Trying to Find E46 330i ZHP or equivalent price M3

[DelusionIsGG]

Hey BMW enthusiasts,

I came here seeking advice on where to find (or possibly where you guys found) a good but affordable 330i ZHP package or M3. I'm a 19 year old college student so I dont have tons of money to throw around but I want another car since my current one is too small and I dont personally enjoy it. I have a friend who got me into BMWs and have been doing tons of research on them. Especially these two models. One part of the problem I am having is knowing how I should price them. I dont know exactly what these models (330i ZHP, M3) should go for given the mileage or year. To be able to find an affordable car in my budget (max 8000, possibly a bit over) I would like to know the details of what I am getting into. I know the M3 is probably overboard, but I put it in there because let's be honest, why not.

Thanks

[Mless5]

Stick to zhp, $8000 should and you a pretty decent one. Far less maintenance cost vs m3. M3 and college student don't blend too well.

[BryDog]

Just get a 330 - the ZHP is way overpriced for what you get

[DelusionIsGG]

Just get a 330 - the ZHP is way overpriced for what you get

How so, from what I understand it gives it some nice tweaks?

[TonyAngel]

If you're considering an E46, you should know that they are definitely not a buy it and just drive it cars, unless you buy one that has had all of the regularly schedule maintenance and preventive maintenance done. You should plan on spending around $2k getting the car into good shape and then budget about $100-$200 per month for up keep.

I am assuming that you will be doing all of the work yourself as well. If you are going to be taking it to the shop every time something breaks, you can quickly find yourself in over your head.

330s in good shape are also hard to find. They are sought after and many are being sold by younger owners who bought them and dogged them out while ignoring maintenance. I know a nice E46 330i was almost impossible to find where I am and wound up just buying an E90 325i.

If you can find a nice one, the E46s are great little cars. The parts are usually pretty inexpensive and they are easy to work on. For $8k, you should be able to find yourself a nice E46. Before buying, I'd suggest that you get the VIN of the car you are looking at and run a Carfax on it. If all looks good, then take it in and have a pre purchase inspection done on it. I'm in south Louisiana and E46 330s can be had for anywhere from about $3k to $6k, depending on condition.

[IanJ]

Just keep an eye out, I picked up my ZHP last year for $6500 with 138k miles, well maintained , only some paint issues from rock chips/debris on the front bumper. I'd say with your given budget as long as you're not in a rush to buy and keep an eye out you can get a very nice ZHP; however I'd stay away from an E46 M3 in that price range, albeit you can get a great E36 as well.

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[dworthy]

Yes, an M-3 for 8k would be a hot mess.

If you really want a BMW while in school, I would stick with the 325i or a stock 330i. While the ZHP is nice to have, it only has about 15hp more than the stock 330i and most people won't know the difference.

Just to give you an idea of yearly maintenance costs, and this is me doing all the work, theses are an averages since I have owned my cars:
12 years E-46 325it - $750
7 years E-46 M-3 - 1k
5 years E-36 318is - $500

Now the only time it will see a dealership or shop is to do things like alignments.

[legoman67]

tight budget and m3 never go well together.. everything is significantly more expensive on the m3's. for example a water pump on a 330 will run you about $50 if you shop around. Water pump on an m3 will be $300+....