What is it about the ZHP design...

[yura]

... that keeps me coming back to it time after time? I'm very happy with my E92 335i, but it's just not the same.

I think I'd even do a trade for a ZHP + cash if the right one came along. Just because the E46 is so damn good looking.

To everyone with a 6MT, Imola Red ZHP sedan: you've got at least one E92 owner envious of your car!

[Mike2003ZHP]

There are days when the pot holes or dirt roads have given me doubts, but after 11 years owning my ZHP I still can't think of a car I'd rather have.

[alexandre]

:hi

[Avetiso]

I think of all the 3 series, the E46 looks the classiest.

[BavarianZHP]

Without a doubt, the ZHP is a mesmerizing car. Now the next step is to find a girl that makes me feel the same way.

[Racinghart]

Still loving as if it were new. Styling still competes with what's out on the road these days. And I still get the "Nice looking car" from random people. BMW did great with this car.

[BCS_ZHP]

Still loving as if it were new. Styling still competes with what's out on the road these days. And I still get the "Nice looking car" from random people. BMW did great with this car.

Spotted you on Burke Centre Pkwy last weekend, me in red S-10 4-door pickup, you turning right onto Roberts Rd, hope the new headlight lenses are holding up to our weather conditions.
Bruce

[3ZHPGUY]

For what I just invested in my truck, I could have afforded a nice M, by selling or trading my ZHP. Just couldn't give her up and have no plans to ever do that. :)

[Racinghart]

Spotted you on Burke Centre Pkwy last weekend, me in red S-10 4-door pickup, you turning right onto Roberts Rd, hope the new headlight lenses are holding up to our weather conditions.
Bruce

Oh hey man, they are. Thanks again for that. Might be hitting you up soon to help me with a steering wheel install once I get it done(rewrapped) next month.

[BCS_ZHP]

Steering wheel install is only 15-20 minutes, takes longer to have the post install celebratory beer.

[Racinghart]

Sweet!

[Stewbie]

To everyone with a 6MT, Imola Red ZHP sedan: you've got at least one E92 owner envious of your car!

Looks like it's not safe for me to park my car around Vancouver anymore. Kerunt might drool on it. :)

[yura]

Looks like it's not safe for me to park my car around Vancouver anymore. Kerunt might drool on it. :)

Oooh, a local! :D Going to have to find out where you are and leave some fingerprint smudges on your windows!

The only Imoal ZHP (well... M-Sport) sedan I've seen around here is an automatic - always see it nearby when I walk the dog. :(

[Stewbie]

Oooh, a local! :D Going to have to find out where you are and leave some fingerprint smudges on your windows!(


Stoners Invisible Glass to the rescue!

[johnrando]

Yup, I love the way the ZHP looks. I always just shake my head and have to pinch myself because it's such a beautiful car, and I get to drive it! :biggrin

[fredo]

To me, the most distinctive feature are the OEM style 135 wheels. That's what got my attention first.

[BCS_ZHP]

... that keeps me coming back to it time after time? I'm very happy with my E92 335i, but it's just not the same.

I think I'd even do a trade for a ZHP + cash if the right one came along. Just because the E46 is so damn good looking.

To everyone with a 6MT, Imola Red ZHP sedan: you've got at least one E92 owner envious of your car!

2-part question: So what's the "right one", ZHP-wise? And then what would it take to get you to part with the AW 335?

Geographically we're not compatible but thought I'd toss the questions out there for others.

[yura]

2-part question: So what's the "right one", ZHP-wise? And then what would it take to get you to part with the AW 335?

Geographically we're not compatible but thought I'd toss the questions out there for others.

I was trying to avoid this to not get my hopes up, haha.

Okay, here goes my "perfect" ZHP:

- Imola Red on Natural Brown (but generally open to other colours, too)
- 6 speed manual sedan with heated seats (not negotiable); parking sensors would be great, too
- well maintained, with records to prove it
- stock or minimally modified

And obviously, things like lower mileage, no accidents, etc. all play a part.

The $$ difference would obviously vary from car to car, but ballpark $10-13k in the local market.

[BRGcoopahS]

To me, the most distinctive feature are the OEM style 135 wheels. That's what got my attention first.

The 135 wheels are a what makes the zhp. I could never get aftermarket rims because of that.

Honestly though, any 04+ e46 is great looking. There are times where I'll see a clean non zhp 04-06 coupe and admire it just as much as a zhp. I feel like the e46 was the last bmw generation where even the base models looked beautiful. Now in order to get a nice bmw, you HAVE to order the M sport package.

[JupiterBMW]

To me, the most distinctive feature are the OEM style 135 wheels. That's what got my attention first.

Even though I opted for aftermarket wheels, I have to agree. The one thing I've always noticed is how the E90 M wheels (style 220M) are VERY similar to the 135M. So clearly BMW realizes the style is timeless.

Also, the bumpers. The OEM splitter style is clearly a favored look as the newer cars all have optional splitters as a mod, or M-sport bumpers that have the similar, aggressive look. And the rear bumper... The diffuser is the same deal. All the M-sport cars/M cars have some sort of diffuser.

The ZHP is just the right blend of raw, driving machine and refined luxury car.

[kayger12]

The 135 wheels are a what makes the zhp. I could never get aftermarket rims because of that.


Big +1

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[danewilson77]

135's look great, but they're heavy, they crack, and they're a bitch to clean.

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[kayger12]

Agreed on all counts and I curse them every time I wash her-- but I couldn't imagine putting another wheel on my car.

[ELCID86]

Agree I like the rims but those cracks are a bit on the tough side to keep clean. I love the look of the wheels Joop, Preston and others have too and may consider those at some point. I think the mtech2 bumper is a big plus too.




Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1).

[ELCID86]

BTW they looked amazing after Colin's car was detailed last week.
11581


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1).

[kayger12]

They are no doubt a huge pain in the ass to clean. But that right there^ is what makes it worthwhile.

[danewilson77]

They are no doubt a huge pain in the ass to clean. But that right there^ is what makes it worthwhile.

Agree.

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[az3579]

135's look great, but they're heavy, they crack, and they're a bitch to clean.

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This. Man do they look good but the PITA to clean them is not worth the tradeoff to me personally.

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[Hermes]

They're not that hard to clean, try cleaning some mesh wheels and then you'll know what hard to clean really means

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/320i/null-41.jpg

[alexandre]

The proper tools make a huge difference...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GJ3EJS
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GJ3DZS

I have these 2 and cleaning my 4 wheels takes me about 20 mins. Plus I run OEM brakes so there is a shit ton of brake dust.

[az3579]

They're not that hard to clean, try cleaning some mesh wheels and then you'll know what hard to clean really means

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/320i/null-41.jpg

I had Ronal LS wheels on my E30. Never again.
They were gorgeous, but honestly I found cleaning those easier than the 135's, purely because of the tight spaces in between the spokes that you can't get most wheel brushes into. At least I could fit my fingers in between every nook and cranny on the Ronals.

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa192/az3579/Automotive/BMW%20E30%20325e%20S50/Exterior/2010-07-13171209.jpg

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa192/az3579/Automotive/BMW%20E30%20325e%20S50/Exterior/2010-07-13171140.jpg

Man I loved those wheels, and even moreso... that car...
I'm shocked I was able to fit 4-pot calipers behind those wheels, only 15".

[Hermes]

Understandable, I sometimes get annoyed cleaning the space between the spokes on the 135's. I agree that on mesh wheels the spaces are larger, but my point was not cleaning that part of the wheel.

With the E28/30 mesh wheels you at least have the shallow areas where the center cap is, on my Mahle's I don't have the center cap so those areas are 12mm deep and take forever to clean all my wheels. At least I still have rear drums at the moment so it's not too bad to clean. We'll see what happens when I convert to 323 trailing arms and modify E30 rear calipers so I have pad choice

[Washburn]

I am the minority which thinks the wheels are not the best part of the ZHP. :(
(recently changed them to style 264s and like them much better for looks and functionality)

posted some iphone pics here: (different forum) - never got to do a proper photo shoot with the real camera before it got too cold...
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3202860/Gretchen_got_new_wheels...%28bad#Post3202860

[JKO_ZHP]

I remember when I still had the 325Ci, I was browsing online for style 135 replicas.
Now that I have them, I reaplced them with Avant Gardes. :thumbsup
We really are never content with what we have!

[kayger12]

I am the minority which thinks the wheels are not the best part of the ZHP. :(
(recently changed them to style 264s and like them much better for looks and functionality)

posted some iphone pics here: (different forum) - never got to do a proper photo shoot with the real camera before it got too cold...
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3202860/Gretchen_got_new_wheels...%28bad#Post3202860

I don't think they're the best part. I just think they're too iconic to replace (for me anyway).

[Washburn]

It was a hard decision for me too - I knew and felt same about how iconic they're but to me the car looks 'younger' and cleaner (not too busy) with the 264s and I was always a fan of 5 spoke wheels, so I got them; But I still have the OEM style 135s...perhaps I will cling to them for a while...

[MooseX]

Yup the wheels are a pain to clean. However those honeycomb wheels scare the crap outta me thinking about cleaning them on daily/weekly basis

However the ZHP as a whole is just a great car. Just before I bought my ZHP is was hot to trot on the 335xi. I live in winter central..Donner Pass, CA.. and the 335xi made a lot of sense. I was like this could be my end game dream BMW. This coming from someone who's owned 21 Beemers thru time.

NOT. I was not impressed after driving the newer chassis. It felt unconnected to the road. Honestly not that much fun to drive.

Also dont care for the newer sedan bodystyle. I do love coupe style though.

$$ was an issue. ZHP is such a great value! Thats a fact

Yes I just sold my ZHP. Had to winter is here and I needed AWD. Now Im rollin a manual 330xi E46 of course

But im already looking for another ZHP

Oh yeah chicks dig 'em haha

[Washburn]

I think this should be included in a sticky somewhere:



Bimmer - proper accepted slang for BMW cars. Most people don't know this.
Beamer/Beemer - proper accepted slang for BMW motorcycles. You will hear this term used incorrectly by many people.
Bummer - When you get a speeding ticket.
Bitter - Another German car. Very rare; hand built.
Source: http://www.bmwccbc.org/misc/tech-and-trivia/bimmer.html

[Lanister]

The proper tools make a huge difference...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GJ3EJS
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GJ3DZS

I have these 2 and cleaning my 4 wheels takes me about 20 mins. Plus I run OEM brakes so there is a shit ton of brake dust.

I am not sure how narrow those smaller brushes are but it doesn't look like they would fit between the spokes. Do they?

[alexandre]

I am not sure how narrow those smaller brushes are but it doesn't look like they would fit between the spokes. Do they?

I mostly use them for the (even narrower) ends - the middle is cleaned up fine with the big brush.

[Lanister]

Thanks! Good to know :)

[johnrando]

I don't think they're the best part. I just think they're too iconic to replace (for me anyway).

Plus one. Ideally I'd like something lighter, more aggressive, but I like how these wheels are part of what a ZHP is so I'm reticent to change, even though I argue that point with myself every year.

[Lanister]

The 135 wheels is what drew me to the car to begin with. Over the years, I have come to realize that wheels is an enormous part of any car's appeal or lack thereof. It seems as though many manufacturers have finally caught on to the idea and I see more and more cars coming out with nice rollers. I always liked the idea of buying a car that came with great oem wheels that I didn't have an itch to replace. I think the zhp has got it right.

[ELCID86]

The detailer use Sonax (and something in a bottle he labeled "Ride & Shine" that I can't find anywhere and a large boar's hair brush to do the cracks. Worked well. I have the large brush above and a round one I have been using. I may try the Sonax and long bristle brush next time.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1).

[Crickett]

I, too, cannot bring myself to shod my ZHP with anything other than her 135Ms, though I frequently am tempted by 68Ms, CSLs, or E90 ZCPs. Once I win the lottery, I think I’ll have a set of them all: 135Ms for summer DDing, 68Ms for winter duty, and CSLs/ZCPs for track/autoX days! Win–win–win!


Tapatalk’d on my iPad mini

[QC_ZHP]

Sonax works wonders for cleaning 135's

[stephenkirsh]

I love the wheels. Best e46 wheels. But I've read a lot of threads about people who get wheels that are 8-9 pounds lighter and how noticeable it is. I know once I get my other mods out of the way, I'll be thinking about wheels when at autocross.

[fredo]

IMHO, the second best OEM wheels for the e46 are the style 119:

http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag89/av1968/style-119_zpsd9cf949c.jpg

But they are size 17. Not sure if that's a good match for the ZHP.

[az3579]

Sonax works wonders for cleaning any wheel

Fixed. :)


IMHO, the second best OEM wheels for the e46 are the style 119:

http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag89/av1968/style-119_zpsd9cf949c.jpg

But they are size 17. Not sure if that's a good match for the ZHP.

I'm partial to my Style 71's, which were a $4k+ option when the car was new.

(only recent pic I have)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/9732267307_d70dcf77ca_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/9732267307/)
IMG959700 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/65070296@N06/9732267307/) by botond.pal (http://www.flickr.com/people/65070296@N06/), on Flickr

If anything, these wheels remind me of the Clubsport, which is rarer than the ZHP. Those came with Style 71's.

[Washburn]

Wheels, like anything else is a very subjective as far as looks go, of course - that's why I think style 264 is best for AW coupes :)

11614
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/nishang/264w-1.jpg
11615

[BRGcoopahS]

Those are 135 wheels right? I'm referring to the 1 series of course.

[Washburn]

Yes, sir.

[yura]

The 264's are a gorgeous combo for that AW coupe!

[gmurphy]

BMW sure did get it right with the e46. (Minus a few flaws that can easily be fixed.) I love my ZHP!


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