Competition Package - Yes or No?

[AhsanU]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Regarding tuning, I remember CaryTheLabelGuy stating that the CP factory tune offers a better foundation for piggy back tunes. So even if one wants to add a JB4, the CP might be well worth it.

It offers the ability to use more ethanol iirc.

I have the ZCP and I wouldn't tick the option again. I've replaced nearly every facet of the ZCP: the exhaust, springs, wheels, burbles, etc. Hell, I'm going port injection so even the added ability to run more E85 doesn't matter since I'll be running a tank full of it. I genuinely bought the M3 with the ZCP because I like the seats and didn't think I'd mod the car anytime soon.. all I had originally planned was a drop, some painted bits like paddle shifters and reflectors, some CF bits, and that's it.. that didn't last long at all.

[BoxKing]

Originally Posted by AhsanU

It offers the ability to use more ethanol iirc.

I have the ZCP and I wouldn't tick the option again. I've replaced nearly every facet of the ZCP: the exhaust, springs, wheels, burbles, etc. Hell, I'm going port injection so even the added ability to run more E85 doesn't matter since I'll be running a tank full of it. I genuinely bought the M3 with the ZCP because I like the seats and didn't think I'd mod the car anytime soon.. all I had originally planned was a drop, some painted bits like paddle shifters and reflectors, some CF bits, and that's it.. that didn't last long at all.

+1
This pretty much sums up exactly why one should or shouldn't opt for the ZCP.

[paulo_f80m3]

Took delivery of my 16' M3 without the Competition Package. Two weeks before delivery the CP was announced. Yeah I wasn't happy but what are you going to do? It is what it is. Still love her even without it. (Have driven a CP.) To me its just not worth selling her for a newer one with the CP. I'm not a baller and losing up to 10k to then pay another 5k for the CP is just ridiculous in my opinion.

[NewM3owner123]

Bought 2018 M3, first M car, first BMW for that matter. Test driven used 2015, and found it to be borderline of what I would accept as comfortable for daily driving. Could easily afford competition package, but even if it was offered for free, I wouldn't get it, comfort being number one reason. Plus, PLENTY of performance for me...but than again I am coming from 2012 Civic... lol

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by NewM3owner123

Could easily afford competition package, ...

Nope everyone knows that if you dont tick this option box its because you cant afford it!

[Thescout13]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Nope everyone knows that if you dont tick this option box its because you cant afford it!

[Super Spartan]

Originally Posted by NewM3owner123

Bought 2018 M3, first M car, first BMW for that matter. Test driven used 2015, and found it to be borderline of what I would accept as comfortable for daily driving. Could easily afford competition package, but even if it was offered for free, I wouldn't get it, comfort being number one reason. Plus, PLENTY of performance for me...but than again I am coming from 2012 Civic... lol

Keep tellin' yourself that. Had a 2017 M4 3 months back, sold it and got a 2018 M4 ZCP. The difference is night and day. Starting with the power delivery, I know the numbers are the same in terms of torque, but the way it delivers that power is very linear and makes it very accessible and predictable.

Putting all the changes on paper and the cosmetics aside, if anything, I would get it for the exhaust burbles and pops which make the standard M4 dull. Period.

Morale of the story, this is not a competition, its a better overall package in terms of value, cosmetics, more fun with the exhaust.

And no sir, the ride is not less comfortable in any way than a standard M4. I am not saying this to prove anything. I have had both cars as I said, there is 0 difference, to me at least.

[NewM3owner123]

Originally Posted by Snappy Phoenix

Keep tellin' yourself that. Had a 2017 M4 3 months back, sold it and got a 2018 M4 ZCP. The difference is night and day. Starting with the power delivery, I know the numbers are the same in terms of torque, but the way it delivers that power is very linear and makes it very accessible and predictable.

Putting all the changes on paper and the cosmetics aside, if anything, I would get it for the exhaust burbles and pops which make the standard M4 dull. Period.

Morale of the story, this is not a competition, its a better overall package in terms of value, cosmetics, more fun with the exhaust.

And no sir, the ride is not less comfortable in any way than a standard M4. I am not saying this to prove anything. I have had both cars as I said, there is 0 difference, to me at least.

Come on, how can you sit there an tell me, that 20 inch wheels, more aggressive suspension, and louder engine noise are no different compared to standard when it come to daily driving??? I am talking about MY case not yours or anyone else. For me, I would hate to have loud engine noise during my commute every single day. I will not "race" anyone, I just wanted fun car, and standard is fun and then some for me.

To each it's own.

[AhsanU]

Originally Posted by BoxKing

+1
This pretty much sums up exactly why one should or shouldn't opt for the ZCP.

I've always held the sentiment that if you don't plan on modding your car, you really should tick the ZCP box. If you do, then save the money and invest in what you really want to. Resale value should also be considered as ZCP cars always have higher values. But I am keeping my car for a while (kept my E46 M3 for 12 years) and I am modding the hell out of it

Or if you're just a bit wealthy, do both! I wish I could've saved the 5k.. fuck, that could've bought me upgraded turbos from Pure

Hey Pure Turbos , want to trade the ZCP seats and seatbelts for an upgraded set of turbos?

[Super Spartan]

Originally Posted by NewM3owner123

Come on, how can you sit there an tell me, that 20 inch wheels, more aggressive suspension, and louder engine noise are no different compared to standard when it come to daily driving??? I am talking about MY case not yours or anyone else. For me, I would hate to have loud engine noise during my commute every single day. I will not "race" anyone, I just wanted fun car, and standard is fun and then some for me.

To each it's own.

indeed, I respect your opinion and needs of course. Like to me, I feel the car is silent, literally silent in comfort mode/automatic. I use that when I am in the neighborhood to not annoy everyone. Only when I put it in S mode (as in manual) and lift my foot off the accelerator after accelerating a little bit do I hear the burbles.

But I didn't feel any less comfort with the bigger wheels and revised suspension. As you said. to each his own

[Oreganoflow]

the bitterness of less remains long after the sweetness of a cheap price is forgotten.

we can all afford it.

do it.

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by AhsanU

Resale value should also be considered as ZCP cars always have higher values.

Why should resale value be considered? The competition package depreciates just like any other option on the vehicle. Sure it may have a higher value upon resale than a similar car without it, but then again you pay more for it initially and receive pennies on the dollar upon sale. Its foolish to tick any option box based on re-sale unless by some miracle that option is worth MORE upon sale than it was upon purchase.

[dinonz]

Originally Posted by Snappy Phoenix

indeed, I respect your opinion and needs of course. Like to me, I feel the car is silent, literally silent in comfort mode/automatic. I use that when I am in the neighborhood to not annoy everyone. Only when I put it in S mode (as in manual) and lift my foot off the accelerator after accelerating a little bit do I hear the burbles.

But I didn't feel any less comfort with the bigger wheels and revised suspension. As you said. to each his own

Likewise - I have no issues with the comfort or "noise" of my ZCP either.

[georgere]

Yes if I was getting a manual gear box. Otherwise this cp is killing my budget.

[FreshFish]

YES!

[dinonz]

Originally Posted by georgere

Yes if I was getting a manual gear box. Otherwise this cp is killing my budget.

I guess for me, manual was the first item on the list.

I had ordered my M3, and then told the dealer to delay it once I heard about the ZCP coming out. So glad I did - I love it. Especially for someone who leases and doesn't want to mod the car only to have to remove them all later.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

The seats have lumbar support - it is just not adjustable.

Not sure what you mean by this. The CP seats feel to me like the standard seats with the lumbar support fully deflated.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by spyderbret

Because I plan on keeping it for a long time and I like the performance packages BMW offers. I attend multiple track days each year and plan on putting this car in the rotation for something different to drive on the track. I don't plan on upgrading suspension, engine, wheels or brakes. Mine has CCB's so nothing to upgrade there. I think the adaptive suspension with the added comp pack bits will be more than enough for what I want. I will add GC camber plates to help with tire wear but that's it for the suspension. Different tires once I destroy these and to get a little more grip from a very stout setup. I wanted something I could just drive to the track and have fun. My other track car is a little more involved when it comes to prep etc.
I also DD this car so that was a consideration. I didnt feel that the "stiffer" suspension would be a deal breaker for a DD and for me I was right.

I think the comp pack gets so much criticism because it's meant to be more track oriented and some people just check the box to say they have it, not to use it. I plan on using it. Figure out what you want out of the car and it may help make your decision easier.

My answer to ZCP, weather it's an F80, E92, E46 etc. is always a YES!

Again... YMMV...

Ouch, that's gonna get expensive

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Not sure what you mean by this. The CP seats feel to me like the standard seats with the lumbar support fully deflated.

It still has lumbar support or the seat would have no back. All cars have lumbar support, but some are better than others and some are adjustable.

[Motodude310]

Originally Posted by NewM3owner123

Come on, how can you sit there an tell me, that 20 inch wheels, more aggressive suspension, and louder engine noise are no different compared to standard when it come to daily driving??? I am talking about MY case not yours or anyone else. For me, I would hate to have loud engine noise during my commute every single day. I will not "race" anyone, I just wanted fun car, and standard is fun and then some for me.

To each it's own.

Just because the suspension is improved, doesn't mean it's stiffer. ZCP has a beefier rear sway bar, and "different" springs and valving. I've seen reviews driving the two back to back say that the ZCP is actually more comfortable. If you have a car that has less roll, but is more compliant over bumps it's going to be better AND more comfortable.

[Thescout13]

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

It still has lumbar support or the seat would have no back. All cars have lumbar support, but some are better than others and some are adjustable.

Semantics man! Haha.

[ArieArie]

Originally Posted by Motodude310

Just because the suspension is improved, doesn't mean it's stiffer. ZCP has a beefier rear sway bar, and "different" springs and valving. I've seen reviews driving the two back to back say that the ZCP is actually more comfortable. If you have a car that has less roll, but is more compliant over bumps it's going to be better AND more comfortable.

Yes, I have seen the same youtube video, two M3 driven back to back, and the conclusion was that the car with ZCP, in comfort mode, was most "supple" than the car without the ZCP. I'm not sure why that would be, but it is interesting.