2017 230? Or 2005-6 ZHP?

[JST]

Re: “better play.” I’m assuming that most ZHPs will need some level of suspension refresh and probably other maintenance that a newer car likely wouldn’t for a while.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by JST

Re: “better play.” I’m assuming that most ZHPs will need some level of suspension refresh and probably other maintenance that a newer car likely wouldn’t for a while.

And subframe attention, of course. Airbag swap, if it hasn't been done. Some also had a faulty seat sensor for the airbag. Window regulators, perhaps. Idle issue. Etc.

[Josh (PA)]

why not just find a decent stick regular 330 and do a suspension, cooling system and oil seal refresh and have a better car at 2/3rd the price of a real zhp.

Or if it's going to be a kid car anyway, find a running 325xi (like Clyde) and not worry when she bumps something for the first time.

Having said all that, I vote 1er.

[Theo]

Originally Posted by Josh (PA)

why not just find a decent stick regular 330 and do a suspension, cooling system and oil seal refresh and have a better car at 2/3rd the price of a real zhp.

Or if it's going to be a kid car anyway, find a running 325xi (like Clyde) and not worry when she bumps something for the first time.

Having said all that, I vote 1er.

I would have to agree here. The ZHP is a great car but if you can get around the looks of the 1ner there is a lot more potential with an older 135 manual.

[equ]

I like many things about the e46 zhp. Despite the outside looks of the coupe, the sedan felt more solid. Almost everything is spot on in that car, but I prefer the feel of the later n52+ engines to the m54's.

[lemming]

Originally Posted by Theo

I would have to agree here. The ZHP is a great car but if you can get around the looks of the 1ner there is a lot more potential with an older 135 manual.

That engine is ‘not’ the twin turbo inline six, right? It is the ‘twinscroll’ single turbocharged engine?

If so, I would agree for higher power output.

All things being equal though, the newer car might present with fewer issues still. Yes. I have very little faith in BMWs out of warranty from 2009-2014. Sorry. I just had too many issues with the 535 wagon, my own 135iC and then the E92 M3.

[JST]

Since this is partly a car for a new driver, power beyond 250 or so is a bug, not a feature. A 135 or 240 is just more car than I need. Plus, lemming's point about reliability on those engines is well taken.

As for why not a "normal" 330? Partly because those, too, are hard to find, and partly because if I'm going to buy a car and spend money and time maintaining it, I might as well get something sort of interesting. But a normal E46 is likely also a lot cheaper, so that's not off the table. It's just that there are two specific cars I've got my eye on right now, one of which is a 230 and the other is a ZHP, so I was curious if anyone had driven both recently.

[lemming]

Originally Posted by JST

Since this is partly a car for a new driver, power beyond 250 or so is a bug, not a feature. A 135 or 240 is just more car than I need. Plus, lemming's point about reliability on those engines is well taken.

As for why not a "normal" 330? Partly because those, too, are hard to find, and partly because if I'm going to buy a car and spend money and time maintaining it, I might as well get something sort of interesting. But a normal E46 is likely also a lot cheaper, so that's not off the table. It's just that there are two specific cars I've got my eye on right now, one of which is a 230 and the other is a ZHP, so I was curious if anyone had driven both recently.

Oh. I missed this. New driver? Newer is better, isn’t it? Just a better made chassis for impacts.

Given that 90-95% of drivers will be in an accident or two before the age of 21. Or is it 25? Whichever.

[JST]

Originally Posted by lemming

Oh. I missed this. New driver? Newer is better, isn’t it? Just a better made chassis for impacts.

Given that 90-95% of drivers will be in an accident or two before the age of 21. Or is it 25? Whichever.

Yeah, that's another thing I'm thinking about, though I'm also comfortable enough with the E46 chassis safety features that it's not a deal-breaker for me.

It's what I drove her around in when she was an infant, after all.

[Jeff_DML]

Yeah I was going to ask the same question, I would find it hard to pay the ZHP tax for what you get. But if you have a scratch to itch then itch it. Why not go all in and get a e46 M3? or has that boat sailed.?