UPDATE! 1,070miles on my 330ZHP!

[Double Vanos]

Well almost a month and 1,000 miles later i must say i'm EXTREMELY delighted with my new 330ZHP. After a minor misshap after delivery i must say its the best bimmer i've ever had. Its handling and power are superb, i always myself cruise around 85-90mph and i haven't revved past 4700rpms(breakin period). I just cant wait for the breakin to be over so i can redline this baby and see how it pulls! The handling is flat and very stable, plus the ride is very comfortable considering it has 18in rims. Then they're the sounds, i just love the louder engine and exhaust grunt. Not too loud they seem just right and put a smile on my face when i cruise with the windows down :D . Now for the appearance factor, i'm just in love with this Silver Gray and black leather combo with the M-tech kit. I'm always getting looks and stares(not too many ZHPs in my city i guess) from everywhere along with lots of compliments as well, the wheels are lovely except i'm having a hard time cleaning between the spokes. I'm using a toothbrush but its still struggling to clean them well(any tips welcomed). Gas mileage isnt too different either from my 325, i'm averaging 19 city and 29 on the highway about 1.5 miles less than in my 325 coupe. I finally got a chance to use the rain sensing wipers and they are just so cool how they match the drops hitting the windshield. The fat rimmed M3 steering wheel along with the compact shift knob on the shifter make a killer combo. Driving this car is a breeze, the way the worldclass engine,tranny,steering and suspension work together like clockwork is amazing! As far as for lows nothing new i was a little dissapointed that there is no 5th rim incase i have a flat like in my previous bimmers.Also no alarm on this $40k+ car which is kinda of low, so i'll be picking one up next week from my dealer. Overall i'm just in love with this bimmer, i always thought i would never be 100% happy with a bimmer unless it was an M car but once again BMW produces a remarkable product. This car is fast and i probably wont get to push it to its limit so sometimes i wonder why buy an M3 unless it was for the pimpness :bigpimp: more than performance. Well i know if i test drive an M3 the weaknesses on my 330 would be exposed so thats why i wont test drive one. As the complete package the 330ZHP living up to what i expected i just hope the E90 will be able to supercede the E46 in which i think it'll fall short especially in the looks department.

[ccha]

the wheels are lovely except i'm having a hard time cleaning between the spokes. I'm using a toothbrush but its still struggling to clean them well(any tips welcomed). .Go to HomeDepot and check the paint section for a "foam brush". Dip the brush in your wash bucket (with soap) and use it to wash between the spokes. Works great.

[Double Vanos]

Go to HomeDepot and check the paint section for a "foam brush". Dip the brush in your wash bucket (with soap) and use it to wash between the spokes. Works great.


Ahhh, thanks for the helpful tip my fellow bimmer brother! Just by reading it i know its going to work. Thanks! :thumbup:

[LDV330i]

Go to HomeDepot and check the paint section for a "foam brush". Dip the brush in your wash bucket (with soap) and use it to wash between the spokes. Works great. :stupid:

Guaranteed to work. I actually get mine at Target where you can get a combo of 3 different sized foam brushes for less than $1. They are also good for cleaning the front grill. :D

[LDV330i]

Well almost a month and 1,000 miles later i must say i'm EXTREMELY delighted with my new 330ZHP.
I can assure you that a year from now you will feel exacly the same way. :thumbup: :D

[Double Vanos]

I can assure you that a year from now you will feel exacly the same way. :thumbup: :D


My friend i dont doubt that. I know from experience that BMW engines get better with time. :D

[FAR]

I enjoyed reading your post, as we share similar cars...I have about 1000 miles on mine (bought the car 7/04) and can't wait for the break-in period to be over with (I know it is taking a long time!). I take my car to the local dealership for carwash as it is free and they tend to do a decent job. While I was at the dealership last saturday, I had so many compliments on the car that made me feel very good. Anyways I have been extremely pleased with the purchase so far. I almost bought a G35 coupe but driving this car I don't regret my decision at all, except that my wife now wants a G35. Enjoy your ride.

[KrisL]

I enjoyed reading your post, as we share similar cars...I have about 1000 miles on mine (bought the car 7/04)

Y'all should get in your cars and DRIVE a little bit! :)

I've had my CPO ZHP since 6/27/04... so that's what, 73 days?

I bought it with 14,856 miles and I just turned over 19,000.

That's an average of 57 miles a day.

My commute is 11 miles a day, round trip - and I telecommute on Fridays.

Lets just say I like to drive. :)

[FAR]

Y'all should get in your cars and DRIVE a little bit! :)

I've had my CPO ZHP since 6/27/04... so that's what, 73 days?

I bought it with 14,856 miles and I just turned over 19,000.

That's an average of 57 miles a day.

My commute is 11 miles a day, round trip - and I telecommute on Fridays.

Lets just say I like to drive. :)

I know, work has been crazy! Call me cheap but I drive my Jeep to work, hospital parking lots are some of the worst places for getting banged up. I think I have the "new car syndrome"!

[sbono13]

That's an average of 57 miles a day.

My commute is 11 miles a day, round trip - and I telecommute on Fridays.


I think people tend to drive more in california. My car is 6 weeks old and I've got 1850 miles on it... 44 miles per day.

[KrisL]

I think people tend to drive more in california. My car is 6 weeks old and I've got 1850 miles on it... 44 miles per day.

Of course, it could have something to do with our better driving roads (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showpost.php?p=883218&postcount=5)

[sdellutri]

I enjoyed reading your post, as we share similar cars...I have about 1000 miles on mine (bought the car 7/04) and can't wait for the break-in period to be over with (I know it is taking a long time!). I take my car to the local dealership for carwash as it is free and they tend to do a decent job. While I was at the dealership last saturday, I had so many compliments on the car that made me feel very good. Anyways I have been extremely pleased with the purchase so far. I almost bought a G35 coupe but driving this car I don't regret my decision at all, except that my wife now wants a G35. Enjoy your ride.

I enjoyed reading all of your comments as well. I find myself in a simmilar situation. I have been driving a 2000 328ci (PremiumPackage, Titanium Silver, Black leather, manual) for about 5 years now. [leased it for 3 years and then extended for another 2]. I was just about to replace it by leasing a g35 6mt coupe and then I decided against it and left a deposit on a 2004 330ci ZHP that I am supposed to pick up at the end of this month.
I was able to test drive the g35 coupe but not able to test drive the 330ci ZHP.
Hoping that I made the right choice too...(as you can imagine, the suspense is killing me now :))

[jdogg2000]

I too, was considering a G35 coupe vs. a 3-series. I didn't test drive the G35 because both times I went to the dealer, they just ignored me while I stood there for half an hour waiting for some help. I climbed into the car to check out the interior, and I thought it was alright, but the rear glass is ridiculously low and seemed almost guaranteed to hit your head if you're not a child. I managed to test drive the 330i w/ ZHP and I thought it was great. I'm picking up the car this weekend, the dealer is holding on to the car for me until then. I don't think you'll be disappointed with your choice, believe me!


I enjoyed reading all of your comments as well. I find myself in a simmilar situation. I have been driving a 2000 328ci (PremiumPackage, Titanium Silver, Black leather, manual) for about 5 years now. [leased it for 3 years and then extended for another 2]. I was just about to replace it by leasing a g35 6mt coupe and then I decided against it and left a deposit on a 2004 330ci ZHP that I am supposed to pick up at the end of this month.
I was able to test drive the g35 coupe but not able to test drive the 330ci ZHP.
Hoping that I made the right choice too...(as you can imagine, the suspense is killing me now :))

[mkh]

Y'all should get in your cars and DRIVE a little bit! :)

I've had my CPO ZHP since 6/27/04... so that's what, 73 days?

I bought it with 14,856 miles and I just turned over 19,000.

That's an average of 57 miles a day.

My commute is 11 miles a day, round trip - and I telecommute on Fridays.

Lets just say I like to drive. :)
Don't know why, but somehow you won't get tired driving this car. The more you drive, the more mileage you accumulate, the better she performs. I had mine for 17 months and 29k miles, and my urge of driving is no less than the day I picked her up 1-1/2 years ago. I'm also averaging about 57 miles a day. When you hit 25k, there is a very noticeable increase in performance and smoothness of the engine. Sounds like a long way for most of you. But be patient, and you'll be rewarded.

[yujini]

After driving the G35 and the 330ZHP, i think drivability-wise the 330ZHP is much better,
but reliability wise the G35 is much more superior is what i heard.

Do you 04 330ZHP owners have any problems so far?
The only reason I'm hesitant to buy a beamer is because people talk about reliability issues
compared to the Japanese cars.

Also, I heard the SMG has more problems than the steptronic. That true?

[LDV330i]

After driving the G35 and the 330ZHP, i think drivability-wise the 330ZHP is much better,
but reliability wise the G35 is much more superior is what i heard.

Do you 04 330ZHP owners have any problems so far?
The only reason I'm hesitant to buy a beamer is because people talk about reliability issues
compared to the Japanese cars.

Also, I heard the SMG has more problems than the steptronic. That true? You always hear stories about how reliable Japanese cars are but sometimes they also have their own issues. There is no guaranteee that your Japanese will be be bullet proof or that your BMW will live up to unreliable reputation some have tried to peg on it. Do you think that the 350Z owner who had to deal with excessive front tire wear are happy campers?

I have owned a BMW since October of 97. Neither of my cars have ever had an unscheduled repair. Just have the regular maintenance items (oil change, etc) and replace the wear items (brake pads, etc. ).:thumbup:

P.S. SMG is not available in combination with the ZHP package.

[Roadhawk]

I too, was considering a G35 coupe vs. a 3-series. I didn't test drive the G35 because both times I went to the dealer, they just ignored me while I stood there for half an hour waiting for some help. I climbed into the car to check out the interior, and I thought it was alright, but the rear glass is ridiculously low and seemed almost guaranteed to hit your head if you're not a child. I managed to test drive the 330i w/ ZHP and I thought it was great. I'm picking up the car this weekend, the dealer is holding on to the car for me until then. I don't think you'll be disappointed with your choice, believe me!

I hear you. I tried several times to test drive a G35 (coup) to no avail (once they took me out in one - but wouldn't let me drive it! really...I mean come now...whats up with that?) - mostly I just got excuses andoften they basically just ignored me (while they tended to folks looking at FX45s and such...). I intend to go back to one dealer with my ZHP and tell them they missed their chance for a sale (& commision etc) and that I'm happy that they dissed me because I got a better car!

I really do like the G35 though - I must say - especially the coup of course...but there is really very little trunk room - so not practical IMO (for a family of 4) - and I hear you on the visibility (which I could tell was not good just by sitting in it)...and I vastly prefer the 3 series of the sedan. The interior is better (incl seats), it looks better and it drives better...(and its a BMW!)

And I can't sing the praises for the ZHP package enough. I drove several 3s back to back - and always the ZHP clearly won out - for an enthusiast (who isn't plannign to get all mod happy) - it is the 3 series to get - clearly IMO. Its just so damn tight..looks good, sonds good, rides good. I found it to be superir in every way fro hard charging driving (not that other 3s wern't bad - not at all...just the ZHP was just a little more on all counts - and the sum really makes a big difference IMO). So yeah - I'm loving it...but I finally let the wife drive it over the weekend (she did drive it some in Europe on our ED). And I'm letting her drive it to work today (to show it off to some of her car nut co-workers!). IUts really a great all around package and a fantastic and very fun car. Must say though I am enjoying driving the Audi some too. Its got a bit more punch than the ZHP - but the ZHP is deceptively quick - I am more then satisfied and you will be too. And it does keep loosening up more as I put the miles on it - a bit over 2K now!

[Double Vanos]

After driving the G35 and the 330ZHP, i think drivability-wise the 330ZHP is much better,
but reliability wise the G35 is much more superior is what i heard.

Do you 04 330ZHP owners have any problems so far?
The only reason I'm hesitant to buy a beamer is because people talk about reliability issues
compared to the Japanese cars.

Also, I heard the SMG has more problems than the steptronic. That true?

I've had my car for over a month so i cant really comment on reliability issues beside an issue i had upon delivery with the engine. It was serious but its a first, but based on preivous bimmers nothing major just minor issues like window regulators and door clips nothing that has lefted me with doubt after buying a bimmer. No car is guaranteed to be perfect anything built by man is destined to fail, Japanese cars are more reliable when compared to their european counterparts but thats the way they design them. BMWs are engineered to come close as possible to the ulitmate driving machine which is their trademark, and everything comes after. Now take Lexus for example their slogan is something like the "relentless pursuit of perfection" which indicates perfection first and everything else after. I see it this way BMWs cars are like athletes very sporty and athletic but more prone to injury.

[FAR]

I hear you. I tried several times to test drive a G35 (coup) to no avail (once they took me out in one - but wouldn't let me drive it! really...I mean come now...whats up with that?) - mostly I just got excuses andoften they basically just ignored me (while they tended to folks looking at FX45s and such...). I intend to go back to one dealer with my ZHP and tell them they missed their chance for a sale (& commision etc) and that I'm happy that they dissed me because I got a better car!

I really do like the G35 though - I must say - especially the coup of course...but there is really very little trunk room - so not practical IMO (for a family of 4) - and I hear you on the visibility (which I could tell was not good just by sitting in it)...and I vastly prefer the 3 series of the sedan. The interior is better (incl seats), it looks better and it drives better...(and its a BMW!)

And I can't sing the praises for the ZHP package enough. I drove several 3s back to back - and always the ZHP clearly won out - for an enthusiast (who isn't plannign to get all mod happy) - it is the 3 series to get - clearly IMO. Its just so damn tight..looks good, sonds good, rides good. I found it to be superir in every way fro hard charging driving (not that other 3s wern't bad - not at all...just the ZHP was just a little more on all counts - and the sum really makes a big difference IMO). So yeah - I'm loving it...but I finally let the wife drive it over the weekend (she did drive it some in Europe on our ED). And I'm letting her drive it to work today (to show it off to some of her car nut co-workers!). IUts really a great all around package and a fantastic and very fun car. Must say though I am enjoying driving the Audi some too. Its got a bit more punch than the ZHP - but the ZHP is deceptively quick - I am more then satisfied and you will be too. And it does keep loosening up more as I put the miles on it - a bit over 2K now!


Damn!! why did you have to say all these good things about ZHP? Now everyone is going to want/get one!! I am not sharing!

[Double Vanos]

Damn!! why did you have to say all these good things about ZHP? Now everyone is going to want/get one!! I am not sharing!

I agree! Yeah dont buy ZHPs they suck! Their too fast, they they look too good and people are always staring at them. :thumbdwn:

[bimmer chick]

Go to HomeDepot and check the paint section for a "foam brush". Dip the brush in your wash bucket (with soap) and use it to wash between the spokes. Works great.

I have the same rims and it is a pain to clean them...but I have the methodology down pat. I use rim cleaner first to loosen up the break dust, wash the rims with a hose, then i take a cloth....put one side against the breaks and one side towards yourself...and then just clean back and forth. The cloth will basically get at the smaller creases in between the spokes. Hope that helps and didn't confuse you even more....just think of shining your shoes...just tug back and forth....it will get at all the corners.

-bimmer chick

[bimmer chick]

Well almost a month and 1,000 miles later i must say i'm EXTREMELY delighted with my new 330ZHP. After a minor misshap after delivery i must say its the best bimmer i've ever had. Its handling and power are superb, i always myself cruise around 85-90mph and i haven't revved past 4700rpms(breakin period). I just cant wait for the breakin to be over so i can redline this baby and see how it pulls! The handling is flat and very stable, plus the ride is very comfortable considering it has 18in rims. Then they're the sounds, i just love the louder engine and exhaust grunt. Not too loud they seem just right and put a smile on my face when i cruise with the windows down :D . Now for the appearance factor, i'm just in love with this Silver Gray and black leather combo with the M-tech kit. I'm always getting looks and stares(not too many ZHPs in my city i guess) from everywhere along with lots of compliments as well, the wheels are lovely except i'm having a hard time cleaning between the spokes. I'm using a toothbrush but its still struggling to clean them well(any tips welcomed). Gas mileage isnt too different either from my 325, i'm averaging 19 city and 29 on the highway about 1.5 miles less than in my 325 coupe. I finally got a chance to use the rain sensing wipers and they are just so cool how they match the drops hitting the windshield. The fat rimmed M3 steering wheel along with the compact shift knob on the shifter make a killer combo. Driving this car is a breeze, the way the worldclass engine,tranny,steering and suspension work together like clockwork is amazing! As far as for lows nothing new i was a little dissapointed that there is no 5th rim incase i have a flat like in my previous bimmers.Also no alarm on this $40k+ car which is kinda of low, so i'll be picking one up next week from my dealer. Overall i'm just in love with this bimmer, i always thought i would never be 100% happy with a bimmer unless it was an M car but once again BMW produces a remarkable product. This car is fast and i probably wont get to push it to its limit so sometimes i wonder why buy an M3 unless it was for the pimpness :bigpimp: more than performance. Well i know if i test drive an M3 the weaknesses on my 330 would be exposed so thats why i wont test drive one. As the complete package the 330ZHP living up to what i expected i just hope the E90 will be able to supercede the E46 in which i think it'll fall short especially in the looks department.

I just have to agree with everything you've said. I just bought a 330 Ci with the M-package as well and I'm in LOVE with my car. Although, I went for the 5-speed steptronic. It's simply amazing with excellent handling. I was disappointed to know that there was no alarm system as well, but I guess driving the car makes up for it. I actually don't mind driving in traffic now, just because i can turn up the stereo and just chill in my ride. I noticed that you tinted your windows @ 35%...do you have a picture of how it looks?

[Roadhawk]

I agree! Yeah dont buy ZHPs they suck! Their too fast, they they look too good and people are always staring at them. :thumbdwn:


yeah its funny - two people have recentlycome up to me while I ave been parking and commented that they really like the look of my M3!! I started to explain...but....

[Double Vanos]

I just have to agree with everything you've said. I just bought a 330 Ci with the M-package as well and I'm in LOVE with my car. Although, I went for the 5-speed steptronic. It's simply amazing with excellent handling. I was disappointed to know that there was no alarm system as well, but I guess driving the car makes up for it. I actually don't mind driving in traffic now, just because i can turn up the stereo and just chill in my ride. I noticed that you tinted your windows @ 35%...do you have a picture of how it looks?


Whoa! a female ZHP driver/owner who washes her own car. Man i should move to Canada to find the woman of my dreams. :D

[bimmer chick]

Whoa! a female ZHP driver/owner who washes her own car. Man i should move to Canada to find the woman of my dreams. :D

yes...I wash my car once every 2 weeks if i can...I'm obsessed with my car :D Canadian females rule ;)

[blueguydotcom]

I know, work has been crazy! Call me cheap but I drive my Jeep to work, hospital parking lots are some of the worst places for getting banged up. I think I have the "new car syndrome"!

I've had my 330i for 16 months and I still won't park in tight spots or near other cars. I'll park blocks away if it means the car won't be touched by others.

[Arthur]

Of course, it could have something to do with our better driving roads (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showpost.php?p=883218&postcount=5)

albeit at 5 mph for each one...

[FenPhen]

albeit at 5 mph for each one...
Those aren't 5-mph, let me tell you... :drive:

[Arthur]

your right, the 405 is more like 2-3....