ZCP and DC/MD/VA roads

[DeliAhjusshi]

Hi guys, first post. Was looking to get into an M3 and was wondering how a m3 with zcp handles dmv roads. I think I traumatized my wife way back in day when we were young and I was driving a lowered maxima on coilovers running 19inch volk te-37s. That was 20 years ago and she still remembers how bad it was. I don't expect the m3 to be anywhere near that ride quality, however the Car and Driver reviews has me wondering. Like to get input from local guys that use their cars as daily's. Thanks in advance.

[Who's on first]

Originally Posted by DeliAhjusshi

Hi guys, first post. Was looking to get into an M3 and was wondering how a m3 with zcp handles dmv roads. I think I traumatized my wife way back in day when we were young and I was driving a lowered maxima on coilovers running 19inch volk te-37s. That was 20 years ago and she still remembers how bad it was. I don't expect the m3 to be anywhere near that ride quality, however the Car and Driver reviews has me wondering. Like to get input from local guys that use their cars as daily's. Thanks in advance.

There are several of us in the Baltimore/DC area. We usually meet up every month or two. I'm sure you'll be able to get a ride in a few different ones.

Personally, I've had a non-ZCP (2015) for 17,000 miles .. and now a ZCP, 10,300 miles in ... either handle the roads without any issues.


Personally, I feel the ZCP is a fair amount better. It has better dampening control.

[DeliAhjusshi]

Awesome, thanks for the input and the great idea of going to a meet. BTW just noticed that you're an A10 pilot, such a badass plane, thank you for your service!

[EALm4]

I've replaced my shocks twice. Bent 8 rims. Hit a pothole on Pratt St and the active suspension fuse blew and started a small fire. Might have saw that one on the news

Stay away from these cars

[dr.mba]

Originally Posted by EALm4

I've replaced my shocks twice. Bent 8 rims. Hit a pothole on Pratt St and the active suspension fuse blew and started a small fire. Might have saw that one on the news

Stay away from these cars

Are you serious?? I hope you're joking.. if not, I feel for you, you must have really bad luck! I personally think Montreal roads are probably the worst in North (possibly even South) America. I have had no issues with my limited use so far (2200 KM). Many reviews bash on the hard ride and I feel its perfectly fine. Maybe its because I am on HR sport springs on my daily driver which feel harsher to me.

M

[Who's on first]

Originally Posted by EALm4

I've replaced my shocks twice. Bent 8 rims. Hit a pothole on Pratt St and the active suspension fuse blew and started a small fire. Might have saw that one on the news

Stay away from these cars

Wasn't one so bad your airbags went off, the time you slammed over the painted crosswalk strips at Pratt & President, on the way to get a Bookmaker from Sab's?

[bb1857]

I have a 17 ZCP that I picked up in September. I'm in sales and drive from baltimore city down into D.C. and beyond. I would say the ride is firm but not obnoxious and I am now lowered on Swift springs. They are a step stiffer than stock but again not obnoxious. Honestly my 535 with run flats was more jarring over road/bridge expansions. You're certainly welcome to take a ride/drive with your wife in my car at an upcoming meet which should be soon.

[EALm4]

Originally Posted by Who's on first

Wasn't one so bad your airbags went off, the time you slammed over the painted crosswalk strips at Pratt & President, on the way to get a Bookmaker from Sab's?

That was absolutely not my fault! Was trying to swerve to avoid one of those kids trying to wash windows. Cant have him leaning on my recently polished paint

you know how it goes

[jmciver]

You guys crack me up, no need to scare him... But back on topic......

I have a 17 ZCP with EDC and the 20" wheels that I picked up in December. I primarily drive in/around the Annapolis area, but have taken some trips into DC for work and other areas where the roads are less than perfect.

Having come from an E36 M3 that went from stock to track setup, then to an E46 M3, from stock to track setup (I still have that one) and now the F80, I will say that coming off the showroom floor, this is the stiffest ride of the three. But to me that is a good thing as that is how I think this car should be from the factory. I had to make minor suspension modifications to my other M3's (shocks, springs & sway bars) to get the car to where I thought it should be on the street.

So what does this mean when driving in the DMV? You will feel more bumps on the roads than a typical new car suspension, including the non-M BMWs. If you get the 19" or 20" wheels, you will have to be more observant of potholes and other minor road hazards so that you can avoid them to prevent possible damage to the wheels. But don't get me wrong, I don't think it is so harsh that my teeth want to rattle out of my head, but it still is a firm ride.

That is the price you have to pay to have a very well sorted out sport suspension on a street car. But when you do get some nice smooth roads, especially one with a few twisties (or the occasional high speed s-curve highway on/off ramp), you are reminded why you got the car in the first place.

Of course, "suspension firmness is in the butt of the beholder" so I recommend you find the opportunity to ride, or even better, drive one so that you can make your own determination. Just make sure you take a test drive over a few bumpy roads if you can (rail road crossings are great) so you can get a sample of what the bumps feel like in this car.

[James0518]

I have over 10k miles on my daily driven ZCP. My grind is from Laurel into Bethesda and I have not had any catastrophes. Knowing where all the road grenades definitely helps avoid repairs and improves the ride comfort. Keep the suspension setting in comfort mode and you'll be ok. Sport setting firms it up bit but becomes bouncy over bridges and rough roads. Swift springs and 30 tires don't help that effort at all. Most certainly compounds the issue. Aftermarket coilovers are in order and I'm still mixed about the ZCP wheels. Would love a meaty tires but the ZCP wheels looks have grown on me.

[EALm4]

Originally Posted by James0518

I have over 10k miles on my daily driven ZCP. My grind is from Laurel into Bethesda and I have not had any catastrophes. Knowing where all the road grenades definitely helps avoid repairs and improves the ride comfort. Keep the suspension setting in comfort mode and you'll be ok. Sport setting firms it up bit but becomes bouncy over bridges and rough roads. Swift springs and 30 tires don't help that effort at all. Most certainly compounds the issue. Aftermarket coilovers are in order and I'm still mixed about the ZCP wheels. Would love a meaty tires but the ZCP wheels looks have grown on me.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...nsion/?pdk=AQE

[James0518]

Originally Posted by EALm4

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...nsion/?pdk=AQE

Those are nice but i'm waiting for the damtronics to come out to see how good they. If they don't live up to the hype then either these or some JRZs

[EALm4]

Originally Posted by James0518

Those are nice but i'm waiting for the damtronics to come out to see how good they. If they don't live up to the hype then either these or some JRZs

man people been waiting on those things for like 2 years

[Who's on first]

Originally Posted by EALm4

man people been waiting on those things for like 2 years

I was waiting on them in Feb 2015... no BS.

Really wanted to get them.

[DeliAhjusshi]

Thanks for the input guys, and thank you bb1857 for your offer. I'll keep an eye out for future meets. Just gotta decide now on a 2017 or 18. CA mentioned something about a price increase of 1.9% starting after April.

[Who's on first]

Originally Posted by DeliAhjusshi

Thanks for the input guys, and thank you bb1857 for your offer. I'll keep an eye out for future meets. Just gotta decide now on a 2017 or 18. CA mentioned something about a price increase of 1.9% starting after April.

But, if you're financing... the rate may drop in April. 2.9% has been around a while... may drop to .9%... that'll offset 1.9% price bump.

[kdu3]

Originally Posted by Who's on first

There are several of us in the Baltimore/DC area. We usually meet up every month or two. I'm sure you'll be able to get a ride in a few different ones.

Personally, I've had a non-ZCP (2015) for 17,000 miles .. and now a ZCP, 10,300 miles in ... either handle the roads without any issues.


Personally, I feel the ZCP is a fair amount better. It has better dampening control.

Where do you guys meet up? Just picked up my 17 M4 ZCP.

[EALm4]

Originally Posted by kdu3

Where do you guys meet up? Just picked up my 17 M4 ZCP.

Keep checking this part of the forums. We'll usually organize something or hit a cars and coffee.

[Who's on first]

Originally Posted by EALm4

Keep checking this part of the forums. We'll usually organize something or hit a cars and coffee.

Yep.

[Who's on first]

Originally Posted by kdu3

Where do you guys meet up? Just picked up my 17 M4 ZCP.

You still up in NYC, or down closer to Baltimore?

[LukeM15]

Stock form I don't really mind the firm ride on Sport/Sport+ I will be adding springs soon so let's see if I'm able to still ride in Sports. Maybe I'll have to switch permanent to comfort.

[Who's on first]

To the OP...

Did you see the thread, we are all meeting up this Saturday.