New Member - Looking to get back into an E46

[m3jasper]

Hi Everyone,

My name is David. Just joined today and wanted to introduce myself..

I'm a long time BMW owner and have had 9 BMWs over the past 16 years. I recently leased a VW Golf, as I wasn't too thrilled with the F30 that I had bought my wife. While the Golf is a great car, it's no BMW and I'm looking to get back into one for DD duties.

About 6 years ago, I sold my E46 3 series coupe for an E92 M3 and almost immediately regretted it. I'm looking to get back into an E46 coupe as they're great cars and, imo, they just don't make them the same anymore.

I've been browsing the internet and happened to come across this forum. It's odd to see a forum where everyone acts civilized and is interested in helping each other out. Looking forward to my time on here and the quest to find the right car.

Hopefully, you guys will be able to help out and guide me in the right direction.

I've looked on AutoTempest, AutoTrader, eBay, and this forum for a ZHP coupe without much luck. I'm looking for a clean car and don't mind paying a premium to get it. I also wouldn't mind a car that needs a bit of TLC, as long as the miles are low and it's in reasonable shape.

Has anyone seen a Silver Grey Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic, or Sparkling Graphite Metallic ZHP coupe for sale? I would very much prefer the Laser/Cloth Alcantara interior, but would settle for black leather, if it proves to be too difficult. Also would need to be AT, as my wife intends to drive the car as well.

Thanks in advance!

[ZHPizza]

Welcome, David! It looks like there's a few in the classifieds that would meet your needs.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?8-BMW-330-ZHPs-For-Sale-(vehicles-only)

And here's one with Alcantara!

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?19053-2004-BMW-330Ci-ZHP-Coupe-A-T-Grey-Alcantara-109K-miles-Georgia-9-800

Where are you located?

[BMWCurves]

Welcome! Any other requirements such as the Cold Weather Package, Premium Package, heated seats, lumbar seats, etc?

[m3jasper]

Welcome, David! It looks like there's a few in the classifieds that would meet your needs.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?8-BMW-330-ZHPs-For-Sale-(vehicles-only)

And here's one with Alcantara!

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?19053-2004-BMW-330Ci-ZHP-Coupe-A-T-Grey-Alcantara-109K-miles-Georgia-9-800

Where are you located?
Thanks!

I'm in NY, about 30 mins north of NYC.

I already inquired with the seller and discussed the current state of the car. To be honest, it's a bit rougher than I want. I am also looking for something with less miles. I'm not sure how often my color and cloth/alcantara combo comes up for sale. Is it rare enough where it's unrealistic for one to pop up any time soon?

I came across the production charts posted in a thread and see there's only 105 cars that would technically fit my preferences. Given it's rarity, I wouldn't mind buying it at the right price and bringing her up to my standard if that was the only realistic way to find the car I'm looking for.

29468

I just don't know the ZHP market well enough to be able to determine what that crossover point is. Is it better to buy a higher mileage car for $7-8k or spend the $12-13k for a lower mileage mint example? I don't mind spending the money as long as it's a no stories car with my preferred color/alcantara combo.


Welcome! Any other requirements such as the Cold Weather Package, Premium Package, heated seats, lumbar seats, etc?
Thanks!

To be honest, my requirement in order of most importance are as follows:

- Lower mileage and properly maintained car
- ZHP
- Silver Grey Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic, or Sparkling Graphite Metallic
- Laser Cloth/Alcantara

I don't particularly care for other options, but I won't pass on a clean car that has the correct interior and color bc it's missing power or heated seats, etc. It wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

[Lorenzo]

Are convertibles off limits ? If not, here is one with very low miles:


https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/6017035158.html

[m3jasper]

Are convertibles off limits ? If not, here is one with very low miles:


https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/6017035158.html
Thanks, but no interest in a convertible.

Would very much prefer to stick with a coupe.

[BMWCurves]

I just don't know the ZHP market well enough to be able to determine what that crossover point is. Is it better to buy a higher mileage car for $7-8k or spend the $12-13k for a lower mileage mint example? I don't mind spending the money as long as it's a no stories car with my preferred color/alcantara combo.

When I purchased my car just about two years ago, it was a one owner car with 49k miles. It was maintained regularly at the local BMW dealership. However, BMW's maintenance schedule is relatively light on maintenance which meant that at my car's mileage, most parts were factory. The concern at that point was age (9+ years old at that point) rather than miles since plastic becomes brittle and rubber dries out. I ended up doing a lot of maintenance myself that I would have done had I purchased a ZHP with double the mileage, but also paid a premium for the low miles.

My point is that if you find a car that's enthusiast maintained with good maintenance records, mileage is much less of a concern. Low miles isn't really worth the price premium in my opinion, but for some people it is important. Now, I still wouldn't be looking for a car with 175k+ miles, but I'd certainly be less hesitant to look at something with 120k miles if it's had most of its maintenance done with records.

[Cadeez]

I agree with William (Curves), low miles doesn't necessarily equate to a "better" car. I've had both, lower mileage and super high mileage cars, all have been excellent drivers with no major flaws. For me, if it's under 100k with good history, that's perfect. But again, if low miles is your thing, then go for it.

Side note, where did you come across that chart? I'd like to see one for sedans

Welcome aboard, and best of luck in the hunt!

[BMWCurves]

I agree with William (Curves), low miles doesn't necessarily equate to a "better" car. I've had both, lower mileage and super high mileage cars, all have been excellent drivers with no major flaws. For me, if it's under 100k with good history, that's perfect. But again, if low miles is your thing, then go for it.

Side note, where did you come across that chart? I'd like to see one for sedans

Welcome aboard, and best of luck in the hunt!

It's in the FAQ thread: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?1789-Frequently-Asked-Questions-(FAQ)-About-the-BMW-E46-330-ZHP-Performance-Package-Option

[danewilson77]

David,

Welcome

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[3ZHPGUY]

Welcome!


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[704sw]

Welcome aboard.

[johnrando]

Welcome! GLWSearch

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[Cadeez]

It's in the FAQ thread: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?1789-Frequently-Asked-Questions-(FAQ)-About-the-BMW-E46-330-ZHP-Performance-Package-Option

Right on, thanks!

[Snuffalufigus]

Welcome!

I'm selling my ZHP for $8,000. Sparkling Graphite Metallic and Auto with 156K miles.

FS: 2005 330CI ZHP, SGM, Auto (Sacramento, CA) $8,000 OBO

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[oldzilla]

Welcome

[ELCID86]

Hi! Happy hunting.

[fredo]

Welcome ! And GL. I also joined this forum before I bought my ZHP. I was looking for alcantara interior as well, but a nice one popped up locally and I bought it. Comes with black interior, but I'm very happy with it. With my 6 y/o son it's much easier to keep clean.

[SWO Daddy]

Welcome! I too have come back into the E46 fold. After owning 4 (323ix2, 330i, M3) over the past 13 yrs, I knew that I wanted another as they are such a great chassis. Found a vert last December and have been happily modding and driving in the SOCAL sun. Have fun finding the right e46 for you.

[hcbeck2689]

Welcome David!

Hi Everyone,

I've been browsing the internet and happened to come across this forum. It's odd to see a forum where everyone acts civilized and is interested in helping each other out. Looking forward to my time on here and the quest to find the right car.


You are so right. This is the reason I stay on the forum despite not having a ZHP for almost 2 years (I look forward to the day I can get back in one though). You will thoroughly enjoy the folks around here. Really a great group of guys.


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