Thinking about trading in my 2017 for a 2018 with ZCP - Am I crazy?

[rfeener86]

I bought an ED 17' F80 MG 6 spd. Slapped the black kidney grills on and MPE. I love this thing so I then had Xpel full front and C quartz on the car. I love the exhaust and everything about it (even thinking about the M Performance rear diffuser).

I didn't check the box for the zcp because I knew I’d be ripping the exhaust off for the MPE, and at the time I didn't know I could buy the package without the 666's. I’m sure the zcp sounds great.

I periodically skim through the forum just out of interest on anything that catches my eye. I’ve read too much now about how good the zcp is compared to the "base model" M3. Am I really missing out?? Should I go for a new f80 with the zcp package??

Money aside, this has crossed my mind. I can say that the thought of another ED for a new zcp sounds VERY nice but the hit I would take on my car would kill me. I financed and am very satisfied with everything, I plan on keeping the car and would like to think that it would appreciate far down the road considering the 6spd and classic bmw motor.

And yes, I’ve read every thread comparing the zcp to non. Thanks for the advice, folks.

[doug_999]

I think you would have to go drive a ZCP with stick to see if there is that much of a difference. I personally can't believe that there would be $15K worth of "wow" (depreciation of your car and ZCP option price). Then again, I think this motor/exhaust combo (S55+ZCP) has one of the worst cold start sounds of any car I've ever owned. So you would of course need to transfer the MPE (which hopefully sounds better than this thing). Just my 2 cents.

[georgere]

I agree with above post. I myself been thinking the same - upgrade to ZCP but can't justify the cost. I drove ZCP several times in BMW events/classes and didn't see much difference. I think to get the frills I am looking for, I will need a Porsche or Aston which is not happening soon. M3 is perfect for now. Enjoy it.

[RickFLM4]

Yes, I think you are crazy to worry about ZCP now. The cost will be far greater than the option cost to get out of one car and into a new one. Is it worth $10K? $20K? $25K? when you concluded it wasn't worth $5K a few months / year ago? Love the one you're with.

(Edit: also a little crazy for thinking these cars will appreciate over any time horizon where it would matter now.)

[neilum]

IMO you can mod a base car to get you resolve most of the base drawbacks. First of all, the base car with an MPE sounds better than a ZCP, so you have that done already. Code out Active sound.

Get some 295 tires, and a nice suspension and call it a day.

The ZCP is improved, but remember these people upgrading are also getting a newer car when they buy the ZCP. Subconsciously they aren't realizing that just getting a new car is an upgrade in and of itself with all the little things the new car has over the base.

It's not like its a totally different car, if you do those few things above I can't see how you aren't in pretty much in the same boat and have a much better sounding, sorted car.

[Tepr05]

Originally Posted by doug_999

I think this motor/exhaust combo (S55+ZCP) has one of the worst cold start sounds of any car I've ever owned.

Curious if you feel the same regardless of exhaust flaps being open/closed. Pre-req for all my cold starts is exhaust flap open. It's a much deeper (and louder) note.

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by neilum

IMO you can mod a base car to get you resolve most of the base drawbacks. First of all, the base car with an MPE sounds better than a ZCP, so you have that done already. Code out Active sound.

Get some 295 tires, and a nice suspension and call it a day.

The ZCP is improved, but remember these people upgrading are also getting a newer car when they buy the ZCP. Subconsciously they aren't realizing that just getting a new car is an upgrade in and of itself with all the little things the new car has over the base.

It's not like its a totally different car, if you do those few things above I can't see how you aren't in pretty much in the same boat and have a much better sounding, sorted car.

This.

[Mgap65]

To me, It really doesn't make much sense to upgrade from a non-CP to a CP merely for that reason. If your lease is about to expire and you're planning to switch vehicles then yes, its worth considering.
For me, since this would be my first M3, I chose to get the CP, If I ever decide to upgrade my wheels, I can sell the CP ones for 3500-4500, which is almost the price of the whole CP package. I was also going to black out the grilles/emblem anyways and it comes with a better tuned suspension/handling and a bit more power. If you're someone that is not into mods that much, the CP is a good value, you get a slightly tuned M3, with the full warranty, plus some goodies that the regular M3 doesn't have.
Don't worry about it too much OP, it is an awesome car with or without the CP, just enjoy it!

[Alpine300zhp]

OP. Trust me, I have a ZCP M3 and a non-ZCP M4. The difference is not worth exiting one car at a loss to get the other. There is a difference, but not that much.

[Aaaaaaaaa]

But but YOLO and FOMO and all that other millennial sentiment.

[48Laws]

Lmao ^. Facts.

[doug_999]

Originally Posted by Tepr05

Curious if you feel the same regardless of exhaust flaps being open/closed. Pre-req for all my cold starts is exhaust flap open. It's a much deeper (and louder) note.

I don't think the car sounds bad with the flaps closed (normal driving). It is the cold start that is simply brutal - and I don't mean loud, I mean, it sounds like a John Deer tractor. I might have to roll it into the driveway cause my garage makes it worse! My previous BMWs (X6 50, 650GC, M2) were so much nicer. To me of course.

[espressoo]

What's the calculated hit to swap at this point? At least $10k right assuming you get a great deal on a new MY18 ZCP while getting top dollar for your MY17. With $10K, you can get some nice mods. Wheels, coilover or cosmetic mods along with some performance mods. A ZCP is nice but it's certainly not "taking a $10K loss kinda nice".

[eonflux]

What's attractive about the ZCP is that it's a complete package in that all the software, hardware (including the 20" wheels with wider and lower profile (stiffer sidewall) tires), and calibration changes were intended to work together to achieve a certain performance enhancement. Maybe the change is minuscule, but I wouldn't get the ZCP and change the tire size and profile.

Some people find the overall effect to be a significant improvement, others find the changes to be of only marginal significance. Perhaps your own modifications could get close to what the BMW engineers accomplished, but considering no one outside of BMW knows exactly the full extent of what was comprises the ZCP, it seems unlikely one could precisely replicate the changes.

From your post, it's not clear if you've driven a ZCP yet to determine how much of a difference it makes to you, and then determine whether it's worth the money to switch cars. As you know, it's hard for others to help make that value decision. And there's no "right" answer.

[KevinM]

I have a ZCP and I'm very glad I ordered it but I don't have a lot of experience in a non-ZCP car. I ordered it mainly to have no regrets. With all the ZCP talk/reviews, I can totally relate to you wondering about the ZCP. That said, my wish for the ZCP would be completely counter-balanced by the hit I'd take on a 2017. Plus, I'm sure some of the ZCP improvements were quietly incorporated into the non-ZCP cars as well. Unless you can't stop thinking about it, enjoy what you have and keep your car until the new M3 comes out.

[Time Lord]

Massive difference and upgrade gong to a 18 ZCP. With the rebates and incentives going on, it only makes sense to get one.

[RobbyMack]

My suggestion, stop reading the forums and be happy with what you have.

[ONE1]

Originally Posted by RobbyMack

My suggestion, stop reading the forums and be happy with what you have.

This.

[M-Nuts]

I wouldn't do it, I have driven both extensively on the track as well, they are different but not to a point where I would consider it a real upgrade and put the extra $$$ for the ZCP, now if you don't own an M4 and you are looking for one, then yes, go with the ZCP.

[Blksnowflake]

Originally Posted by espressoo

What's the calculated hit to swap at this point? At least $10k right assuming you get a great deal on a new MY18 ZCP while getting top dollar for your MY17. With $10K, you can get some nice mods. Wheels, coilover or cosmetic mods along with some performance mods. A ZCP is nice but it's certainly not "taking a $10K loss kinda nice".

LOL, I traded my 15 for a 16 non cp but fully loaded with CCBs and the hit was massive. The 15 will be the fastest depreciating M3 in history as every year after brought nice updates. I believe my total loss was around $25k out and into the new car with a nice payment and interest rate.
If $10k is all it would cost then he has paid extensively on the 17 and or is getting a huge discount on the 18 or it won't have many options, or a combination of these.

I wouldn't do it unless I had clearly disposable income. With the new car comes new mods. New PPF, window tint, cosmetics, new car prep, lowering springs, etc....That adds up to another few thousand or more very quickly depending on what you like.
I'd rather consider one of the conservative OBD tuning options and find a relative mod friendly dealer to start taking my car to.
Buyers remorse is a bitch, bit me in the ass, and it happens to an extent from being on here reading and seeing what people have to say abut their cool new toy. Then in 2020 the new G series M3 drops and your 18 ZCP will automatically be outdated. I can't afford to keep up with the Jones's, so I just come here for the entertainment and knowledge.
Good luck.

[Takumi587]

If you have the means to make the trade then I say do it. I test drove both cars and felt the ZCP was worth the extra money. I own a 2005 E46 M3 (SMG) Convertible and was in your shoes years ago thinking of trading it for a 2006 ZCP 6-MT Coupe. Didn’t do it because I didn’t want to take the loss on depreciation and figured just to enjoy it... I am kicking myself for not making the trade back then. I still have it but man would I have loved to have a ZCP E46 in my garage more today. You do have a MT M3 now but a ZCP MT M3 would be the ultimate IMO. Just my .02 cents. I’m getting a 2018 M3 MG as well in MT with ZCP =)

[///M4ster Yoda]

Not again