M3 E90 Sedan Competition Pack Owners!

[Helmsman]

Hi guys,

no doubt a M3 brings lots of joy to his owner regardless of year and model. When I bought my M3 I simply needed 4 doors hence E90 was a “must”. Still made a nice upgrade to my previous E60 550i although with different needs I’d probably picked a Coupe with its sportier look. There was a couple of similar shape and mileage E90’ for sale, I decided based on colour and overall equipment where the ZCP bit was nice but not the deal maker.
Since then I came to really appreciate the E90’ chubby look and this car has grown on me. When I bought it I had no clue about how relatively rare it was which to me these days makes it even more special.

Yes you’re right, I can’t help feeling a tad proud - shouldn’t we all! Anyhow, for the owners like me lacking initial insight I thought I should remind about how fortune we are having one of the 1501 M3 Sedan Competition Package made. Enjoy with health and treat her well guys!

Cheers

Some numbers: Out of roughly 65.000 manufactured M3 E9X, 9.606 was E90 Sedan (+ 68 CRT) of which 1501 ZCP. 1220 went to the North Americas and 281 incl RHD+LHD to the rest of the world.
Few sources:
http://www.bmwmregistry.com/
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=863761
http://www.m3portal.com/forum/index.php

[cenix]

I had an E36 M3 a long time ago and at the time I believed the 4-door version to be a travesty. But when my search for an E9X M3 started, I had already made up my mind that it would be an E90 ZCP. Finding one to my desired specs was tough because of its low numbers, but I'm glad I did and very proud as well. I see a lot of E9X M3's, but they're all coupes.

The only thing I am really envious of is the coupe's carbon roof. Wish that was offered from the factory for the sedans.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by cenix

I had an E36 M3 a long time ago and at the time I believed the 4-door version to be a travesty. But when my search for an E9X M3 started, I had already made up my mind that it would be an E90 ZCP. Finding one to my desired specs was tough because of its low numbers, but I'm glad I did and very proud as well. I see a lot of E9X M3's, but they're all coupes.

The only thing I am really envious of is the coupe's carbon roof. Wish that was offered from the factory for the sedans.

Yep, agree. The CF roof is gorgeous, can't have it all I guess.... On the other hand my car is packed with all options by the first owner so assumingly weights 2 tons anyhow...

[CalgaryX3]

I wanted an E90 body style right from day 1 as i was smitten by the bull dog stance and distinguished appearance compared to lesser 3 series sedan variants. As I wanted a full load model, the carbon roof didn't dissuade me from ordering the sedan as I wanted a sunroof anyway.

Almost four years later, I have no regrets or qualms, and enjoy owning a relatively rare vehicle which I intend to keep for many years to come! The comp pack wheels and lowered stance which come as part of the ZCP are just icing on the cake....

[Candide13]

[TVMA Doc]

Originally Posted by Candide13

Only turns out to be about 35-40 pounds heavier than the coupe.

I also needed a four door due to having two kids in car seats at the time. Not getting an option for the CF roof is a downside, but the car starts off $10k less expensive and insurance turns out to be about half the price of the coupe (for me at least).

I think that I can live without that CF roof.
2011 e90 with comp pack in Jerez here.

[Rajmun340]

Not all that is rare is desirable or special. Like for example Coor's spring water bottle, or Colgate's kitchen entrees, all real products.
Or only two copies of this six-wheeled, 200 mph (claimed), Cadillac V8-powered British supercar was ever built.

the e90 is great because it is an e9x m3, that's sufficient.

[-BEASTMW-]

Originally Posted by JoeM3SSII

the e90 is great because it is an e9x m3, that's sufficient.

x2

I hate to rain on the ZCP parade, but as I shop for my E90 M3, I do want the ZCP, but it's hardly a deal-breaker if I can't fit one in my budget. Isn't ZCP just:

-10mm lower springs, possibly ever so slightly stiffer? Really a minor difference, not too hard to swap, and irrelevant if you're swapping suspension.

-Nicer wheels, albeit about the same weight, and cast instead of forged (generally a step backward). They are 0.5" wider, however. Again, easily swappable and many people swap them out anyway.

-More aggressive programming for EDC/DSC, including dynamic adjustment in the stiffest setting. Again, if I'm not mistaken you can get the same or even more permissive coding done for $200-300, which many people are going to get done anyway.


In other words, it's a nice collection of 3 goodies but by no means a combination that's difficult to replicate or makes a significant difference in performance. It's not like my first car, an Acura Integra, where stepping up to the Type R meant extra spot welds, thicker quarter panels, no sound deadening, an engine with completely different internals and hand-polished ports, 5 lugs vs. 4, bigger brakes, etc... not a complete apples-to-apples comparison as the Type R was a separate trim, but my point is most of these changes were difficult if not impossible to change on a normal Integra, while people will completely rid their E90 M3 of its ZCP goodies once they change the wheels/suspension and some coding.

I would have liked to see more done with the ZCP package. M Performance Exhaust, c/f roof on the sedan, and a better shifter being some gimmes.

[kb9uwu]

Originally Posted by -BEASTMW-

x2

I hate to rain on the ZCP parade, but as I shop for my E90 M3, I do want the ZCP, but it's hardly a deal-breaker if I can't fit one in my budget. Isn't ZCP just:

-10mm lower springs, possibly ever so slightly stiffer? Really a minor difference, not too hard to swap, and irrelevant if you're swapping suspension.

-Nicer wheels, albeit about the same weight, and cast instead of forged (generally a step backward). They are 0.5" wider, however. Again, easily swappable and many people swap them out anyway.

-More aggressive programming for EDC/DSC, including dynamic adjustment in the stiffest setting. Again, if I'm not mistaken you can get the same or even more permissive coding done for $200-300, which many people are going to get done anyway.


In other words, it's a nice collection of 3 goodies but by no means a combination that's difficult to replicate or makes a significant difference in performance. It's not like my first car, an Acura Integra, where stepping up to the Type R meant extra spot welds, thicker quarter panels, no sound deadening, an engine with completely different internals and hand-polished ports, 5 lugs vs. 4, bigger brakes, etc... not a complete apples-to-apples comparison as the Type R was a separate trim, but my point is most of these changes were difficult if not impossible to change on a normal Integra, while people will completely rid their E90 M3 of its ZCP goodies once they change the wheels/suspension and some coding.

I would have liked to see more done with the ZCP package. M Performance Exhaust, c/f roof on the sedan, and a better shifter being some gimmes.

I'm quite happy with my optionless E90. I even like the 18" wheels

ZCP would be nice, but like was said above "it's still an E9* M3"

[Sunny D]

Yes, all E90 M's are amazing, but for me the ZCP really makes it shine. Makes me smile every time I get behind the wheel.

[Helmsman]

Nice car you have there Sunny, like it...

[M3 Number 86]

E90 shape looks much better!

[Sunny D]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Nice car you have there Sunny, like it...

Twins

[kb9uwu]

lol that's like a stretched e90! so much distortion in the lower right of that image!

[YolkyPalky]

ZCP is the only way to go!

Waiting for the F80 ZCP reveal before possibly upgrading.

[rmcard]

Great car.

[Beemdog]

Originally Posted by M3 Number 86

E90 shape looks much better!

Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder...

[UPSROD]

Originally Posted by Beemdog

Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder...

Agreed, the E90 ZCP is a great looking sedan. At 68 years old and having raised two kids, I have NEVER owned a four door car, and can safely say that I never will.

[M3 Number 86]

Originally Posted by kb9uwu

lol that's like a stretched e90! so much distortion in the lower right of that image!

Oh shit why did it do that?!

[Rajmun340]

In my opinion, The e90 M3 is probably the best four-seaters sportscar ever built. And ZCP is arguably the best option to pick on the m3 if you could only choose one option. Opinions varies but that is the general consensus.

That said, I will agree that bmw disapointed a bit not putting more serious engineering rework in the zcp but that tells you it is not a different model, just an option. However if your m3 does not have the performance package (which is automatically included with zcp) then missing MDM, Sport plus power mode and M button on the steering wheel can be significant to some people (i would agree since i play with that a lot).

The e90 m3 rear shape is a matter of personal preference. It's a bit stubby in my eyes but fits well to the overall size of the car. The e92 rear is fine but a bit too subdued and not taking much risks. Also a general critic for e9x is how narrow the car is. I like wider cars like porsches.

one thing i dislike on the coupe is the feel of shutting doors that vibrates and is subpar, not like an audi S8 or RS4 or RS6 that slams shut in a perfect way. the e90 m3 with shorter doors will be better. But then ... it is missing on the CF roof. which is quite special indeed.

the e90 is a great m3 if you need 4 doors without making any compromises in performance. For me the coupe was the logic choice.

[duvinclunk]

I have a E90 ZCP...I just wish it was white with no sunroof.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by duvinclunk

I have a E90 ZCP...I just wish it was white with no sunroof.

Judging from the pictures so far it seems a non white makes it even more rare mate. Show us a pic?

Cheers