Questions regarding automatic convertible zhp?

[rkman]

Had a stick shift Z3M roadster and now 6 speed zhp for the last 6 years. Thinking my stickshift years may be over and contemplating a convertible zhp automatic. Just wondering what your thoughts are on the zhp convertible automatic? How dramatic is the difference? I assume they will still handle just as well as a 6 speed? What to look for in an automatic? Are there options to trade out there or would selling and buying be the better option. What are your thoughts and experiences. Thanks

[Pilot05]

Hi - I owned an '05 ZHP 6-speed convertible for 6 years up until 18 months ago and replaced it with an '06 325Ci convertible with the GM 5L40E.

My '06 325CI auto is great for the way I drive a convertible - Summer only, no racing. I don't miss my ZHP at all.

A ZHP automatic convertible would have the same, I believe GM 5L40E transmission and with an extra 50 horses, would be great.

Selling your car would be easy...finding a trade would be more difficult ...I suggest you sell and buy or buy and then sell after you found the right car.

[3ZHPGUY]

We had a 2006 330Cic with The Sport package with a automatic and it was significantly different to my 2003 ZHP 6 speed manual.

Now that has been replaced for the 4th time with a 2016 ///M235i Vert in 8 speed automatic and I still prefer the 6 speed ZHP


My DD is a 22 4Runner with a automatic. [emoji52]

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[fredo]

I drove Rando’s ZHP vert auto some years ago. The car had the Sprint Booster installed. That made a day and night difference. Sprint Booster FTW !

About selling your car, I agree finding the replacement and then selling the Z3M could be the way to go.

[rkman]

Thanks for the responses. Sold my Z3M roadster to get the 330i. Plan will be to look around for and purchase an automatic zhp and move some of the mods over from my 330i to the automatic ie. peddle box, injen cold air intake, shark injector and possibly the headers putting my 330i back to stock before selling
. The 330i now has the 3.64 differntial out of an automatic zhp so may put the original 3.07 back in as well. The 330i now has 149k miles silver/alcantara with extensive maintenance over the years. Any thoughts out there on this plan?

[fredo]

If you still have the original parts, then it's worth to remove those items before you sell the 330i. I assume you will DIY, so you won't pay labor for it.

[Pilot05]

Had a stick shift Z3M roadster and now 6 speed zhp for the last 6 years. Thinking my stickshift years may be over and contemplating a convertible zhp automatic. Just wondering what your thoughts are on the zhp convertible automatic?.................

Hey not to be a wise-guy, but is it possible that you may think your stick-shift days are over BECAUSE you are rocking a 3.64 rear diff?

I have to believe you are shifting far more often and far quicker than if you had the 3.07...Highway revs are probably uncomfortably high also...

Maybe you re-install the 3.07 and see if you still want the Automatic.

[johnrando]

loved my zhp auto vert, a great car. AUTO was thr most produced version. Nothing special to look for in an auto differernt from manual. The steptronic shifting does not really add a ton, it's not as quick as today's 'auto-shifters'. As well, the drive by wire pedal response is a bit lacking to me. So, I added the Dinan s/w for Steptronic, paddle shifters, and the sprintbooster. Definitely enhanced the driving experience. All that being said I recently converted mine to manual.

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[johnrando]

Oh, and, if you want, I can sell you paddle shift kit.

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[rkman]

You may be on to something there. When I got the car it came with the 3.64. Didn't like it at first and thought I would quickly swap. Most of my driving is on back roads so I began to like the 3.64 after awhile and never got around to the swap. Although I have never driven a zhp with a 3.07 it intrigues me what it would be like. Most of my pleasure driving now is weekend cruises with my sweetie which inspires the search for a convertible auto which she can also drive. Thanks for the insight.

[ElNiko]

I was not aware there is a paddle shift kit! My ZHP has a E46 M3 SMG steering wheel so it has the paddles. What does installing the paddle kit entail?

[johnrando]

Easy install. M3 SMG steering wheel and clock spring. Plug and play wiring harness. (all of which of I have)


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[rkman]

Looking at this car. Any thoughts on what may be going on with this top? Thanks 3925339252

[Pilot05]

Hard to say for sure...The E46 tops are really pretty damn durable. Interesting that the marks are more on driver's side than passenger side. I wonder if something leaked into while it was folded?? If so, I am not sure it would be concentrated in that rear most spar... I would be looking in the storage area.

I wonder if it was store outdoors under a cover for an extended period of time.

You might ask this on the E46 convertible forum at E46fanatics.com

A good quality aftermarket new top and headliner is like $1500-$1700 parts I think.

[Pilot05]

Have a look here:
https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/whats-leaking-here.1306723/#post-19062335

[rkman]

Thanks