ZHP vs WRX

No, no E46s came with LSDs except M cars.

Joshua wrote: In reply to dyintorace: What is cost of ownership like on ZHP's?

I bought mine with ~78k miles on it. That guarantees I'm in for a cooling system refresh, among other things. Since I bought it, I've done the following (this list doesn't include upgrades like clear corners, wheels, etc). I have ~92k on it now.

2 air mass meter boots
New acc belt idler pulley
new belts
acc belt tension pulley
a/c belt tensioner w/ pulley
new battery
Cooling system (water pump, upper/lower hose, thermostat assembly, expansion tank)
aux fan switch oil changes

All of which I consider typical for BMWs (or other cars most likely). And the nice thing is the car is now set for a LONG time before it will need much of anything else.

Frustratingly, I do need to replace the a and c pillar interior covers, as the fabric has started seriously falling off.

Add front and rear control arm bushings to the repair list for most e46' s.

MrJoshua wrote: In reply to dyintorace: the WRX was waay better with those coilovers gone. (Lol-spell correct keeps changing WRX to SEX). I would probably still go ZHP. It's a better car.

So, you are saying the SEX is better without coilovers??

In reply to SVreX: auto-correct seems to think so.

In reply to dyintorace:

Thank you for the list, I figured the cooling system would need it. How much does that generally run? My M3 didn't actually need it. What would you guys estimate my immediate repair budget at?

Water pump - $65
Upper/lower hoses - $74
Thermostat assembly w/ housing - $75
Expansion tank - $75
Coolant - $25

You could choose to put a new radiator in too, but I did not.

Color me stupid: ZHP?

I understand you're talking about E46s but I am not making the connection.

Let el wikipedia be your friend http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_3_Series_(E46)#Performance_package_.28ZHP.29

clutchsmoke wrote:

HiTempguy wrote: If it doesn't snow where you live (and I mean a constant amount of snow on the ground for a couple months), go BMW. In Alberta, I would say the WRX as the awd makes life so much easier 6 months of the year. On the coast in BC? BMW all the way! RWD is more funner in the end ;)

Came to say this. Although I would still take the BMW over the WRX even with lots of snow.

in which case you'd need a second car to go anyplace "with lots of snow" because you're not doing this in a ZHP, no matter what tires you have ;) (ok, well at least not fast).

(cue argument about how everyone here can easily drive in deep snow in a Corvette with bald 315-with summer tires because "it's all about driving skillz yo")

That said, I strongly considered the ZHP in 2008 when I bought my WRX. IT's a great car. Better than the WRX in almost every way. But it is nowhere close in terms of snow peformance, sorry.

If my RX-7 can be badass in snow on rubberband 235 width tires, a BMW should manage as well.

It's almost as good as the AWD car on snow tires. Only almost because it has more drafts than a bar so it's rather unpleasant and the limited slip makes tight turns a challenge.

(image: full throttle in 3rd gear on fresh powder in a blizzard, and NOT spinning the tires)

Duke wrote: No, no E46s came with LSDs except M cars.

my late 96 318ti was one of the last M Cars to have an LSD. It was a couple of months later (around july) that BMW stopped putting them on the "lessor" cars

Knurled wrote: (image: full throttle in 3rd gear on fresh powder in a blizzard, and NOT spinning the tires)

er....that's not how you post an image, lol.

this discussion reminds me of what a buddy posted on FB today, lol....

my one snow season in the DC area I was happy to have AWD in the WRX. Kinda regret getting rid of it but have forester now. I would still take a ZHP though for a track car/dd. That's a tough one.

mad_machine wrote:

Duke wrote: No, no E46s came with LSDs except M cars.

my late 96 318ti was one of the last M Cars to have an LSD. It was a couple of months later (around july) that BMW stopped putting them on the "lessor" cars

I always want a 318TI with an i6 swap. Those cars look cool, are underappreciated, and are extremely light for a non-miata late 90s car. It's like the german 240sx, idk why they go for like AW11 Mr2 prices drifters must not know about them.