I GET BMW'S NOW

"Jay Lauer" (thefaultinourcars) 09/23/2014 at 21:53 • Filed to: None

3

10

I finally understand BMW's now; what makes them special and in some ways, superior to all other cars. It only took me one amazing BMW and one mediocre one to figure it out.

So, for the week, one of the lawyers I work for dropped this off to have some work done. It's a some year E46 330i ZHP. If you don't know what the ZHP package is, do look it up. It's a bunch of little tweaks, but it makes it so much better than the normal 3-series. I don't know all of the tweaks, really. I know it has the M3 steering rack and was the only one to come with a 6-speed manual.

Now, I said one amazing BMW and one mediocre BMW. Pictured above is clearly the good one. Pictured below is the mediocre BMW.

This was my 01 BMW 330xi. It had 171k miles when I sold it, and it had.... an automatic. While it did probably have one of the best automatics I've driven, it still sucked the fun right out of the car. Combining a linear power band with an automatic just makes the car seem lifeless, in my opinion. It wasn't really bad in any way, and that was it's problem. It was so middle of the road that it was forgettable. This car was Lifehouse on wheels, or Hoobastank to anyone that's a Lifehouse fan.

Mine did come with the Sport Package, which definitely was it's redeeming feature. I got the awesome heated sport seats, and the great 3-spoke steering wheel. I will say, the stock big box steering wheel is one of the worst things I've ever seen.

This thing. Cut this shit out.

But, the ZHP is different. First of all, the car had three pedals. It's the first BMW with a stick I've driven and that definitely made a huge difference. That being said, BMW's shifters are weird. There's lots of rubber and bushing in the way which take away vibration, but definitely take away shifter feel. Perhaps I've been spoiled by the S2000.

This car's also got the BMW Alcantara-wrapped wheel, and more importantly, the M3 steering rack. I believe the ratio is 15:1, and it is pure sex. The steering's so nice and heavy and quick; It's what all modern cars should steer like. If a cars too heavy to go with manual steering, it should feel like this.

It's also got this thing.

FUCK YES, 6 SPEEDS.

Linear power band is definitely something you have to get used to as well. I've been way too conditioned by the idea of 'hopping on the cam' that I end up not feeling this car rev. Louder exhaust would be nice, or in my case, just rolling down the windows. I completely understand why it's quiet though; It's a 3-Series. It just accelerates without you knowing, but I'm sure one could get used to that with some time.

On an unrelated note, I say this while going down the highway. I think it's one of the Dale Jr. show cars that kids look at in Walmart parking lots and such. However, it's still neat to see on the road.

Finally, all pictures minus my old car and the ugly steering wheel are iPhone 6 photos. Let me know what you think.

E30Joe drives a Subaru > Jay Lauer 09/23/2014 at 22:06

0

BMW has really had some diamonds in the rough! I love the ZHP E46, for sure one of my favorites, and the 330i drives great as well.

Jay Lauer > E30Joe drives a Subaru 09/23/2014 at 22:10

1

I'm not saying the 330i was bad in any way, I just really feel the auto turned it into an appliance.

The ZHP has got me starting to look at E46 M3's now.

E30Joe drives a Subaru > Jay Lauer 09/23/2014 at 22:33

0

No I totally agree, automatic BMW's have no soul.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Jay Lauer 09/23/2014 at 23:21

0

Unfortunately most of the newer ones have lost that special steering feel, even M cars.

Jay Lauer > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/23/2014 at 23:22

0

I think you're right. I drove an Alpina B7 not too long ago. It was a really nice steering feel, but not quite as good as the E46 M3 rack.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Jay Lauer 09/23/2014 at 23:30

0

They feel too computery and disconnected. I personally wouldn't own one newer than maybe 04, 05, but would be happy to own something from the 80's. A lot of them have a variable ratio steering system now that I think is one of the main causes of their poor feel. I used to like BMW but they started losing touch a long time ago, and I hate working on them because after a year in service they are about as brittle as a 30 year old British car. Among countless other reasons.

Jay Lauer > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/23/2014 at 23:37

0

I'd still own any generation of M3, except E36. After the experience with my E46, it'd have to be an M3 to put up with the reliability.

Who knows, mine was pretty high mileage.

FromCanadaWithLove > Jay Lauer 09/24/2014 at 00:58

0

I don't know what it is about BMWs, but the stock steering wheels are always pig ugly, whereas the M(-Sport) versions are much better.

Example:

vs.

Storz > Jay Lauer 09/24/2014 at 07:51

0

I am on my 4th BMW, which happens to be a 2003 330i ZHP and I have to say its one of the most engaging cars I've ever owned (and its #27) Glad you get it now, welcome to the club :)

Flugtechnik > Jay Lauer 09/24/2014 at 08:59

0

I've got an E90 6MT 328i with the sport package and it is very similar. I love driving that car. Not much exhaust, I mainly hear the transmission whirring next to me when I'm on it. Does that E46 still have the Clutch Delay Valve? That thing is infuriating. Mine will be disappearing soon. I used to think my wife's E46 auto was good until I got my manual.