2002 BMW 330i sport - NYC/Long Island

[equ]

-- posting for a friend --

2002 BMW 330i sedan, 5 speed manual
- Black sapphire metallic / natural brown leather
- premium package (lumbar, wood, dimming)
- sport package
- cold (heated front/folding rear seats)
- navigation
- park distance control
- xenon lights
- HK sound system
- moonroof

63,500 miles

Car is under cpo warranty until the end of February.

Contact Chris directly at chris.dundon@gmail.com or call 917 912 5191.

$16,500

[JST]

-- posting for a friend --

2002 BMW 330i sedan, 5 speed manual
- Black sapphire metallic / natural brown leather
- premium package (lumbar, wood, dimming)
- sport package
- cold (heated front/folding rear seats)
- navigation
- park distance control
- xenon lights
- HK sound system
- moonroof

63,500 miles

Car is under cpo warranty until the end of February.

Contact Chris directly at chris.dundon@gmail.com or call 917 912 5191.

$16,500

Wow. I haven't been following prices at all--I assume that's market for that car? What a freaking deal. I mean, even with 60K on it, I'd buy this car all day over...um...what...a base model Focus? What else can you get for 16K?

Jesus.

[ff]

That's priced at roughly the KBB private party value with a "fair" condition rating. That's about what I'd expect for a 5+ year old 3 series.

I agree, I'd seriously consider this over any of the $16K new cars out there, even with 63K on the clock. I'm convincing myself right now that I don't need to buy it, as what we currently have is serving our needs just fine. Must fight urge...

[rumatt]

Jesus. I'm never selling my car (2003).

[FC]

Jesus. I'm never selling my car (2003).

I'm slowly coming to that conclusion myself.

FWIW, it's basically 6 year sold, but it is completely loaded and in a very nice color combo.

...and it's an '02+.

[equ]

My recommendation to my friend was to not sell it, but he lives on the upper west side and his parking is more than $500/month. :eek:

[Nick M3]

Man, if that had been posted when I was shopping, I'd be on the Amtrak to NYC 10 minutes from now.

[wdc330i]

-- posting for a friend --

2002 BMW 330i sedan, 5 speed manual
- Black sapphire metallic / natural brown leather
- premium package (lumbar, wood, dimming)
- sport package
- cold (heated front/folding rear seats)
- navigation
- park distance control
- xenon lights
- HK sound system
- moonroof

63,500 miles

Car is under cpo warranty until the end of February.

Contact Chris directly at chris.dundon@gmail.com or call 917 912 5191.

$16,500

Super ouch! My car is an '02, Jet Black/black leather, no premium, pdc, nav, 30+k miles. Otherwise, same specs. What's it worth with this math? 14k? Something to figure into the equation when we calculate for the new car sometime late this year or early next.

[equ]

Super ouch! My car is an '02, Jet Black/black leather, no premium, pdc, nav, 30+k miles. Otherwise, same specs. What's it worth with this math? 14k? Something to figure into the equation when we calculate for the new car sometime late this year or early next.

It'll be worth about the same actually as the miles really lower the price and more than make up for the options (not for me necessarily but in wholesale value). Of course, reduce as time goes by...

[dredmo]

I made out decent when I sold my bimmer, but it never ceases to amaze me how shitty the resale is on bimmers.

A loaded BMW 330 in '02 with 75K miles in good cond. is worth about 17K.
A loaded Honda Accord in '02 with 75K miles in good cond. is worth about 12K.

One costs about 13-15K more initially.

Just a thought - of course we do not buy cars for their resale.

[wdc330i]

It'll be worth about the same actually as the miles really lower the price and more than make up for the options (not for me necessarily but in wholesale value). Of course, reduce as time goes by...

I hope you have a point. I contemplate used cars from time to time; and mileage is one of the biggest factors in my mind. But these cars are certainly dropping in value. It does make it harder to give up, considering it still feels like the almost $40k car it was six years ago.

[Sharp11]

I've been viewing E46's on autotrader for a few weeks now and I'm seeing nice clean 330's, 02's and 03's with under 40k for the high teens and low twenties.

Newer E46 330's are priced in the high 20's and even low 30's, in some cases, coming head to head with E90 325's and even the odd, lowly optioned 328 E90.

Current generation 5's are falling into the low 30's - pretty good with mileage in the 30's and 40's - BMW's doing 2.9 percent on these and two months free payments.

It's a great time to buy used.

Ed

[TD]

You couldn't pay me to take a current-gen 5er.

But you'd all be shocked at what used BMW prices I've been tracking.

[JST]

You couldn't pay me to take a current-gen 5er.

But you'd all be shocked at what used BMW prices I've been tracking.

X5 and E38 740 SP?

[TD]

X5 and E38 740 SP?
Bah...

I'm talking about for next year when my E90 lease is up.

[Sharp11]

X5 and E38 740 SP?

Oh man, X5's - low thirties and early current generation sevens are a steal.

About the only BMW's that seem to stay pricey are M's and convertibles.

Ed

[TD]

Oh man, X5's - low thirties and early current generation sevens are a steal.

About the only BMW's that seem to stay pricey are M's and convertibles.

Ed
Again, who would want a current-gen 7er?

Next you'll tell us how cheap used Z4s are.

[Sharp11]

Again, who would want a current-gen 7er?

Next you'll tell us how cheap used Z4s are.

Who needs to buy a used Z4, new ones are cheap enough - Greenwich BMW has a brand new Z4 coupe, 48 list for just under 35:

New 2007 Z4 Coupe 0 Miles!
Montego Blue with Black Leather
Premium Package
Heated Seats
Sport Package
Navigation
Headlight Washers
M Sport Seats
MSRP: $48,250.00
Invoice: $44,870.00
SALE PRICE: $34,870.00
Stock #GB76183

Ed

[TD]

Who needs to buy a used Z4, new ones are cheap enough - Greenwich BMW has a brand new Z4 coupe, 48 list for just under 35:

New 2007 Z4 Coupe 0 Miles!
Montego Blue with Black Leather
Premium Package
Heated Seats
Sport Package
Navigation
Headlight Washers
M Sport Seats
MSRP: $48,250.00
Invoice: $44,870.00
SALE PRICE: $34,870.00
Stock #GB76183

Ed
:rolleyes:

[JST]

Bah...

I'm talking about for next year when my E90 lease is up.

Oh.

Let's see.

An E39 M5 would be logical and hardly shocking, so that's out. Same is true of the 335. An E60 M5 would be shocking but would also be a current gen 5er, so that's out. The M6 would be shocking, too, but it's going to still be huge money next year. I can't see you driving a Z4 of any kind, but a Z3 is a possibility--OTOH, if you are going to buy a 2 seater, I can't imagine you forgoing a Boxster any more than I would.

So, with all that in mind, I'm going to guess either the E46 M3 (which really wouldn't be that shocking--kind of logical, actually) or the 645/650 (which would be tremendously shocking).

[Sharp11]

Oh.

Let's see.

An E39 M5 would be logical and hardly shocking, so that's out. Same is true of the 335. An E60 M5 would be shocking but would also be a current gen 5er, so that's out. The M6 would be shocking, too, but it's going to still be huge money next year. I can't see you driving a Z4 of any kind, but a Z3 is a possibility--OTOH, if you are going to buy a 2 seater, I can't imagine you forgoing a Boxster any more than I would.

So, with all that in mind, I'm going to guess either the E46 M3 (which really wouldn't be that shocking--kind of logical, actually) or the 645/650 (which would be tremendously shocking).

He's going to get a 1 series convertible - he'll think he wants the 135i, but he'll end up with a 128i cab with sp/ and a six speed manual.

.....and although it's as "ugly" and "silly" looking as a Z4, he shall love it.

Ed

[TD]

Oh.

Let's see.

An E39 M5 would be logical and hardly shocking, so that's out. Same is true of the 335. An E60 M5 would be shocking but would also be a current gen 5er, so that's out. The M6 would be shocking, too, but it's going to still be huge money next year. I can't see you driving a Z4 of any kind, but a Z3 is a possibility--OTOH, if you are going to buy a 2 seater, I can't imagine you forgoing a Boxster any more than I would.

So, with all that in mind, I'm going to guess either the E46 M3 (which really wouldn't be that shocking--kind of logical, actually) or the 645/650 (which would be tremendously shocking).
As I'd expect, JST gets into the ballpark on a couple of fronts.

I'm seriously pondering later E46s, M3 as well as ZHP. And I haven't been able to shake the thought of maybe going for an E39.

I do want to keep the cost down this next go round in anticipation of finally giving up on the Saab (which has been - knock on wood - pretty solid for quite a long stretch).

[Sharp11]

:rolleyes:

Keep telling yourself it's "ugly" and it doesn't have a back seat - it'll minimize the pain of passing up a deal like this ;)

Ed

[Sharp11]

As I'd expect, JST gets into the ballpark on a couple of fronts.

I'm seriously pondering later E46s, M3 as well as ZHP. And I haven't been able to shake the thought of maybe going for an E39.

I do want to keep the cost down this next go round in anticipation of finally giving up on the Saab (which has been - knock on wood - pretty solid for quite a long stretch).

You know Tom, in all seriousness, I'll possibly be unloading my ZHP cab about the time you're ready to move - let me know.

Really.....

Ed

[TD]

He's going to get a 1 series convertible - he'll think he wants the 135i, but he'll end up with a 128i cab with sp/ and a six speed manual.

.....and although it's as "ugly" and "silly" looking as a Z4, he shall love it.

Ed
I do plan to drive a 135i when it comes out. Personally, I would never put a convertible top ahead of more power, so a 135i would always trump a 128iC.

But at the price-point, unless they lease *really* well, it's just not happening.

[TD]

You know Tom, in all seriousness, I'll possibly be unloading my ZHP cab about the time you're ready to move - let me know.

Really.....

Ed
I'll seriously keep that in mind. I would score huge points with the spouse if I got a 'vert.

But I'd despise commuting in it every day.

[JST]

As I'd expect, JST gets into the ballpark on a couple of fronts.

I'm seriously pondering later E46s, M3 as well as ZHP. And I haven't been able to shake the thought of maybe going for an E39.

I do want to keep the cost down this next go round in anticipation of finally giving up on the Saab (which has been - knock on wood - pretty solid for quite a long stretch).

I think you should buy the one at the top of this thread. A ZHP is nice enough, but the big deal with the ZHP is the suspension (and cosmetics), and you are going to want to do a new suspension on any used E46 you buy, anyway.

I don't think it makes sense to pay the premium over a nice '02 330i (though you may want to hold out for one with a 6M instead of the 5M).

Of course, I know of a very nice 335 coming off lease right around then...

[TD]

I would have such a hard time basically having the same car (albeit in a much better color and with gobs more power) back to back. And I'd also be nervous about *owning* (as opposed to leasing) the turbo engine - which is also a concern of mine re: buying an E46 M3.

But when the time gets closer, I may inquire about your lease-end buy-out price.

And hopefully he one at the top of the thread isn't still available next year. If it were SCA's car, I'm sure it would be (as his cars take YEARS to sell). But it's not.

[ff]

Who needs to buy a used Z4, new ones are cheap enough - Greenwich BMW has a brand new Z4 coupe, 48 list for just under 35:

Ed

They appear to have a whole slew of '07 Z4 coupes for roughly $14K off sticker. That's enough of a discount to help a person forget about how odd-looking they are.

[TD]

I had been thinking 2005 ZHP sedan- NAV, Bluetooth, leather. Add XM Direct and a non-fuzzy steering wheel.

[ff]

But when the time gets closer, I may inquire about your lease-end buy-out price.

Buy out the lease before the dealer gets their hands on it, though...

[JST]

I had been thinking 2005 ZHP sedan- NAV, Bluetooth, leather. Add XM Direct and a non-fuzzy steering wheel.

Meh. The Nav blows. Worth it if it's free, but not worth searching around for.

And if you get leather, you lose one of the key benefits of the ZHP package, which is the dope, sweet, awesome, wish-I-still-had-them alcantara/cloth seats.

[zcasavant]

I had been thinking 2005 ZHP sedan- NAV, Bluetooth, leather. Add XM Direct and a non-fuzzy steering wheel.

You don't think that would feel ultra slow compared to your current car?

[JST]

You don't think that would feel ultra slow compared to your current car?

His current car is an E90 330--we drove that back-to-back with my then-current ZHP, and the difference in performance was negligible, if not non-existent. The E90 had a much smoother engine (and a better clutch), but it's not a lot faster.

[Sharp11]

Meh. The Nav blows. Worth it if it's free, but not worth searching around for.

And if you get leather, you lose one of the key benefits of the ZHP package, which is the dope, sweet, awesome, wish-I-still-had-them alcantara/cloth seats.

No kidding, I wish mine had cloth seats .... :(

Love the leather covered steering wheel, though - it feels exactly right.

Ed

[zcasavant]

His current car is an E90 330--we drove that back-to-back with my then-current ZHP, and the difference in performance was negligible, if not non-existent. The E90 had a much smoother engine (and a better clutch), but it's not a lot faster.

Ah right. I still think I'd be annoyed by a slower car, even slightly-slower. Especially when the much-faster 335i is available.

[ff]

And if you get leather, you lose one of the key benefits of the ZHP package, which is the dope, sweet, awesome, wish-I-still-had-them alcantara/cloth seats.

+1

I'm really not a fan of leather to begin with. But there's just something very satisfying about quality cloth seats.

[JST]

Ah right. I still think I'd be annoyed by a slower car, even slightly-slower. Especially when the much-faster 335i is available.

The key is to never, ever drive a 335.

[zcasavant]

The key is to never, ever drive a 335.

Now you tell me.

[FC]

I love the alcantara interior. Yet another reason for possibly keeping my ZHP car indefinitely.

I may have to buy a perforated, leather ///M wheel though (like those of late Ci/Cic ZHP's), since my current (2nd) alcantara wheel won't hold up depsite great care.

[Sharp11]

The key is to never, ever drive a 335.

Unless you need to have your neck snapped back upon acceleration, I've driven two of them now and I still think the ZHP is more fun - nice as the 335 is.

Ed

[dredmo]

Unless you need to have your neck snapped back upon acceleration, I've driven two of them now and I still think the ZHP is more fun - nice as the 335 is.

Ed

How is a slower, less aggressive, more wobbly, and less responsive car more fun?

Wait, I have a more respectable and less abrasive way of asking you this question. What speed do you set cruise control for when you test drive a car?:dunno:

[Sharp11]

How is a slower, less aggressive, more wobbly, and less responsive car be more fun?

Wait, I have a more respectable and less abrasive way of asking you this question. What speed do you set cruise control for when you test drive a car?:dunno:

Since you seem intent on trolling me out by being an asshole here and in the guitar hero thread, how 'bout we completely ignore each other..:dunno:

Or here's a better and more direct way and much more abrasive way of saying it.....think two words - use your creativity here - these two words are definitely not "happy birthday".

Ed

[dredmo]

Since you seem intent on trolling me out by being an asshole here and in the guitar hero thread, how 'bout we completely ignore each other..:dunno:

Or here's a better and more direct way and much more abrasive way of saying it.....think two words - use your creativity here - these two words are definitely not "happy birthday".

Ed

:lol:

I try to, but you're on a roll today. Anyways, I'm done - and regardless of my asshole way of asking, you still should try to explain some of the things you say. Fun, as relative as it is, should be explained when you make such bold statements. And the other thread is not about guitar hero, nor was it about power gaming.

[Sharp11]

:lol:

Fun, as relative as it is, should be explained when you make such bold statements.

I'm going to waste a minute or two responding to this:

Why should I have to explain what I mean by "fun" - lots of people say the same type of things yet you haven't called them out on it? Lemming so much as said the Z4 was a shitty sports car, yet silence from you on that call :dunno: So why single me out?

And the other thread is not about guitar hero, nor was it about power gaming.

Maybe you need to explain yourself then, when you make such "bold statements" :lol:

Ed

[dredmo]

I'm going to waste a minute or two responding to this:

Why should I have to explain what I mean by "fun" - lots of people say the same type of things yet you haven't called them out on it? Lemming so much as said the Z4 was a shitty sports car, yet silence from you on that call :dunno: So why single me out?



Maybe you need to explain yourself then, when you make such "bold statements" :lol:

Ed

Because this is a car enthusiast site, and what you said makes no sense by almost all of the litmus standards we all typically use.

[Sharp11]

Because this is a car enthusiast site, and what you said makes no sense by almost all of the litmus standards we all typically use.

It makes plenty of sense to me, and eq, who also preferred his zhp in the subjective, there-is-no-litmus-test-for-what-is-fun-to-drive column.

I don't recall you asking him to "justify" his opinion.

Nor any other members of this site who make bold assertions, assumptions and sometimes ridiculous statements etc here everyday.

But you don't care because none of that stuff is what this is really about.

Ed

[Rob]

I can think of half a dozen ways that the 330 zhp might be more fun than (then? Ed, a little help?) a 335. It certainly looks better imo. The 335 is definately achieves significant grip much more effortlessly, for example. Some people won't like that. Yes, I just ordered a 335, but it was a razor thin decision line between that and a late model zhp. The deciding factor was actually the safety rating - it got wife buy in and after she understood it, it was more than buy in, it was push. The warranty and avoiding an unkown history didn't hurt.

As for the not test driving the 335 thing - you could always test drive an auto and leave it in auto mode. It mays as well be a big caddillac with a huge engine with the transmission left to its own devices. ok, it will still handle better, but you get the idea.

[dredmo]

It makes plenty of sense to me, and eq, who also preferred his zhp in the subjective, there-is-no-litmus-test-for-what-is-fun-to-drive column.

I don't recall you asking him to "justify" his opinion.

Nor any other members of this site who make bold assertions, assumptions and sometimes ridiculous statements etc here everyday.

But you don't care because none of that stuff is what this is really about.

Ed

Ok, enjoy yourself and your paranoia.

I'd love to hear eq explain his opinion. I'm sure he actually can explain it too. You wonder if it's anything *more* than that it is not. Perhaps the approach varies with you because you ooze self-righteousness, but other than that, nope.

[Sharp11]

I can think of half a dozen ways that the 330 zhp might be more fun than (then? Ed, a little help?) a 335. It certainly looks better imo. The 335 is definately achieves significant grip much more effortlessly, for example. Some people won't like that. Yes, I just ordered a 335, but it was a razor thin decision line between that and a late model zhp. The deciding factor was actually the safety rating - it got wife buy in and after she understood it, it was more than buy in, it was push. The warranty and avoiding an unkown history didn't hurt.

As for the not test driving the 335 thing - you could always test drive an auto and leave it in auto mode. It mays as well be a big caddillac with a huge engine with the transmission left to its own devices. ok, it will still handle better, but you get the idea.

I really like the 335, so don't think I'm dissing the car in any way (in fact, my second choice, outside the ZHP, would've been to go for the 328 coupe with a six speed - even sacrificing the vert aspect).

However, the zhp won me over with its beautifully weighted steering (great in the E90 too, iirc) driving position and layout (ten times better than the Z4), short shift, but most important, its less isolated feel and the sensation of feeling all four contact patches through the seat of my pants!!

Even with all of that, I'd still likely have gone with the E92 over the ZHP but for this: it was available as a convertible - SOLD!!!

Ed

[Sharp11]

Ok, enjoy yourself and your paranoia.

Perhaps the approach varies with you because you ooze self-righteousness, but other than that, nope.

I'm not paranoid nor am I a genius, rather, your transparency was easy to detect.

If me saying I preferred one car over another "oozes self righteousness" then you've got serious issues of your own to deal with bud.....

.....but looking back over the years, I think we all know that :loco:

Ed

[IndyMike]

And hopefully he one at the top of the thread isn't still available next year. If it were SCA's car, I'm sure it would be (as his cars take YEARS to sell).:lol:

Sorry, Sean. :)

You take too darn good care of your cars. Maybe you ought to flog and thrash them more. It's sort of like the nice boy on the street who can't get a date, while the young, ex-con next door has to fight the girls off with a stick. Don't worry, if it's any consolation I generally have the same problem. ;)

TD, when is your E90 coming off lease? If it's late in '08 or early '09 mine should be available as I'm all but certain I want the 135. The only things that would change that timeline is if a tii or M variant were announced in the meantime, in which case I'd hold out for it. I also haven't got 'The Warden' to approve it, but I'll spring it on her shortly if for no other reason than to get the billyjacking over with in order to build up my threshhold of pain over the timespan when I eventually make good on my intentions.

But then again you probably will be in the market before I'm ready to jump out of the ZHP, and the imola red paint scheme is maybe a bit too provocative for your driving style anyway.

And regarding the M3, didn't you have a friend or colleague that has a Interlagos blue ZCP coming off of lease soon? If he's not going to buy out the lease, are you contemplating buying that?

[Josh (PA)]

As I'd expect, JST gets into the ballpark on a couple of fronts.

I'm seriously pondering later E46s, M3 as well as ZHP. And I haven't been able to shake the thought of maybe going for an E39.

I do want to keep the cost down this next go round in anticipation of finally giving up on the Saab (which has been - knock on wood - pretty solid for quite a long stretch).

Why not just buy your current car when the lease is up? It seems like you've been more satisfied with this than anything else you've had since I've been reading these boards. I'm going to be in the same boat as you in a year or so, and I'm seriously wondering what stops you from considering continuing you're e90 experience?


My plan is to replace the wagon later this year or early next with two cars, one 7 seat/cargo hauler and one fun 5 seat sedan.

Option 1 is a previous generation MDX and a 330ZHP
Option 2 is a POS old cheap minivan (chrysler, etc.) and an e39 M5.
Option 1 is by far the more logical choice, but I *really* want an e39 M5. After owning the wagon and knowing how costly it is to keep maintained, I don't look forward to more expensive tires, brakes, even worse gas mileage etc of an m5.

I might consider an e90 330i as that would fall into my price range but i hate the interior ergonomics (I will want an integrated navigation system). I don't want a first year 335i, and I won't afford anything newer.

[TD]

I would never *own* an E9x (or any other current BMW). There is just too much technology that can and will fail. I've seen it in the short time I've had mine. And who would own a car where you can't even reasonably change your own oil.

:loco:

Plus, life's too short to have the same car that long.

[JST]

I would never *own* an E9x (or any other current BMW). There is just too much technology that can and will fail. I've seen it in the short time I've had mine. And who would own a car where you can't even reasonably change your own oil.

:loco:

Plus, life's too short to have the same car that long.

While I don't disagree with you (and at the risk of jinxiing myself), I've got 10K miles on the 335 now and haven't had a single problem (other than the aberrant STOP DRIVING NOW! light that popped on and went away immediately).

As between a 330i ZHP and a 335, I can see arguments both ways. If I were buying a car to own, I'd probably get the ZHP--end-of-model run means most problems were worked out, and you don't have the startlingly high oil temps that you see in the 335 (along with the turbos) that make me wonder about long-term durability.

But...

While the ZHP is a very good driver's car, the E90 does have two areas that are better, other than the engine (which is world's ahead). One is clutch/throttle feel, which is substantially better on the E90 than the E46. The other is body stiffness, which is also better. The E90 seems to roll less than a stock ZHP, too.

[dredmo]

While the ZHP is a very good driver's car, the E90 does have two areas that are better, other than the engine (which is world's ahead). One is clutch/throttle feel, which is substantially better on the E90 than the E46. The other is body stiffness, which is also better. The E90 seems to roll less than a stock ZHP, too.

Yeah, and for the record... When ed said fun, that hints towards the thrill of the ride taking priority of his point at hand. Not reliability, quality, or safety.... fun. 4 distinct categories in my book.

I think all your arguments are valid, but as to which car is more *fun,* I cannot begin to believe many people would pick the ZHP after driving them both without much restriction.

[equ]

How is a slower, less aggressive, more wobbly, and less responsive car more fun?

Wait, I have a more respectable and less abrasive way of asking you this question. What speed do you set cruise control for when you test drive a car?:dunno:

I'm just catching up - so I haven't read further down the thread yet - but I'll respond to this. The zhp IS more fun than the 335.

[equ]

I think all your arguments are valid, but as to which car is more *fun,* I cannot begin to believe many people would pick the ZHP after driving them both without much restriction.

I was shopping for a *fun* car all last summer. I already had a zhp and after some rx-8 drives (and some 911 memories), the urge for something more sporty bit me. I drove s2000's, boxsters, 911s, caymans, rx-8s, e46m3's and 335's at that time (and wrote about it ad nauseam).

At the time, I found the zhp to be more *fun* than the 335.

We just came back from a trip to Philly. 200+ miles (with a return along the Delaware) in my 330xi. Excellent car, 27mpg (including lots of philly), passenger can sleep at 90mph on the interstate but not as *fun* as my gf's 2002 honda civic si (that has 100 less hp and is fwd to boot!).

[Josh (PA)]

I would never *own* an E9x (or any other current BMW). There is just too much technology that can and will fail. I've seen it in the short time I've had mine. And who would own a car where you can't even reasonably change your own oil.

:loco:

Plus, life's too short to have the same car that long.



What problems have you had with the E90 to date? My parents own an early 325xi that's been pretty bullet proof so far (knock on wood for them). My experience is it's not the electronic gizmos that tend to fail in BMWs, it's the more mundane things like cooling systems, plastic bits, water pumps, thermostats, etc.

[TD]

What problems have you had with the E90 to date? My parents own an early 325xi that's been pretty bullet proof so far (knock on wood for them). My experience is it's not the electronic gizmos that tend to fail in BMWs, it's the more mundane things like cooling systems, plastic bits, water pumps, thermostats, etc.
The gizmos that control the brake pads squeegee-ing the rotors when it's raining caused me to need all new pads and rotors by 20K miles. Something went wonky in the steering column which threw steering lock faults and led to a full steering rack replacement. Throw in a few random errors that self-clear (including an all-on christmas tree with every dash light lit up and the turn signals and some accessories failing to operate).

There are just so many things that *could* fail (like the oil level sensor or the rotating headlights) that, taken along with what has failed, I'd really not want to own one.

[equ]

Mine has been good so far (3 weeks and 2000 miles). It has had exactly one complaint in two years (trunk latch or sth). I'm hoping I'll get lucky and can keep this car to six years old or more. It feels robust but it is complicated. Even the cupholders have many moving parts. And funnily enough, I was just telling a friend that I was worried about the motors for the xenon lights. I know they're cool, but are they necessary. Oh well..

[Sharp11]

I think all your arguments are valid, but as to which car is more *fun,* I cannot begin to believe many people would pick the ZHP after driving them both without much restriction.

Correct me if I'm mistaken, but isn't JST on record as saying his Mini is more "fun" to drive than his 335i?

Certainly it's slower, less aggressive, more "wobbly" (whatever that means).

"Fun" has nothing to do with all those things you list - even today, a 1969 MGB, top down on a nice day, can be the most "fun" you could ever have on a twisty road (provided you could find one that runs), but it's certainly slow as molasses - even by the standards of its day.

Ed

[IndyMike]

And I haven't been able to shake the thought of maybe going for an E39.
'04 540i/6
34k miles
$30k
Location: Irvine, CA

Low miles, seemingly nice condition and sounds like a reasonable price (but what do I know), although in "yawn" Ti silver.

Unfortunately it takes a bit of a roadtrip to get it back to the right coast or ship it via closed container.

It'd be tempting even for me if it were instead Sterling gray with the M5 look.

Although for that kind of dough I'd probably spend a bit more and get a real M5.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=131375&d=1199232338

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2901465&postcount=1

[SARAFIL]

That is a 2003 (E39)... 2004 is E60.


Too much for a 540i... those (and all E39s) have depreciated like crazy and you should be able to get a nice one for much less. My bet is that car will be for sale for a long time at that price. Dealer retail on that car is mid/upper-$20s.

[ff]

Plus, life's too short to have the same car that long.

Nobody knows that better than me. :cool: :D

[JST]

That is a 2003 (E39)... 2004 is E60.


Too much for a 540i... those (and all E39s) have depreciated like crazy and you should be able to get a nice one for much less. My bet is that car will be for sale for a long time at that price. Dealer retail on that car is mid/upper-$20s.

I came very close to buying one of those a few years ago. I am glad that I did not.

[FC]

You all know how much I love the ZHP, but despite that and the fact that I don't care for the interior of the E90, I am willing to concede that the 335i is as a whole probably a "better" car.

But the value proposition is not there (now). At the high end my car is worth what, 20K? If I were to trade up to a 335i, it will cost me 25K(?) more. I don't think a 335i is worth that much more. Nevermind cost of ownership over the next few years.

I do think however, that as ZHP's start approaching 80K+ miles or 8 years, the car will start to lose its edge. But over the next 3-5 years ZHP's are a great value, IMO.

[Rob]

Part of the beauty of the 335 is the ease of getting more power out of it. You can't do that with a 330 zhp (ok, at least not nearly as easily). For a relatively small amount of money, you can get a 25% power increase that supposedly won't hurt longevity . . . it's attractive. Never mind that you might not need that kind of power to get your single drive wheel spinning.

[SCA]

I do plan to drive a 135i when it comes out. Personally, I would never put a convertible top ahead of more power, so a 135i would always trump a 128iC.

But at the price-point, unless they lease *really* well, it's just not happening.

+1


BTW, while traveling yesterday I saw a '03, alpine white, E39 525i with SP and I comment how sharp the car was.

[Rob]

oh yeah - Irvine is close enough for me to check out cars if you were really interested. You can find lots of pristine examples out here if you look.

[TD]

+1


BTW, while traveling yesterday I saw a '03, alpine white, E39 525i with SP and I comment how sharp the car was.
Today at lunch, I came out of Costco to find a pristine E38 740i Sport (short wheelbase) parked next to me. Damn, that is a gorgeous car.

If someone pointed me to one that had already been through the tranny conversion, that would be very tempting.

[SCA]

And hopefully he one at the top of the thread isn't still available next year. If it were SCA's car, I'm sure it would be (as his cars take YEARS to sell). But it's not.

I have not been highly motivated to unload mine, plus I tend to waffle a good bit too.


:lol:

Sorry, Sean. :)

You take too darn good care of your cars. Maybe you ought to flog and thrash them more. It's sort of like the nice boy on the street who can't get a date, while the young, ex-con next door has to fight the girls off with a stick. Don't worry, if it's any consolation I generally have the same problem. ;)

Thank Mike! Unfortunately, not many people appreciate the care that I give my automobiles, in fact it is rarely even noticed with exception of my service department and the porter at the Center. Of course, I greatly appreciate it when I am behind the wheel. :)

[TD]

Today at lunch, I came out of Costco to find a pristine E38 740i Sport (short wheelbase) parked next to me. Damn, that is a gorgeous car.

If someone pointed me to one that had already been through the tranny conversion, that would be very tempting.
Drool... http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=235800826

[equ]

I've liked the looks (exterior/interior) of e38 & e39 for a long time. Having owned an e39, I'm cured of wanting one again. They're amazing at long highway trips but not really for any other purpose. The manuals feel cumbersome in cities. The steering doesn't come out & play in turns.

[equ]

Sold (not that it matters after 70 unrelated posts).

[wdc330i]

Not surprised. It was a deal.

[equ]

He even took a rather low offer. I told him (a few times) that he can get his asking in a few weeks, he just didn't have the time.

[Aerials]

Nobody knows that better than me. :cool: :D
Shouldn't the same rule apply to women also?:ack: :D

[SARAFIL]

What problems have you had with the E90 to date? My parents own an early 325xi that's been pretty bullet proof so far (knock on wood for them). My experience is it's not the electronic gizmos that tend to fail in BMWs, it's the more mundane things like cooling systems, plastic bits, water pumps, thermostats, etc.

My parents have a VERY early E90 325xi (their order was the 1st one that came in at our dealership, September 2005, almost like they had an inside connection or something? ;) ) and it has been bullet proof as well in the 2+ years that they've had it. Only one minor issue, around 10k miles the brake and DSC lights came on and stayed on, and went away after the car was restarted. BMWNA advised replacing the steering angle sensor (this was right around the time when this part was on intergalactical back-order on the E60s) as a precaution, even though the lights never came on after that 1st time.

The funny part is that this car has actually been MORE RELIABLE than any other BMW that they've had of recent times (3 different E46's and an X3) and possibly more reliable than their earlier BMWs (E21, E30, E36) but I'm too young to have a good memory of how reliable those were... :D