Several years back, I was looking to switch brands for my automotive pleasures. I had been having so much fun with Miatas, yet decided for practicality reasons to change it up. RWD still, but with a back seat big enough to hole a couple toddlers just in case. Familiar with the BMW brand (E30 325 vert, E36 328is, E39 Touring in my past). I had not left the brand impressed with the 328is. Then one day I saw a kind of stocking looking E46. It had such a great stance and styling it seemed to be a step up from others, sans M3s. After some research, I determined it was a ZHP and so the hunt began. After 10 months of searching and missed opportunities, I pulled the trigger on a 2004 Silberblau sedan. Crap if this has not been my favorite car ever! Note that I have had well over 30. Throughout the years, I have invested ~$8000 in maintenance, as an enthusiast would, and loved every minute of driving it. As gorgeous as the car is, grey was not my first choice. And.. I would liked to have had a manual.
Fast forward nearly a decade, when I was swiftly moving down the hwy 5 in central California, thinking to myself, I.. just.. still.. love this car. Then I thought what could be better? 2 months later I found the answer. Have 2. Two weeks ago, I made a trip to the SF Bay area and bought a Mystic Blue manual coupe. I drove my 17 year old son and his buddy up in my sedan then let them take turns driving it back south to home while I drove the coupe. Not sure who enjoyed the trip home more... Certainly a win-win.
Pleasantly surprised, my wife's reaction was.. "hey honey after you've shined it up a little I would drive it... that's really a pretty blue".
I suspect that my butt won't be the only one in the driver's seat..
And so now, I will document my journey of bringing a neglected gem back to shape.
Oil filter reservoir / pan gaskets and FCABs to start.
Pics to come..