ZHP owners club.

[Average Jae]

Keep in mind that the price of anything is set by the consumer. If you think it's worth every penny, then it's worth it. Personally, I don't have any brand loyalty..
I love German cars, but their price value equation isn't attractive to me any longer.

So I've been shopping Acuras, Infinitis, and Lexuses. For those of you who like luxury, the $48K Acura RL is tough to beat. It has a sophisticated AWD setup, 300 HP, great suspension although more on the luxury rather than sporty side, and a really great stereo system.

thinking something's worth every penny and having brand loyalty are two different things. if i found some other car to be on par w/ my car, but was also cheaper, i wouldn't stick to a bmw for the sake of having a bmw. it's not like my money grows on trees. japanese cars are huge on value, but i won't generalize them one way or another. anyway, w/ the RL, i like the specs, but it's not enough to convince me to roll around w/ that ugly mug. (that's just me tho..)

 

[sly]

but it's not enough to convince me to roll around w/ that ugly mug. (that's just me tho..)

I agree with you regarding the importance of appearance in car selection. That's why i wouldn't consider buying a 5, 6 or 7 series BMW. To me the RL looks boring but not ugly.

 

[PRFMC330]

When shopping for my BMW I wanted a 330ci coupe with a slightly distinctive look without having to use aftermarket companies, the zhp package offered all of that. As soon as I heard of the option I went to the dealership and ordered one. If the Body kit, wheels, suspension, and engine mods aren't enough the feelling of the alcantara steering wheel and seats should convince any undecisive buyer. If all that isn't enough then the fact that I've had my car for six months now and have only seen a few other zhp models around town and only one coupe thats awesome. Hey sly see ya out on York Road

 

[sly]

When shopping for my BMW I wanted a 330ci coupe with a slightly distinctive look without having to use aftermarket companies, the zhp package offered all of that. As soon as I heard of the option I went to the dealership and ordered one. If the Body kit, wheels, suspension, and engine mods aren't enough the feelling of the alcantara steering wheel and seats should convince any undecisive buyer. If all that isn't enough then the fact that I've had my car for six months now and have only seen a few other zhp models around town and only one coupe thats awesome. Hey sly see ya out on York Road

PRFMC330: Did you buy your BMW from Towson BMW?
I can't disagree with anything you posted. The 330 with ZHP is a nice looking car. Congratulations.
There are lots of roads in Baltimore County in which you can put your car through the paces.

 

[PRFMC330]

I bought it at russel. It seems that towson didn't have the time for me

 

[sly]

I bought it at russel. It seems that towson didn't have the time for me

I also notice that Russel is always running ads with nice discounts on BMWs. They are just too far away for me: 25 mimutes for Towson, 50 minutes for Russel.

I have a good friend at Towson. His name is Vince Veiga, and he's an enthusiast like us. He has a nice test area mapped out in Towson where your ZHP package can be tested to the ultimate. There's no way that I would test drive a car that I'm unfamilar with at 9/10 ths on the street, but Vince will and he does it well.

So next time you are in the market for a BMW, give Vince a call, and when you are out on your test drive, ask Vince to take over for a stretch. He knows how to get the max out of any M3 or M5 or 330 with ZHP.

 

[Average Jae]

seems peeps vote now and then over here, but don't leave any comments.. it's kinda sucky seeing the thread pop up to the top, only to see sly's post at the end.. for the 10th time.. not to pick on you tho sly

so if you have the time, let us know why you voted the way you did, if you don't mind ^^;;

 

[Roadhawk]

Great car! [driving2]

 

[selavia]

I bought it at russel. It seems that towson didn't have the time for me

I don't even own an e46, but I got to chime in on this comment. I didn't even buy my BMW from BMW of Towson and whenever I go in there I always get excellent service and attention. One day I went into the showroom just to look and (it was a slow day there) one "client advisor" saw me checking out the new 5 series and asked me if I would like to test drive it. Everytime I pull my car into the bay to go buy something from parts or whatever, some dude usually opens my door for me. I think they're are awesome!

Also, I did a marketing research project for one of my business classes on BMW and the GM of BMW of Towson gave us over two hours of his time to give us information and tour of the dealership.

Sean

 

[sly]

I don't even own an e46, but I got to chime in on this comment. I didn't even buy my BMW from BMW of Towson and whenever I go in there I always get excellent service and attention. One day I went into the showroom just to look and (it was a slow day there) one "client advisor" saw me checking out the new 5 series and asked me if I would like to test drive it. Everytime I pull my car into the bay to go buy something from parts or whatever, some dude usually opens my door for me. I think they're are awesome!

Also, I did a marketing research project for one of my business classes on BMW and the GM of BMW of Towson gave us over two hours of his time to give us information and tour of the dealership.

Sean

selavia: I've had nothing but great experiences at that dealership. They know how to sell high end cars.

 

[epj3]

I don't even own an e46, but I got to chime in on this comment. I didn't even buy my BMW from BMW of Towson and whenever I go in there I always get excellent service and attention. One day I went into the showroom just to look and (it was a slow day there) one "client advisor" saw me checking out the new 5 series and asked me if I would like to test drive it. Everytime I pull my car into the bay to go buy something from parts or whatever, some dude usually opens my door for me. I think they're are awesome!

Also, I did a marketing research project for one of my business classes on BMW and the GM of BMW of Towson gave us over two hours of his time to give us information and tour of the dealership.

Sean

I also have to talk very highly of my local dealership. They price match!!!!!!!

 

[finally330i]

I bought a CPO 03 330i w/steptronic in April with the cold weather pack and leather, HK, sunroof. I also added the Dinan auto trans software and engine software. It is a great car. I used the stock wheels as my winter tire setup and am planning on buying a new wheel set come spring.

Assuming the wheels will cost me approx $2700. and I am kind of wishing I got a manual trans: What do you think of the idea of trading this car in on a CPO 03 330i ZHP with 6 speed, cloth seats, and no CWP which I saw for $34,995.

 

[sly]

I bought a CPO 03 330i w/steptronic in April with the cold weather pack and leather, HK, sunroof. I also added the Dinan auto trans software and engine software. It is a great car. I used the stock wheels as my winter tire setup and am planning on buying a new wheel set come spring.

Assuming the wheels will cost me approx $2700. and I am kind of wishing I got a manual trans: What do you think of the idea of trading this car in on a CPO 03 330i ZHP with 6 speed, cloth seats, and no CWP which I saw for $34,995.

Make sure you are seated when the dealer tells you what he's willing to pay for your car. Try to keep your car at least three years to minimize depreciation; four years is ideal. Now on the other hand if throwing away a few thousand dollars doesn't concern you, go for it.

Chances are however that another car will catch your eye within a year and you'll want to buy it. This can get real expensive, real fast.

 

[maxf330]

actually the zhp has 235 hp

 

[flashinthepan]

I wish I coulda got the ZHP option

 

[jaf211]

Love the ZHP

My car makes driving to work everyday pure entertainment. I pray nothing will ever happen to it (accident, etc) as I would have a difficult time trying to figure out what to replace it with- now that it is nearly out of production. It would be hard to live without.

The day I test drove it, I literally woke myself up every night in anticipation of getting it until it was in my driveway. I love it. It definitely has that unique characteristic quality about it that most cars lack.

[bmwdance]

 

[///M SPEED]

My car makes driving to work everyday pure entertainment. I pray nothing will ever happen to it (accident, etc) as I would have a difficult time trying to figure out what to replace it with- now that it is nearly out of production. It would be hard to live without.

The day I test drove it, I literally woke myself up every night in anticipation of getting it until it was in my driveway. I love it. It definitely has that unique characteristic quality about it that most cars lack.

[bmwdance]

Yes, but have you gone out and slept in in yet. That is one sign you are hooked for life... [headbang]

 

[Average Jae]

Yes, but have you gone out and slept in in yet. That is one sign you are hooked for life... [headbang]

does falling alseep while waiting a really long time for someone count?

 

[HornyHornet]

I believed the ZHP option is well worth the cost for all the upgrades is gives. As stated earlier, you get the 10hp increase, stiffer suspention, SSK, bigger (nice!) wheels and tires, and the higher RPM; they all pay huge dividends at the track. The distintive aerodynamic kit, the svelte alcantara steering wheel and seats, and exclusive trim and paint colors make it that much more rare. FWIW, it will still outpace the upcoming (already acclaimed) 255hp E90 with its 5.9s 0-60mph time (the E90 has tested at 6.1s 0-60mph). So choosing the ZHP is worth every penny and every mile it eats up.

 

[///M SPEED]

does falling alseep while waiting a really long time for someone count?

As long as you were enjoying it while you were sleeping and after waking up it would count in my book...