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      08-22-2011, 08:09 PM   #23
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Thanks all for the input. Going for a test drive tomorrow, so hopefully that'll make my decision more clear ...
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      08-22-2011, 08:13 PM   #24
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you will be hooked
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      08-22-2011, 11:06 PM   #25
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Thumbs up

Just do it!
I just done it!

Did 145,000 miles in my '06 ZHP, including 20 track days. Loved that car!

I now have 700 miles on the '11 ZCP. Exceeds every expectation! And its not even run in yet...
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      08-23-2011, 12:24 AM   #26
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From a quick internet search, I can only find one new car in the US that's equipped the way I want it. Luckily it's pretty close by, but I'm getting nervous that I'll decide on the M3 just in time for me to not be able to get it

Anyone know if it's too late to order a custom build?
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      08-23-2011, 12:29 AM   #27
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what are you looking for in your e90?
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      08-23-2011, 12:32 AM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chriszeh View Post
my last car was a 2004 330i zhp and i absolutely loved it. i traded it for an e90 m3 and love this just as much. i do regret getting rid of the ZHP but dont regret getting the M3. see where im going with this. if you can do it keep the 330 and get the M3 they are both amazing. its like all those e46 m3 guys say the old car felt more undiluted i guess. hard to explain. it wasnt better just different and a very good car. i have heard many say thay that the zhp was one of the best cars bmw has made and i agree.
The stock 18's on this car look way better! What were u thinking with these?
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      08-23-2011, 12:40 AM   #29
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yeah i know i agree i wasnt thinking. id like to say it came that way but unfortunately i bought those things.
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      08-23-2011, 12:56 AM   #30
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chriszeh View Post
what are you looking for in your e90?
Definite:
Le Mans Blue
Black or beige interior
DCT
Cold weather
Moon roof

Prefer but optional:
Competition
Premium 2
Convenience

Found one that's equipped to the gills, but there aren't a lot of Le Mans Blue e90 M3's out there. Maybe the dealer can find more than I did.
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      08-23-2011, 12:57 AM   #31
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lemans blue with bamboo interior would be sick love that combo
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      08-23-2011, 09:35 AM   #32
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The only thing you'll regret is not being able to find dealer allocation for a build before the end of October. Hurry up!
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      08-23-2011, 10:25 AM   #33
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Not sure if this post is for real....but here's my take:

OP, you're comparing a people carrier with 235hp to a sports car with 414hp. You're upgrading from the Sopwith Camel to a F-16 Jet. You're going to feel the performance upgrade in straight line speed and handling. You're going to feel like the M3 is powered by a nuclear bomb vs a pop gun. I cannot come up with more dramatic contrasting words to describe the difference!

I went from a 271hp turbo car (Evo 8- that's no slouch by any means) to the M3 and it feels by the seat of my pants 10x faster.

The M3's alum. suspension is also specific to the car and the extra rigidity of the chassis and setup is great for track or sporty driving.

If you're looking for just a bit more reasonable power without the 5-series weight, you should consider the 335i or 335is.

This comparison is just plain silly, the two cars aren't even in the same league! The 330i zhp is more like entry level performance, it's not even faster than a Mazdaspeed 3 or a WRX, you're skipping the 370Z/Evo/STi/335i performance level and going straight for the 400hp range here...you're jumping 1 maybe 1.5 to 2 levels up in performance.

Last edited by mdosu; 08-23-2011 at 10:43 AM..
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      08-23-2011, 02:11 PM   #34
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mdosu View Post
Not sure if this post is for real....
Not sure why you doubt the veracity of my post. It's not like I'm asking if I'd be happy moving from a 1992 Honda Civic to a 2011 M3. The e46 ZHP is regarded by many as a future classic 3-series with great handling, looks, etc. and equal or better than some e9x cars in some categories.

Sure, any of the e9x cars have more hp than my ZHP, but there's more to a car than raw hp and how fast you can get to 60 in a straight line. For example, I drove a 550i and it was a boat. Sure the engine is huge, but the car drove like a 1985 Oldsmobile (exaggeration). The 335i I drove was ok, but the additional hp didn't translate into a better car for me. It didn't seem so much faster than the ZHP and the high steering ratio made it handle worse. So I really don't see how it is strange to ask if the supposedly best handling car in the 3-series will work for me.

I don't know about you, but I don't pick a car just based on the engine output.
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      08-23-2011, 02:24 PM   #35
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Foodle View Post
Not sure why you doubt the veracity of my post. It's not like I'm asking if I'd be happy moving from a 1992 Honda Civic to a 2011 M3. The e46 ZHP is regarded by many as a future classic 3-series with great handling, looks, etc. and equal or better than some e9x cars in some categories.

Sure, any of the e9x cars have more hp than my ZHP, but there's more to a car than raw hp and how fast you can get to 60 in a straight line. For example, I drove a 550i and it was a boat. Sure the engine is huge, but the car drove like a 1985 Oldsmobile (exaggeration). The 335i I drove was ok, but the additional hp didn't translate into a better car for me. It didn't seem so much faster than the ZHP and the high steering ratio made it handle worse. So I really don't see how it is strange to ask if the supposedly best handling car in the 3-series will work for me.

I don't know about you, but I don't pick a car just based on the engine output.
You should really go and test drive an e9x M3. It will answer all of your questions. Beyond what anyone here can say, you may feel it's a huge improvement or not a big step. Only you can make that decision for yourself.
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      08-23-2011, 03:57 PM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by e1000 View Post
You should really go and test drive an e9x M3. It will answer all of your questions. Beyond what anyone here can say, you may feel it's a huge improvement or not a big step. Only you can make that decision for yourself.
Exactly. I thought I was going to get a test drive in today, but the dealership sold the car before I got there. It's getting damn hard to find them in my area. Called my local dealer and he said that there are only 5 allocations left in the US. We're looking to steal one of those , but I'd really like a test drive before plunking down my cash.
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      08-23-2011, 05:24 PM   #37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Foodle View Post
Exactly. I thought I was going to get a test drive in today, but the dealership sold the car before I got there. It's getting damn hard to find them in my area. Called my local dealer and he said that there are only 5 allocations left in the US. We're looking to steal one of those , but I'd really like a test drive before plunking down my cash.
What are you waiting for -- seriously, sh*t, or get off the pot Unless you really need the space and have money to burn, not sure why the M5 would be in the picture. It's a great car, but not going to have the handling feel of a 3 series. I have a friend that has drank the ZHP coolaid like you (no offense). I test drove one a few years back, and almost bought one. It really was a nice 3 series for the time, but it's not that much better. I ended up buying a "normal" 330ci which I had for a couple years, then got into a 335xi 2 year ago. Other than the rocket fueled engine, the 335 didn't seem like that much of a step up over the 330ci, and handling was worse IMO. The M3 is seriously in a whole other league. It feels like 2x the performance, for maybe 20% more cost. Also, as a longtime 6MT owner, DCT rocks (but I guess that would be the same between the two choices). It makes it so much easier to keep the M3 in its powerband.
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      08-23-2011, 05:41 PM   #38
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Foodle View Post
Exactly. I thought I was going to get a test drive in today, but the dealership sold the car before I got there. It's getting damn hard to find them in my area. Called my local dealer and he said that there are only 5 allocations left in the US. We're looking to steal one of those , but I'd really like a test drive before plunking down my cash.
Easy... just go drive an E92. That was my only choice before ordering my E90. You'll experience the engine, and won't turn back.
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      08-23-2011, 05:51 PM   #39
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I had an e60 M5, traded it in for an e90 M3. Much happier. The M5 is and awesome ride, but HEAVY and BIG. I track my car alot and there is no comparison on the track, the M3 handles better. I don't think the M5 is $30k better than the M3. As a matter of fact, I just gave up my spot for the F10 M5 and ordered a new e90 M3.
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      08-24-2011, 09:59 AM   #40
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I'm coming from an 04 330Ci Sport Package, and that car was great on and off the track. Got 30+ MPG on the freeway, and had plenty of around-town torque and would get to any 'necessary' speed on the highway when needed. In my opinion it's one of the most understated BMW's. Great luxury too.

However, when I hopped into an M3 for the first time, and then picked up my E90- it's a world of difference. The steering is REMARKABLY better, quicker, and more responsive. The suspension is fantastic around town or on a spirited drive, and really gives you feedback to your butt much more quickly than in the E46.

Oh...the power- THE POWER. There were definitely a lot of times in the 330 where I needed MORE power because of the situation I was in, whether it be the freeway or the track, but the M3 trumps all situations. More torque in the M3 would be great, but slap that SOB into M Mode, and get your throttle response ON.

Honestly, what I miss the most about the 330 is the fantastic gas mileage... where the M3 is the exact opposite in terms of 'range'. However, the 330 got 7.9 on the track, and supposedly the M3 does right around there... funny how that happens.

I don't think you would be disappointed at all by switching to an M3, but I would highly suggest keeping a higher MPG car in the family.

- Dan

Few more things that I disliked about the 330: no LSD, no oil cooler, no oil cooler monitor.. Which made me feel "in the dark" at the track, because I had no gauge as to how hot the car was running. And no LSD SUCKS.

M3 is the best of both worlds, but it would be nice to have just a FEW extra MPG's in there.
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      08-24-2011, 11:21 AM   #41
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Foodle View Post
Not sure why you doubt the veracity of my post. It's not like I'm asking if I'd be happy moving from a 1992 Honda Civic to a 2011 M3. The e46 ZHP is regarded by many as a future classic 3-series with great handling, looks, etc. and equal or better than some e9x cars in some categories.

Sure, any of the e9x cars have more hp than my ZHP, but there's more to a car than raw hp and how fast you can get to 60 in a straight line. For example, I drove a 550i and it was a boat. Sure the engine is huge, but the car drove like a 1985 Oldsmobile (exaggeration). The 335i I drove was ok, but the additional hp didn't translate into a better car for me. It didn't seem so much faster than the ZHP and the high steering ratio made it handle worse. So I really don't see how it is strange to ask if the supposedly best handling car in the 3-series will work for me.

I don't know about you, but I don't pick a car just based on the engine output.
330i ZHP is in no way comparable to the M3. If you're talking a E46 M3 vs a E90 M3, you have a different argument.

The 330i has less power, the handling is no where even close, lacks a LSD, no oil coolers, can't fit big rubber for grip like an M3.

If the M3's only difference was power and weight, then you might have an argument but the M3 is not just additional power and weight. As it is, the ZHP is always in the shadow of the M3 in terms of performance. The ZHP is not a "future classic", there's nothing in the car that the E46 M3 doesn't have or has more of.
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      08-24-2011, 11:29 AM   #42
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Quote:
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The ZHP is not a "future classic", there's nothing in the car that the E46 M3 doesn't have or has more of.
Doors?
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      08-24-2011, 11:35 AM   #43
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Foodle View Post
Doors?
That's because the E46 doesn't have an M3 sedan... You can always go back to the E36 M3 sedan which has more power than the 330 ZHP, less expensive and has better handling.
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      08-28-2011, 07:13 PM   #44
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so did OP buy?
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