ZHP Owner to be, From Austin

[usinjin]

Hello all! Almost forgot to introduce. Native Austinite and UT student (EE). Been following this forum for quite a while, finally convinced me to move to a BMW and away from my aging Volvo S80.


I've wanted a BMW sedan forever, finally a friend showed off his E46 ZHP and I realized I really wanted one too. Definitely want a 2005, the 4-door with a leather interior..still trying to decide if I want the auto or manual. On one hand, Austin traffic, on the other hand, manual..hmm :confused

[3ZHP]

Welcome! Manual vs Auto all depends on how and when you drive. If you just drive for the sake of getting from point A to point B. Then an Auto will work. Now if you drive from point A to point B via points C, D & E because the C, D & E roads have more curves and changes in elevation, then you definitely need a manual.

We spend a few days in Texas last spring on an extended road trip and actually stopped to meet Fredo, a member here in Austin.


Sent from my iPhone 6S using Tapatalk

[NoVAphotog]

Welcome!

"If you drive a automatic BMW...you are just steering it" - Mr. Regular (Regular Car Reviews, 2005 BMW 330ci)

Get a manual ZHP. It's not even funny how much more enjoyable it is. The automatics in these cars aren't the "fancy" new ZF 8-speed all of the manufacturer's are using now...they are quick...but definitely retain the "slushbox" nickname. You are not part of the drivetrain.

I've been to Austin several times and sat in the traffic on I-35...let me tell you...it is NOTHING compared to the traffic here in the DC area and I've had manual cars since day 1. Everything else about the driving experience makes up for it. Take it to COTA...made up for...take it out to County line...made up for...the list goes on.

[Vas]

Welcome.

Go for a manual

[fredo]

Welcome, man ! Mine is a 2005 ZHP sedan MT. I bought it from another member who lives in Round Rock. What's your budget ?

[BMWCurves]

Welcome aboard! :hi

As others have said, what transmission you get is all dependent upon your driving style and your intentions for the car. If it's just a commuter and you'll sit in traffic most of the time, maybe an automatic is for you. If you like spirited drives and love rowing your own gears, go for a manual.

I'm biased since I've only ever known manuals, so I'm snobby. I prefer manuals, not quite on principle, but close.

Be sure to give us some more info on budget, mileage, color preference, willingness to travel, etc.

[usinjin]

Thanks all for the warm welcome! Sounds like the manual is widely considered a better choice, and I'd agree.




Be sure to give us some more info on budget, mileage, color preference, willingness to travel, etc.

My budget is ~$9000, though it'd be great to come in under that.

Looking for ~140k miles or less.

Color-wise, I don't have a real preference, other than I'm not a big fan of the grey (for interior or exterior). Looking for a leather interior as opposed to Alcantara. HK audio would also be a plus, but not a deal-breaker.

Definitely willing to travel!

[NoVAphotog]

Thanks all for the warm welcome! Sounds like the manual is widely considered a better choice, and I'd agree.



My budget is ~$9000, though it'd be great to come in under that.

Looking for ~140k miles or less.

Color-wise, I don't have a real preference, other than I'm not a big fan of the grey (for interior or exterior). Looking for a leather interior as opposed to Alcantara. HK audio would also be a plus, but not a deal-breaker.

Definitely willing to travel!

No one is a fan of ///M Performance grey.

And I'd budget $10k so you have room for a ppi, travel fees, etc if you haven't already. Definitely check out the thread "how to find and buy your zhp" on here.


Sent from my iPhone 6S using Tapatalk

[fw_fw]

This one is in Atlanta, easy 1 way flight from TX.....

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/cto/5747341970.html

[usinjin]

No one is a fan of ///M Performance grey.

And I'd budget $10k so you have room for a ppi, travel fees, etc if you haven't already. Definitely check out the thread "how to find and buy your zhp" on here.


Sent from my iPhone 6S using Tapatalk


Car budget is a little under $10k so that I do have room for travel, extra fees, etc, yep.



This one is in Atlanta, easy 1 way flight from TX.....

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/cto/5747341970.html

Saw that! Unfortunately I really want to hold out for the leather interior.

[fredo]

For reference, I got mine for $9,100 + tax 1.5 years ago. So far, I spent $1,500 on 2 tires and some repairs. And I spent another $2,000 on cosmetic stuff that was not really needed (headlamp lenses, fog lamps, pillars A and C, cube trim, etc).

[johnrando]

An official welcome. Manuals to me are more fun to drive. Autos were the most produced models. I wld prefer a manual but added paddle shifter to my auto which I got for a few reasons, one of which is L.A. traffic.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

Welcome home

S7 Edge, out