If not a ZHP, what would you drive?

[330i Lover]

A MK V R32 is my DD.

Original owner of it for over 8 years and almost 88k miles and it's been virtually bulletproof. There were like 4 recalls early on in its life, but other than an issue with the wiring to the mass air flow sensor and the passenger side mirror glass falling out it's been problem free.

It would be better if it had a manual instead of the dual sequentials, but despite that "flaw" I'm still absolutely tickled and enamored of this vehicle. It steers and handles as well as any BMW I've ever owned. I first test drove a GTI with a stick and it was really very engaging and fun, but found the steering to be a downer (although better than the rubbish eps in BMW's, still too much slop in the rack for my liking). The R32 on the other hand is an absolute hooligan with razor sharp electro-mechanical steering rack (variable sport assist), great comportment and balance (surprising for something piggy) all the way to the limits. I also like the linear power delivery of the VR6, and when you spank it to WOT the exhaust sings an absolute Aria. 4Motion cuts up to 10 inches of fresh, un-plowed snow with verve and delight. So it's all in the eyes and the wallet of the beholder to determine whether those characteristics are worth the additional outlay.

A big benny is it definitely allows you to fly under the radar as I've never accumulated even a single MV infraction.

For the past 3 or 4 years I've kept my options open for potential replacements. The subsequent two R successor's are interesting, but their 4 banger stock exhaust sounds a bit milquetoast compared to MK IV and MK V and the car is paid for so unless it's an emergency I'll be pleased to drive the wheels off it before relinquishing the keys.

Beautiful!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[330i Lover]

I would do an e39, 6 spd with lowest miles I could find.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[toddness]

I can't stand the idea of just one to drive. I have a tough time picking which one to drive some days, though the type of drive often dictates which vehicle I take. I love the zhp for the nimble refined comfortable ride if it's me alone or with a passenger and no encumbrances (cuz coupe) and I typically won't drive it in SF cuz sinkholes. The e39 m5 is just the awesome highway monster. the e28 535is is to an e28 m5 like the zhp to and m3 in many ways, and I probably say this only because I can't justify an e28 m5 (yet?), though she's tired and headed for a rebuild (or swap?); the e28 is a refined (for the era) comfortable cruiser. The x3 is very much like the zhp in urban assault mode and used for city / mountain treks - I'd probably keep it over the ZHP cuz four doors awd and still 6mt. the 2002 is more like a go-kart today but so much fun and timeless. But i think if I had to pick one to drive for $25K and no snow/mountains involved, it's the e12. Ballsy not unlike the M5 in many ways, though so light and nimble in comparison. I am so surprised these aren't appreciated more. I could do a lot with 25K less the cost of a dry e12 shell that's still fairly easily to locate at under 4K.

[ELCID86]

What are your thoughts on a 135i? Rob or Kpro??


Thumbs, iPhone, TaT.

[illirep]

We had a 135i soft too before kids. That thing was a blast, even with slushbox. Haven't really gotten cheap enough to re engage my interest yet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ELCID86]

We had a 135i soft too before kids. That thing was a blast, even with slushbox. Haven't really gotten cheap enough to re engage my interest yet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

How's the back seat legroom for an adult?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[illirep]

Non existent lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[az3579]

How's the back seat legroom for an adult?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Legroom? lol
The legroom isn't even acceptable in a standard coupe, unfortunately.

[ELCID86]

Legroom? lol
The legroom isn't even acceptable in a standard coupe, unfortunately.

Agreed. That's why Colin got rid of his Ci.
I've seen a few ppl say its wasn't too bad though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[UdubBadger]

Well since I don't I guess my answer is an e46 M3???

If it's a wish list:

Porsche 911
Porsche Cayman S

That's a stretch if money isn't any object, wouldn't be able to afford even a 997.1 or 986 of those models.

If I was on the same budget I am now (or close) in order:

Audi TTRS
Audi S4
BMW 135i
Audi SQ5
A really clean, low mile, e36 M3 manual trans sedan with dove grey interior.


Goin' HAM mobile

My new answer is 997.2 C4S which I will likely hold out for as the next ride in a few years when it's time to retire the M3s


GoingHAM mobile