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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

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  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737

    qbrozen said:

    Wife suggested I keep the Charger and sell the Benz. Winter is "so far away" after all. I guess that makes sense. I'll have to try to get it into a shop on Monday.

    Did you ever figure out what the problem was with that car?
    Wouldn't need a shop if I did. haha.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,295
    edited April 2021
    Nice looking 330i, @carnaught! I love that color. Buy or lease?
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,725
    @carnaught,
    You've got some decadent options on your car. :D
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    Very nice @carnaught, enjoy!!!
  • carnaughtcarnaught Member Posts: 3,576
    Thanks to all who have commented. @andres3, this 330, from Chapman BMW (Chandler, AZ), replaced my ‘19 Avalon Hybrid and @corvette, this was a purchase. The dealer is on the rear car’s license frame. Free advertising ceases when I get the new plate :) .
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,182
    Congrats, carnaught. My thunder, stolen.
    But, in another 7.25 years, vengeance shall be mine!

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,295
    edited April 2021
    @carnaught that's quite a change from an Avalon! Nice!
  • carnaughtcarnaught Member Posts: 3,576
    @corvette, previous to the Avalon I had the Mercedes GLC300, so I make drastic changes. I like change.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,295
    Does the auto trans just kill the desirability of a ZHP? The damage to the wheels looks pretty bad.
    https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3p5my4Nl/2004-bmw-330i-zhp-sedan
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,335
    corvette said:

    Does the auto trans just kill the desirability of a ZHP?
    https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3p5my4Nl/2004-bmw-330i-zhp-sedan

    Yes.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,215
    corvette said:

    Does the auto trans just kill the desirability of a ZHP? The damage to the wheels looks pretty bad.
    https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3p5my4Nl/2004-bmw-330i-zhp-sedan

    No doubt it kills it for many on this board but I wonder if that applies to the general public. Auto transmissions have been pushing manuals out of the picture for decades. From the viewpoint of that seller might the automatic draw upon a larger potential buyer pool?

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,295
    Not sure... The factory horsepower rating and the state of auto transmissions at the time suggest to me that the manual would be faster and more responsive. I think it's also too similar to the G37 which I recently sold to merit my interest.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,377
    really nice looking 330i. Love the color.

    and no auto trans, even a really good one like on the new BMWs, can replace a nice manual trans.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,377
    my BIL decided to push my buttons today. he sent me a picture of his latest toy. Seems that he bought a real 2 post lift for his garage. Darn, I have zero need, but want one. I assume though that I could never put one in my current garage, until I looked out there and realized I actually do have enough headroom. Might have to switch to a wall mounted opener or change the garage door, but I think if I moved the shelves from the front and shifted it all forward, I actually could put a lift in. And of course, have nothing to actually put on it!

    the next house, is definitely going to have a lift and space for a little work area.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,832
    corvette said:

    Does the auto trans just kill the desirability of a ZHP? The damage to the wheels looks pretty bad.
    https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3p5my4Nl/2004-bmw-330i-zhp-sedan

    Having had the steptronic in the disastrous 04 330xi of my youth, I can say with 100% confidence that, yes, it kills it.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    combo of the ZHP package and auto trans is contradictory. Anyone who wants an old ZHP wants a manual. Anyone who wants an auto doesn't care about the ZHP.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,377
    this I agree with.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,832
    qbrozen said:

    combo of the ZHP package and auto trans is contradictory. Anyone who wants an old ZHP wants a manual. Anyone who wants an auto doesn't care about the ZHP.

    Well said.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,215
    stickguy said:

    my BIL decided to push my buttons today. he sent me a picture of his latest toy. Seems that he bought a real 2 post lift for his garage. Darn, I have zero need, but want one. I assume though that I could never put one in my current garage, until I looked out there and realized I actually do have enough headroom. Might have to switch to a wall mounted opener or change the garage door, but I think if I moved the shelves from the front and shifted it all forward, I actually could put a lift in. And of course, have nothing to actually put on it!

    the next house, is definitely going to have a lift and space for a little work area.

    How about a scissor lift like Quick Jack?

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,295
    edited April 2021
    The Quick Jacks are neat, but I think $1,000-$1,500 is overpriced for what they are. If you have the room, "real lifts" start around $3,000, I think.

    The CarMax website shows my local store having only 91 cars on the lot right now, which I think is about half of normal. I expect the insane used car prices to continue until the inventory situation resolves.
  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 262,453
    My BIL drove an auto ZHP for a number of years, then they handed it off to son #1. They got it to about 130,000 miles before it had needs that were too expensive to address, so they sold it and got son #1 the ill-fated GTI from CarMax.

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    2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934

    qbrozen said:

    combo of the ZHP package and auto trans is contradictory. Anyone who wants an old ZHP wants a manual. Anyone who wants an auto doesn't care about the ZHP.

    Well said.
    If enough people have that exact same viewpoint, then a bargain could be had to be "bribed" into overlooking those faults in an auction atmosphere.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934

    corvette said:

    Does the auto trans just kill the desirability of a ZHP?
    https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3p5my4Nl/2004-bmw-330i-zhp-sedan

    Yes.
    Is the transmission reliable to get from Point A to Point B for many miles, even if not in an exciting way?
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,832
    andres3 said:

    corvette said:

    Does the auto trans just kill the desirability of a ZHP?
    https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3p5my4Nl/2004-bmw-330i-zhp-sedan

    Yes.
    Is the transmission reliable to get from Point A to Point B for many miles, even if not in an exciting way?
    Yes. But then you shouldn’t pay the premium that a ZHP commands. Makes no sense.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,295
    I think the auto trans in the E46 was known for failure, with a common symptom being the loss of reverse gear.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,971
    Our new neighbors a few doors down at the campground must be big VW fans. Golf R and an Atlas.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,869

    corvette said:

    Does the auto trans just kill the desirability of a ZHP? The damage to the wheels looks pretty bad.
    https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3p5my4Nl/2004-bmw-330i-zhp-sedan

    No doubt it kills it for many on this board but I wonder if that applies to the general public. Auto transmissions have been pushing manuals out of the picture for decades. From the viewpoint of that seller might the automatic draw upon a larger potential buyer pool?
    I think it applies to the buyers that recognize the ZHP as a special edition, and would pay up extra for it. For the general public, they are going to compare it to other automatic E46s, and run away from the higher price.

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  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    carnaught said:



    Beautiful car with the right exterior and interior colors, carnaught! I wish you the best with the new BMW - it will fit you to a T!😜🤓

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,593
    carnaught said:



    Gorgeous looking BMW @carnaught . Love the color and the little changes they made....like the back lights. BMW did a great job on the interior, not as flashy as some but very tasteful in the BMW subtle way (btw, the interior colors scheme goes nicely with the exterior).
    I forget what your ever changing line up has been lately, but what are your impressions of the new BMW compared to what it replaces and some of the other models?
    Let me know when you answer over on C&C so I'll know to come back and check, or post it there directly.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,377
    those scissor lift units are cool, but do seem really expensive for what you get. At least a post lift lets you get underneath it. I watched a few videos at one point on a portable version (Max Jax)for home use that actually worked pretty well, but doesn't permanently clog up the garage. If you just need to get underneath your car once in a while, they are a good option.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsmoK4_1Avs

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,335
    carnaught said:

    Thanks to all who have commented. @andres3, this 330, from Chapman BMW (Chandler, AZ), replaced my ‘19 Avalon Hybrid and @corvette, this was a purchase. The dealer is on the rear car’s license frame. Free advertising ceases when I get the new plate :) .

    Nice- and kudos for getting a properly equipped G20- M Sport and RWD.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,335
    edited April 2021

    corvette said:

    Does the auto trans just kill the desirability of a ZHP? The damage to the wheels looks pretty bad.
    https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3p5my4Nl/2004-bmw-330i-zhp-sedan

    No doubt it kills it for many on this board but I wonder if that applies to the general public. Auto transmissions have been pushing manuals out of the picture for decades. From the viewpoint of that seller might the automatic draw upon a larger potential buyer pool?
    I would guess that at least 90% of potential ZHP buyers are enthusiasts. The average dimwit who is looking for a BMW to wear has no idea what an E46 ZHP is.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,689
    andres3 said:


    Did you get 1/8" glass at triple pane? I've wondered if I'd rather go to 1/4" glass double paned. That's 1/2" total glass with an air/gas/vacuum cushion in between. For San Diego, double paned at 1/8" is plenty.

    I honestly don't remember. I am going to guess that they're 1/8" panes, as three 1/4" a panes would be seriously huge/heavy windows, and I still have all of my vertebrae intact!
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,689


    Micro USB connectors, not regular. That stinks a bit. Wish it had a cd/player juke box a la XF. That's not too old fashioned!
    Will need a road trip one of these days.

    Interesting. The Q5 I have as a loaner has two USB ports: One is an A, and the other is a C type. I haven't used either one; I'm still smarting about the loss of the SD slots. :D
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,689
    qbrozen said:

    Wife suggested I keep the Charger and sell the Benz. Winter is "so far away" after all. I guess that makes sense. I'll have to try to get it into a shop on Monday.

    Ah, she's just sore about it not having run since shortly after you brought it home. Get it sorted, and she'll change her tune! ;)
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,689
    carnaught said:

    Hi all. Thought I’d give more info. on the new punch starting with the window sticker, pics to follow.

    Nice! Congrats again; that's a fabulous color combo.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,689

    Here’s a safety film starring andres3’s grandfather at the beginning.

    Oof. That's a helluva video.

    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,737
    xwesx said:

    qbrozen said:

    Wife suggested I keep the Charger and sell the Benz. Winter is "so far away" after all. I guess that makes sense. I'll have to try to get it into a shop on Monday.

    Ah, she's just sore about it not having run since shortly after you brought it home. Get it sorted, and she'll change her tune! ;)
    I keep racking my brain about this. The codes don't make a whole lot of sense. My latest thought it that maybe, possibly, something is wrong or off about the exhaust camshaft adjuster on that one side. Since the codes are saying the crank and that one exhaust cam are in disagreement and that the "O2 sensors are swapped," which is also an exhaust issue. I can't say I understand why it would claim those are swapped, but maybe they aren't receiving what is expected if the cam adjuster is off. The adjusters can be swapped left and right, so maybe my course of action is to swap them and see if all the problems move to the passenger side. A new adjuster is $600, so not something I just want to replace willy nilly.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,377
    This sounds like a job for the Car Wizard.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,215
    stickguy said:

    This sounds like a job for the Car Wizard.

    Nah, I’m sure the dealer won’t rest until he throws enough parts at it to fix it.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,295
    xwesx said:


    Micro USB connectors, not regular. That stinks a bit. Wish it had a cd/player juke box a la XF. That's not too old fashioned!
    Will need a road trip one of these days.

    Interesting. The Q5 I have as a loaner has two USB ports: One is an A, and the other is a C type. I haven't used either one; I'm still smarting about the loss of the SD slots. :D
    You might have already tried this, but some systems allow you to plug pretty much any device into the USB port. If you have a USB to SD card adapter, it might work.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,335
    corvette said:

    xwesx said:


    Micro USB connectors, not regular. That stinks a bit. Wish it had a cd/player juke box a la XF. That's not too old fashioned!
    Will need a road trip one of these days.

    Interesting. The Q5 I have as a loaner has two USB ports: One is an A, and the other is a C type. I haven't used either one; I'm still smarting about the loss of the SD slots. :D
    You might have already tried this, but some systems allow you to plug pretty much any device into the USB port. If you have a USB to SD card adapter, it might work.
    I had to buy one of those in order to update the software in my Foxwell Scanner- because it uses a TF(Micro SD) card. I went with a UNI USB 3.0 adapter that reads TF and SD cards. $12.99 from Amazon.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,335
    qbrozen said:

    xwesx said:

    qbrozen said:

    Wife suggested I keep the Charger and sell the Benz. Winter is "so far away" after all. I guess that makes sense. I'll have to try to get it into a shop on Monday.

    Ah, she's just sore about it not having run since shortly after you brought it home. Get it sorted, and she'll change her tune! ;)
    I keep racking my brain about this. The codes don't make a whole lot of sense. My latest thought it that maybe, possibly, something is wrong or off about the exhaust camshaft adjuster on that one side. Since the codes are saying the crank and that one exhaust cam are in disagreement and that the "O2 sensors are swapped," which is also an exhaust issue. I can't say I understand why it would claim those are swapped, but maybe they aren't receiving what is expected if the cam adjuster is off. The adjusters can be swapped left and right, so maybe my course of action is to swap them and see if all the problems move to the passenger side. A new adjuster is $600, so not something I just want to replace willy nilly.
    One thing I really like about the British magazine BMW CAR is that every issue contains several technical articles. About one year ago the magazine's tech guru Andrew Everett wrote a series of articles on resurrecting a tatty Z3 that he had picked up on the cheap from Copart. The ABS and ASC lights were glowing constantly. The fix? A new MAF; even though the old MAF wasn't throwing any codes, it was the cause of the ABS/ASC issue- and it's something that you wouldn't know about unless you were extremely familiar with the M52TU motor.
    I wonder if there isn't some similar issue at work in the ML63.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,121
    edited April 2021
    @carnaught.....ooohhhh....nice punch. Like that color combo, a lot.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • breldbreld Member Posts: 6,920
    @carnaught - a little late on my response, but agreed with everyone else...beautiful punch!

    2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman

  • carnaughtcarnaught Member Posts: 3,576
    Thanks, @graphicguy and @breld!
  • pensfan83pensfan83 Member Posts: 2,767
    Yes, that's a nice spec. Love the color combo too.
    1997 Honda Prelude Base - 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance - 2021 Honda Passport Sport - 2006 BMW 330Ci ZHP
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,689
    edited April 2021
    corvette said:

    xwesx said:


    Micro USB connectors, not regular. That stinks a bit. Wish it had a cd/player juke box a la XF. That's not too old fashioned!
    Will need a road trip one of these days.

    Interesting. The Q5 I have as a loaner has two USB ports: One is an A, and the other is a C type. I haven't used either one; I'm still smarting about the loss of the SD slots. :D
    You might have already tried this, but some systems allow you to plug pretty much any device into the USB port. If you have a USB to SD card adapter, it might work.
    Oh... good thought! I do have one of those. It's a bit clunky because it's a full-size SD card rather than a micro inside an adapter, but worth a shot. If that doesn't work, I have plenty of flash drives... I just need to take the time to push the SD card's data over to one.

    I haven't been using the Q5 since coming home. We have had all sorts of snow in the last week, including 10" of heavy, wet stuff yesterday, so it felt like the better move to park it and use the Forester.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,689
    edited April 2021
    Saturday, before the additional 9" of wet stuff that fell overnight Saturday until around noon on Sunday:


    Forester stuck at the bottom of the driveway. After getting pulled free by a neighbor, I ended up having to put the chains on to climb up the drive. Later that night, I had to go out again, and that time I was able to get to the top with a little rally-style drifting. :D


    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,689
    edited April 2021
    It was probably a 45-minute ordeal trying to get up the driveway during/after that last pic. By the time I had the chains on, there were several neighbors that had congregated on the road there to chat and predict my fate. Once I arrived at the top of the drive, I got out of the car and exclaimed my victory. One of my neighbors, who drives a Jeep TJ, shouts, "darn it! You lost me twenty bucks!" LOL
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
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