean that it looked as though no one had ever sat in the back seats. The passenger seat looked rarely used.

Anyhow, I contacted the seller on August 5, 2010. We struck a deal within 12 hours of the ad going online. I was in Denver picking up the new car on August 6, 2010.

Jeff, on the left, was a cool cat. One of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. This picture was taken about five minutes before I drove off with my new car:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/2010-08-06_19-01-45_467.jpg

When I got the car home, I knew that there would be some things that needed to be done on the car.

The first thing I did was the coolant overhaul (since I was so close to 60,000 miles). Everything was swapped out (water pump, expansion tank, expansion tank cap, upper hose, lower hose (plus temp sensor), thermostat, coolant level sensor, idler pulley, belts, etc. I won't swap out the radiator until about 90,000 miles.

I also immediately changed the oil, even though the oil had been changed 4500 miles before I picked it up (something about me just wanting to make sure that I had the oil I wanted in the car).

Additionally, I noticed that the center cup holders in the car were slightly warped. I replaced them with a brand new center unit.

I also replaced the windshield wipers at this time.

With the maintenance stuff out of the way, I started tackling the cosmetic things that I thought needed attention.

Before I got the ZHP, I knew that I wanted to put OEM M3 mirrors on the car. I've never been a big fan of the stock 330 mirrors. I did not want to pay retail for the mirrors so I exercised some patience here. Eventually, the right deal came along. Best of all, the guy who was selling them lived just 40 miles from me. I took a quick drive up the freeway and grabbed the mirrors ($250; steal).

The mirrors came from a carbon black M3 that had been rear ended. Therefore, I needed to have them painted. I had 2M Auto Body do the work. I dropped the mirrors off on Monday and I picked them up about five days later.

The mirrors, meanwhile, were not plug and play. Indeed, the M3 mirrors are 12 pin. My ZHP had the ribbon style connectors. I wanted fully functional mirrors, so I had Shane, owner of Euro Auto Spot, make them work. He had the mirrors all day. He is not a hack, so he wanted to do these perfectly. After procuring the parts, he customized the interior of the mirrors. The result is that my mirrors work perfectly. Just like factory. Couldn't be more pleased with the work (shout out to Steve Yurkovic, a tech at Euro Auto Spot, who played point on the mirrors).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/MarkTandemShots055.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/MarkTandemShots111.jpg

Similarly, I didn't like the orange reflectors on the front bumper. I had 2M Auto Body paint them in imola red.

The original tint needed some attention, so I had Lou -- over at the Tint Source -- put 15% on the front driver, passenger, and rear windows. Turned out well, though it is more difficult to see out of them at night.

The BMW kidney grills come in chrome. I didn't think that chrome tied in with the car very well.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/MarkTandemShots008-1.jpg

I bought matte-black grills from Khoalty and put them on. Looks much better.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/cleanzhp.jpg

Meanwhile, this car did not come with a factory alarm (it was only pre-wired for it). As such, I had a factory alarm installed when I had the coolant overhaul done.

The car also needed a radar detector, so I invested in a Valentine One. All of my cars have one; it's what I know.

The final touch was my license plate. I got a customized plate: 05 ZHP.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/2011-05-07_10-48-15_123.jpg

I also added a German plate for the front of the car (pictures taken by Droid X):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/2011-03-04_17-20-40_550.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/2011-03-04_17-32-27_82.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/2011-03-04_17-32-17_248.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/2011-03-04_17-32-42_48.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/2011-03-04_17-22-01_526.jpg

Finally, a few months ago I installed the BMW Performance intake and the BMW Performance strut brace. We've all seen how these look. Here's a picture of mine:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/2011-03-04_17-20-26_759.jpg

You'll notice, though, that I had to relocate the terminal post (we all do when we get the BMW Performance strut brace). Steve Yurkovik, master tech over at Euro Auto Spot (San Diego), fabricated the terminal post and the alarm switch. It really looks like it came that way from the factory. Nice work by Steve.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/2011-06-01_18-40-57_583.jpg

Today, my car looks like this (only thing missing in these pictures is the black grills):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/MarkTandemShots001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/MarkTandemShots013.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/MarkTandemShots054.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/MarkTandemShots030.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/MarkTandemShots101.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/MarkTandemShots042.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/2011-05-10_15-42-19_522.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/2011-05-11_10-30-57_185.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/Photo%20shoot%20August%2022%202010/MarksImolarotZHP041.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/Photo%20shoot%20August%2022%202010/MarksImolarotZHP032.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/Photo%20shoot%20August%2022%202010/MarksImolarotZHP179.jpg

Recent pictures:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/ZHPMafia041.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/ZHPMafia012.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/ZHPMafia018.jpg

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Thread updated.

[Alphatek45]

That may be my favorite interior.

[kayger12]

Great story and beautiful ride.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

This is the best car I've owned. So glad I held out for a ZHP.

[Mtnman]

wow. just wow. frieken clean as hell. i could spend all day on my interior and never rech that level. But PO has a kid, and so do i, so we'll see what your ride looks like in a year or so marcus! lol. great write up. ill have to do mine soon.

[mimalmo]

Great writeup! Somehow I missed it on previous pics and threads that you had a personalized plate. I like it.

[JohnnyGraphic]

Extremely nice and tasteful upgrades!!! I totally love that color combo!

Johnny

[jvr826]

That combo is pure class!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

wow. just wow. frieken clean as hell. i could spend all day on my interior and never rech that level. But PO has a kid, and so do i, so we'll see what your ride looks like in a year or so marcus! lol. great write up. ill have to do mine soon.

I will probably end up with yet another car, David. I don't see the boy running roughshod over the interior of the ZHP. I'd rather him thrash the interior of the 335 than the ZHP.


That combo is pure class!

I love it, Jeff. It has really grown on me.


Extremely nice and tasteful upgrades!!! I totally love that color combo!

Johnny

Thanks, Johnny.

[MisterMotorist]

Superb ZHP - now I have a standard to look to when I start changing and improving my car - I can never leave my cars alone!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Thank you, sir. Much appreciated.

[mr hish]

that is an extra clean ride it has to be the best zhp on the site since it belongs to the big BOSS !!! way to go boss i really admire a nice ride !!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Thanks, Mr. Hish. Not sure it's the best, though. So many nice rides here.

I'm going for the clean look.

[mr hish]

plz just call me hish, in my opinion urs is the best cause i really enjoy a total original look car and ur interior looks as if it just came out the bmw factory thumbs up !!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Hish it is.

I appreciate the compliment, my friend. My goal was to make sure everything I did had a factory look, which is why I went with OEM M3 mirrors.

[mr hish]

ur welcome btw am thinking of installing those m3 mirrors do u have any idea how much woul they cost +shipping?

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I got mine for $250, which is on the cheap side. I would expect $300+. Shipping to Lebanon? Not sure on that.

The real expense is in making them work properly. You have a 2004. It's possible that you have the ribbon-style connectors, which will make it plug and play.

If you have to get them painted, that will likely run you about $100. I'd expect to pay $400, including painting. Add in $25 or so for shipping. And add however many hours it takes to get the install done.

[mr hish]

well i think 400$ is a good price covering everthing . i will try to search for them in my area and would be great if i found a pair of mystic blue ones . if for a certain reason couldnt find any i would wire you the money and u can send them to me is it okay?

[pyreguy]

Very cool Boss

[Marcus-SanDiego]

well i think 400$ is a good price covering everthing . i will try to search for them in my area and would be great if i found a pair of mystic blue ones . if for a certain reason couldnt find any i would wire you the money and u can send them to me is it okay?

Nah. I am not in the business of wiring and shipping stuff internationally. You'd have to do business with the person here in the US and have him do the transaction with you, Hish. Sorry about that.

[danewilson77]

that is an extra clean ride it has to be the best zhp on the site since it belongs to the big BOSS !!! way to go boss i really admire a nice ride !!

Thats the only thing holding me back.

[mr hish]

ohh then i will do my best on finding some here :) and will let u know how much i got them for

[Marcus-SanDiego]

ohh then i will do my best on finding some here :) and will let u know how much i got them for

My recommendation is to troll the various forums until you find some. People are always selling them.

[mr hish]

ok ill do that

[ZHP-FTW]

You have a very nice and clean zhp Marcus, I am jealous. Mine have been roughed up a little over the last 2 years, but it is my DD and only car so I guess that is somewhat unavoidable. Someday I'll be able to have a super nice and clean ride.

[Maximus57]

Great write up Marcus. Thanks for the props as well. I cleaned that car inside and out nearly every weekend. It killed me to drive it when it snowed (50 miles round trip on the freeway). It did have a few checks here and there, but overall, a daily driver in Colorado, I thought it still looked great. I miss that car everyday, but I'm sure glad you have it.
I'm still trying to find out how many Imola red/Natural ZHP's were made in 05. I've seen two here in Denver, but both were sedans.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Jeff, in the ZHP Registry, you can do a query there. I just did one. I filtered my search so that I included all model years, the exterior is imola red, interior is natural brown, I included all transmissions, and I specified coupe. Result? 1. Mine.

Of course, the Registry is still a new thing but you can see that it's a fairly rare combination.

And, Jeff, I'm glad I got your car, too. It's a winner. I'm happy that you're happy about me being the owner.

FTW, thanks for the words, sir.

[Maximus57]

I was looking at how many were built for the US with that color combo. I contacted BMWNA, they couldn't help. They suggested going through my local dealer. I have a great contact here in Denver. I'll see what he can track down.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

And find out how many ZHPs were ordered during 2003-2006. Just a small request. Hehe.

[az3579]

Every time I see your interior, it reminds me of the 4-door Imola I test drove right before buying mine. 4-door, Imola, with natural brown interior, nav... It sure was a reeeeeeal beauty. Wish my interior was natural brown sometimes, but then I remember; I don't like leather because of how cold it is in the winter and how hot it is in the summer. Oh well, can't have it all. :dunno

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Every time I see your interior, it reminds me of the 4-door Imola I test drove right before buying mine. 4-door, Imola, with natural brown interior, nav... It sure was a reeeeeeal beauty. Wish my interior was natural brown sometimes, but then I remember; I don't like leather because of how cold it is in the winter and how hot it is in the summer. Oh well, can't have it all. :dunno

BP, it really is gorgeous. Because I live in a temperate climate, I'm all good with the hot and cold (since it doesn't fluctuate too much -- and it's never extreme).

[jjcools]

So nice. That color combo is a keeper for sure.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Thanks, JJ. I agree.

[SC4ME]

Nice ride :rofl

I like the brown interior also. Mine is the black leather and I have found it to be just fine. But then I just moved down to San Diego from San Francisco so I might have a little different perspective after a couple months of pure sunshine.

Also, the brown goes with so many other colors. I also have an '85 Nissan 300 ZX Turbo that is blue on blue (not my choice). I would love to paint the car British Racing Green but cant since it would require all new interior/seats/trim. Now if I had that gorgeous brown leather you have................

[gr330zhp]

Really cool thread Marcus!

I love your ZHP's interior. And our ZHPs have pretty much the same mileage! :)

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Really cool thread Marcus!

I love your ZHP's interior. And our ZHPs have pretty much the same mileage! :)

Sweet. Everyone is going to pass me on mileage eventually.

[az3579]

Sweet. Everyone is going to pass me on mileage eventually.

I'm willing to bet Jeff is going to pass you mileage eventually. lol

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I'm willing to bet Jeff is going to pass you mileage eventually. lol

Haha. Exactly.

[Johnmadd]

I put a beating on my e30's, i've got 101,500 on the zhp and you may catch up one day.:roundel

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Terry, see what I mean?

[M0nk3y]

:drool

Such a clean car. I'd never get old looking at it. Gorgeous!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Kyle, thanks, sir.

The car is getting a new addition soon. Ordered the item yesterday. I'll hopefully have it in time for the meet on Saturday.

[danewilson77]

What....chrome valve stem caps?

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Dane, you know me too well.

[M0nk3y]

Kyle, thanks, sir.

The car is getting a new addition soon. Ordered the item yesterday. I'll hopefully have it in time for the meet on Saturday.


I don't have any plans to change anything else. The car now looks perfect to me.

Such a contradiction

:shifty

[Marcus-SanDiego]

When you see what it is, it won't be a contradiction.

[Hornung418]

Possibly ditching the 135Ms in favor of a lighter, more open wheel?

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Possibly ditching the 135Ms in favor of a lighter, more open wheel?

This is what I got: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?1443-BMW-ZHP-330-Present-On-Its-Way&p=28064#post28064

[L0veZHP]

your car is sex on wheels!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Thank you.

When I get the new Euro plate put on, I will be sure to update the thread.

[mikeyb74]

My second favorite interior combo.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Latest addition to the Red Baron:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/2011-03-03_10-53-47_683.jpg

[kayger12]

LOVE IT!!!!

[mikeyb74]

^What he said!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

See my write up here (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?1443-BMW-ZHP-330-Present-On-Its-Way&p=28919#post28919).

[Marcus-SanDiego]

First post updated with new pictures of the license plate.

[danewilson77]

That looks perfect Boss.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Thanks, DW.

[jpawela]

Love it! Clean, simple and not going crazy on mods. :fistpump

[Marcus-SanDiego]

If someone says my car is clean and simple, that's the best compliment I can get.

Thank you, sir.

[danewilson77]

Love it! Clean, simple and not going crazy on mods. :fistpump

Wut?

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Wut?

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

You heard him, sir. Clean and simple. Not a lot of mods. Hehe.

[danewilson77]

Oh.....right.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[johnnyrad]

Marcus, dude, you bought a ZHP from Phil Jackson!!!! Coach of the Lakers!!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Johnny, I'll let Jeff (the previous owner) know you said that. Haha.

Thanks.

[johnnyrad]

Johnny, I'll let Jeff (the previous owner) know you said that. Haha.

Thanks.

Sorry could not resist.

[Maximus57]

Actually, Phil wanted to buy it from me, but Marcus beat him to it. haha

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Thank goodness he was in Europe at the time.

[pyreguy]

....needs moar doors :biggrin

[Marcus-SanDiego]

....needs moar doors :biggrin

:biggrin love ya.

[pyreguy]

Back atcha brother

[az3579]

....needs moar doors :biggrin
+1


*ducks behind cover*

[Rich@2M]

Can I have Ur steering wheel!? Lol

[Marcus-SanDiego]

You can have the one on my 335. Ha!

[Rich@2M]

Haha ! I know right.
I dunno the zhp looks more aggressive:guns2

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Let's just say that I am glad I have that car as my only BMW now.

[danewilson77]

Now you can mod de zhp?

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Negative, Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.

[danewilson77]

Negative, Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.

:shifty

Droid! Srs Legitness!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Added three new pictures.

[danewilson77]

Very nice Boss. Conveniently resized to meet our sig pic requirements.


http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Other%20cars/exteriorMarky-1.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Other%20cars/ZHPMafia041-1.jpg

[3ZHPGUY]

Great article written by a true pro. Love the interior and one lucky find. That is probably one of the rarest combinations.

One thing I just realized when looking at your black kidney grills, THE HOOD AND GRILL IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT ON COUPS AND CABRIOS THEN IT IS ON THE SALOONS. I knew my wives 03 325CIc was different but, that's a different generation. The differences are, harder and closer lines on the hood from the grill to the back and the Kidney shape is much wider.

Wow, so close bit, so different.


http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss351/3zhpguy/ZHP/IMG_3731_2.jpg

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Thanks, Guy. Yes. At the ZHP Mafia shoot in San Diego, we were checking out the differences in the grille sizes. The sedan guys were asking if there was a way to make our grilles fit on their cars. Nope. Our grilles are just too big.

[kpro]

Looking Clean Marcus :) I like the one with the 5 ZHP's in it.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Looking Clean Marcus :) I like the one with the 5 ZHP's in it.

And it does look as though the other zhps are protecting the imola red ZHP.


iPad. Tapatalk. Bi-winning.

[lilcdkey]

Looks great! I love your interior.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Thanks, lilcd. That's one of my favorite parts of the car -- if not my favorite.

[macpro_racer2010]

Love the car!:drool awesome pictures, I think you just inspired me to also consider the two door:biggrin

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Love the car!:drool awesome pictures, I think you just inspired me to also consider the two door:biggrin

Coupe for the win.


iPad. Tapatalk. Bi-winning.

[danewilson77]

Coupe for the win.


iPad. Tapatalk. Bi-winning.

:shifty

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I knew one of my lieutenants would dissent. My other lieutenant will have to break the tie. I'm guessing I know the outcome.

Coupe FTW.


iPad. Tapatalk. Bi-winning.

[johnrando]

CiC version of the coupe FTW, so yes, coupe FTW! :-)

[Marcus-SanDiego]

But I can go for a 4 door -- if they're attached to two coupes. :biggrin


iPad. Tapatalk. Bi-winning.

[danewilson77]

But I can go for a 4 door -- if they're attached to two coupes. :biggrin


iPad. Tapatalk. Bi-winning.

:mob

[Marcus-SanDiego]

The mob would support you in your project thread. You're invincible and unbeatable there.


iPad. Tapatalk. Bi-winning.

[danewilson77]

Hehe....

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Hehe....

Unless I bring my posse to your thread. :biggrin

[danewilson77]

Yikes.

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[kayger12]

I knew one of my lieutenants would dissent. My other lieutenant will have to break the tie. I'm guessing I know the outcome.

Coupe FTW.


iPad. Tapatalk. Bi-winning.

Does BMW even make a 4-door ZHP? I never noticed.:innocent

Those coupes really stand out though. Design perfection...

[danewilson77]

Hehe.....

[lilcdkey]

Marcus, you ever consider wrapping your roof in some gloss black vinyl? For that panoramic roof look...

Pictures of the roof on my old E36

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5578671873_6878b0d289.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/61147888@N06/5578671873/)
Gloss Black Roof (http://www.flickr.com/photos/61147888@N06/5578671873/) by lilcdkey (http://www.flickr.com/people/61147888@N06/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5296/5578676723_6b144d89c4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/61147888@N06/5578676723/)
How she sits now! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/61147888@N06/5578676723/) by lilcdkey (http://www.flickr.com/people/61147888@N06/), on Flickr

and on my brother's E92...

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/40744_527828206509_62802045_31069308_5324783_n.jpg

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Zaid, I have not thought about doing that. When it comes to mods, I've always been very conservative. This is getting out of my comfort zone.

[lilcdkey]

Zaid, I have not thought about doing that. When it comes to mods, I've always been very conservative. This is getting out of my comfort zone.

Gotcha ;)

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Added this to the first post:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/2011-06-01_18-40-57_583.jpg

[danewilson77]

What's that Boss? Strut bar?

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

No. It's the relocation of the terminal post and the alarm switch. Also, it was fabricated with new holes and nuts that make it look factory. It's in the write up in post one, though, if you want all of the detail.

[billschusteriv]

Just re-read the first post. Again, nicely done.

I like how the perforated leather on the steering wheel goes with the cube trim.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Especially this one, Bill:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/marcussandiego/Photo%20shoot%20August%2022%202010/MarksImolarotZHP041.jpg

[billschusteriv]

^^^ Especially that one. Casey captured that well.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Very true.

[PHZ]

LOVE your sense of composition and context awareness in the photography!!!

[prowlerflyer]

No. It's the relocation of the terminal post and the alarm switch. Also, it was fabricated with new holes and nuts that make it look factory. It's in the write up in post one, though, if you want all of the detail.

Hey Boss, could you take a couple of up close pics of the terminal relocation, to include the grounding wire routing? Your's looks very similar to how Charlie and I did up ours. Although, our grounding wire is run through the rectangular grommet on the top edge of the drug bin, closest to the headers. Steve

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[Hornung418]

Mark no longer has the car. It was sold to TomJonesRocks or something similar.

[danewilson77]

We have pics of this on site though.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[BMW_Auto_Recycling]

What color combo is it ???!!!! I have it for sell in a coupe

[ryankokesh]

25378

[Vas]

LOL....