2004 330i ZHP Package Used Car

I am new to this forum. I needed some opinon/recommendation on whether I should buy this car. Its in the market for $8K.

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http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/3519425817.html
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As long as its has been maintained that is a pretty good price for a legit (as long as it is) zhp, considering I paid 7k for a 2001 330ci w/110k last year.

The seller doesn`t seem to be too knowledgeable about the car (typical for Craigslist items). If you`re considering this seriously (and at that price, you *should*), a thorough PPI is in order. If they give it a clean bill of health, jump on it.

^^^ What Fast Bob said, get it inspected by a BMW specialist. Go to www.bimrs.org for a list in your area. Right off the bat, I would want to know why the aftermarket side markers or headlights. Was it a cosmetic enhancement (I think stock is better myself) or was it wrecked and fixed with cheap parts? The shop should be able to tell you if it's had any paint work with a paint gauge.

Thanks for the reposnse. My only BIG concern is the transmission life since it has 140K miles on it. I did a test drive and kind of liked it. It has M6 wheels.

Originally Posted by bulldog07

Thanks for the reposnse. My only BIG concern is the transmission life since it has 140K miles on it. I did a test drive and kind of liked it. It has M6 wheels.

ALL auto trannies are a big question mark at that kind of mileage, it`s just a crapshoot as to how long it will hold out. Look at the bright side....if it DOES crap out, you`ll have the perfect excuse to convert it over to stick....

You should inquire as to the whereabouts of the original Style 135 wheels (like my sig picture)....they`re worth considerably more than those M6 replicas....

And...."KIND OF liked it"?????? The ZHP is the pinnacle of (non-M) E46 production....

Hi Fast Bob,

I like the Bright side you suggested. Quick question? If a auto fails can i still drive it in manual?

Originally Posted by bulldog07

Hi Fast Bob,

I like the Bright side you suggested. Quick question? If a auto fails can i still drive it in manual?

No, mang....there will be NO "manual" if the trans goes south....

Originally Posted by bulldog07

Hi Fast Bob,

I like the Bright side you suggested. Quick question? If a auto fails can i still drive it in manual?

you'll be driving it "manually" to the nearest shop to change the transmission

while you're not asking if you can afford this car, beware that an e46 will have repair costs, notably one with 140k miles. a replacement transmission would be a good one, in addition to history on the cooling system or oil separator system. doesn't include brakes, tires, control arms, etc.

if you like to DIY you've picked a great car, if you need to go to a mechanic then with a car of this age i would budget at least $1k-$2k per year (highly variable). just re-emphasizing the need for a good pre purchase inspectation as a good mechanic will give you a solid run down of what needs to be fixed now and what your costs for upcoming items will be.

8k is a good deal, but dont break the bank not expecting to spend some dough on repairs.

I'd look for it on Fanatics and search thread history on the owner if there. Young people don't think about how public they are and often you can learn a lot about a car's history this way.

Too many miles and the car has probably been beaten on to boot

Originally Posted by ckmack

... and the car has probably been beaten on to boot

How can you determine this from some crappy photos?

Originally Posted by jvr826

How can you determine this from some crappy photos?

A ZHP packaged BMW with that kind of mileage has probably been driven hard, rather than gingerly. I could be wrong though

Originally Posted by ckmack

A ZHP packaged BMW with that kind of mileage has probably been driven hard, rather than gingerly. I could be wrong though

"Gingerly" is for the Prius crowd, Bucko....

Originally Posted by ckmack

A ZHP packaged BMW with that kind of mileage should have been driven hard, rather than gingerly. If not, owner should have had to give it back.

FIFY!

If you're not bouncing off the rev limiter often, you're doing it wrong!

I am doing a pre-purchase inspection this weekend. Any suggestions on what should I most likely be inspecting?

Originally Posted by bulldog07

I am doing a pre-purchase inspection this weekend. Any suggestions on what should I most likely be inspecting?

Are you doing it or are you paying a shop to do it? We highly recommend you pay a shop to do it once you've decided it's the car for you. Otherwise, you're going to miss all the important stuff.

Visit the WIKI to learn about the common problem areas and ask the owner lots of questions around those. He mentioned in the ad that the CABs were replaced and the cooling system refreshed. Make sure that is true. Ask for the proof that all those things were done - service records. Ask about oil change interval. Write everything down and come back to us with the info.

Also find out what this Carbon Fiber edition is all about... We've never heard of it.

Originally Posted by bulldog07

I am new to this forum. I needed some opinon/recommendation on whether I should buy this car. Its in the market for $8K.

======================
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/3519425817.html
======================_a_

$8k seems low for a 2004. Hidden problem?

Dr Vanos and front CAs, I believe.

Last entire cooling system replacement was when, exactly? New battery lately ?

Condition of pads and rotors?

Appears genuine, but geez the photos are crap. I believe I see red needles on the gauges?

No M135s suck. The black kidneys suck. The tint sucks. The M6 wheels suck. The clear corners suck. Just my opinion. Ymmv. I would yank that crap off immediately, but that's just me.

OCI 7,500 or less? Diff serviced 30k ago? Shifter like butta? Oh, you say it's an auto with 140k?

BWAHAHAH...Uh, pass, thanks..

I am getting the inspection done in a shop. I will surely post the outcome of the inspection.

Originally Posted by bulldog07

I am getting the inspection done in a shop. I will surely post the outcome of the inspection.

SO what was the outcome? Looks like the ad is still active.
I hope you went to a BMW specialist. They're not hard to find in the South Bay.

Good post on some general things to look for when buying:

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showt...n-buying-a-BMW

$8k sounds too good to be true. I didn't click on the link but just after reading this thread, sounds like the seller and buyer aren't so knowledgable. Do your research before you shell out thousands on an asset.

I end up buying this car: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/3559349215.html

The Car is clean with couple of custome fix.

Originally Posted by bulldog07

I end up buying this car: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/3559349215.html

The Car is clean with couple of custome fix.

You bought a car with the SULEV engine......... Hope your fuel pump doesn't die.