Anyone have any experience with this option? What years were they available? Is there a big difference on the track? What about day to day driving? Is it worth it?

The key differences are suspension, brakes, wheels, steering wheel. Anything else?

Thanks!

 

I think the SMGII software might be a little different...? I believe they were only available in '04-'06...Also the turning ratio is better, not sure how much but from what I've been told it is noticable. The steering wheel does not have the multifunction buttons either, IIRC.

Given the choice, I probably would have gone for it, but they were a little out of my price range. You can't go wrong with any e46 M3, just make sure the car had the rod bearing recall. The '03.5 cars have minor updates, like LED taillights which are pretty sweet.

Good luck with any car!!! 6speedonline sister BMW page is bimmerpages.com if I remember correctly. Make sure to post pics!

~Jay

 

pointless

 

I have the "ZCP" aka Comp Package.

Rotors are different, steering ratio is different, steering wheel is suede as well as the brake handle, CSL wheels are included. Thats about all i can remember


I think Top Gear or Fifth Gear did a comparo with the regular M3 and the "CS" as they called it performed better

 

pointless !! ??? NOT

I had a chance to drive my friend's M3 ZCP around mosport for about 10 laps and I can say that the handling is years ahead of a stock M3... great turn in and handling but you can feel the car has weight... especially in the corners... even with this weight those 19" rims managed to hold the car securely... it's "the best" compromise between track car and daily driver... it's no 996 (and my friend feels the same way after he drove my 996) but it has the CSL suspension and RIMS and the great seats with adjustable bolsters that really work to keep you in along those corners...

the biggest joke about the car is the shifter.... what were they thinking... replace with a short shift kit and you will see how serious this car can be....

also the stock brake pads are a joke... replaced with pagid blue and they rock!

nice car overall... I would buy one as a daily driver and even drive it in the winter... but the suspension is "stiff"... it's note for everybody... but then again that's what makes it handle magically on the track!

 

doesnt have CSL suspension - actually the suspension that was put into the ZCP was put into a the standard M3 when the comp package came out - and it shouldn't really be that surprising, why would BMW keep two suspensions around when it could use the same one for both cars... much more cost effective, so basically the suspension from the ZCP is the same as a standard e46 M3 05+

This is a little known fact

The brakes on the other hand are from the CSL as well as the M Track mode button - Larger rotors as well

 

there is a write up on edmunds. its pretty much more of a m3 than regular m3. for $4k i think its worth it.

anyone had experience with the Alcantara steering wheel? i heard that it might get wear down over time, true?

 

I've heard it wears down over time as well...

 

it sort of wear down, it gets dirty but after you clean it it comes up as good as new.

 

I didn't realize that... the owner of the M3 that I drove was under the impression that CSL suspension was used.... in any case it is stiff... the comp package is still worth it for the steering wheel and comp seats that come with the car... good value for what your getting...

can you drive these in the winter with some good snow tires? I know it has traction control and all... any experience out there?

 

Well worth it INMO if you find one in perfect shape

 

I had an 02 m3 and currently have an 06 with the competition package. I love the car but honestly I can't really tell the difference between the two. Friends that have driven both of mine have said they feel the difference. I put approximately 49k miles on the first one and have approximately 22k on the new one. I'm not one to really modify a car so the comp package was perfect for me, plus in order to get interlagos blue you have to get the package You can't go wrong regardless of which one you pick.

As for the snow. Without snows it's trecharous with snows the car goes through it without a problem.

Any specific questions feel free to ask.

 

i personally dont think its worth it...wheels are nice but youre gonna change them. the suspension still isnt good enough, youre gonna change it, the alcantara is nice but looks like crap after like 6 months for most people, and the brakes dont stop you any faster than the non comp m3 brakes. its not worth the money.

 

The ZCP aka Competition Package, model year 2005 & 2006 only:

19-inch Spun Cast Alloy CSL style wheels, the rears are the same CSL size 9.5", the fronts are 1/2 inch narrower at 8" vs. 8.5" CSL. "Specially Tuned Suspension" for the Competition Package, which became standard on all 2005 (october 2004 build onward) M3's. It's actually slightly higher and slightly softer than before. More direct steering ratio of 14.5:1 (from 15.4:1). M-Track Mode (similarly to the CSL model) with a button mounted on the steering wheel. It allows more wheel spin and greater slip angles before the DSC kicks in. It deletes the other steering wheel controls as well as cruise control. 4 wheel compound cross-drilled rotors (aluminium hats) larger front rotor of 13.6 inches (from 12.8 inches), rears are the same size. Same pads. Alacantra Steering Wheel and Hand brake, though for 2006 when leather became standard (US Models) if you optioned out of the alcantara inserts the hand brake is leather. ZCP only Interlagos Blue exterior color option.

I have an '06, drive it almost every day. Wear on the wheel can be an issue and some dealers will replace a worn one with the "standard" leather M3 wheel. However the radio & cruse control can not be retrofitted. I don't think the brakes are really up to a full 10/10ths track day. I've done a few clinics and never had a problem. As to value, that's really up to you. You couldn't replicate the package in the aftermarket for less. I ordered my car with the zcp option and have no regrets.

 

So what you felt as "years" better suspension on the ZCP compared to the regular M3 was soley based on what your friend told you....
Both are 98% the same car, and it would be hard to tell the difference.


I had the M3. Didn't have the comp pckg since mine was an 02. If i were to get an 05 i'd probably get the zcp package. But i wouldn't make or break a deal because of it. Honestly the only thing i liked about it were the rims. People tend to overexagerate how great this package was, considering both cars shared the same suspension. Either way they are both good if you can get a deal on them.