2004 BMW 330i ZHP Sedan 6MT w/ 155k miles (Clifton, VA) - $7,000

[BMWCurves]

Found on Craigslist. Imola Red on Alcantara interior. Has neither the Cold Weather nor the Premium Package.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/5975335514.html

[Vas]

Twin of my Imola Sedan.

[ELCID86]

Me too! Not far from me.

[Lorenzo]

I may be interested. I sold my ZHP coupe last summer.

[BMWM3186]

Looks pretty nice!

[D1ESEL]

Who could go look at this car for me?

[Lorenzo]

I am very interested in this car. I saw it today. It drove well. the body is in very good condition. Even the alcantara interior is not overly worn. It appears that the first owner did all the BMW required maintenance but it has not been enthusiast maintained. It has the original clutch original water pump original control arms and original suspension. I'm taking it tomorrow afternoon for a pre-purchase inspection. I was able to talk him down to $6500 and left him with a $500 deposit. I'll make my decision after I complete the pre-purchase inspection. What do you guys think of the price considering the condition and recommended maintenance items?

[ZHPizza]

I am very interested in this car. I saw it today. It drove well. the body is in very good condition. Even the alcantara interior is not overly worn. It appears that the first owner did all the BMW required maintenance but it has not been enthusiast maintained. It has the original clutch original water pump original control arms and original suspension. I'm taking it tomorrow afternoon for a pre-purchase inspection. I was able to talk him down to $6500 and left him with a $500 deposit. I'll make my decision after I complete the pre-purchase inspection. What do you guys think of the price considering the condition and recommended maintenance items?
I think it's an absolute steal.

[Lorenzo]

I think it's an absolute steal.

Wow! That's reassuring. Even if I put $3000 of maintenance into it to replace the clutch and the suspension the control arms and other items?

[holyc0w]

Seems pretty reasonable, considering the maintenance to be done, though new boots and brakes are nice.

It will probably need a suspension refresh, cooling system refresh, some gaskets (VCG). Hopefully the PPI comes up clean.


Wow! That's reassuring. Even if I put $3000 of maintenance into it to replace the clutch and the suspension the control arms and other items?

The clutch is a tough one. Depending on how it was driven (highway?) it could still have good life left.

[Vas]

Ppi should reveal a good amount. Post the results.

As far as the clutch, I would not be too worried about it at 155k. Plenty of people have 200k+ on the factory unit.

$6500 is not a bad deal at all imo

[ELCID86]

Wow, back in a zhp! I like it.

[Vas]

And Imola. Finally the correct choice.

Good luck op.

[BMWCurves]

Ppi should reveal a good amount. Post the results.

As far as the clutch, I would not be too worried about it at 155k. Plenty of people have 200k+ on the factory unit.

$6500 is not a bad deal at all imo

That would be my read on it as well.

If you have to replace the suspension, cooling system, etc. You'll probably run a grand or two in parts, plus labor if you have a mechanic do it. But honestly, if it all looks good you'd have a nice Imola/alcantara ZHP sedan on your hands. I forgot you sold your ZHP, but it's good to hear the itch is still there!

[HiFiGuy]

It's not a Cold Weather Package car, but it has the heated seats, which is the part of that package I'd be most interested in. I don't really care that much about the ski pass through or headlight washers, personally.

[Lorenzo]

That would be my read on it as well.

If you have to replace the suspension, cooling system, etc. You'll probably run a grand or two in parts, plus labor if you have a mechanic do it. But honestly, if it all looks good you'd have a nice Imola/alcantara ZHP sedan on your hands. I forgot you sold your ZHP, but it's good to hear the itch is still there!

Nice to hear from you again. Hey you know it's your fault... you're the one that posted this car on the forum the other day :). I'll let you guys know how the PPI turns out.

[fredo]

:foottap

[LobsterTail]

I am the owner of this ZHP. :)

I will also be the owner of a 2010 335 very very soon.

[Lorenzo]

PPI Done. Immediate needs are:
1. Front left/right wheel bushings
2. Front left/right control arms
3. Valve cover gasket (could wait a bit on this one)
4. Alignment after #1/2 above.

Also could use new fluids - oil, brake, trans, differential

Not sure if water pump is original. Need to check that.

[ELCID86]

Not a bad report. Consider Cooling system and water pump.

[Lorenzo]

Also the sunshade on the moonroof doesn't work. I know the clips are dirt cheap for this but my understanding it's many hours of labor to fix it. And ideally the suspension should be overhauled in future as its original.

[ELCID86]

I posted a link to the sunshade diy a few weeks back. Maybe somebody can find it (I'm on my phone)

[fredo]

The sunshade on my first e46 had same prob. I bought the clips at dealer, then went to my PDR guy and he fixed it for cheap. Can't remember the price.

[BMWCurves]

PPI Done. Immediate needs are:
1. Front left/right wheel bushings
2. Front left/right control arms
3. Valve cover gasket (could wait a bit on this one)
4. Alignment after #1/2 above.

Also could use new fluids - oil, brake, trans, differential

Not sure if water pump is original. Need to check that.

Also the sunshade on the moonroof doesn't work. I know the clips are dirt cheap for this but my understanding it's many hours of labor to fix it. And ideally the suspension should be overhauled in future as its original.

Doesn't sound too bad. None of that needs to be immediately dealt with except the cooling system if it's original.

As for the sunshade, find an indy that'll do it. Unless it's some major issue, it shouldn't be more than an hour's labor and if you know a good mechanic he might pro-rate you. I had my sunshade hop the rail and I tried to do it myself but had some trouble. Gave it to my mechanic, charged me 1/2 hour of work, $50.

[fredo]

You may consider a body shop too. For my windows regulators, I take the part to my body shop and he installs for $40. The Indy is 3x easily.

[anandoc]

I posted a link to the sunshade diy a few weeks back. Maybe somebody can find it (I'm on my phone)

Done:


Try this thread

http://www.lincomatic.com/e46sunroof/e46sunroof.html

more here
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=737026

[ELCID86]

Thanks Anando!

[LobsterTail]

Larry is the new owner of my ZHP. Looking forward to the build thread!

[ELCID86]

Larry is the new owner of my ZHP. Looking forward to the build thread!

Congrats to both.

[Lorenzo]

Here she is, as is, in front of her new home. Needs a good cleaning and polish.

[BMWCurves]

Congrats!

[Lorenzo]

Congrats!

Thanks! You found it for me!!!

[Vas]

Nice