Question about competition package vs. non competition package

[Jason4486]

My cousin has an e92 M3 ZCP and swears buy it. He claims the "M" button turns the car into a whole different beast. Is there any truth to this? I am not so well versed in M3's as I have previously only owned 2 335's. I am looking to get into a lease but the car I am considering does not have the competition package.

Do non-ZCP cars also have this "M" button or is that something that only comes with the ZCP?

[quiksi]

it changes the suspension, steering and throttle response settings, but I wouldn't say it changes it into a "whole different beast"

you also get the M button with the tech(?) package on M3's before ZCP came out on the 2011 models

[Jive]

Discussed many times before...

All M3s post 2011.5 (or 2011.75?) have the M-button. So the only thing that ZCP adds is it lowers the car by 10mm, adds 359M wheels, and a much more forgiving traction control (US M-Dynamic Mode, the Euro MDM is even moreso forgiving then the US version) along with more direct steering and throttle response. The software bits can be programmed into any car with a tune.

[tjsabec]

The M button allows you to customize the steering response, throttle response, and spring stiffness to your liking. The customization is mapped to the button and the car assumes your selections upon pressing the button. This has nothing to do with the ZCP other than the presence of the ZCP ensures that the M button is on the car. The driving dynamics available with the M button can be achieved without the M button.

There are ways to option the M3 that include the M button and ways that do not. Without the M button the car setup can still be customized, although in a more complicated way. If the car does not come with EDC then you can't customize the spring stiffness regardless.

To me, the M button is an annoyance. I would rather have the car start up with my preset customization. The only time I ever change this customization is if I am driving on a bumpy road.

[Jason4486]

Thanks for the quick input everyone

[e1000]

Originally Posted by Jive

Discussed many times before...

All M3s post 2011.5 (or 2011.75?) have the M-button. So the only thing that ZCP adds is it lowers the car by 10mm, adds 359M wheels, and a much more forgiving traction control (US M-Dynamic Mode, the Euro MDM is even moreso forgiving then the US version) along with more direct steering and throttle response. The software bits can be programmed into any car with a tune.

EDC is a bit different in the ZCP cars as well, but I agree, it's very minor.

[mdosu]

he must have his power button on.

[mofbb]

Alright, lets me start this.

Civic M3 vs real M3?

[Goat Rodeo]

I have a 2011 M3 without ZCP or EDC and a 2013 M3 with ZCP (and EDC.) Both have M-drive and are identical options-wise otherwise.

The cars actually feel quite a bit different. The 2011 accelerates quicker and feels more nimble. However the ride is very stiff in comparison. The 2013 is a good bit more comfortable thanks to EDC and feels like a more stable, heavier car. Past 130mph the 2013 feels more planted which inspires confidence. The 2011 is also louder under throttle than the 2013, for reasons unknown. Overall I prefer the 2011 as it feels more raw but if you're the type that wants a comfortable, fully loaded M3 then definitely get ZCP.

Aesthetically my 2011 M3 with CF roof, no mods, and 220Ms is beautiful. I get compliments all the time especially from women. ZCP makes the car look more aggressive which I think appeals more to men; most of my female friends like the white one and most of my male friends like the ZCP.

[AshyLarryMP]

Originally Posted by quiksi

it changes the suspension, steering and throttle response settings, but I wouldn't say it changes it into a "whole different beast"

you also get the M button with the tech(?) package on M3's before ZCP came out on the 2011 models

I would definitely say it's a whole different beast, the way I have mine set up anyway. My car is configured to start in the most docile setting and the M button changes it to the most aggressive setting. If you configure to start up in an aggressive setting then the differences when you hit the M button will be smaller.

The M button in the M6 is more extreme and it adds almost 100 more hp.

[kscarrol]

Originally Posted by Goat Rodeo

...most of my female friends like the white one and most of my male friends like the ZCP.

Wait, M3 drivers don't have friends!!

[Dkhan23]

Originally Posted by Jason4486

My cousin has an e92 M3 ZCP and swears buy it. He claims the "M" button turns the car into a whole different beast. Is there any truth to this? I am not so well versed in M3's as I have previously only owned 2 335's. I am looking to get into a lease but the car I am considering does not have the competition package.

Do non-ZCP cars also have this "M" button or is that something that only comes with the ZCP?

You want the civic m3?

[Z K]

The customized settings with the M-button are pretty useless for me. I have the car set up so it is on the settings I want from the start.

In terms of real performance, there is no difference between using the M-button and without. All it does is customize the settings based on your preferences. And all M3s have the M button as an option with or without ZCP.

[HeartMD]

I love it and agree with one of the above post. I too have my start up setting set to the most docile specs. As I mostly drive in these settings once I hit the M button which is configured to the amped up settings I do notice the difference. I like how simple and quickly it is to go from one extreme to the other. Its all based on personal opinion, however you must take certain comments with a grain of salt as there are those that didnt have the option to get the M button option and will knock it to make themselves feel better.

[AlpineE92M3]

I had a 2011 M3 6spd "civic" (zero options) .... I traded up for a 2013 ZCP M3 DCT, best decision I ever made. I feel that's the way it should have come. It just feels more connected to the road. I also like the look better with the 359's and the EDC+ 10mm drop. I don't really have to mess around with anything, it is set-up perfectly IMHO. Then again, my '11 was slammed on H&R coilovers and the ride was harsh as donkey dick, but to each his own...an M3 is an M3. Whichever way you prefer it

[Majin Buu]

Originally Posted by Goat Rodeo

I have a 2011 M3 without ZCP or EDC and a 2013 M3 with ZCP (and EDC.) Both have M-drive and are identical options-wise otherwise.

The cars actually feel quite a bit different. The 2011 accelerates quicker and feels more nimble. However the ride is very stiff in comparison. The 2013 is a good bit more comfortable thanks to EDC and feels like a more stable, heavier car. Past 130mph the 2013 feels more planted which inspires confidence. The 2011 is also louder under throttle than the 2013, for reasons unknown. Overall I prefer the 2011 as it feels more raw but if you're the type that wants a comfortable, fully loaded M3 then definitely get ZCP.

Aesthetically my 2011 M3 with CF roof, no mods, and 220Ms is beautiful. I get compliments all the time especially from women. ZCP makes the car look more aggressive which I think appeals more to men; most of my female friends like the white one and most of my male friends like the ZCP.

As far as I know all M3's have the same weight, power, and exhaust system. so I'm not sure why you think there is a difference in acceleration or engine note. I can see the ride and handling being different because of the different wheels and suspension. But in a straight line both cars should be evenly matched.

[mdosu]

stop making fun of my civic

[TheDeliverator]

Read through the thread quickly so I may have missed someone mentioning this...

Non ZCP: Normal and Comfort are variable.

ZCP: Normal, Comfort and Sport are variable.

The most significant change in handling comes from the adjustment of the EDC “Sport� mode. The EDC suspension has been optional on the E92 M3 since it came out and has three levels – Comfort, Normal and Sport, with Comfort and Normal modes allowing for variable damping, while Sport mode is fixed in a stiffer setting. With ZCP, all three modes, including Sport, are now variable, which actually makes it usable on public roads. Until the ZCP package came along, EDC Sport mode up was pretty much useless unless you were driving on a glass smooth track and those are nearly nonexistent in North America. I’ve driven E92 M3’s with EDC twice before at different tracks and in both cases the Sport mode made the car too jittery. “Sport mode was really designed for autocross more than track days, to tighten the suspension up,� says BMW Motorsport Manager Larry Koch. “We found with the new ZCP package that if we made the Sport mode variable it would enhance the handling of the car when you combine it with lowering the suspension and giving the car a wider stance with the wheels.�

http://www.sportscarinsider.com/the-edge/2011/6/7/test-drive-2011-bmw-m3-coupe.html

[Majin Buu]

Originally Posted by TheDeliverator

Read through the thread quickly so I may have missed someone mentioning this...

Non ZCP: Normal and Comfort are variable.

ZCP: Normal, Comfort and Sport are variable.



http://www.sportscarinsider.com/the-...-m3-coupe.html

Seems like too much marketing BS to me. If variable damping is so much better on the track, how come the Competition Package M3 doesn't seem to be any faster than the honda civic M3?

[doverjxp]

I would rather have the car start up with my preset customization.

[Goat Rodeo]

Originally Posted by Majin Buu

As far as I know all M3's have the same weight, power, and exhaust system. so I'm not sure why you think there is a difference in acceleration or engine note. I can see the ride and handling being different because of the different wheels and suspension. But in a straight line both cars should be evenly matched.

Easy to prove with a decibel meter when the 2013 gets stateside. BMW makes many minor changes between model years; it's quite possible they added some sound dampening or even just changed the location of it. I'm sure the car sounds the same from outside but cabin noise was attenuated. Both I and my girlfriend at the time who had spent a lot of time in my 2011 were struck by how much quieter the 2013 was. Also ZCP wheels weigh a good bit more than the 220Ms and you can definitely feel it off the line.

Then again, I may just have a particularly strong example in my 2011. From 5K to redline the 2011 just slams me back into the seat. I have driven other E92 M3s and none had quite that punch. Certainly not the 2013. Could also be the benefit of having the lightest configuration.

[track_warrior]

To be quite honest i could never tell a difference. I owned a E90 ZCP and now own a E92 non zcp and cant tell a freaking difference. Only difference is the E90 could get a lot more stiffer with the touch of a button, i added coilovers so i dont really care about this feature. To those of you who swear by it have probably never had a chance to own both of them, even top gear said the ZCP package was useless and the best thing you could do is just get the regular M3, and that is what i did with my second E9X M3 and no regrets so far.