A Little Clarity About BMW ZHP 330 Mafia Name

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I got a note from a friend about the site name. This friend said that the gangsta vibe does not seem to fit well with the ZHP, which is a classy, great car. In and of itself, I would likely agree.

But I think it's important to understand the ZHP Mafia history.

Let me tell you about the ZHP Mafia name. First, it's a fricken joke. Back in the day, many years ago, someone started saying that ZHP owners are part of the ZHP Mafia. It was very likely a criticism (and if not, eventually became a derisive term), suggesting that we're part of a gang that thinks it has the best BMW vehicle.

The ZHP Mafia name dates back to May 2005. If you haven't heard the name on any of the various BMW forums, you're probably a newb or you haven't been paying attention -- or both. It's amazing to me that no one ever did anything with the name. It bounced around for years and no one ever started a Web site, capitalizing on the name recognition.

Trust me when I say this: we all think it's hilarious. We all have a lot of fun with it (and probably no one more than me).

I think once you embrace the humor in the name, and realize that we're not a clique that is well liked by everyone (because we act as though we have the best car on earth), you may develop a different feeling about the gangsta tone of the forum.

So, there is the back story of how ZHP Mafia got its name.

Let me know what you think.

Fact is, I rather enjoy the ZHP Mafia name. And I know that some people really do think we're idiots (maybe it's jealously; not sure). But this much is true as well: we have a lot of fun with our cars and with the Mafia name.

[zhp43867]

Yes! I still want a zhp mafia sticker.

Maybe we should switch the site logo to a graphic depiction of Al Capone sitting on a zhp.

[Tampa330i]

I heard the mafia was going to come looking for me when I got my car, and here I am! I'm a big fan of the older, 90s "gangster" rap as some would call it, so naturally I enjoy the theme. Picture Michael Bolton from Office Space with about 80 extra lbs. and that's me. White as a ghost, glasses, computer nerd, listening to gangster rap as I drive to work. I'd rock a mafia sticker any day. I'm in the middle of moving right now, but when I get some free time I'll look into getting Al Capone integrated into a site logo. If nothing else, another possible choice for the rotation.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I'm also a fan of gangsta rap -- but the older stuff. I'm thinking Too Short, Ice T, Tupac, NWA, etc.

[zhp43867]

I'm also a fan of gangsta rap -- but the older stuff. I'm thinking Too Short, Ice T, Tupac, NWA, etc.

Biiiiiiiitch!

(Too Short)

[Rayzah Blade]

I for one also find it quite hilarious. I've been seeing more and more members who have been around bf.c/e46f using the term as the years have been passing, and think it's great. I definately feel it's a gangsta club, but not like lil wayne gangsta.. more like al capone/babyface nelson/ john dillinger gangsta. like the classy old-school pimp kind of gangsta... that's what the ZHP means to me :D

[Alphatek45]

So wait, if I need someone "taken care of" this isn't the place to get it done???

But seriously.. I lurked on the other forums for months and months and never heard the term. When I got my car and everyone was welcoming me to the Mafia I thought it was cheesy at first tbh.
Getting to know everyone, and the deal behind the term Ive come to embrace it quite a bit. The BMW and more specifically ZHP enthusiast crew impresses me daily. Ive been in my share of car clubs and nothing comes close. However,being and Italian New Yorker, now living in the south I dunno If i will put the sticker on my car but I sure as shit want one for my toolbox! lol.

[Rayzah Blade]

I think it also very fitting that almost every avatar here has some bad a@@ gangsta from a bad a@@ movie

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I used to giggle at the term. Found it quite amusing. But the ZHP Mafia name has stuck. And, for better or worse, we now have a site sporting that name.

I do enjoy the ZHP owners quite a bit, though. Good people. Other owners, though, have told me that ZHP owners think they've got the golden ring or something. We think we're the best of the best.

I don't know about all that, but I do know that it's a well put-together piece of machinery.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I think it also very fitting that almost every avatar here has some bad a@@ gangsta from a bad a@@ movie

Oh, yeah. That's part of the fun.