F8X M3/M4 Competition Package?

[M5Rlz]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Strange I test drove comp and non-comp pack M5 2 months ago when I was on the fence about leasing one with the great deals. It was a world of difference to me.

http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=877511

Like I said there are differing opinions on its worth... I've only ever driven it in an M6 and honestly you can't really get a feel for a car in a 5-15mile test drive... The m6 and m5 are so different thats about the only thing I noticed.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by 335iRlz

http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=877511

Like I said there are differing opinions on its worth... I've only ever driven it in an M6 and honestly you can't really get a feel for a car in a 5-15mile test drive... The m6 and m5 are so different thats about the only thing I noticed.

Yeah I think some people are just feel changes more than others. For instance many say they cannot feel spacers but every car I have ever driven with them I can feel it.

[Powaup]

Originally Posted by 1stm3f80

I just want my M3 now. If the CP comes out next year great 3 years from now great. Just ship my car now please.

Me and you both.

If I were to guess I would say the comp package will be out MY2017 with +15 hp +10lb/ft torque.

If I can get ED invoice, loyalty and some winter/ultimate driver incentive then maybe I'll upgrade. Thing is by then there will be other cars out that might spike my interest

[M5Rlz]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Yeah I think some people are just feel changes more than others. For instance many say they cannot feel spacers but every car I have ever driven with them I can feel it.

Very true.

[gmd2003]

That guy didn't go over 5k rpm so he couldn't feel the power as it was added up top , and didn't push the car so how could he feel any of the other changes ? That was the silliest review ever lol . I respect you're opinion never driving one more

[19x]

I can't comment about the differences between competition package and standard on the new M5 or last M3.

However, I will give my $.02 on the competition package for the e46 M3.

The competition package (aka ZCP) on the e46 M3 includes the following:

1. ZCP 19" wheels
2. Shorter steering ratio
3. ZCP only optional color (interlagos blue)
4. Bigger front rotors, which were also drilled and more of a floating type
5. M track mode (on the steering wheel)
6. Alcantara steering wheel

That's it in a nutshell.

Personally, I wanted the competition package. I thought it was worth it. That was until I started researching more into it.

Throughout the years I drove several ZCP e46 M3's. I even bought and installed OEM ZCP wheels and a complete OEM ZCP brake kit. Also had a ZCP alcantara steering wheel at one point (full retrofit).

Over time, I reverted back to the stock 18" wheels, standard leather steering wheel, and standard non-ZCP brakes.

That's when I realized that the ZCP package was nothing more than a marketing gimmick. I actually came to the conclusion that ZCP on the e46 M3 was a downgrade in many ways:

1. The OEM alcantara steering wheel was too slippery for daily driving. Even for tracking and autox, it was too slippery, UNLESS I wore driving gloves. I always felt that the standard leather wheel had much better grip, provided that it wasn't worn out. Additionally, I missed the radio button controls on the wheel.

2. When I went from the 19" ZCP wheels back to 18", I couldn't believe how much better the car handled and how much the overall grip and comfort improved, despite the OEM 18" wheels being slightly heavier.

3. The OEM ZCP rotors were never as stable and as smooth as the standard (non-ZCP) brakes. Not to mention the ZCP brakes wore out faster, cracked prematurely by the drilled holes, and didn't perform any better than the standard brakes.

4. The M track mode I found to be useless on my friend's ZCP M3 because he would always turn DSC off completely regardless. Especially during competition use. We felt that it still interfered with spirited driving too much.

Truthfully, the one and only ZCP feature that I found useful on the ZCP e46 M3 was the steering ratio. This was especially useful during competitions like autox. You didn't have to turn the wheel as much due to the shorter ratios. It felt more precise and direct.

Would I pay $4k+ for the ZCP on the e46 M3 to just get the improved steering ratio? - No.

[ozinaldo]

Originally Posted by stefan

You guys who think the new ZCP won't add power are hilarious. We are in the turbo era. There is always power on the table, even more with minor cooling tweaks.

I predict 2017MY comes with ZCP. +25hp, +30ft-lb, 10mm lower, same steering rack, wheels.

I agree with this prediction of the contents of the next ZCP. I think we can not predict the date/model year yet, depends on too many things.

I want to add that while steering rack will likely to remain same; it also depends on how BMW's claims of 'better than the E9X hydraulic' will fare in real world test drives. If most will agree, it will remain same; if most will not agree they will try to fix it at least by a newer software.

[stefan]

Originally Posted by ozinaldo

I want to add that while steering rack will likely to remain same; it also depends on how BMW's claims of 'better than the E9X hydraulic' will fare in real world test drives. If most will agree, it will remain same; if most will not agree they will try to fix it at least by a newer software.

That was only said to help sell cars. The F30 steering rack is a piece of junk. EPS is an absolute joke and that particular system has no place in a sporty car. Even if they improve it two fold, it would still not be fit for purpose by BMW's legendary standard. The problems don't rear their heads in everyday driving, it occurs in moment where the car isn't sure what kind of resistance to give based on the variables. Say, if you are turning, off camber, maybe uphill or something and there's some gravel on the road. Or at least that's what I found.

I am sure journalists love it.. but I'll reserve judgement to my (soon approaching) test drive of the M3.

[CanAutM3]

It is purely speculation on my part, but I am thinking that a power increase will be part of an LCI rather than with the Competition Pack. With the M2 being released in 2 years with about 370hp, the F8X will need more power to keep buyers interrested from a performance perspective. This is in line with what Scott26 has hinted in the M2 thread. The Comp pack could then be more focused on handling as it was on the E9X and the E46.

[Wah]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

It is purely speculation on my part, but I am thinking that a power increase will be part of an LCI rather than with the Competition Pack.

If people will pay for it, why give it away?

[JoeFromPA]

Originally Posted by camber

I can't comment about the differences between competition package and standard on the new M5 or last M3.

However, I will give my $.02 on the competition package for the e46 M3.
...

Truthfully, the one and only ZCP feature that I found useful on the ZCP e46 M3 was the steering ratio. This was especially useful during competitions like autox. You didn't have to turn the wheel as much due to the shorter ratios. It felt more precise and direct.

Would I pay $4k+ for the ZCP on the e46 M3 to just get the improved steering ratio? - No.

To me, this sums it up perfectly. People clamor for the comp packages because of the name or perceived status behind it (IMHO). You will get FAR more actual performance gain by stepping up to, for example, a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s. Which is a "competition package" tire that I believe came showroom on the SLS AMG, for example.

Yet how many threads do we have about how to get those tires on the car?

There is something about desiring a "comp package" on a car that hasn't even come out yet that bothers me.

[BuLoOoSki]

Our dealership in Kuwait just had the M3 and M4 arrive today so I was called to have a look at them. While discussing the cars with the head of M sales he told me that the Competition Package will be available for the M3/M4 by the last quarter of 2014. He also mentioned that this will be the case for European spec and Middle-East spec cars, but not for the US spec cars as of now. I questioned him about it a lot and he seemed 100% sure of what he was talking about, he said that he was just informed about it last week in Turkey while he was there for the BMW event.

And now to what you're all waiting for, what the Competition Package will include! According to him the package will include an increase of 15hp, Black-Chrome tailpipes, re-tuned suspension, and 10mm lower ride height. He also mentioned that it will not include any new styled wheels, the current 19" wheels will be standard with the package.

I asked him about the price of the package and when exactly would one be able to order a car with the competition package and he said he'll let me know by the end of this week. So I'll keep you guys updated!

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by BuLoOoSki

Our dealership in Kuwait just had the M3 and M4 arrive today so I was called to have a look at them. While discussing the cars with the head of M sales he told me that the Competition Package will be available for the M3/M4 by the last quarter of 2014. He also mentioned that this will be the case for European spec and Middle-East spec cars, but not for the US spec cars as of now.

Thanks. I would bet US has to wait at least a year.

[BuLoOoSki]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Thanks. I would bet US has to wait at least a year.

Most probably, yes

[Jockey]

All of that for another $5k too!

[redice]

Better have the zcp style wheels...

[damnitBobby]

sounds about right

yesss! i'll get a chance to buy the comp package in 2016!

[solstice]

I'm pretty sure the comp. pkg is adaptive dampers only so I wouldn't get it anyway and 15 hp is symbolic. I'd like the black tips but I'm sure I can pickup a 3rd party set for the fraction of the cost.

[CanAutM3]

[nachob]

Originally Posted by solstice

I'm pretty sure the comp. pkg is adaptive dampers only so I wouldn't get it anyway and 15 hp is symbolic. I'd like the black tips but I'm sure I can pickup a 3rd party set for the fraction of the cost.

Ditto, competition pkg with adaptive suspension is like jumbo shrimp! The last was a fail except for 359 wheels.

[jzmundy]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Sorry, OP, but I have to agree.

[BuLoOoSki]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Don't shoot the messenger!