One less e34 in our midst - Mine has moved on...

[MicahO]

The e34’s are all gone from the O’Connor automotive stable. The last to leave was my 535, the reincarnated Black Chariot of Expensiveness. Somehow, when Joe Ording let his Chariot go, it’s soul must have channeled through the forum and inhabited my car. In any event, the car was sold last Friday, to my mechanic, who was quite happy to buy it. This closes my e34 chapter, started a number of years ago with the Wife’s 525iT, sold last summer to my nephew.

I pick up the new vehicle tonight, and I’ll get some pictures up as soon as possible. I don’t know when I’ll be back at work or when my wife will see me again for that matter. Just after 5:30 this eveningI will pull out of Manhattan BMW with a 2004 330i ZHP – the US Performance Package. It’s about 60 miles home, we’ll see how many miles actually pass before I get there. The only glitch is the potential for gully-washing downpours this evening. Thank goodness for DSC?


http://www.bmw.ca/configurator3/images/model/colourized/XBB40BMC225A0_668_787.jpg

6 speed with a short-shifter, reinforced and lightened flywheel, hotter cams, revised ECU software, free-flowing exhaust, M-tuned suspension, M body kit, Alcantara sport interior, 18” wheels, 225/40 rubber up front and 255/35 rubber anchoring the rear, and a shortened rear end (3:07 vs 2:93, from the -xi) to top it all off. The US ZHP Performance Package basically loads up a 330i sedan with all of the M goodies from BMW Individual. Of course, this is the US Market, so there’s no real “Individual” choice in what you get. I am just lucky in that I’m getting all the goodies from the factory that I would have chosen anyway.

The BMW Canada web site has better pictures and easier-to-browse information than the US site, though it appears the Canadians do not get the shorter rear end in their cars?
BMW Canada web page - 330i M (http://www.bmw.ca/automobiles/model_home.asp?detailpgid=0&modelname=330i%5FM&modelID=70&seriesID=3)

For me, it was time to move on. All I’ve really been interested in lately is time with the kids, not time under the car (go figure!). When I farmed out a new radiator and sway bar links last month I knew that maintenance (read: labor costs) would get expensive again soon, and I decided I’d rather pay depreciation than maintenance. Perhaps a different and non-possessed 535 would have treated me better, perhaps a different commute would have provided more time.

This new car will also give me the ability to schedule track days and autocrosses without wondering if a nagging vibration is going to become a massive part failure in the middle of a turn. I know lots of people here have lots of fun with e34’s at autocrosses and tracks, but this ZHP is built for it right from the factory. I won’t have to do any prep – just drive to the event and drink coffee to wake the hell up. Of course I won’t raise as many eyebrows as a “lard-assed e34” hustling around with such vigor, but that’s okay. ;)

In any event, I’ll still lurk around this joint. You all have been a great part of the ownership experience and much more. From giving me the balls to rip a car apart, to giving me the chance to play with a bunch of CGI scripts (Ed thought I had some experience with that stuff!!!), I’ve done nothing but learn around here. Thanks much everybody.

http://www.bimmernut.com/~micah/images/330zhp/330i_zhp_sm.jpg

--Micah O'C
'04 330i ZHP
formerly '90 535im
formerly '92 525iT

[MBXB]

Good Luck Micah!!

[TheGeak]

:'(

always sad to see an E34 go....

i was almost tempted to dump the M5 when the headgasket went, just pawn it off to someone who would fix it and buy an E30.....

I have to say, reading some inspiring stories and lurking on these boards really helped change THAT around. Now i just need to figure out how to afford an E30 325iS and an E34 M5....

Best of luck with the new whip though, i hope you still take the time to do SOME personal mods!

[Scott H]

My g/f friend bought a 2003 330Ci 5-spd on Saturday! And we got engaged Sunday.....so I guess I now have an E46 also....LOL. Time to learn a lot about another car :D Congrats on a kick ass car Micah.....I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/shersted/330Ci.jpg

[632 Regal]

Damn...another warrior gone awry.

[DrewZ]

Width:
330i: 68.46" 535i: 68.9"

Height:
330i: 55.7" 535i 55.6"

Wheelbase:
330i: 107.3" 535i: 108.7"

Length:
330i: 176.0" 535: 185.8" (Sorry guy, you're losing 10" of length ;))

Weight:
330i: 3300lbs 535: 3570lbs

HP:
330i: 235 535i: 208

Torque:
330i: 222 535i: 225

So the new car has more hp, is shorter, almost 300lbs lighter, and has MASSIVE (325mm front/320mm rear) brakes.

When are you coming down to show it off already . . .



The e34’s are all gone from the O’Connor automotive stable. The last to leave was my 535, the reincarnated Black Chariot of Expensiveness. Somehow, when Joe Ording let his Chariot go, it’s soul must have channeled through the forum and inhabited my car. In any event, the car was sold last Friday, to my mechanic, who was quite happy to buy it. This closes my e34 chapter, started a number of years ago with the Wife’s 525iT, sold last summer to my nephew.

I pick up the new vehicle tonight, and I’ll get some pictures up as soon as possible. I don’t know when I’ll be back at work or when my wife will see me again for that matter. Just after 5:30 this eveningI will pull out of Manhattan BMW with a 2004 330i ZHP – the US Performance Package. It’s about 60 miles home, we’ll see how many miles actually pass before I get there. The only glitch is the potential for gully-washing downpours this evening. Thank goodness for DSC?


http://www.bmw.ca/configurator3/images/model/colourized/XBB40BMC225A0_668_787.jpg

6 speed with a short-shifter, reinforced and lightened flywheel, hotter cams, revised ECU software, free-flowing exhaust, M-tuned suspension, M body kit, Alcantara sport interior, 18” wheels, 225/40 rubber up front and 255/35 rubber anchoring the rear, and a shortened rear end (3:07 vs 2:93, from the -xi) to top it all off. The US ZHP Performance Package basically loads up a 330i sedan with all of the M goodies from BMW Individual. Of course, this is the US Market, so there’s no real “Individual” choice in what you get. I am just lucky in that I’m getting all the goodies from the factory that I would have chosen anyway.

The BMW Canada web site has better pictures and easier-to-browse information than the US site, though it appears the Canadians do not get the shorter rear end in their cars?
BMW Canada web page - 330i M (http://www.bmw.ca/automobiles/model_home.asp?detailpgid=0&modelname=330i%5FM&modelID=70&seriesID=3)

For me, it was time to move on. All I’ve really been interested in lately is time with the kids, not time under the car (go figure!). When I farmed out a new radiator and sway bar links last month I knew that maintenance (read: labor costs) would get expensive again soon, and I decided I’d rather pay depreciation than maintenance. Perhaps a different and non-possessed 535 would have treated me better, perhaps a different commute would have provided more time.

This new car will also give me the ability to schedule track days and autocrosses without wondering if a nagging vibration is going to become a massive part failure in the middle of a turn. I know lots of people here have lots of fun with e34’s at autocrosses and tracks, but this ZHP is built for it right from the factory. I won’t have to do any prep – just drive to the event and drink coffee to wake the hell up. Of course I won’t raise as many eyebrows as a “lard-assed e34” hustling around with such vigor, but that’s okay. ;)

In any event, I’ll still lurk around this joint. You all have been a great part of the ownership experience and much more. From giving me the balls to rip a car apart, to giving me the chance to play with a bunch of CGI scripts (Ed thought I had some experience with that stuff!!!), I’ve done nothing but learn around here. Thanks much everybody.

http://www.bimmernut.com/~micah/images/330zhp/330i_zhp_sm.jpg

--Micah O'C
'04 330i ZHP
formerly '90 535im
formerly '92 525iT

[Warren N.CA]

One thing I'd really like to fine out about your new car.- When you take your foot off the gas to shift, does the RPM remain high (Maybe 3000) for a second or two? My '99 E46 did that, and it was a constant source of irritation.



The e34’s are all gone from the O’Connor automotive stable. The last to leave was my 535, the reincarnated Black Chariot of Expensiveness. Somehow, when Joe Ording let his Chariot go, it’s soul must have channeled through the forum and inhabited my car. In any event, the car was sold last Friday, to my mechanic, who was quite happy to buy it. This closes my e34 chapter, started a number of years ago with the Wife’s 525iT, sold last summer to my nephew.

I pick up the new vehicle tonight, and I’ll get some pictures up as soon as possible. I don’t know when I’ll be back at work or when my wife will see me again for that matter. Just after 5:30 this eveningI will pull out of Manhattan BMW with a 2004 330i ZHP – the US Performance Package. It’s about 60 miles home, we’ll see how many miles actually pass before I get there. The only glitch is the potential for gully-washing downpours this evening. Thank goodness for DSC?


http://www.bmw.ca/configurator3/images/model/colourized/XBB40BMC225A0_668_787.jpg

6 speed with a short-shifter, reinforced and lightened flywheel, hotter cams, revised ECU software, free-flowing exhaust, M-tuned suspension, M body kit, Alcantara sport interior, 18” wheels, 225/40 rubber up front and 255/35 rubber anchoring the rear, and a shortened rear end (3:07 vs 2:93, from the -xi) to top it all off. The US ZHP Performance Package basically loads up a 330i sedan with all of the M goodies from BMW Individual. Of course, this is the US Market, so there’s no real “Individual” choice in what you get. I am just lucky in that I’m getting all the goodies from the factory that I would have chosen anyway.

The BMW Canada web site has better pictures and easier-to-browse information than the US site, though it appears the Canadians do not get the shorter rear end in their cars?
BMW Canada web page - 330i M (http://www.bmw.ca/automobiles/model_home.asp?detailpgid=0&modelname=330i%5FM&modelID=70&seriesID=3)

For me, it was time to move on. All I’ve really been interested in lately is time with the kids, not time under the car (go figure!). When I farmed out a new radiator and sway bar links last month I knew that maintenance (read: labor costs) would get expensive again soon, and I decided I’d rather pay depreciation than maintenance. Perhaps a different and non-possessed 535 would have treated me better, perhaps a different commute would have provided more time.

This new car will also give me the ability to schedule track days and autocrosses without wondering if a nagging vibration is going to become a massive part failure in the middle of a turn. I know lots of people here have lots of fun with e34’s at autocrosses and tracks, but this ZHP is built for it right from the factory. I won’t have to do any prep – just drive to the event and drink coffee to wake the hell up. Of course I won’t raise as many eyebrows as a “lard-assed e34” hustling around with such vigor, but that’s okay. ;)

In any event, I’ll still lurk around this joint. You all have been a great part of the ownership experience and much more. From giving me the balls to rip a car apart, to giving me the chance to play with a bunch of CGI scripts (Ed thought I had some experience with that stuff!!!), I’ve done nothing but learn around here. Thanks much everybody.

http://www.bimmernut.com/~micah/images/330zhp/330i_zhp_sm.jpg

--Micah O'C
'04 330i ZHP
formerly '90 535im
formerly '92 525iT

[Dick Schneiders]

Other than that, it sounds like you will have a fun car to drive.

Will it have turbine style wheels - I would hate to think of your brakes overheating.

Good luck and enjoy it, Micah.

Dick Schneiders



The e34’s are all gone from the O’Connor automotive stable. The last to leave was my 535, the reincarnated Black Chariot of Expensiveness. Somehow, when Joe Ording let his Chariot go, it’s soul must have channeled through the forum and inhabited my car. In any event, the car was sold last Friday, to my mechanic, who was quite happy to buy it. This closes my e34 chapter, started a number of years ago with the Wife’s 525iT, sold last summer to my nephew.

I pick up the new vehicle tonight, and I’ll get some pictures up as soon as possible. I don’t know when I’ll be back at work or when my wife will see me again for that matter. Just after 5:30 this eveningI will pull out of Manhattan BMW with a 2004 330i ZHP – the US Performance Package. It’s about 60 miles home, we’ll see how many miles actually pass before I get there. The only glitch is the potential for gully-washing downpours this evening. Thank goodness for DSC?


http://www.bmw.ca/configurator3/images/model/colourized/XBB40BMC225A0_668_787.jpg

6 speed with a short-shifter, reinforced and lightened flywheel, hotter cams, revised ECU software, free-flowing exhaust, M-tuned suspension, M body kit, Alcantara sport interior, 18” wheels, 225/40 rubber up front and 255/35 rubber anchoring the rear, and a shortened rear end (3:07 vs 2:93, from the -xi) to top it all off. The US ZHP Performance Package basically loads up a 330i sedan with all of the M goodies from BMW Individual. Of course, this is the US Market, so there’s no real “Individual” choice in what you get. I am just lucky in that I’m getting all the goodies from the factory that I would have chosen anyway.

The BMW Canada web site has better pictures and easier-to-browse information than the US site, though it appears the Canadians do not get the shorter rear end in their cars?
BMW Canada web page - 330i M (http://www.bmw.ca/automobiles/model_home.asp?detailpgid=0&modelname=330i%5FM&modelID=70&seriesID=3)

For me, it was time to move on. All I’ve really been interested in lately is time with the kids, not time under the car (go figure!). When I farmed out a new radiator and sway bar links last month I knew that maintenance (read: labor costs) would get expensive again soon, and I decided I’d rather pay depreciation than maintenance. Perhaps a different and non-possessed 535 would have treated me better, perhaps a different commute would have provided more time.

This new car will also give me the ability to schedule track days and autocrosses without wondering if a nagging vibration is going to become a massive part failure in the middle of a turn. I know lots of people here have lots of fun with e34’s at autocrosses and tracks, but this ZHP is built for it right from the factory. I won’t have to do any prep – just drive to the event and drink coffee to wake the hell up. Of course I won’t raise as many eyebrows as a “lard-assed e34” hustling around with such vigor, but that’s okay. ;)

In any event, I’ll still lurk around this joint. You all have been a great part of the ownership experience and much more. From giving me the balls to rip a car apart, to giving me the chance to play with a bunch of CGI scripts (Ed thought I had some experience with that stuff!!!), I’ve done nothing but learn around here. Thanks much everybody.

http://www.bimmernut.com/~micah/images/330zhp/330i_zhp_sm.jpg

--Micah O'C
'04 330i ZHP
formerly '90 535im
formerly '92 525iT

[Jason]

The e34’s are all gone from the O’Connor automotive stable. The last to leave was my 535, the reincarnated Black Chariot of Expensiveness. Somehow, when Joe Ording let his Chariot go, it’s soul must have channeled through the forum and inhabited my car. In any event, the car was sold last Friday, to my mechanic, who was quite happy to buy it. This closes my e34 chapter, started a number of years ago with the Wife’s 525iT, sold last summer to my nephew.

I pick up the new vehicle tonight, and I’ll get some pictures up as soon as possible. I don’t know when I’ll be back at work or when my wife will see me again for that matter. Just after 5:30 this eveningI will pull out of Manhattan BMW with a 2004 330i ZHP – the US Performance Package. It’s about 60 miles home, we’ll see how many miles actually pass before I get there. The only glitch is the potential for gully-washing downpours this evening. Thank goodness for DSC?


http://www.bmw.ca/configurator3/images/model/colourized/XBB40BMC225A0_668_787.jpg

6 speed with a short-shifter, reinforced and lightened flywheel, hotter cams, revised ECU software, free-flowing exhaust, M-tuned suspension, M body kit, Alcantara sport interior, 18” wheels, 225/40 rubber up front and 255/35 rubber anchoring the rear, and a shortened rear end (3:07 vs 2:93, from the -xi) to top it all off. The US ZHP Performance Package basically loads up a 330i sedan with all of the M goodies from BMW Individual. Of course, this is the US Market, so there’s no real “Individual” choice in what you get. I am just lucky in that I’m getting all the goodies from the factory that I would have chosen anyway.

The BMW Canada web site has better pictures and easier-to-browse information than the US site, though it appears the Canadians do not get the shorter rear end in their cars?
BMW Canada web page - 330i M (http://www.bmw.ca/automobiles/model_home.asp?detailpgid=0&modelname=330i%5FM&modelID=70&seriesID=3)

For me, it was time to move on. All I’ve really been interested in lately is time with the kids, not time under the car (go figure!). When I farmed out a new radiator and sway bar links last month I knew that maintenance (read: labor costs) would get expensive again soon, and I decided I’d rather pay depreciation than maintenance. Perhaps a different and non-possessed 535 would have treated me better, perhaps a different commute would have provided more time.

This new car will also give me the ability to schedule track days and autocrosses without wondering if a nagging vibration is going to become a massive part failure in the middle of a turn. I know lots of people here have lots of fun with e34’s at autocrosses and tracks, but this ZHP is built for it right from the factory. I won’t have to do any prep – just drive to the event and drink coffee to wake the hell up. Of course I won’t raise as many eyebrows as a “lard-assed e34” hustling around with such vigor, but that’s okay. ;)

In any event, I’ll still lurk around this joint. You all have been a great part of the ownership experience and much more. From giving me the balls to rip a car apart, to giving me the chance to play with a bunch of CGI scripts (Ed thought I had some experience with that stuff!!!), I’ve done nothing but learn around here. Thanks much everybody.

http://www.bimmernut.com/~micah/images/330zhp/330i_zhp_sm.jpg

--Micah O'C
'04 330i ZHP
formerly '90 535im
formerly '92 525iT

[Jeff N.]

Stick around and share with us what it's like to own the 330i ZHP.

I appreciate your decision - there are day's I feel the same way! :)

Jeff

[Jeff N.]

Hey Drew - that's a purdy cool comparison there!

[Brian C.]

In fact, I think his words are being channeled through your dear old 535! Just imagine it singing to you.....


How do you think I'm going to get along
Without you when you're gone
You took me for everything that I had
And kicked me out on my own

Are you happy ? Are you satisfied ?
How long can you stand the heat
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
To the sound of the beat
Look out

Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
And another one gone and another one gone
Another one bites the dust, eh
Hey, I'm gonna get you too
Another one bites the dust


And yes, another one does bite the dust. But as we spoke of before, all things have a life to them and the secret is to get the most out of them before they start getting more out of you instead. Wrenching and tuning is fine for those who know and love to do it. But when it gets that the upkeep and time and money would be better off directed at people and loved ones....it's time to move on. Better days ahead buddy!

Brian C.
;)

[shragon]

330i zhp is a great car. have fun with it!

[632 Regal]

Im seriously missing either something entirly meaningless or Im just missin it.

[JR'Z 525]

Micah,
Congrats on the new ride! Sounds like an awesome machine. I know what you mean about time wrenching vs time with the kids. Not enough time to do both along with all the other things in life. Check in with us every once in awhile, like when the 330 needs to cool off!

JR

[warton]

The e34’s are all gone from the O’Connor automotive stable. The last to leave was my 535, the reincarnated Black Chariot of Expensiveness. Somehow, when Joe Ording let his Chariot go, it’s soul must have channeled through the forum and inhabited my car. In any event, the car was sold last Friday, to my mechanic, who was quite happy to buy it. This closes my e34 chapter, started a number of years ago with the Wife’s 525iT, sold last summer to my nephew.

--Micah O'C
'04 330i ZHP
formerly '90 535im
formerly '92 525iT
Fuzzy Joe sells out.... Matt P. replaces an e34 Touring with an e39 Touring... Pat P. disappears... Mr. Penner disappears... a new forum... everyone (almost) changes their "screen name"...Drew changes wheels (wait, that's a regular occurance not a milestone)... Brian C. drops... now Micah? Relative to when I got my first e34, we have morphed into the new e28 community (2 generations old). Damn it, now I'm old... either that or the economy is finally turning around. ;-)

Enjoy the new car but don't be a stranger... my e34 community is getting fragile.

Peter

[scott540]

Congrats Micah, you were one of the first people to help me about when I bought my E34. I can remember at least 2 saturdays when I was confused by something simple and you helped me out. Thanks man. Have fun with the 330

[Eric 95 540]

Im seriously missing either something entirly meaningless or Im just missin it.

[gordon]

Really enjoyed all the posts over the years....

http://vaxxine.com/gblawson/vcs03.jpg

[Jr ///M5]

Nice choice Micah, you're sure to be happy with the performance of the 330 pp...they could have changed the PP part though. =)

I drove one of the new 330's at the Drive for the Cure, and was totally impressed. With the PP's being a little more difficult to find, I think you have made the right choice.

Things change in our lives, and I'm sure the kids would rather have Dad giving them rides in the new Bimmer than have him underneath the 535 for the weekend.

You have been a great friend over the years, and I hope continue to do so, but enjoy the family and the new Bimmer with zesto.

There is one group that will miss you more than anyone here on the board....BMA...=) You see, we know you will be back from time to time, (at least you better!) But I think BMA will miss your $$ and your business.

Keep in touch, enjoy that beautiful new ride, we'll be looking forward to hearing from you....

PS...I think Drew is right...=)

Jr

[632 Regal]

Iggy pop and the Stooges circa 1969 couldnt afford a Bimmer.

[Jeff C]

Other aftermarket options - enjoy the car - I drove one at a BMW driving course and it seemed remarkably similiar in size(interior) to the E34 as Drew stated above

Good luck and enjoy

Jeff

[Hector]

but I'll always remember you were the first one to reply to my first thread ever back in November when I asked about "how to increase fuel efficiency..." You gave me a convincing answer plus you went on saying what else I could do to increase fuel efficiency... then you finished the post by saying how Gordon Lawson kept his car so sharp looking that it could "cut through air..." Anyway, from the responses in this thread, you'll be sorely missed. Visit us even if it's aloofly.

[MicahO]

Thanks everyone for the notes - I'm not going anywhere. As evidenced by the responses, this is one great bunch of people that stick together and have fun doing so. It would be tough to go elsewhere, though I am lurking on e46 boards to see what may be waiting to bite me in the arse.

Specific responses:

Warren - I have driven cars that have that hovering throttle bit, this one doesn't. Not sure if it's a function of the reprogrammed ecu on the ZHP motor or if it's a general change in the M54 motor. The M54's came available with the change to the 325/330 (from the M52TU in the 323/328), and that's when the throttle response profile may have changed?

Drew's comparo is spot-on (and luckily I'm confident enough to handle the loss of 10" in length). I havent' looked at specific numbers, but I swear there is more legroom in the back seat than in my 535.

Dick - the wide grill is BUTT UGLY! ;) Luckily, the M front aerodynamics provide MASSIVE brake cooling to the huge front brakes Drew noted. There shouldn't be any problems with overheating them!

Jr - I'm already trying to steer people on the e46 board over to BMA - some people there are under the mistaken assumption that OEM parts must be bought at the dealer. We'll fix that soon enough!

Peter, Jeff, and everyone - thanks for the help, laughs and support over the years. As I noted - I'm not going anywhere - too many good people here.

Driving impressions? Thought you'd never ask. It's not like I can open the thing up yet, but it pulls nicely. Perhaps less relative low-end than an M30, though it's made up with the short rear end. I haven't been above 4500rpm but once, and then by mistake, but the sucker pulls hard above 2500 or 2700 rpm, like one would expect a dual cam motor to start pulling. It's rated for 30mpg on the highway, and the gauge was showing better than that in 6th gear, that's nice. So I can't really comment on speed and power yet, but what I felt is gorgeous. More on that soon, I hope to hit an autocross or track day later this summer when things are loosened up.

It TURNS, NOW. Point the wheel, and you are there. There is no such thing as body lean. There is no lag in the car responding to the steering input. The steering gear is actually a faster ratio than even what BMW puts in the M3, so the car is VERY responsive to steering inputs, and the 18" rubber puts those changes to pavement RIGHT NOW.

The brakes STOP like MAD. Not much else to say there. They feel great, I was going easy in bad rain last night, and never triggered the ABS. But reading about all of the DSC and CBC and other acronym functions - the thing should brake really nicely. The adaptive brake lights out back are pretty neat too. Lighting in general is great. I got a car with Bi-Xenon, since that's what was available without waiting for a factory order. The new xenons are adaptive to load leveling, turn a bit as you steer in turns, and the xenons now do both the low beams and the high beams. TONS of light out there, which is good with all the damn deer where I live.

The best single evolutionary growth in convenience has to be rain sensing wipers. Set the sucker on high-sensitive, push the stalk to interval, and I never had to touch them again. Last night I went from light mist (slow interval) to massive downpours (fast wipers) and had everything in between. The car just adapted.

I really like the interior. For years I lurked around here looking (drooling is a better description) at the shots of Euro M5's with the cloth sport seats that were not available in the US market. Well, these are an advance, in that the bolsters are all nice, grippy alcantara. They feel great, grab your ass firmly, and should wear nicely. The steering wheel is also a really FAT rim, covered in alcantara. I won't be able to eat any french fries in the car, but so what - the wheel looks great and feels incredible.

There are cupholders, two nice ones! That's a nice evolution.

The short shifter is not as short as it could be, not as short as the Stygar-ized MZ3 shift lever I had in the 535. But it's better than other factory shifters, and it will do for now. The surround is alcantara to match the seats and wheel and looks pretty nice.

The upgraded exhaust is also nice - it's got a great grumble without being overbearing. Definitely louder than my mother's 330Ci, but definitely not a Billy Boat. And the brushed stainless tips on the muffler are not caps, but actually the steel of the muffler, brushed down and sealed. Dead sexy.

As I noted, the weather last night was SUCK. Once in the garage the lighting was worse, so there are no pictures yet. Maybe some tonight, definitely this weekend. The details like the front and rear airdams, the completely covered and smooth aerodynamics underneath, the exhaust tips, the steering wheel - they all deserve some attention. I'll give it as soon as I can get some good pictures.

--Micah O'C

[Bill R.]

first day worked out....







Thanks everyone for the notes - I'm not going anywhere. As evidenced by the responses, this is one great bunch of people that stick together and have fun doing so. It would be tough to go elsewhere, though I am lurking on e46 boards to see what may be waiting to bite me in the arse.

Specific responses:

Warren - I have driven cars that have that hovering throttle bit, this one doesn't. Not sure if it's a function of the reprogrammed ecu on the ZHP motor or if it's a general change in the M54 motor. The M54's came available with the change to the 325/330 (from the M52TU in the 323/328), and that's when the throttle response profile may have changed?

Drew's comparo is spot-on (and luckily I'm confident enough to handle the loss of 10" in length). I havent' looked at specific numbers, but I swear there is more legroom in the back seat than in my 535.

Dick - the wide grill is BUTT UGLY! ;) Luckily, the M front aerodynamics provide MASSIVE brake cooling to the huge front brakes Drew noted. There shouldn't be any problems with overheating them!

Jr - I'm already trying to steer people on the e46 board over to BMA - some people there are under the mistaken assumption that OEM parts must be bought at the dealer. We'll fix that soon enough!

Peter, Jeff, and everyone - thanks for the help, laughs and support over the years. As I noted - I'm not going anywhere - too many good people here.

Driving impressions? Thought you'd never ask. It's not like I can open the thing up yet, but it pulls nicely. Perhaps less relative low-end than an M30, though it's made up with the short rear end. I haven't been above 4500rpm but once, and then by mistake, but the sucker pulls hard above 2500 or 2700 rpm, like one would expect a dual cam motor to start pulling. It's rated for 30mpg on the highway, and the gauge was showing better than that in 6th gear, that's nice. So I can't really comment on speed and power yet, but what I felt is gorgeous. More on that soon, I hope to hit an autocross or track day later this summer when things are loosened up.

It TURNS, NOW. Point the wheel, and you are there. There is no such thing as body lean. There is no lag in the car responding to the steering input. The steering gear is actually a faster ratio than even what BMW puts in the M3, so the car is VERY responsive to steering inputs, and the 18" rubber puts those changes to pavement RIGHT NOW.

The brakes STOP like MAD. Not much else to say there. They feel great, I was going easy in bad rain last night, and never triggered the ABS. But reading about all of the DSC and CBC and other acronym functions - the thing should brake really nicely. The adaptive brake lights out back are pretty neat too. Lighting in general is great. I got a car with Bi-Xenon, since that's what was available without waiting for a factory order. The new xenons are adaptive to load leveling, turn a bit as you steer in turns, and the xenons now do both the low beams and the high beams. TONS of light out there, which is good with all the damn deer where I live.

The best single evolutionary growth in convenience has to be rain sensing wipers. Set the sucker on high-sensitive, push the stalk to interval, and I never had to touch them again. Last night I went from light mist (slow interval) to massive downpours (fast wipers) and had everything in between. The car just adapted.

I really like the interior. For years I lurked around here looking (drooling is a better description) at the shots of Euro M5's with the cloth sport seats that were not available in the US market. Well, these are an advance, in that the bolsters are all nice, grippy alcantara. They feel great, grab your ass firmly, and should wear nicely. The steering wheel is also a really FAT rim, covered in alcantara. I won't be able to eat any french fries in the car, but so what - the wheel looks great and feels incredible.

There are cupholders, two nice ones! That's a nice evolution.

The short shifter is not as short as it could be, not as short as the Stygar-ized MZ3 shift lever I had in the 535. But it's better than other factory shifters, and it will do for now. The surround is alcantara to match the seats and wheel and looks pretty nice.

The upgraded exhaust is also nice - it's got a great grumble without being overbearing. Definitely louder than my mother's 330Ci, but definitely not a Billy Boat. And the brushed stainless tips on the muffler are not caps, but actually the steel of the muffler, brushed down and sealed. Dead sexy.

As I noted, the weather last night was SUCK. Once in the garage the lighting was worse, so there are no pictures yet. Maybe some tonight, definitely this weekend. The details like the front and rear airdams, the completely covered and smooth aerodynamics underneath, the exhaust tips, the steering wheel - they all deserve some attention. I'll give it as soon as I can get some good pictures.

--Micah O'C

[Brian C.]

In fact, I think his words are being channeled through your dear old 535! Just imagine it singing to you.....


How do you think I'm going to get along
Without you when you're gone
You took me for everything that I had
And kicked me out on my own

Are you happy ? Are you satisfied ?
How long can you stand the heat
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
To the sound of the beat
Look out

Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
And another one gone and another one gone
Another one bites the dust, eh
Hey, I'm gonna get you too
Another one bites the dust


And yes, another one does bite the dust. But as we spoke of before, all things have a life to them and the secret is to get the most out of them before they start getting more out of you instead. Wrenching and tuning is fine for those who know and love to do it. But when it gets that the upkeep and time and money would be better off directed at people and loved ones....it's time to move on. Better days ahead buddy!

Brian C.
;)

[Springfield1952]

Micah,

When I bought my white touring you were the only other touring back on the Roadfly board. Sorry to see the last e34 leave your driveway though the new ride sounds pretty sweet. Good luck - stay in touch.

Curt Anderson
1994 530iT (Inge is feeling a little lonely now that Beverly is gone)

[Bimmer Nut Ed]

Yes, I am a nut, I also own BMWE46.com is any of you new E46 owners want to develop something on it specific to your model. I'm certain to own an E46 eventually too, as I see that as a fine successor to the E34, lighter, yet close to similar roominess. And yes, the performance package would be totally cool. But then again, I'm more likely the type to get an older E46 and put on my own performance package. Besides, my E34 shows no signs of aging, yet. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. And by the time it does go, the E46 will be old enough for me to buy one, and refresh it.

Micah, we're going to miss you. By all means, visit and post. It's not just about E34's as you know. And you still owe me a dinner here in Chicago, remember!

[billb]

There are lots of folks here from waaaayyyy back who have appreciated the time and effort you have contributed to help work through a problem, offer an opinion, or just take a moment to "chat" offline. Your advice (not just about cars) has been well-heeded by me for one, and I certainly appreciate it. As I type this, my wife and #1 son are downstairs in our new (to us) home, and Ginger sits snugly in the two-bay garage (next to the Model A of course...the E30 sits outside). Your thoughtful words about a month ago regarding house-hunting have been things that helped get us through some rough times lately.

Keep your love for bimmers strong, but your love for family stronger! I still hope our paths cross someday...would love to swap Model A stories with you!

Best regards,
Bill B.