First-time BMW Owner! (E46-330i)

karpman9 · Jul 6, 2004

Hello fellow BMW owners and enthusiasts,

I just purchased my first BMW! A Jet Black 330i sedan, with the Performance package added as an option! I am thrilled to have upgraded to such a sweet ride! My last car was an IS-300. I loved it, but truth be told I guess I never knew what "true love" of a car felt like until I drove off the dealer lot in my new 330i.

I am somewhat surprised however that BMW doesn't have a special designation for the performance package, such as a 330ip. Am I naieve? I say that because of the many differences I see between the regular 330i and the 330i performance vehicle, not the least of which are the upgraded engine, upgraded exhaust (note), harmon kardon 12 speaker stereo, M-style front end (grill and intake scoops) M-style side moldings, the "suede" wrapped M-steering wheel, and of course those beautiful 18" M-wheels and 255-35 Z rated 18" Michelins differentiate it considerably from the regular 330i (IMHO)-so please don't flame me....I'm still a BMW rookie, in love with my BMW for the first time.

Obviously I am completely enchanted with the car, yet I find this car to be a perfect example of a "trade-off" in life. A trade-off between some of the amenities, convieninces and gadgets that other "competitors" in class offer as standard, to those that BMW doesn't offer at all, doesn't offer as standard, and if offered may cost many arms and legs to obtain. I'll write back soon with my overall thoughts pros and cons, but for now I just want to enjoy my car and DRIVE, DRIVE DRIVE!

Yours truly,

KarpMan9
Scottsdale, Arizona

dpnguyen · Jul 6, 2004

Welcome!

My current Bimmer is my first and I'm hooked also.

Section_8 · Jul 6, 2004

Welcome aboard! Most BMW owners share your enthusiasm - especially the ones here on the forum. [thumb]

BMW does not badge the performace packages anymore - they used to badge the 'sports' package with an s (325is for instance) but no longer do that, they only seem to badge based on model (sedan, cabrio, coupe) and varied fuel types (320d for a Diesel in Europe for instance) these days.

Your performance package sounds like the ZHP if you have the extra 10hp difference from the normal 330i. You also have a SSK of a sort (BMW's short shift kit) The biggest enhancement I would say is your tighter and lowered suspension, more sporty than the norm on BMW's, which isn't really a slouch anyhow (except the sedans..) [:(]

Enjoy your ride!! Post pics, we always like to see new bmw's around here. [:)]

CdnH20skier · Jul 6, 2004

Great Ride!

Sounds Super man.

I have had a 328is for 3 years and the first time I drove it,... literally 2oo yards! I knew I was in something different!

And have NEVER looked back! you'll do same.

I now have a 2 week old 330ci B on B. SP

and on the extra HP designation thing?

(be happy that you have that tremendous start-up rumble that the 325/323/320's DO NOT have!)

and?... that most of us can tell the difference on your upgrade: 18" wheels, lower suspension.

But most of all its the feeling in our guts, heads when we start up and roll out knowing were in a fantastic performance motorcar. (say a la Jackie Stewart)

Congrats! (were all hooked!)

Gary

BMW_FaNaTiC · Jul 6, 2004

Hey i just moved out of scottsdale, did you get it at United Auto across form The Scottsdale Princess?

codex57 · Jul 6, 2004

No, there's no special badge that BMW puts on the ZHP cars, but true enthusiasts can tell easily from the body kit and rims. To be honest, I think not having a badge and just the subtle styling difference is much more respectable than some loser driving a CLK430 and bragging that he has an upgraded AMG car cuz his car happens to have an AMG badge on it.

theBMWenthusiast · Jul 7, 2004

first of all, congrats on the new ride and welcome to the board, and post some pics, we love seeing BMW's here... [:D]

codex57 said:

i agree the same way codex, when im going around or even at the dealership i can just tell the cars apart from the rims and the styling and i like it better then having tons of different designations and just letting ppl see the designation and thinking "oh wow, whatever" rather then showing your friends and really knowing your car from top to bottom, i love showing my friends the differences in my car to others and having real technical explanations for everything

Audible · Jul 7, 2004

Just got my first BMW...LOVE IT

Audible

Tom · Jul 7, 2004

Welcome aboard and congrats on the new purchase.

frolf · Jul 7, 2004

welcome Karpman, your enthusiasm made me happy

HornyHornet · Jul 7, 2004

Welcome and congrats. Soon you will see why BMWs dont need special badging to differentiate between models. Subtle changes in apperance will become more evident to you as your passion for BMWs increases. You will come to know your BMW more than any other vehicle you have ever known; top to bottom, inside and out. My passion started back in March. Before then I could not tell apples from oranges on these beauties. Now, it takes a split second to know all the specs. My wife thinks I have gone mad, I think so too. Enjoy, expect soar cheeks from all the grining.

karpman9 · Jul 9, 2004

Thanks for all the kind words! I'm getting the Huper-Optik tint applied today, as well as the clear Bra for my front end.

I NOW understand why no special badging is required. I see the subtle differences you all spoke of on other BMWs on the road.

I am a VERY proud ZHP owner! Photos to come!

KarpMan9

xmas63 · Jul 9, 2004

Section_8 said:

Just as an FYI and a bit of trivia, the "is" designation on the E36's referred to body style, not the sport package. The "is" was the designation for the coupe, same as the "Ci" is the current-day designation for the coupe. (A 325i with the sport package was still a 325i.)

Congrats, KarpMan, on your new ride. The more you drive it, the more you'll appreciate it.

JTravick · Jul 9, 2004

HornyHornet said:

"Enjoy, expect soar cheeks from all the grining."

.....and sore or stiff neck from constantly looking back at your car as you walk away....

Piggy · Jul 9, 2004

Congrats and welcome!

Frosty Power 323CI · Jul 10, 2004

Welcome aboard...you'll love your ride the the rest of us do!

HornyHornet · Jul 10, 2004

JTravick said:

Forgot about that too.

bmwrocks · Jul 10, 2004

JTravick said:

That is so true. Thanks for validating this behavior for all of us....lmao.

karpman9 · Jul 10, 2004

To BMW_FaNaTic,

Yes, I did get my Bimmer from North Scottsdale BMW, i.e. United Auto Group. I am very unhappy with them right now (maybe I'll post it seperatly). I've had my car for less than one week, and after they installed the Huper Tint, and Clear Bra they detailed my car and while doing so, used an orbital buffer which scratched up my rear deck lid, and left circular buffing scratches all over my shiney new jet black ZHP! I almost cried. I am very unhappy. They claim that they can fix it by using a BETTER detailer. So I have to drop my car off again and hope for the best. Any comments? Can they really fix it or will it come back after the wax deteriorates over the next month?

Bmw 325i 7803 · Jul 10, 2004

Make them give it to you in writing...... acknowledging they damaged it and they fixed it and are guaranteeing the paint repair for the life of the vehicle/warranty etc...

First-time BMW Owner! (E46-330i)

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