E46 330i ZHP to E90 M3, will I be happy?

Foodle · 08-28-2011, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chriszeh

so did OP buy?

Yup. Le Mans Blue with every package known to mankind. Dithering over the interior color (as you can see in my other thread).

112 status now. I got one of the last 15 allocations for an e90 M3 in the US.

1MOREMOD · 08-28-2011, 09:46 PM

sweet. i still say bamboo dude. i have it in my x5 and love the look.

Foodle · 08-28-2011, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chriszeh

sweet. i still say bamboo dude. i have it in my x5 and love the look.

Right now the build is set for bamboo interior (non-extended) with carbon leather trim. That's my default.

I'm sure I'm over thinking this whole interior color issue. But I plan to keep the car for a long time, so I want to be sure to like it. I don't want to get into the car every day and think, "Damn I should have gotten the ??? interior instead."

1MOREMOD · 08-28-2011, 10:42 PM

i like the look of extended as well on bamboo?

M3tallicar · 08-29-2011, 01:01 AM

Have you considered going gray/black/black?

Foodle · 08-29-2011, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3tallicar

Have you considered going gray/black/black?

That wasn't my thing either. Mainly the back seat.

8_is_enough · 08-29-2011, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by username11

Bamboo looks positively geriatric in the M3.

Z K · 08-29-2011, 03:11 PM

I'd say black interior is always the best for longevity.

If it gets dirty, it still looks clean. It also wont discolor with age and you don't notice the stretch marks as much on leather. It also isn't a trendy color so it'll stay in style for a long time.

mtecnic · 08-29-2011, 04:30 PM

I went from a 2004 ZHP with all N/A mods to a 2008 E92 M3. Although I loved my ZHP, I haven't looked back once and regretted it.

The E46 looks dated today.
The E92 is being argued as becoming dated today.

I don't really care what anyone says. An E92 M3 is sex on wheels. They sound great, feel great, look great and most importantly drive exceptionally great.

Don't look back.

adc · 08-30-2011, 12:14 PM

Went from an E36 M3 Coupe to a ZHP sedan to a 335i Coupe and now M3 sedan.

Compared to the M3, the ZHP has way better steering and similarly good damping. Also, being some 400lbs lighter it manages its weight a little better in certain sections, where the M3 can feel a tad ponderous. It also had stellar brakes - with track pads on I was outbraking Porsches and M3's all day long at Summit Point.

That said, it lacks a limited slip, needs aftermarket sways and also perhaps a camber plate up front in order to elevate the package.

Compared to the ZHP, the M3 has an incredible engine and much less understeer (stock at least). It is also much more playful in that you can bring the rear into the equation, and the entire package works extremely well. This amazing progressiveness in the way the front and rear work is something that was lacking in the stock ZHP. Throttle response is much much better. And be careful with the brakes...

What's similar - both cars seem to be more than the sum of their parts somehow. They inspire confidence, working with you right to and over the limit. I don't think you will regret going from the ZHP to the M3.

In terms of future classic status, I think the only recent BMWs to do so will be the Z3M Roadster and Coupe with the S54 engine - they are becoming very hard to find, nobody is selling and the production numbers are minuscule.

Flux Autosport · 08-30-2011, 07:24 PM

You will love the endless power of the E90 M3, but it will definitely feel heavier compared to the E46 ZHP. All the new/ luxury amenities will drown out any regrets you might have

Foodle · 08-31-2011, 03:19 PM

Thanks all. My e90 went into 150 status with a production date of Sept. 7th.

Was feeling confused about the Blue + Bamboo until I saw this old thread:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=357280

Even though that shows Monte Carlo instead of Le Mans, the blue + beige combo looks pretty good. But I'm still considering swapping out the center console armrest for a black one (the beige just doesn't look right). I think my Tischer order will be here before my car ...

Jeff_DML · 08-31-2011, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foodle

Thanks all. My e90 went into 150 status with a production date of Sept. 7th.

Was feeling confused about the Blue + Bamboo until I saw this old thread:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=357280

Even though that shows Monte Carlo instead of Le Mans, the blue + beige combo looks pretty good. But I'm still considering swapping out the center console armrest for a black one (the beige just doesn't look right). I think my Tischer order will be here before my car ...

those interior pics are a bit more yellow then it is in real life, I initially thought that was lemon interior

08-28-2011, 09:46 PM	#46
1MOREMOD - 11817 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	sweet. i still say bamboo dude. i have it in my x5 and love the look. __________________ 02 Tiag e46 M3\|6MT\|GC plates\|MCS c.o.\|GC bars\|GC race control arms\|GC bushings\|BW eng. & tran. mounts\|subframe kit\|BW race shifter\|BW Jaffster\|Euro header\|BW exhaust\|K&N c.a.i.\|Epic race tune\|Rouge pulleys\|Seibon CF hood\|CSL bumper\|apr gt 250 & splitter\|ST-40\|XR-2\|SS lines\|half cage\|Recaro profi\|Profi 2 harness\|BMWpedals\|BW studs\|
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08-28-2011, 10:42 PM	#48
1MOREMOD - 11817 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	i like the look of extended as well on bamboo? __________________ 02 Tiag e46 M3\|6MT\|GC plates\|MCS c.o.\|GC bars\|GC race control arms\|GC bushings\|BW eng. & tran. mounts\|subframe kit\|BW race shifter\|BW Jaffster\|Euro header\|BW exhaust\|K&N c.a.i.\|Epic race tune\|Rouge pulleys\|Seibon CF hood\|CSL bumper\|apr gt 250 & splitter\|ST-40\|XR-2\|SS lines\|half cage\|Recaro profi\|Profi 2 harness\|BMWpedals\|BW studs\|
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08-29-2011, 01:01 AM	#49
M3tallicar Lieutenant 275 Rep 515 Posts Drives: ///M Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Sunnystate iTrader: (0)	Have you considered going gray/black/black?
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08-29-2011, 03:11 PM	#52
Z K Major General 1889 Rep 5,506 Posts Drives: E90 M3, G20 M340i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (3)	I'd say black interior is always the best for longevity. If it gets dirty, it still looks clean. It also wont discolor with age and you don't notice the stretch marks as much on leather. It also isn't a trendy color so it'll stay in style for a long time.
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08-29-2011, 04:30 PM	#53
mtecnic BMW Super Enthusiast 126 Rep 245 Posts Drives: F10 535ixDrive, E39 M5 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	I went from a 2004 ZHP with all N/A mods to a 2008 E92 M3. Although I loved my ZHP, I haven't looked back once and regretted it. The E46 looks dated today. The E92 is being argued as becoming dated today. I don't really care what anyone says. An E92 M3 is sex on wheels. They sound great, feel great, look great and most importantly drive exceptionally great. Don't look back. __________________ '15 ///M3 - Daily **** '97 ///M3 - Track Car '04 330ci ZHP - sold '08 ///M3 - sold '00 328i - sold ***** '00 323i - totalled '94 325ix - Parted * '92 318i vert - sold '94 325i - Rear End Total ***** '01 330ci - traded
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08-30-2011, 12:14 PM	#54
adc Major General 2751 Rep 6,759 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 M3 ED Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: MD/DC iTrader: (12)	Went from an E36 M3 Coupe to a ZHP sedan to a 335i Coupe and now M3 sedan. Compared to the M3, the ZHP has way better steering and similarly good damping. Also, being some 400lbs lighter it manages its weight a little better in certain sections, where the M3 can feel a tad ponderous. It also had stellar brakes - with track pads on I was outbraking Porsches and M3's all day long at Summit Point. That said, it lacks a limited slip, needs aftermarket sways and also perhaps a camber plate up front in order to elevate the package. Compared to the ZHP, the M3 has an incredible engine and much less understeer (stock at least). It is also much more playful in that you can bring the rear into the equation, and the entire package works extremely well. This amazing progressiveness in the way the front and rear work is something that was lacking in the stock ZHP. Throttle response is much much better. And be careful with the brakes... What's similar - both cars seem to be more than the sum of their parts somehow. They inspire confidence, working with you right to and over the limit. I don't think you will regret going from the ZHP to the M3. In terms of future classic status, I think the only recent BMWs to do so will be the Z3M Roadster and Coupe with the S54 engine - they are becoming very hard to find, nobody is selling and the production numbers are minuscule. __________________ 2018 F80 Santorini 2019 Z4 3.0i 2022 X2 M35i
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08-30-2011, 07:24 PM	#55
Flux Autosport First Lieutenant 18 Rep 395 Posts Drives: BMW ///M3 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Southern California iTrader: (7)	You will love the endless power of the E90 M3, but it will definitely feel heavier compared to the E46 ZHP. All the new/ luxury amenities will drown out any regrets you might have
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08-31-2011, 03:19 PM	#56
Foodle Captain 26 Rep 770 Posts Drives: 2011.75 E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	Thanks all. My e90 went into 150 status with a production date of Sept. 7th. Was feeling confused about the Blue + Bamboo until I saw this old thread: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=357280 Even though that shows Monte Carlo instead of Le Mans, the blue + beige combo looks pretty good. But I'm still considering swapping out the center console armrest for a black one (the beige just doesn't look right). I think my Tischer order will be here before my car ... Last edited by Foodle; 08-31-2011 at 03:29 PM..
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