New Owner from Baltimore, MD

[sum1orotha]

What's going on fellow ZHPers -

I'm the new owner of a 2004 330i ZHP, Jet Black on Sand Leather interior. I purchased the car with (what I'm hoping are) 50,000 original miles and it's been great driving it for the past few days.

Here she is after a fresh wash:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bPDezzZ8Bfw/TiLm3_k7OwI/AAAAAAAAADs/EE1EAu09_4Y/s640/IMG_20110717_093851.jpg

I hesitate a little because it seems as though my vehicle does not have the red needles and 6800 red line that ZHPs are suppose to come with:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6W7dK0wjs4U/Tiblkuvg9KI/AAAAAAAAAEE/JVsX85hzTLo/s640/IMG_20110720_102148.jpg

Now looking back at the service records that were given to me from the gentleman I purchased it from, I do see something way back at around the 10,000 mile mark (which would have been the original owner, I'm now the 4th) that indicates something might have gone wrong with the instrument cluster in terms of turn signals. Would/could the dealer have replaced the instrument cluster with a non-ZHP one?

I do have the original window sticker that states that this vehicle was ordered with the ZHP package, and all the VINs on the car check out, so I'm hoping that it was just an over-sight of a previous dealer and not something malicious, like putting in a different instrument cluster to revert the mileage.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

First, welcome to the forum.

Yeah. That's not the right instrument cluster for your car (as you know). For people who happen upon this thread, see the BMW 330 ZHP FAQ here (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?1789-Frequently-Asked-Questions-%28FAQ%29-About-the-BMW-E46-330-ZHP-Performance-Package-Option).

I know if it was me, I would call the dealer and see if they can put the correct one back in. Why? Because you're going to have to explain this story to any prospective buyer down the road who knows these cars. Plus, you just want the right cluster.

As for whether it was an oversight, probably. Or there were no ZHP clusters available and the customer decided that he or she would go with the standard E46 cluster. Impossible to know, though.

Anyhow, I'd really want to get the right cluster in if it was me.

[danewilson77]

Congrats and welcome to the family. The cluster issue is odd. May have been a deal breaker for me. Maybe not though......since the mileage is stored in the OBC and the cluster (any cluster) would resynch to the actual driven miles on the car. I think you're safe. I would look into getting a ZHP cluster if I were you.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

It may have been a deal breaker for me -- but only if I could not find a replacement. If I knew I could get a replacement, I'd be fine with it.

Please let us know, OP, if you have any trouble getting the right one.

[johnrando]

Welcome to the site. I'd vote for getting the right cluster too, having the original sticker, etc is a nice bonus, so I agree that it doesn't sound malicious. Love Jet Black BTW.

[mimalmo]

Welcome. If a new cluster isn't available, you should be able to find a used one.

[DirtyPillows]

If I were in his position I d the m3 cluster there is a company that supplies a kit that works. Im considering it as well. Benefits? Well he can get oil temp gauge which our cars don't have. Not to mention the uniqueness of it and imo looks good.
Just my 2 cents

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[danewilson77]

Jump on this ASAP.

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574947307&toolid=10001&campid=5336776893&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Febaymotors%2FBMW-e46-Performance-Package-Instrument-Cluster-ZHP-330i-%2F150578839037

So coupe is different than sedan according to compatibility check?

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[M3TA5IN]

Welcome!!! Love the color combo, that's what I looked for in a zhp foreverrrrrrrrrr

What part of b more? I'm staring at my work computer in hunt valley right now.

[sum1orotha]

Thanks so much for the feedback & responses guys!

Honestly, I read the ZHP FAQs before purchasing this car and I just didn't notice the different instrument cluster until a friend pointed out that my red line was at 6500. Huge oversight on my part, but what's done is done...

I called BMW of Towson earlier to see if they could offer a price quote, but I don't think the guy fully understood the situation. Gave him last 7 of my VIN and hopefully they get back to me with good news.

M3TA5IN - I live in Canton, but work down in the Annapolis Junction area.

[BlackNTan]

Nice color combo. Post pics when you can. I'd agree with trying to get the cluster corrected. Love the blacked out grills and I'm planning that for my ride in the next few days.

[static667]

Welcome to the Mafia. I'd look into getting the right cluster just to have the proper one.

[sum1orotha]

Thanks again guys for the warm welcome and suggestions.

No word back from BMW of Towson, I'm guessing the guy just completely forgot about me. I'm gonna stop by one day and see if they can do anything. Otherwise I'll keep a look out for a used cluster somewhere.

On another note, as I mentioned earlier, I bought the car with 50k original miles, and I know that people say you should really maintain the car to keep it running in great shape. Besides a Transmission fluid Change and a Differential fluid change, what are some other things that I should do immediately to start off on a good track?

[Newjack]

Replacing all of the fluids is definitely a good idea. But I would read up on danewilson77's words of wisdom Here (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?2454-E46-Words-of-Wisdom-For-the-New-Guy)

Also check out the E46 Wiki (http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index.php?title=BMW_E46) which will explain a lot of the questions you might have about your car and links to DIY's and other useful information.

Danewilson77 also put together This (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?1830-BMW-E46-ZHP-Preventative-maintenance-Issues-DIY-s) thread which shows a lot of DIY videos and common maintenance questions that you might have.

All of these are great resources and if you haven't read them yet it will make you more familiar with your new car.

[sum1orotha]

Holy crap. He's thought of everything.

Thanks a bunch for the links and quick reply. I'm still finding my way around the site, I better go exploring...

[static667]

Dane is the man.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Yes he is.

[danewilson77]

Love you guys. I just want fellas happy.

"less of me...more of you"

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[Hornung418]

Hi from Bel Air. Sorry to hear your cluster is screwed up. Have you bounced the limiter off 6800rpm?

RootedDROIDXstatus. Come at me, bro.

[kayger12]

Welcome to the Family.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[Mtnman]

welcome to the site.