New Member from Monterey Peninsula

[Greg330]

Hey Everyone,

I have lurked on the board and finally decided to join. I live in the Monterey Peninsula and I own a 2005 330CI convertible with a manual transmission (that has almost every option except BMW Assist and Parking Assist). I have owned the car since 2010 and I often use it as a daily driver. I picked it up with 62k miles and it just crossed 97k miles. It was a former CPO and CPM vehicle and I have done all recommended maintainance. It has been very reliable, only requiring preventative maintenance and a couple minor repairs. It is grey with tan interior so I love the color combo. I have never tracked my car and there is evidence that nobody else has either.

I have always wondered if the ZHP is a noticeable bump in power and handling, or are the differences subtle? I know my car runs and handles extremely well, and has been reliable, so is the ZHP a worthwhile improvement? Would I be better off getting a new drop in filter, Dinan Stage 1 tune, and Dinan exhaust on my car (I live in California so Dinan is the best option for me given the state’s regulations).

I have also considered a manual transmission M3. Is it too harsh for a daily driver?

Anyways, I just wanted to say hi to everyone and thank you for the wealth of information. If anyone sees a clean, low mileage 2004+ ZHP or M3 E46 convertible with a manual transmission that has been well cared for, please let me know. For the ZHP I prefer the full leather option without the suede. I just missed out on a 2004 ZHP convertible that was perfect, but someone bought it two days before I found it.

[Hermes]

Welcome

I'm confused, do you already have a car or are you looking for one?

[Vas]

Welcome.

[Greg330]

Welcome

I'm confused, do you already have a car or are you looking for one?

Hi Hermes,
Thanks for the welcome.
I already own a 2005 330 CI convertible and I am considering a couple different options. I do not know how much of a difference there is between the manual transmission convertible ZHP and the 330 CI, but I have often wondered. I have never had a chance to drive a ZHP. I am considering the following options:

1. Keep my 330 CI car since it is reliable and fun to drive.
2. Add a Dinan Stage 1 tune, Dinan exhaust, and an AFE Pro drop in filter if the performance bump is worthwhile.
3. Sell my car and purchase a ZHP that has a manual transmission and similar options as what I have. This would be based on if there is much of a difference in performance between my car and the ZHP.
4. Sell my car and buy a stock, unmodified M3 convertible assuming it is not too harsh as a daily driver.

[az3579]

I'd keep what you have. The difference between a ZHP and a 330 with sport package, performance-wise, isn't really worth switching cars over, IMO.
If you didn't have a car and were in the market, it definitely would be wise to spring for the ZHP. If you like your car now, I say keep it.

[Greg330]

I'd keep what you have. The difference between a ZHP and a 330 with sport package, performance-wise, isn't really worth switching cars over, IMO.
If you didn't have a car and were in the market, it definitely would be wise to spring for the ZHP. If you like your car now, I say keep it.

Your advice is exactly what I keep telling myself on an intellectual level, yet I look at ZHPs and M3s and wonder. I have been happy with my 330. It has served me well the last four years. If I move to a M3 that is a big jump in performance, but I do not know how it would serve as a daily driver. I also question if mods on my car would be noticeable.

[ELCID86]

I'd keep what you have. The difference between a ZHP and a 330 with sport package, performance-wise, isn't really worth switching cars over, IMO.
If you didn't have a car and were in the market, it definitely would be wise to spring for the ZHP. If you like your car now, I say keep it.

+1 Welcome. Unless you want to lose the ragtop.

[Greg330]

Thanks everyone for the welcomes. My indie mechanic says my car is strong and well cared for so maybe I should be happy with what I have. I love having a ragtop since I can drive south down Highway 1 with little effort.

[fredo]

Welcome, Greg. I also suggest you keep your current car. If you are in the mood for a fresh look, perhaps you could consider new wheels. If such new wheels happen to be OEM style 135, then even better !

Plz post pics of your car when you have chance.

[danewilson77]

Greg,

Welcome.

No flame suit required!