Second Thoughts...? Help!

[JupiterBMW]

Ok, so I've closed a deal on my Altima, and its time to buy a new car. I've definitely decided that a white 3 series is in my near future, but now I'm wondering if a ZHP is the right car for me... I've had my eyes on a 2004 AW/Natural Brown ZHP sedan for a while now, 94K miles, $14,900. Car is located here. Its just about the perfect car for me and I think most of you know I've been incessantly searching for one... But, now I'm starting to wonder if getting an E90 330i might be better in terms of age/mechanical issues. I don't really want to spend on a 335i...

So help me out... I really want a ZHP because its rare, something different, but not old enough to REALLY be 'old'. That being said, I'm wondering how hard it will be to find parts in another couple of years. Will the car actually hold value and become 'collectible'??

On the other hand, the E90 330i (2006 sedan)... I like this car, but I realize it may not ever be anything 'special'... Then again, parts might be easier to come by...

Thoughts anyone? I know it comes down to personal preference, but I'm curious from all of you with experience. Technical opinions...? If you guys were in my shoes, what would you do?

Thanks for all the help and support guys!

[BCS_ZHP]

Okay, '03-05 ZHP sedan and '06 330i, same basic engine, same maintenance cycle, same parts availability. But 335 is dual turbo, more non-DIY stuff involved. Also the 335 fuel pump issue, ask Marcus how the unknown of when it will fail makes ou feel. Body, personal preference but the e46 exudes more style, in my opinion. Technology comfort items, e9X probably wins. Suspension, ZHP has more road feel than 335, but again a personal preference. So that's all like a Visa commercial, you can quantify it one way or the other. Here's the priceless part -- this Mafia family, nowhere in BMW world can you find such a group that is so upbeat, positive, and helpful to each other. Nowhere, period, no other club or forum even comes close.

[NorCalZman]

I would go to a BMW dealer and drive a E90 before test driving a ZHP

As far as parts, I thought it was required by law that the manufacturers supply parts for at least 10 years. Also, while I was having my car serviced, the service manager said that BMW was interested in servicing the older cars (like Mercedes does) so he thinks they'll keep making parts for awhile yet. Not sure how much truth there was to that statement....

At any rate, I am having a blast with my new ZHP. I seem to remember liking it more than a E90 I drove a few years ago. I can see myself getting a 2011 335i in 5 years or so though

[johnrando]

Not that this helps but I still get parts for my 1980 Triumph and they went out of business in 1980.

[Oli77]

E46 has more DIY out there I would think, perhaps that's something to consider. E46 also has a top-notch dashboard and cabin layout (as you say it's a matter of personal opinion).

[JupiterBMW]

Here's the priceless part -- this Mafia family, nowhere in BMW world can you find such a group that is so upbeat, positive, and helpful to each other. Nowhere, period, no other club or forum even comes close.

TRUTH... And for that, I can't thank all of you guys enough. Whether I went with a ZHP or an E90, I'd still stick around here. This is DEFINITELY the best forum I've been on.

[KevinC]

My 2c - from someone who's owned both.

In late '05 I was contemplating a new M3. But I priced it out and about crapped at the cost. The E90 sedan was just out, so I opted to go that route. What I did NOT know at the time was that the ZHP option even existed, or I'd have probably ordered a new ZHP coupe rather than the E90. Anyways I kept the E90 about 2 years. It was a fine car and trouble-free. But I much prefer the styling of the E46, especially the dash layout and interior in general.

Ultimately, it's a matter of personal taste. The other concerns you mention - parts availability, how "old" the car is, etc - should really not be a concern. Here's another angle you don't mention - by '04-'05, the E46 platform was quite mature. The various bugs a new model goes through were well shaken out by then. The '06 E90 was a brand new beast, sharing little with the E46 (though the basic motor is largely the same). Brand new electronics as well as lots of other areas of the car. I'd much rather have the "mature" platform than a 1st year car. I wouldn't touch a 335 with a 10-foot pole. Those direct injection motors have been nothing but trouble, going through fuel pumps like crazy, and running CRAZY hot, which can't be good for longevity.

Good luck with your decision, whichever direction you decide to go.

[JupiterBMW]

Kevin- Thanks for all the info. I didn't think about the maturity of an '04-'05 E46 versus a brand new E90... Very good point. And yes, I've heard about the HPFP issues with the E90, but I thought it was solely the 335 that had that... Either way, I'm leaning more towards the ZHP. I guess my biggest concern is that I'll get all the way up to NYC and the ZHP I'm holding out for will not be as good of a car as I'd like it to be... I don't want buyer's remorse!

[Au2bahn]

Sorry to jump in here. I know 335s well and wanted to provide feedback between the 335's and zhps. I work on 335's from suspension to engine work and are different cars. Yes the 335s run hot and the HPFP has been addressed MY 2009 and above or recalled prior those years with an extended warranty on those parts. As mentioned above, 04 and above E46's are more refined and E90s isnt refined till 2009 and above. 335's have tons of tuning products and a more programmable DME. Its a running computer.

E90's are a bit harder to diy than our cars but definitely doable. Not any different working on it than our cars but more parts to remove therefore more time working on it.

ZHPs are definitely rarer than any E90's out there except for maybe CP M3's.

Sent from my DROID RAZR

[DasMechaniKer]

From a DIYer's point of view I'd go with an older vehicle because I can work on it much easier. If you're not going to do your own work then that opinion doesn't really matter.

From an auto-enthusiast's point of view I would go with the ZHP. There is something about the newer vehicles in all makes and models that doesn't appeal to me. It's hard to explain but I think it has a lot to do with the increased usage of computers and windtunnels in designing a vehicle's overall design. The farther the progression of a vehicle's design the more it looks to me like a computer made the car, not a person. I feel that many new designs lack the human element which make a car become classic and timeless.

I feel designs such as the E46 are a dying breed, unfortunately.