http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...00&cardist=154

I am currently looking for a replacement for my B5 S4, and the 330i zhp looks like an attractive option. Has anyone seen this car in person before?

Also, any previous 330i zhp owners want to weigh in on the ownership experience?

 

my friend had one before his M3, it's a great sporty yet comfortable daily driver.

but I think coming from an S4 you will miss the power and torque.

 

Great cars! That's a decent price considering the miles. Personally I think it's the best shift that's been put in a BMW. The steering wheel material tends to wear prematurely, and you'll find some owners complaining that the suspension is too stiff.

 

I know what you're saying about the power/torque, but I don't mind an engine that needs to be revved a little harder.

Do you have any other suggestions for the sub-20k car market. I'm getting out of the S4 because of the handling, which is great for the highway, but a little too prone to understeer.

 

since you don't mind the decrease in power, I say go for it. it's definitely a fun daily driver.

 

You can find plenty of 02-03 S2000s for under 20k, if you can deal with the lack of space.

 

I was seriously considering the s2000, but I need more space. Here's what I use my car for.

I go to school in the city, so I do not use the car on a regular basis, I have indoor, protected parking for the car so security is not a major concern. During the summer I use the car to commute to work (about 40 miles a day), and would like to attend some autocrosses and HPDEs (did i get the acronym correct). As of now, I use a friend's track prepped 74' 911, but would like to have my own car. Finally, I'm on my school's alpine ski team and have to drive to NH or Maine once or twice a week during the winter. Obviously the AWD on the S4 was nice for that, but for whatever I get i'll probably pick up a spare set of wheels with snow tires.

Thanks again for all the help,

Adam

 

If you want to slum it, you can probably find an '03 Evo VII for under 20k. Or just pickup a WRX. And yes, HPDE is the correct acronym, just don't let your insurance company know!

 

The ZHP's seem to be quite capable and very well liked amongst the BMW crowd and are somewhat of a 4-door alternative to the M3.

That being said, it will not substantially out handle your S4 and I certainly wouldn't make the switch for that reason alone. If you are looking to step up in the handling department, you cannot go wrong with either the E46 or E36 M3. The E36 can even be had in 4-doors if you require.

 

I bought the S4 from family, it has an automatic transmission which is the other reason for the trade in. Initially I was going to buy another S4, but thought I may as well try something different.

I was going to ask whether the M3 is that much of a step-up. If I did buy the zhp, i would get coilovers and an LSD as the first few mods, possibly even a supercharger if gas stays cheap.

Part of the m3 problem is the dearth of prime examples where I live. All the e36s have high mileage and all the e46s are either too expensive or high-mileage as well. Do either of them hold up well. I do not mind working on the cars myself.

Also, 4-door is preferable but not a requirement, as It would be my car-less friends sitting in the improbably small rear-seats and not myself.

 

I looked at the Evo VIIIs and STIs available for my budget. I'd just be afraid of buying one of these used because the odds of them being beaten on are fairly high. Also, did they sell any STIs without the blue interior?

 

Now it makes sense why you want to get rid of the S4, it's an auto!

all the 04-07 STi's came with the black/blue interior, with the exception of STi Limited (07) which had black leather.

I consider the S4 to ZHP a downgrade, although they are different cars the S4 is on another level of performance. maybe you would like a manual 6-speed S4?

the Evo and STi are great cars as well, but again they are downgrade from S4...

 

ZHP is a great car. M-tech body kit, 235HP, slick 6 speed transmission...

Supercharge it if you need more power.

 

Check out ESS Tuning for 330i ZHP potential. Its certainly there! $6 - 10k of parts and tuning and you'd have a true screamer. I have the same engine in my Z4, although no supercharger.

 

that's a decent looking car, but i'd never pay 17-18k for that. 2k more gets you a nice M3. Granted the M3 won't be a 2004 or have 45k miles, but I'd take a 2001 M3 with higher miles over a 330. Now 13-14k for that car and I'd be interested, especially since that one has Nav

I do really like the zhps though. They drive amazing, power delivery is very smooth and crisp, and for daily driving you can't ask for much more