Help choosing car

[sanpt7777]

I'm looking forward to change my car in about a year so I have a lot of time to do research. I want a car that is reliable, I dont want any important parts (read expensive) to break up soon. I really like late 80's-Early 90's Mercedes and BMW's. I know they are not cheap to mantain but I'll be happy to keep the car in good shape.

I think a BMW 5 Series or E-Class would be the best choice. I really like the W210 but I havent heard anything good regarding reliability about them. I think thats the same for E39. Should I go older? (Will older be less reliable because its, well, older?)
Consider I will look for a owned once car with all its maintenance done.
I like cars with good handling, manual transmission (auto is O.K. too) and a nice german badge. Will a E280 or 525 keep up with most normal cars? I don't want a slow vehicle but I don't need a rocket either.

I'll be happy to read your suggestions (it doesn't have to be a Merc or BMW, just german), so here are the things I need from my next car:

Safety
Reliability
Build quality
Silent ride
Performance (Something that can outrun the average compact haha)
Equipment (mainly moonroof)
Good looking
4 seats

If you think I can go V8 to get more output without having a car that will break every now and then, I'll listen to your suggestion. Gas ain't a problem, won't drive more than 3 times a week.

I could consider getting a smaller car like A4, C-Class or 3-Series too.


Sorry for the long post

Well, thank you in advance

 

[mini_cooper4]

I'm looking forward to change my car in about a year so I have a lot of time to do research. I want a car that is reliable, I dont want any important parts (read expensive) to break up soon. I really like late 80's-Early 90's Mercedes and BMW's. I know they are not cheap to mantain but I'll be happy to keep the car in good shape.

I think a BMW 5 Series or E-Class would be the best choice. I really like the W210 but I havent heard anything good regarding reliability about them. I think thats the same for E39. Should I go older? (Will older be less reliable because its, well, older?)
Consider I will look for a owned once car with all its maintenance done.
I like cars with good handling, manual transmission (auto is O.K. too) and a nice german badge. Will a E280 or 525 keep up with most normal cars? I don't want a slow vehicle but I don't need a rocket either.

I'll be happy to read your suggestions (it doesn't have to be a Merc or BMW, just german), so here are the things I need from my next car:

Safety
Reliability
Build quality
Silent ride
Performance (Something that can outrun the average compact haha)
Equipment (mainly moonroof)
Good looking
4 seats

If you think I can go V8 to get more output without having a car that will break every now and then, I'll listen to your suggestion. Gas ain't a problem, won't drive more than 3 times a week.

I could consider getting a smaller car like A4, C-Class or 3-Series too.


Sorry for the long post

Well, thank you in advance

E46 325i - You won't find anything better for that kind of money and it ticks all the boxes

 

[sanpt7777]

E46 325i - You won't find anything better for that kind of money and it ticks all the boxes

It's a straight six, but do you think it will sound nice with a cat back or something, or is it better stock?

 

[DblPen]

i have 530d e39 and i wouldnt change it for any other similary priced cars, so i could definitely recomend it. You can ask any questions if you are interested

 

[330CIZHP]

It's a straight six, but do you think it will sound nice with a cat back or something, or is it better stock?

Ofcourse, it will sound better with a catback exhaust. It is still very smooth and silky, yet sounds more aggressive than stock and a deeper and more throaty sound. If you were to ask me, the modified exhaust sounds better.

If you can find one, you can get a ZHP package 330i or 330Ci. 325 ZHP is fine as well, but underpowered for the weight. The ZHP had some good enhancements including a better steering rack and pinion (gave more road feel than even a stock E46 M3 rack and pinion), lighter flywheel, shorter gear ratios, higher 6800 rpm redline, more aggresive cams and HP was up from 220 HP to 240 HP.

The handling became way better with the ZHP package and also engine is more lively on the track due to the shorter ratios.

The E46 330i or Ci could rip a 1/4 mile in just 14.4 seconds (even the E90 330i with 255 HP did 1/4 mile in 14.9 seconds), which matches even majority of the entry level luxury sport compact cars today.

 

[sanpt7777]

"Ofcourse, it will sound better with a catback exhaust. It is still very smooth and silky, yet sounds more aggressive than stock and a deeper and more throaty sound. If you were to ask me, the modified exhaust sounds better."

That waas my guess haha, after all, it's a straight six, I love the sound of those.

"If you can find one, you can get a ZHP package"

I really doubt it, I live in México. I need to do more research to see if they were sold here, but thanks for the advice.
By the way, what does ZHP means?

i have 530d e39 and i wouldnt change it for any other similary priced cars, so i could definitely recomend it. You can ask any questions if you are interested

I don't think they were sold here either (I mean diesels) but I'm going to look for them. I really like the idea of a diesel E39. My uncle owned two E39, but they were 540i. I'll ask him if there were any diesels on the dealership or in brochures.


Now, as I said, I have a looot of time to search for a car. When I know what suits me best, it will take me some time to find a specimen in good shape because at least here in Mexico, it is very common to find these cars riced out and driven by people who don't care about them.[/quote]

On the other hand, I saw a perfectly taken care of red BMW E30 M3, of course it's hard for these kind of cars to fall in wrong hands. It was gorgeous, simply amazing, maybe it was the color but I really loved it. If only I could afford maintenance for one =( As far as I know they ain't cheap.

Any suggestions for a Benz? or should I avoid them? I really like Mercs. I would really like a W202 or E36 too, but maybe they are too old, I don't know. I'll keep browsing the forum to learn more about them.

 

[mini_cooper4]

That waas my guess haha, after all, it's a straight six, I love the sound of those.


I really doubt it, I live in México. I need to do more research to see if they were sold here, but thanks for the advice.
By the way, what does ZHP means?



I don't think they were sold here either (I mean diesels) but I'm going to look for them. I really like the idea of a diesel E39. My uncle owned two E39, but they were 540i. I'll ask him if there were any diesels on the dealership or in brochures.


Now, as I said, I have a looot of time to search for a car. When I know what suits me best, it will take me some time to find a specimen in good shape because at least here in Mexico, it is very common to find these cars riced out and driven by people who don't care about them.

On the other hand, I saw a perfectly taken care of red BMW E30 M3, of course it's hard for these kind of cars to fall in wrong hands. It was gorgeous, simply amazing, maybe it was the color but I really loved it. If only I could afford maintenance for one =( As far as I know they ain't cheap.

Any suggestions for a Benz? or should I avoid them? I really like Mercs. I would really like a W202 or E36 too, but maybe they are too old, I don't know. I'll keep browsing the forum to learn more about them.

If the E30 M3 is in a really good shape and the price they are asking is OK with you... you should forget about any other car as this car WILL appreciate even more in the next decade or so and is as iconic as it gets... also one of the best driver's cars out there

PS: If you like SUVs you might also consider the first gen. X3. It's one of the most reliable BMWs of all time... actually it proved to be the most reliable. It's based on the great E46 tho you might not like the looks of the SUV version that much

 

[330CIZHP]

I think they should be available in Mexico as well. They are a bit hard to find, but definitely I think there should be some.

ZHP was just the order code for the high performance package. The 'Z' at the beginning was something BMW put on all option packages available (and still does) such as, ZPP, ZSP etc.

That waas my guess haha, after all, it's a straight six, I love the sound of those.


I really doubt it, I live in México. I need to do more research to see if they were sold here, but thanks for the advice.
By the way, what does ZHP means?



I don't think they were sold here either (I mean diesels) but I'm going to look for them. I really like the idea of a diesel E39. My uncle owned two E39, but they were 540i. I'll ask him if there were any diesels on the dealership or in brochures.


Now, as I said, I have a looot of time to search for a car. When I know what suits me best, it will take me some time to find a specimen in good shape because at least here in Mexico, it is very common to find these cars riced out and driven by people who don't care about them.

On the other hand, I saw a perfectly taken care of red BMW E30 M3, of course it's hard for these kind of cars to fall in wrong hands. It was gorgeous, simply amazing, maybe it was the color but I really loved it. If only I could afford maintenance for one =( As far as I know they ain't cheap.

Any suggestions for a Benz? or should I avoid them? I really like Mercs. I would really like a W202 or E36 too, but maybe they are too old, I don't know. I'll keep browsing the forum to learn more about them.[/quote]

 

[sanpt7777]

If the E30 M3 is in a really good shape and the price they are asking is OK with you... you should forget about any other car as this car WILL appreciate even more in the next decade or so and is as iconic as it gets... also one of the best driver's cars out there

PS: If you like SUVs you might also consider the first gen. X3. It's one of the most reliable BMWs of all time... actually it proved to be the most reliable. It's based on the great E46 tho you might not like the looks of the SUV version that much

The E30 I saw was not for sale sadly, but I will keep looking for one, it just looks amazing in red. After some research I found out that E30s were among the first BMs sold in Mexico, and they are Euro spec, which I guess means more power. The bad news: They are nearly imposible to find in Mexico (at least the M3). I learned the last from a car bróker specialized in racing, luxury, armored, exotic and classic vehicles.

I think they should be available in Mexico as well. They are a bit hard to find, but definitely I think there should be some.

ZHP was just the order code for the high performance package. The 'Z' at the beginning was something BMW put on all option packages available (and still does) such as, ZPP, ZSP etc.

Is there a way to identify a ZHP?

i have 530d e39 and i wouldnt change it for any other similary priced cars, so i could definitely recomend it. You can ask any questions if you are interested

I do have questions about E39s? Is its electrical system reliable? I mean, not necessarily bulletproof

Thanks all for the help!


.

[/quote]

 

[sanpt7777]

Forgot to ask this: What do you think about E34, E36, W201 and W202? I like this models as well and they are quite easy to find, except for the W201. Or should I stick to E46?

 

[sanpt7777]

I wasnt able to edit last post haha, I ran out of time. Just wanted to say that I might be able to find a E30 (or any other BMW, for that matter) in a mexican BMW forum, and I guess it would be a good move since cars owned by forum users are generally well taken care of and in good shape, right? I mean, we, forum users, are here because we love or at least like our cars a lot! Haha I hope I'm right on that one

P.S. I'm willing to do DIY works on my future vehicle, as I do in mine now, so it can take down maintenance costs.

 

[sanpt7777]

^330CIZHP Now I found out how to identify ZHP packages:
-Wider tires in the rear
-Only non M3 with a 6-speed manual (short-throw)
-Alcantara/fabric seats
-Year 2003-2005
-Clear turn signals on the coupe
-Special wheels "style 135" I think
-Instrument cluster has red needles
-Anthracite headliner
-Faux carbon fiber trim

That's just the visible differences, I guess I forgot some.

Well, so I guess I'll take your advice and ^mini_cooper4 's and look for a E46. I really like them and ZHP package is really nice.

Now, I saw some interesting E46s, but I need your expertise and advice. There are some 320i Formula 1 for sale on Internet, is this Formula 1 a ZHP? If not, what does Formula 1 means, they all seem to have alcantara and fabric seats. Is the 320i's engine good? I think it's givin like 170hps
Since almost all are straight-six, I'm pretty confused. 320i, 323i, 325i, 328i, 330i. Only think I know is 323 replaced 320 and so on with the others but, which is better? Which should I get? Which will give me the sportiest feel? Aside from the ZHP, in case I can't get one

Thanks again

 

[Giannis]

Is the 320i's engine good? I think it's givin like 170hps
Since almost all are straight-six, I'm pretty confused. 320i, 323i, 325i, 328i, 330i. Only think I know is 323 replaced 320 and so on with the others but, which is better? Which should I get? Which will give me the sportiest feel? Aside from the ZHP, in case I can't get one

Engines changed around the time of the facelift.

For example, the old 323Ci had 170hp from a 2.5l I6, the M52B25. A year or so before the facelift, the 323Ci was dropped in favour of the 320Ci with a 2.2l I6 with the same hp, the newer M54B22. The changes between the M52 and the M54 include the fly by wire and some vanos stuff if I recall correctly.

The 328 also had the old 192hp 2.8l M52B28, which was carried over from the E36. When the M54 was introduced it was offered with displacement of 2.2l (320 - 170hp), 2.5l (325 - 190hp) and 3.0l (330 - 230hp).

 

[330CIZHP]

It does not mention the following changes as well:

- Higher redline increased from 6500 rpm to 6800 rpm
- Different cams increasing the horsepower to 235 HP
- Shorter (numerically higher) final drive giving
- Steering rack and pinion was quicker than the regular 330i/Ci
- Also some additional suspension tuning
- The exhaust note is heavier and more "bassy" than the regular 330i/Ci

^330CIZHP Now I found out how to identify ZHP packages:
-Wider tires in the rear
-Only non M3 with a 6-speed manual (short-throw)
-Alcantara/fabric seats
-Year 2003-2005
-Clear turn signals on the coupe
-Special wheels "style 135" I think
-Instrument cluster has red needles
-Anthracite headliner
-Faux carbon fiber trim

That's just the visible differences, I guess I forgot some.

Well, so I guess I'll take your advice and ^mini_cooper4 's and look for a E46. I really like them and ZHP package is really nice.

Now, I saw some interesting E46s, but I need your expertise and advice. There are some 320i Formula 1 for sale on Internet, is this Formula 1 a ZHP? If not, what does Formula 1 means, they all seem to have alcantara and fabric seats. Is the 320i's engine good? I think it's givin like 170hps
Since almost all are straight-six, I'm pretty confused. 320i, 323i, 325i, 328i, 330i. Only think I know is 323 replaced 320 and so on with the others but, which is better? Which should I get? Which will give me the sportiest feel? Aside from the ZHP, in case I can't get one

Thanks again

 

[sanpt7777]

I

It does not mention the following changes as well:

- Higher redline increased from 6500 rpm to 6800 rpm
- Different cams increasing the horsepower to 235 HP
- Shorter (numerically higher) final drive giving
- Steering rack and pinion was quicker than the regular 330i/Ci
- Also some additional suspension tuning
- The exhaust note is heavier and more "bassy" than the regular 330i/Ci

I read there were no ZHPs sold out of the USA, at least not here. I did found some 320i with Formula 1 package, which is basically wheels, body kit, alcantara/fabric seats, etc, etc but no performance improvements.

Engines changed around the time of the facelift.

For example, the old 323Ci had 170hp from a 2.5l I6, the M52B25. A year or so before the facelift, the 323Ci was dropped in favour of the 320Ci with a 2.2l I6 with the same hp, the newer M54B22. The changes between the M52 and the M54 include the fly by wire and some vanos stuff if I recall correctly.

The 328 also had the old 192hp 2.8l M52B28, which was carried over from the E36. When the M54 was introduced it was offered with displacement of 2.2l (320 - 170hp), 2.5l (325 - 190hp) and 3.0l (330 - 230hp).

I'll take some time to study them all, although I guess theres no wrong choice with these engines.

I really like the E46, sedan or coupe, both are nice. When the time comes, I think I'll buy one. I hope I find it in that nice yellow color (I think it's Phoenix Gelb) even though they are quite rare.

 

[330CIZHP]

I am pretty sure there must have been ZHPs in the US as well. I got mine in Canada so I cannot see why US never received those?

I
I read there were no ZHPs sold out of the USA, at least not here. I did found some 320i with Formula 1 package, which is basically wheels, body kit, alcantara/fabric seats, etc, etc but no performance improvements.


I'll take some time to study them all, although I guess theres no wrong choice with these engines.

I really like the E46, sedan or coupe, both are nice. When the time comes, I think I'll buy one. I hope I find it in that nice yellow color (I think it's Phoenix Gelb) even though they are quite rare.

 

[sanpt7777]

I am pretty sure there must have been ZHPs in the US as well. I got mine in Canada so I cannot see why US never received those?

I mean, no ZHPs were sold out of USA or North America, at least that's what I read. They were only available in NA or USA. I guess it was NA since you got yours in Canada. As for Mexico, no ZHP ;( Only something called the Formula 1 package (I think its basically a aesthetic M package, no performance) which was available for 320i's. But I think it's way better to get a 330Ci. Looks nice to me in yellow or gold I think it's called Phoenix Gelb

Btw, what color is yours?

 

[330CIZHP]

Yes, North America. BTW, North America includes Canada, USA and Mexico.

Mine is Sparkling Graphite (dark grey shade).

I mean, no ZHPs were sold out of USA or North America, at least that's what I read. They were only available in NA or USA. I guess it was NA since you got yours in Canada. As for Mexico, no ZHP ;( Only something called the Formula 1 package (I think its basically a aesthetic M package, no performance) which was available for 320i's. But I think it's way better to get a 330Ci. Looks nice to me in yellow or gold I think it's called Phoenix Gelb

Btw, what color is yours?

 

[sanpt7777]

Yes, North America. BTW, North America includes Canada, USA and Mexico.

Mine is Sparkling Graphite (dark grey shade).

Hahaha yeah I know that Mexico is part of North America , I just understood from certain page (don't know how trustable it is :/ ) that Mexico was like an exception, receiving only the F1 package, which is just looks ;(

Here's where I got the info:
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/cont...he-BMW-E46-330-ZHP-Performance-Package-Option