tristero
03-31-2015, 09:50 PM
First, I must confess; I am a convert to this religion. I was formerly a VW fan. I drove a VW Jetta TDI for the past 10 years. I used to have a Karmann Ghia, convertible, and I switched motors from the original 1600 cc to a Porsche 912 (which was also a 1600 cc flat four aircooled). I had put a lot of time, effort, and money, into the Jetta, which ultimately, was a pretty crappy car. It was nice that it got 45 mpg, but it wasn't attractive, and was not at all fun to drive. I didn't mind doing the work on that car. What I did mind, was putting that much work into a car that didn't give anything back to me.
I'm 47, and a new empty-nester with my youngest heading to college this past fall.
A year ago, I bought my first BMW. A 95 e34; 525i with an automatic. I was very impressed with this car; and since my Jetta was getting pretty old, I was considering a replacement for myself. (the 525 was for my teenage daughter). In the past year, I did a lot of work on the e34. Oil pan gasket, dipstick o-ring, OFHG, and etc. (The m50 engine is very similar to the m52 and m54). I love the logical layout of the I6, and the simplicity. I love the way these cars feel when you drive.
I guess I started looking in October. I went through various generations, 2002's, e30's, I considered a few e34 M5's. The e46 started to really appeal to me. When I really started to look at e46's I learned about the different options, and the ZHP stood out as "not special". Just perfect for me.
But week after week, I would find a ZHP, call the seller, and there was already a buyer looking at it. Again and again, I was c***blocked.
Then I found one, a 5 hour drive from where I live. Carlsbad, CA. 2004, 6-speed manual, Alpine Weiss with Alacantara interior (aluminium cube trim). 97,000 miles clocked. I planned a trip to see it. I gave it a good looking over. The seller was the second owner, and he had obviously babied this car. He had only put 5000 miles a year over the 4 years he had it. Thorough and detailed maintenance records. I can't say that it's completely flawless, but nearly so. 9/10, for sure, inside and out. Engine is 10/10. The steering wheel was re-wrapped. The convertible top had been replaced last year (due to vandalism). The seller had replaced the radiator and water pump, shocks and struts, and suspension bushings and control arms. The car was meticulously detailed, inside and out. It ran almost perfect. I've actually never driven a car like this. (maybe my brother's 5.0l Mustang, back in 1984. . . ).
In the 4 weeks since I drove it home up the Pacific Coast Highway, I've had an insane blast in this car. The exhaust note is a symphony of power and grace. The wheels have more grip than I currently know what to do with. This car is equally comfortable being driven on the edge up twisty country backroads, and quietly and calmly to the grocery store. I was never very careful or conscientious about maintenance and keeping my previous cars clean. But this car compels me to baby it like the previous owner did.
I'm 47, and a new empty-nester with my youngest heading to college this past fall.
A year ago, I bought my first BMW. A 95 e34; 525i with an automatic. I was very impressed with this car; and since my Jetta was getting pretty old, I was considering a replacement for myself. (the 525 was for my teenage daughter). In the past year, I did a lot of work on the e34. Oil pan gasket, dipstick o-ring, OFHG, and etc. (The m50 engine is very similar to the m52 and m54). I love the logical layout of the I6, and the simplicity. I love the way these cars feel when you drive.
I guess I started looking in October. I went through various generations, 2002's, e30's, I considered a few e34 M5's. The e46 started to really appeal to me. When I really started to look at e46's I learned about the different options, and the ZHP stood out as "not special". Just perfect for me.
But week after week, I would find a ZHP, call the seller, and there was already a buyer looking at it. Again and again, I was c***blocked.
Then I found one, a 5 hour drive from where I live. Carlsbad, CA. 2004, 6-speed manual, Alpine Weiss with Alacantara interior (aluminium cube trim). 97,000 miles clocked. I planned a trip to see it. I gave it a good looking over. The seller was the second owner, and he had obviously babied this car. He had only put 5000 miles a year over the 4 years he had it. Thorough and detailed maintenance records. I can't say that it's completely flawless, but nearly so. 9/10, for sure, inside and out. Engine is 10/10. The steering wheel was re-wrapped. The convertible top had been replaced last year (due to vandalism). The seller had replaced the radiator and water pump, shocks and struts, and suspension bushings and control arms. The car was meticulously detailed, inside and out. It ran almost perfect. I've actually never driven a car like this. (maybe my brother's 5.0l Mustang, back in 1984. . . ).
In the 4 weeks since I drove it home up the Pacific Coast Highway, I've had an insane blast in this car. The exhaust note is a symphony of power and grace. The wheels have more grip than I currently know what to do with. This car is equally comfortable being driven on the edge up twisty country backroads, and quietly and calmly to the grocery store. I was never very careful or conscientious about maintenance and keeping my previous cars clean. But this car compels me to baby it like the previous owner did.