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      02-19-2020, 03:47 PM   #1
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Help me choose: M4 vs M4 Comp. pack (ZCP)?

Help me choose: M4 vs M4 Comp. pack (ZCP)?

M4 DCT; OR M4 DCT Comp. Pack? Both, fully loaded.

Current General Prices:
2015/2016 M4 ~$50k CAD
2017/2018 M4 comp pack ~$60k CAD
I thought the comp. pack only came out in 2018, but I see some are advertised as 2017 comp packs in Canada.

Caveats:
• This will be my daily;
• I want to take it to the track once-in-a-while. It is an M, after-all;
• I will apply at least a Stage 1 tune to increase power;
• I will buy a different exhaust (equal length)

• I DO want to be smart (that's a relative term) financially!

Please confirm/dispel some info:
My understanding is that the comp. pack is mainly different from the m4 in handling, as it has:
• Revised Active M suspension w/ new springs and dampers
• Revised antiroll bars (*true?)
• a newer active m electronic differential.

• better power delivery/ power band/torque curve? More linear? (*true?)

• a bit more hp - +19hp - 444hp (accomplished by a slight change to the cylinder head, according to a video - *true? - I thought it was just a tune)

• Black sport exhaust

• "Redline indicator" - to indicate how high one can rev while engine is coming to temp - not a biggie as I always bring my cars to temp

• Plus, various cosmetic changes, inside and out - love those LCI LED headlights and taillights in the 2018 iterations!
——————————————————————————————————————

Assuming I don't care for the cosmetic changes, including the seats, 20" wheels, or the sport exhaust...

And, given the above-mentioned caveats, and the price difference is ~10k – what is the better decision?

Also, IF the suspension and linear torque curve is that much better...(those are my main areas of focus)
• Is there a cost effective way to equal the comp packs revised suspension and dampers?
o I would like a car with adaptive suspension – not coilovers – and adaptive aftermarket coilovers are way too expensive.
• And how much better is the newer differential?

• Is there a tune (MHD/BM3) that addresses the torque dump that the first iterations of the m4's are known for? And, am I mistaken that this was addressed in the comp. pack?

Can I make a 2015 m4 meet/exceed the above revisions in the comp. pack, while not venturing into "should've just got the comp pack" territory?

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      02-19-2020, 03:49 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by f32_027 View Post
Help me choose: M4 vs M4 Comp. pack (ZCP)?

M4 DCT; OR M4 DCT Comp. Pack? Both, fully loaded.

Current General Prices:
2015/2016 16 M4 ~$50k CAD
2017/2018 m4 comp pack ~$60k CAD
I thought the comp. pack only came out in 2018, but I see some are advertised as 2017 comp packs in Canada.

Caveats:
• This will be my daily;
• I want to take it to the track once-in-a-while. It is an M, after-all;
• I will apply at least a Stage 1 tune to increase power;
• I will buy a different exhaust (equal length)

I DO want to be smart (that’s a relative term) financially!

Please confirm/dispel some info:
My understanding is that the comp. pack is mainly different from the m4 in handling, as it has:
• Revised Active M suspension w/ new springs and dampers
• Revised antiroll bars [COLOR="Red"](*true?)[/COLOR]
• a newer active m electronic differential.

• better power delivery/ power band/torque curve? More linear?
[COLOR="red"](*true?)[/COLOR]

• a bit more hp - +19hp - 444hp (accomplished by a slight change to the cylinder head, according to a video - [COLOR="red"]*true?[/COLOR] - I thought it was just a tune)

• Black sport exhaust

• “Redline indicator” - to indicate how high one can rev while engine is coming to temp - not a biggie as I always bring my cars to temp

• Plus, various cosmetic changes, inside and out - [SIZE="2"]love those LCI LED headlights and taillights in the 2018 iterations![/SIZE]
——————————————————————————————————————

Assuming I don’t care for the cosmetic changes, including the seats, 20” wheels, or the sport exhaust...

And, given the above-mentioned caveats, and the price difference is ~10k – what is the better decision?

Also, IF the suspension and linear torque curve is that much better...(those are my main areas of focus)
• Is there a cost effective way to equal the comp packs revised suspension and dampers?
o I would like a car with adaptive suspension – not coilovers – and adaptive aftermarket coilovers are way too expensive.
• And how much better is the newer differential?

• Is there a tune (MHD/BM3) that addresses the torque dump that the first iterations of the m4’s are known for? [COLOR="red"]And, am I mistaken that this was addressed in the comp. pack?[/COLOR]

Can I make a 2015 m4 meet/exceed the above revisions in the comp. pack, while not venturing into “should’ve just got the comp pack” territory?

Sources:







Where's the cs option?
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      02-19-2020, 04:28 PM   #3
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Quote:
Where's the cs option?
Lol, beyond what I am willing to pay at this time.
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      02-19-2020, 04:37 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by f32_027 View Post
Quote:
Where's the cs option?
Lol, beyond what I am willing to pay at this time.
Get the comp if you can afford it, it's worth the cost for sure.
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      02-19-2020, 05:05 PM   #5
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not worth it in my opinion. the hardware (aside from some minor suspension changes) has been the same in these cars since day 1. It all comes down to coding and tuning.

You can code the competition or CS electronic steering, transmission, differential, and EDC settings onto a 2015 car for like $100. the suspension will not be 100% like a CS or Comp though because they have different combinations of sway bars, springs, struts, wheels. You can even throw a CS engine tune on a 2015 car if you want.
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      02-19-2020, 05:17 PM   #6
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ZCP has different seats too?
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      02-19-2020, 05:19 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dcpatters View Post
ZCP has different seats too?
The seat cutouts.
And seatbelts have M tri-colour stitching.
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      02-19-2020, 05:25 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Humdizzle View Post
not worth it in my opinion. the hardware (aside from some minor suspension changes) has been the same in these cars since day 1. It all comes down to coding and tuning.

You can code the competition or CS electronic steering, transmission, differential, and EDC settings onto a 2015 car for like $100. the suspension will not be 100% like a CS or Comp though because they have different combinations of sway bars, springs, struts, wheels. You can even throw a CS engine tune on a 2015 car if you want.
I didn't think the standard M3 had EDC?
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      02-19-2020, 07:23 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Megabass View Post
I didn't think the standard M3 had EDC?
its optional on the base M3. Standard on comp pack.
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      02-19-2020, 11:19 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Humdizzle View Post
not worth it in my opinion. the hardware (aside from some minor suspension changes) has been the same in these cars since day 1. It all comes down to coding and tuning.

You can code the competition or CS electronic steering, transmission, differential, and EDC settings onto a 2015 car for like $100. the suspension will not be 100% like a CS or Comp though because they have different combinations of sway bars, springs, struts, wheels. You can even throw a CS engine tune on a 2015 car if you want.
Thaaaaanks. Any thoughts on the questions for clarification I asked around the power curve?
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      02-20-2020, 01:26 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by f32_027 View Post
Thaaaaanks. Any thoughts on the questions for clarification I asked around the power curve?
its the exact same engine whether you have a base, comp, or CS.

The only difference is the tune. You can see in these charts ( https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1454386 ) that the 2015-2016 base model cars make a fair bit more power than the newer cars below 3000 rpm. BMW tuned this out because of people not being able to handle the abrupt torque / traction issues... instead making the powerband more linear like an NA engine.
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      02-21-2020, 06:05 AM   #12
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First, in terms of semantics, since you are in Canada, the Comp pack is the "ZHP" and not the "ZCP" for us northerners. In Canada, the ZCP is the cosmetics "Carbon Package" for the F83 convertible M4.

All M3/4 variants share the same engine hardware, except for the GTS that has the water injection system. The power difference solely stems from a different electronic tune. That being said, there were some changes made to the engine over time. In 2017ish they introduced a revised bedplate design. Also, early iteration had a lighter magnesium oil pan that was later replaced by a cheaper aluminum one.

As far as the power curve, the CP difference is all in the top end, where it makes more power above 5500rpm. The engine tune has eventually been revised on all S55 tune variants to make less torque at low RPM. Initially, the S55 torque plateau was rated at 1800-5500rpm, it was later revised to 2350-5500rpm. So early M3/4 will have more low end torque while later ones will have less, CP or not. I personally found the earlier versions to be more exciting due to that low end torque surge. Since the hardware is all the same, applying a tune will result in the same tuned power levels regardless if base or CP.

It is correct, the CP has revised spring rates, revised damper hardware and electronic calibration and stiffer front and rear anti-roll bars. So it will require a fair bit of investment if you wish to upgrade a base suspension to CP standard.

As for the rear differential, the CP has the exact same hardware as the base albeit with a different electronic calibration optimized for the revised CP suspension.

As for the "redline indicator" functionality, it has not changed throughout the F8X lifecycle.

IMO, getting the newer and improved version is the better choice. You are getting a newer and better car for that money and you'll get some of that money back in maintenance and resale value.
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      02-21-2020, 11:21 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CanAutM3 View Post
First, in terms of semantics, since you are in Canada, the Comp pack is the "ZHP" and not the "ZCP" for us northerners. In Canada, the ZCP is the cosmetics "Carbon Package" for the F83 convertible M4.

All M3/4 variants share the same engine hardware, except for the GTS that has the water injection system. The power difference solely stems from a different electronic tune. That being said, there were some changes made to the engine over time. In 2017ish they introduced a revised bedplate design. Also, early iteration had a lighter magnesium oil pan that was later replaced by a cheaper aluminum one.

As far as the power curve, the CP difference is all in the top end, where it makes more power above 5500rpm. The engine tune has eventually been revised on all S55 tune variants to make less torque at low RPM. Initially, the S55 torque plateau was rated at 1800-5500rpm, it was later revised to 2350-5500rpm. So early M3/4 will have more low end torque while later ones will have less, CP or not. I personally found the earlier versions to be more exciting due to that low end torque surge. Since the hardware is all the same, applying a tune will result in the same tuned power levels regardless if base or CP.

It is correct, the CP has revised spring rates, revised damper hardware and electronic calibration and stiffer front and rear anti-roll bars. So it require a fair nit of investment if you wish to upgrade a base suspension to CP standard.

As for the rear differential, the CP has the exact same hardware as the base albeit with a different electronic calibration optimized for the revised CP suspension.

As for the "redline indicator" functionality, it has not changed throughout the F8X lifecycle.

IMO, getting the newer and improved version is the better choice. You are getting a newer and better car for that money and you'll get some of that money back in maintenance and resale value.
Thank you for your thorough explanation! I appreciate it.
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      02-21-2020, 03:33 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by f32_027 View Post
Thank you for your thorough explanation! I appreciate it.
I respect CanAut’s opinion a lot but wanted to put forward a different perspective.

Get a older non comp pack car for (a lot?) pcheaper and get full coilovers and better wheels and tires. That will make waaaay more difference than comp pack.
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      02-21-2020, 05:00 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nicknaz View Post
I respect CanAut’s opinion a lot but wanted to put forward a different perspective.

Get a older non comp pack car for (a lot?) pcheaper and get full coilovers and better wheels and tires. That will make waaaay more difference than comp pack.
The OP was specific on wanting to retain EDC and not wanting coilovers…

But I agree, for extensive modding, an older car is a more cost sensitive approach.
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      02-22-2020, 12:53 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CanAutM3 View Post
The OP was specific on wanting to retain EDC and not wanting coilovers…

But I agree, for extensive modding, an older car is a more cost sensitive approach.
I saw that, and also that they wanted to improve upon comp pack and save money by getting a 2015.

Guess they need to make some trade offs.

My $0.02 would be for OP to keep in mind that stock m4 gts comes with kw clubsport 3 way full coilovers, and not “adaptive suspension” (imho the main benefit of the adjustable street suspension is ///Marketing to street only owners)

Edit; full disclosure to OP, I ordered my f80 with non adaptive suspension and 18s under the thinking that I would be pulling those off the car anyway (didn’t want to waste extra $ buying an edc delete kit)
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      02-22-2020, 12:16 PM   #17
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Competition pack gives you better looks, exhaust, handling, wheels, power, seats etc.
So basically decision is easy.
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      02-22-2020, 02:02 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nicknaz View Post
I saw that, and also that they wanted to improve upon comp pack and save money by getting a 2015.

Guess they need to make some trade offs.

My $0.02 would be for OP to keep in mind that stock m4 gts comes with kw clubsport 3 way full coilovers, and not “adaptive suspension” (imho the main benefit of the adjustable street suspension is ///Marketing to street only owners)

Edit; full disclosure to OP, I ordered my f80 with non adaptive suspension and 18s under the thinking that I would be pulling those off the car anyway (didn’t want to waste extra $ buying an edc delete kit)
I depends on the point of view. What attracts me to me the M3/4 is its dual use capabilities: practical daily driver and track toy. To me, the adaptive suspension further enhances that dual use appeal. The adaptive suspension on the F8X performs quite well on track. IMO, the M4GTS came with manually adjustable coilovers to appeal to a certain crowd, there's a certain ///Marketing into that too. There are many very track focused cars that come with adaptive suspension (the GT3RS comes to mind).
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      02-23-2020, 02:03 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CanAutM3 View Post
I depends on the point of view. What attracts me to me the M3/4 is its dual use capabilities: practical daily driver and track toy. To me, the adaptive suspension further enhances that dual use appeal. The adaptive suspension on the F8X performs quite well on track. IMO, the M4GTS came with manually adjustable coilovers to appeal to a certain crowd, there's a certain ///Marketing into that too. There are many very track focused cars that come with adaptive suspension (the GT3RS comes to mind).
That’s right, the POV and use case matters a lot.

We’ve discussed in the past that you specifically keep buying M3 to drive to and from the track, while I moved to separate street and track only cars.

You’re absolutely right there is marketing all around when it comes to these street legal factory track toys, since buyers need to be convinced to get those instead of a used example of an actual factory racecar.

I am definitely in the camp that will find removal of rubber bushings and manually adjusted full coilovers more appealing than no camber plate + electronic adjustable stock dampers
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      02-23-2020, 02:07 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nicknaz View Post
That’s right, the POV and use case matters a lot.

We’ve discussed in the past that you specifically keep buying M3 to drive to and from the track, while I moved to separate street and track only cars.

You’re absolutely right there is marketing all around when it comes to these street legal factory track toys, since buyers need to be convinced to get those instead of a used example of an actual factory racecar.

I am definitely in the camp that will find removal of rubber bushings and manually adjusted full coilovers more appealing than no camber plate + electronic adjustable stock dampers
I also use my M4 as my 4-season daily, not only to drive to and from the track

I agree though, the M3/4 should come with adjustable front camber.
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      02-24-2020, 07:45 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CanAutM3 View Post
I depends on the point of view. What attracts me to me the M3/4 is its dual use capabilities: practical daily driver and track toy. To me, the adaptive suspension further enhances that dual use appeal. The adaptive suspension on the F8X performs quite well on track. IMO, the M4GTS came with manually adjustable coilovers to appeal to a certain crowd, there's a certain ///Marketing into that too. There are many very track focused cars that come with adaptive suspension (the GT3RS comes to mind).
The only thing I disagree with you here is the adaptive suspension part. I really had a hard time telling any real difference between comfort and sport plus. I think BMW (and others) is/are overdue for something like a mag ride setup. Cars I've driven with those are the only ones I could discern a real difference between comfort and track modes.

Otherwise yes, the M3/4 are hands down the dual purpose winner in the market.

Quote:
Originally Posted by CanAutM3 View Post
I also use my M4 as my 4-season daily, not only to drive to and from the track

I agree though, the M3/4 should come with adjustable front camber.
Maybe the comp, but for sure the CS and up should. The CS should also have better steel brakes like the M2 comp got IMO also.
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      02-24-2020, 07:48 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigHunk View Post
Competition pack gives you better looks, exhaust, handling, wheels, power, seats etc.
So basically decision is easy.
Looks are debatable, power is somewhat noticeable over the base, but the CS much more so. There is nothing competition about the 666m wheels and they are actually a detriment to handling/performance. Exhaust is kind of/sort of improved, seats are the same as base with cutouts and adjustable lumbar removed.

All that being said OP, if you can find a comp pack car it is worth it IMO for the suspension updates. Especially if you find one with 19 inch 437s and not the 20 inch 666m wheels.

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