E46 330ci ZHP vs E92 328i

[Typhoon707]

Have you driven either? If you have the chance, I'd go and test drive each one. If you're nearby to a Mafia member I'm sure they'd be more than willing to let you take a spin, and probably most BMW dealerships will have one on on hand you can test drive. I think seeing them in person will help you see the differences between the two cars (and there are a fair amount) and give you an idea of which you'd prefer to have for the next few years.

I've only test driven the E92 335xi but I guess that too is very different both 328i and ZHP. I know you mean "seeing" as test driving, but taking it literally...I see quite a few E92s and I've yet to seen a ZHP. Because E92s are so common, it kind of makes me want the ZHP haha. Unless they are common for good reason. I should probably go on the E90 forum and search the average maintenance cost of a E92 328 out of warranty...

[Typhoon707]

Would a 12 year old ZHP be reliable enough for lengthier road trips like Route 66? Or is that not really possible due to age?

Thanks!

[NoVAphotog]

Would a 12 year old ZHP be reliable enough for lengthier road trips like Route 66? Or is that not really possible due to age?

Thanks!

I would take my car across country tomorrow and have taken it on several long distance road trips with zero issues. It's a fantastic road car and arguably it's doing what it was designed to do - be driven and cruise on the autobahn in that scenario. My friend has taken his 20+ year old E36 M3 all around the country with no issues. It's all about preventative maintenance being completed and up to date. Has nothing to do with age of the vehicle. Shit, I'd take an E46 over the E90 just for the sake of LESS electrical shit to go wrong and a dipstick to check oil.

[ELCID86]

I just went 1000 miles in mine last weekend. Now close to 209k...

[fredo]

I've considered to replace the Mini with the e92 328i. The sport seats are not very important for me. If I end up buying the e92, I would replace the wheels with a set of e92 335i and call it a day.

[Typhoon707]

I would take my car across country tomorrow and have taken it on several long distance road trips with zero issues. It's a fantastic road car and arguably it's doing what it was designed to do - be driven and cruise on the autobahn in that scenario. My friend has taken his 20+ year old E36 M3 all around the country with no issues. It's all about preventative maintenance being completed and up to date. Has nothing to do with age of the vehicle. Shit, I'd take an E46 over the E90 just for the sake of LESS electrical shit to go wrong and a dipstick to check oil.

That is reassuring! Let me know how the trip goes!

I just went 1000 miles in mine last weekend. Now close to 209k...

Seems like they are quite reliable...So should I be expecting much unexpected repairs if I drive annually less than 3000miles?

I've considered to replace the Mini with the e92 328i. The sport seats are not very important for me. If I end up buying the e92, I would replace the wheels with a set of e92 335i and call it a day.

Is there a reason you would replace the 328 wheels with the 335 wheels?

Which would be more comfortable for 3 people (including me), and for 4 people (including me), for long road trips? Assuming average height...

Thanks!

[BCS_ZHP]

Newer e9x interior is roomier than e46, see my sig, I've had plenty of both.

On 15 year old rubber, time and miles have deteriorated it:
- FCABs, front control arm bushings
- RTABs, rear trailing arm bushings
- sway bar bushings
- engine mounts
- transmission mounts
- differential mounts

Some of that is easy DIY, others more involved. But you said you don't have the space to DIY, so break out some 4 digit repair bills to replace suspension rubber parts.

Only 3K miles a year, it won't matter, if the rubber has started to deteriorate (and it has on a 15 year old car), less miles is not going to save it, the weather elements will just let it continue to get worse.

ZHP is more of a pure driving car than e9x, unless you bought something like a 335is, but that's an entirely different price point.

[slowCoupe]

Would a 12 year old ZHP be reliable enough for lengthier road trips like Route 66? Or is that not really possible due to age?

Thanks!

I have a 2005 330ci ZHP, 155,000 miles, and I would drive it cross-country right now. Yes I keep up on the maintenance, but it hasn't had any major mechanical issues since I purchased it in 2007. Sticky thermostat (common), replaced fuel pump, replaced lock/hazard switch cassette, replaced an 02 sensor, and honestly that's it other than regular wear-out items.

[John in VA]

Worried about a road trip in a 12 year-old car? Hell, I'd drive my '74 2002tii to California tomorrow if there was a reason. It depends what maintenance items were performed or deferred, no matter the age of the car.
I'm not a fan of the E36 or E90, but have had sports package/seats in the E28, E30, E39 and E46. We don't have them in my wife's F30 - I miss them!

[fredo]

I believe the e92 without sport package comes with 17" wheels. I would switch to 18" just for the looks. On the Mini, I went from 16" to 17" without any side effects.