Stick with the high mileage ZHP or get an 06 M3 ZCP with low mileage

I have an opportunity to get into an 06 M3 ZCP with reasonably low mileage but it's an SMG II. Should I stick with the high mileage ZHP or go the M3 route. This is kinda like TerraPhantam's route.

Originally Posted by av98

I have an opportunity to get into an 06 M3 ZCP with reasonably low mileage but it's an SMG II. Should I stick with the high mileage ZHP or go the M3 route. This is kinda like TerraPhantam's route.

M3 everyday and twice on Sunday. Granted, I am not a fan of the non-facelifted headlights, but how can you say no to an iconic car like the M3?

In a perfect world the m3, but you never know, the previous owner could've raced and beat the **** out of it

Originally Posted by bmw330ci04

In a perfect world the m3, but you never know, the previous owner could've raced and beat the **** out of it

If it was lucky!

Not an SMGII fan personally. Help sway me... is it Interlagos Blue?

Originally Posted by jvr826

If it was lucky!

Not an SMGII fan personally. Help sway me... is it Interlagos Blue?

agreed on the SMG, its horrid, why wouldnt you just learn how to drive a proper manual?

Originally Posted by bmw330ci04

agreed on the SMG, its horrid, why wouldnt you just learn how to drive a proper manual?

Not sure I understand, the OP does drive a manual. The car he can get just happens to have SMG

Originally Posted by smolck

Not sure I understand, the OP does drive a manual. The car he can get just happens to have SMG

im just asking rhetorically

im not saying "you" as in the OP, just saying "why wouldnt one just learn to drive a proper manual"

I... probably wouldn't have done the swap for an SMG. But otherwise the M3 is a really great car. In hind sight, I wish I held out for an 06 model since they are less susceptible to the subframe issue (all 06 M3s got the convertible subframe which is apparently a good bit stronger).

Originally Posted by av98

I have an opportunity to get into an 06 M3 ZCP with reasonably low mileage but it's an SMG II. Should I stick with the high mileage ZHP or go the M3 route. This is kinda like TerraPhantam's route.

i would go the M3 Stick-shift route. u now own a ZHP manual, getting an M3 (i.e. more power) to me would feel kind of a set back to have it SMG i would want to enjoy peddling that clutch, shifting the gears and getting my back pushed to the seat while going full throttle

Just for clarification I own a ZHP Steptronic; compromise for the wife. Running great even after putting 80K miles over 4 years. I'm the 2nd owner and have full records since it was sold from the dealer (Stevens Creek).

Future cars have to have a similar setup- SMG II, dual clutch or step.

I've been looking for an EVO X MR touring or SE due to the TC-SST (dual clutch) but have not found one in the mileage (below 40K) or price range I want to spend (below $30K) with the Technology package (Nav & Rockford Fosgate stereo system/speakers).

Here's the specs on the perspective car:
06 M3 SMG II coupe
44500 miles
2 owner car- current owner has owned it since 07 and picked it up with 8K.
Full records, dealer serviced
clean title
ZCP but no Nav
Black on Black (unfortunately not Interlagos Blue)

I'll check it out tomorrow, current owner is a friend of my friend and it's not abused. Car has never been to auto-x or track days.

Been researching the SMG II and the most expensive part is the pump assembly ($2K). Most common failures are the relays which can be fixed for $15 a piece.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=508814

Never driven an SMG M3, but those who have say it is pretty nice. Yes it's jerky in town in auto mode, and yes there are potential problems, but that is true with your automatic in you ZHP too. The M3 is a compromise anyways, it is a factory built race car. I would buy that car in a heartbeat. I was lusting after one just the other day and if it wasn't for the kid in college, I'd have it right now. I love my ZHP, but the M3 is a really awesome machine.

There's one in Huntsville for $17,000. Carbon black, cinnamon interior, SMG II. No idea if the pump has been replaced, though.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-M...item43b410ff5f

I'm almost tempted.

Also one in North Carolina. Want to go on a road trip?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-...#ht_500wt_1182

All you regulars are probably well aware that I have no love for the SMG trans, but the SMG II is a much-better designed and built trans compared to the lesser "SMG" (SSG) that was installed in non-M E46s. The SMG II is bigger, beefier, and more complex than the SSG, and being that it`s a far more common trans than the SSG unit, you`re likely to find more places that have experience working on them, in the event that it should need servicing.

Wow, just saw the car and it's immaculate. Non-abused adult owned car. Fully loaded too, has Nav, rear sun shade, ZCP, rear backup sensors, etc...

Now need to find a buyer for my ZHP.

M3. If you want a turbo or supercharger let me know I'll hook you up

Originally Posted by av98

Wow, just saw the car and it's immaculate. Non-abused adult owned car. Fully loaded too, has Nav, rear sun shade, ZCP, rear backup sensors, etc...

Now need to find a buyer for my ZHP.

Put it on ZHP mafia and it'll sell

Even with the SMGII, an 06 M3 is the perfect long term choice at a reasonable budget. Just have some set aside for any major SMG probs....it can cost up to $10k if that thing eats itself.

Originally Posted by Keyser Soze

Just have some set aside for any major SMG probs....it can cost up to $10k if that thing eats itself.

I can hear the late Sam Kinison screaming...."ow....owww....owwwwwww.....OWWWWWW !!!....