M3 CS or ZCP as a daily?

[Jbmw98]

Hello Everyone,

I hope you are all have a fantastic memorial day weekend! I found an M3 CS fully optioned that I'm interested in leasing, I live in Illinois currently and am contemplating between this and an M3 Comp pack fully optioned. I want to use this car as a daily drive, so it will have to put up with snow and some arduous conditions. I'd like to hear from owners of either form of the M3 as to their experiences, and some tips on how to use this properly as a daily.


Thanks Much!

[itrocks4u]

I have (had) 2017 M3 Comp as a daily driver. The ride is firm and after a long drive you may feel tired. But I was daily driving it for 2 years and it's been a joy every single day. I've been stuck in extensive commute and some spirited driving on the freeway. Just a phenomenal machine.

I have been looking at the CS currently but I'm not a fan of interior (my 2017 had SO interior with CF trim and looked better when without full leather) versus CS interior. If you're used to comfort access, you might miss that on everyday basis (I got quite used to it), but I don't think having no dual climate control is CS is a big deal. Even though the interior seems lacking (I'm not fan of alcantra), I would still take CS as a daily driver. I doubt CS would drive significantly different than Comp.

If you can get a solid deal on CS and not a significant difference than comp, given the rarity of CS, I think you should go for that.

Edit: Just to put things in perspective, there are extensive debate threads on Comp Package M3 versus non-comp M3 on these forums. I don't think in a short test drive you would be able to really differentiate the drive. I also am certain in either one, you would definitely feel tired after long commutes lol. In those cases I happily drive my Toyota Sienna and park as close to the front as possible in the jammed mall parking lots lol.

[doug_999]

If you can live without the heated steering wheel, comfort access, and manual trans, go for it, it is an awesome car!

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by itrocks4u

I doubt CS would drive significantly different than Comp.

That's actually where the biggest difference between the CP and CS lies

[M 4 FUN]

I would choose a Comp pack. With a centre console with armrest and door panels where you can put stuff. Also possible to choose manual if wanted.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by M 4 FUN

I would choose a Comp pack. With a centre console with armrest and door panels where you can put stuff. Also possible to choose manual if wanted.

You realize that the M3cs has the same interior door panels as a Comp Pack?

Only the M4cs gets the lightweight doors cars devoid of storage.

[RustySeatbelt]

Here's hoping this post survives without devolving into a value argument... If you're using the car as a daily, how much family double duty will you pull? Personally, the two things keeping me in the comp are comfort access, and the dual zone/rear climate. Regardless of how you use the car, or whether you actually can get the full capability out of the car, the more honest question is will you regret not buying the CS because you want it? If the answer is yes, then obviously buy the CS.

[Ex_Stig]

IMO, people who say the center arm rest is the reason they didn't get the CS are just looking to make excuses.

I haven't missed it at all.

Now, I wish the car had comfort access and the 360 top view camera for parking, but even that wasn't a deal breaker for me.

[shortseller]

If I were buying rather than leasing I’d go CS over CP. As far as comfort features, they’ve been highlighted well enough above for you to make up your mind I suspect. But as you are leasing, the CP will be cheaper and a better daily.

[JTM09]

One thing to consider ..if there is even a small chance you may want to buy the car out at lease end, go for the ZCP.

The residual on the CS is going to be ridiculous. Yes they are great cars, but I doubt they will be retailing for $60k in 3 years. Just a guess tho ..

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by RustySeatbelt

Here's hoping this post survives without devolving into a value argument... If you're using the car as a daily, how much family double duty will you pull? Personally, the two things keeping me in the comp are comfort access, and the dual zone/rear climate. Regardless of how you use the car, or whether you actually can get the full capability out of the car, the more honest question is will you regret not buying the CS because you want it? If the answer is yes, then obviously buy the CS.

Good post. Both cars are obviously great. I just made this decision a few weeks ago. I had a great deal on a 2018 SMB M3cs on the table but turned it down and ordered a 2020 M4 for PCD instead.

Tough decision and my wife wanted to kill me as she was sick of hearing about various cars for the few weeks it took me to decide.

I love what the CS offers but I have a 6 month old so the rear climate control or lack thereof was gonna be an issue. Another "issue" was comfort access. I've had it for so many years it was gonna be extremely annoying to have to pull the fob out every time I walked up to the car. BMW offers a rear sunshade and Exec Package but deletes comfort access? Dumb.

These questions are all just personal preference as we all use these cars differently. For my use a ZCP car built to my Spec was the way to go

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by shortseller

If I were buying rather than leasing I’d go CS over CP. As far as comfort features, they’ve been highlighted well enough above for you to make up your mind I suspect. But as you are leasing, the CP will be cheaper and a better daily.

Not true. I had a better and cheaper deal on a CS vs a ZCP car. Dealerships just want to get rid of CS stock. Plus the residuals on the 2018 M3cs are very good at the moment.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by ///M4ster Yoda

Not true. I had a better and cheaper deal on a CS vs a ZCP car. Dealerships just want to get rid of CS stock. Plus the residuals on the 2018 M3cs are very good at the moment.

If CS are selling less than CP, then BMW f’d up there big time to cause dealers to take such losses. That being said, I’d still take a CS for ownership and a CP for lease.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by shortseller

If CS are selling less than CP, then BMW f’d up there big time to cause dealers to take such losses. That being said, I’d still take a CS for ownership and a CP for lease.

A 2018 out of production M3cs that sells for less than than a well optioned custom ordered 2020 ZCP M4, that’s not that surprising is it?

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by shortseller

If CS are selling less than CP, then BMW f’d up there big time to cause dealers to take such losses. That being said, I’d still take a CS for ownership and a CP for lease.

CSs are Leasing for less then ZCPs. BMW NA screwed up the pricing on the CS. 100k+ 3 series is a hard pill to swallow for a lot of people. Dealerships are dropping their drawers to get rid of them. I had an almost 20k discount on one deal I was working on.

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

A 2018 out of production M3cs that sells for less than than a well optioned custom ordered 2020 ZCP M4, that's not that surprising is it?

That's exactly where I am at and I'm ok with it.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

A 2018 out of production M3cs that sells for less than than a well optioned custom ordered 2020 ZCP M4, that’s not that surprising is it?

I would think so going into a new production model year, F to G with more pricing considerations. A fully loaded 2020 M4 CP should cost more I would think.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by ///M4ster Yoda

That's exactly where I am at and I'm ok with it.

Also from a resale standpoint, a 2020 will have better value than a 2018 at the same point in time down the road, CS or not.

[Dogz]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Also from a resale standpoint, a 2020 will have better value than a 2018 down the road, CS or not.

I daily my CS and no regrets

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Davem2c

I daily my CS and no regrets

Same here, and in the winter too

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Also from a resale standpoint, a 2020 will have better value than a 2018 down the road, CS or not.

BMWs unless limited production models, no matter how good, will never hold any real value. Newer will always be better for BMW. It’s a disposable mentality I guess and with over leasing, that kills a brand.

[Ex_Stig]

Originally Posted by shortseller

BMWs unless limited production models, no matter how good, will never hold any real value. Newer will always be better for BMW. It's a disposable mentality I guess and with over leasing, that kills a brand.

Are you saying that 1,207 M3 CS produced isn't limited enough?

Sure, the residual will be high, but BMW knows that they won't sell for that amount in 3 years either. I'm fully expecting to be able to buy mine at the end of the lease for fair market value.

For me, the CS is a long game car. I plan on keeping this one for 10-15 years (I hope).