It's time that I wrote a review of my '04 Imola Red ZHP.
I have now put 3500 Km on the car, so it is broken in, and I can now drive it like I normally drive.
I should start by saying that I traded in a 2000 328i (Jet Black) that I had been driving for 3 1/2 years, so any comparisons I make are relative to that car.
My overall impressions of the car boil down to this: It's like they took my 328i and souped it up, big-time. This car is considerably faster than my old one. While sitting in the car, the feel is similar, but driving it brings out a totally different character. This car is closer to being like an M3 than to a 328i. All I can say is WOW!
It's got much of the engine/exhaust sound of the M3, while not running quite as wild and rough. It is more civilized, which means I am probably better off for every-day driving, especially in winter. Obviously it does not have the M3 power, but it's not that far off! And I love the exhaust sound.
The 18" wheels mated to the Sport Pilots are a fantastic combination. The car has a very sharp on-center feel, and excellent grip and feel. Cornering is extremely fun. The wheels look great too. The ride, while firmer, is not too harsh.
Differences I have noticed are:
- Pressing auto on the climate control now turns on the A/C - the 328i did not do that.
- The traction control seems to work much better on the '04.
- The clutch engages much better.
- The transmission is smoother - my old one was always a bit notchy
Complaints:
- The rain-sensor is not sensitive enough
- The auto-headlights are too sensitive - I found the lights are often on in normal daytime driving
- A slight buzz or rattle coming from the passenger headrest. Strangely, my 328i had the exact problem.
- A buzz in one door speaker when playing deep bass.
- Drive-by-wire - I'd rather have a cable. This thing seems to adjust its style all the time. I'll do it myself thanks.
- There's a bit of hesitation around 4000RPM. Not a big deal, but my old one didn't do that.
- Morning traffic - I just don't have enough chances to drive this thing the way I want!
Being a Canadian model, it does not come with the red-needles on the instrument cluster, and it displays a standard 6500 redline. I can confirm that it indeed goes to 6800, so no big deal. Mine is also missing the M trim on the door sills, and the M dead-pedal. The dealer says I should have gotten these, and is following up for me.
Last night I had my snow tires put on - the Pirelli 210's, with 17" steel wheels. (The wheels look like crap!). At least now I have something to look forward to in April. The handling is, as expected, not as good. But, it's not as bad as I was expecting. I just hope they're good in snow.
In summary, if you like to drive, and you don't have one of these cars, just go buy one. It's the bargain of the century. This car only cost me about $2K more than my 328i cost me over 3 years ago.
I am out almost every night driving this thing. I feel like a kid with a new toy.
Man am I ever glad I didn't get the G35 Coupe I was thinking of getting!!!
I have now put 3500 Km on the car, so it is broken in, and I can now drive it like I normally drive.
I should start by saying that I traded in a 2000 328i (Jet Black) that I had been driving for 3 1/2 years, so any comparisons I make are relative to that car.
My overall impressions of the car boil down to this: It's like they took my 328i and souped it up, big-time. This car is considerably faster than my old one. While sitting in the car, the feel is similar, but driving it brings out a totally different character. This car is closer to being like an M3 than to a 328i. All I can say is WOW!
It's got much of the engine/exhaust sound of the M3, while not running quite as wild and rough. It is more civilized, which means I am probably better off for every-day driving, especially in winter. Obviously it does not have the M3 power, but it's not that far off! And I love the exhaust sound.
The 18" wheels mated to the Sport Pilots are a fantastic combination. The car has a very sharp on-center feel, and excellent grip and feel. Cornering is extremely fun. The wheels look great too. The ride, while firmer, is not too harsh.
Differences I have noticed are:
- Pressing auto on the climate control now turns on the A/C - the 328i did not do that.
- The traction control seems to work much better on the '04.
- The clutch engages much better.
- The transmission is smoother - my old one was always a bit notchy
Complaints:
- The rain-sensor is not sensitive enough
- The auto-headlights are too sensitive - I found the lights are often on in normal daytime driving
- A slight buzz or rattle coming from the passenger headrest. Strangely, my 328i had the exact problem.
- A buzz in one door speaker when playing deep bass.
- Drive-by-wire - I'd rather have a cable. This thing seems to adjust its style all the time. I'll do it myself thanks.
- There's a bit of hesitation around 4000RPM. Not a big deal, but my old one didn't do that.
- Morning traffic - I just don't have enough chances to drive this thing the way I want!
Being a Canadian model, it does not come with the red-needles on the instrument cluster, and it displays a standard 6500 redline. I can confirm that it indeed goes to 6800, so no big deal. Mine is also missing the M trim on the door sills, and the M dead-pedal. The dealer says I should have gotten these, and is following up for me.
Last night I had my snow tires put on - the Pirelli 210's, with 17" steel wheels. (The wheels look like crap!). At least now I have something to look forward to in April. The handling is, as expected, not as good. But, it's not as bad as I was expecting. I just hope they're good in snow.
In summary, if you like to drive, and you don't have one of these cars, just go buy one. It's the bargain of the century. This car only cost me about $2K more than my 328i cost me over 3 years ago.
I am out almost every night driving this thing. I feel like a kid with a new toy.
Man am I ever glad I didn't get the G35 Coupe I was thinking of getting!!!
![[thumb]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_thumb.gif "Thumbs Up [thumb]"){kind=icon}
![[wave]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_wave.gif "Wave [wave]"){kind=icon}
![[^]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_approve.gif "Approved [^]"){kind=icon}
![[clap]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_clap.gif "Clap [clap]"){kind=icon}
![[cheers]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_cheers.gif "Cheers [cheers]"){kind=icon}
![[:D]](/images/smilies/biggrin.png "Big Grin [:D]")
![[:(]](/images/smilies/frown.png "Frown [:(]")
![[rofl]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_rofl.gif "ROFL [rofl]"){kind=icon}