Ordering 2011 M3 sedan - wheels/tires/competition package?

[BasicMarinWheels]

I'm happy to say that I am placing my final order for the 2011 M3 sedan tomorrow with manual transmission.

What I am not sure about is whether to stick with the 18 inch wheels/tires, get the 19 inch wheels with the “performance” tires or get the Competition Package (which comes with 19 inch wheels and performance tires).

I'm currently driving a 2009 335i with sport package and manual transmission, and the 18 inch wheels with low profile performance run flat tires that come with the sport package (unlike many of you, I like the run flats just fine, don't find them too harsh, etc.). I don't mind a firm ride, and I like great cornering on twisty mountain roads, which I drive whenever possible.

This car will be my daily driver, but I expect to drive it pretty hard, and try to squeeze a lot of performance out of it. That's why I'm getting it. I thought I could just get the stock 18 inch wheels, since the car comes with the legendary M3 suspension. But, I'm concerned that if I get the stock 18 inch wheels and stock tires that come with it, it would be like getting a 3 series without the sport package, which would be unthinkable to me. I am not looking for a cushy, luxury car type ride, and I don't care in the least how the wheels look, I just want it to drive well. I want it to stick to the corners when I drive it hard.

So, the questions:

(1) Do I need the 19 inch wheels/tires?

(2) If I should get 19 inch wheels/tires, should I get the Competition Package, which comes with 19 inch wheels? It also comes with a bunch of other stuff that I'm not sure I need. For example, it looks like it comes with the pushbutton EDC thingy that lets you pick “comfort,” or “normal” or “sport” damper settings. I normally don't like to adjust settings on things - I like to just pick the setting that suits me most the time and stick with it (I am the type that will get through driving through 25 miles of twisty mountain roads and then realize I forgot to push the “sport” button). It also comes with “DSC with performance modified mapping” but I'm not sure I need that, either.

Can anyone offer any constructive advice? I want to be sure that I get my order in Friday, so quick responses are appreciated. Again, I don't care how it looks, so please don't tell me which wheels look better with certain colors, etc.

Thanks!

[FVM3]

ZCP

[gthal]

Get the competition package. I'm very happy I have it on my 2nd M3.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by BasicMarinWheels

I'm happy to say that I am placing my final order for the 2011 M3 sedan tomorrow with manual transmission.

What I am not sure about is whether to stick with the 18 inch wheels/tires, get the 19 inch wheels with the “performance” tires or get the Competition Package (which comes with 19 inch wheels and performance tires).

I'm currently driving a 2009 335i with sport package and manual transmission, and the 18 inch wheels with low profile performance run flat tires that come with the sport package (unlike many of you, I like the run flats just fine, don't find them too harsh, etc.). I don't mind a firm ride, and I like great cornering on twisty mountain roads, which I drive whenever possible.

This car will be my daily driver, but I expect to drive it pretty hard, and try to squeeze a lot of performance out of it. That's why I'm getting it. I thought I could just get the stock 18 inch wheels, since the car comes with the legendary M3 suspension. But, I'm concerned that if I get the stock 18 inch wheels and stock tires that come with it, it would be like getting a 3 series without the sport package, which would be unthinkable to me. I am not looking for a cushy, luxury car type ride, and I don't care in the least how the wheels look, I just want it to drive well. I want it to stick to the corners when I drive it hard.

So, the questions:

(1) Do I need the 19 inch wheels/tires?

(2) If I should get 19 inch wheels/tires, should I get the Competition Package, which comes with 19 inch wheels? It also comes with a bunch of other stuff that I'm not sure I need. For example, it looks like it comes with the pushbutton EDC thingy that lets you pick “comfort,” or “normal” or “sport” damper settings. I normally don't like to adjust settings on things - I like to just pick the setting that suits me most the time and stick with it (I am the type that will get through driving through 25 miles of twisty mountain roads and then realize I forgot to push the “sport” button). It also comes with “DSC with performance modified mapping” but I'm not sure I need that, either.

Can anyone offer any constructive advice? I want to be sure that I get my order in Friday, so quick responses are appreciated. Again, I don't care how it looks, so please don't tell me which wheels look better with certain colors, etc.

Thanks!

The season premiere of Jersey Shores is upon us.

Have you ever driven an M3, even at a test drive? Only you can tell if you like the ride/handling of 18" vs. 19" donuts, the push button EDC thingy, the whatchamacallit DSC and the forgetaboutit ZCP.

[kscarrol]

The real question is can you find a dealer with a production slot for an E90... Production ends shortly and finding a dealer with some allocation left may be tough.

[stefan]

I think ZCP is really overhyped. This board seems to love it. Unlike the similarly named package on the E46, this doesn't offer anything more than wheels, mandatory EDC, and 10mm lowering springs. IMO pass on it, save the money for a set of nicer wheels (BBS, etc.) and save yourself the headache of having to emulate EDC or buy OEM shocks when you need to do a replacement or feel like upgrading to coils.

As for the 18 vs 19 argument; see above. Again, everyone has 220Ms. They are extremely common and a costly option that puts you into the price range of some really nice and wider 19" aftermarket wheels like the CH-R for example. And strictly speaking, from a handling and performance perspective, you're much better off with 18s.

[Gkap]

If your going to mod get 18's if not get 19's

[M3tallicar]

Aside from the suspension I think the remapped DSC on the comp pkg is a good thing.

But really, as someone else said, you should ideally test drive them and decide based on your subjective opinion.

[SeeYaLater]

Make sure you can still order the E90 because lots of people have been having a hard time finding a dealer that still has some allocations left. 2011 is the last year for the E90 and most "spots" are already sold.

18" looks small. Nowadays, even Hondas and Toyotas come with 19", 20" wheels. If you go with 18s, you'll end up having to spend more $$ in the future to get some larger aftermarket wheels. So it may be cheaper to just get the ZCP package now.

[F82_SID]

I love the look of the upgraded 19's personally. That is why I went with them instead of the competition package. But if I didnt care about the look of the wheels then I would have gotten the ZCP. In your case, I think that ZCP is a must for you. It will provide better looks and slightly better handling. I really think that you will regret it once you get your car if you dont get ZCP. The first time you wash your car and think "damn, those 18s are ugly. I should have got the competition package".

[stefan]

Originally Posted by M3tallicar

Aside from the suspension I think the remapped DSC on the comp pkg is a good thing.

DSC is only modified to account for changes to EDC, which are made to account for the higher spring rates and lowered ride height. That's about it.. I think BMW marketing has chalked it up to be much more than it is.

[M3tallicar]

Originally Posted by stefan

DSC is only modified to account for changes to EDC, which are made to account for the higher spring rates and lowered ride height. That's about it.. I think BMW marketing has chalked it up to be much more than it is.

As I understand it the altered DSC has a higher slip threshold, as mentioned in this review for example-
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...e/viewall.html

In any case, I still think it is a good thing

[checkmate]

Do you have an allocation? Almost every dealer I know is out of one. I've had 2 friends who've tried to order the E90 to no avail.

If you're somehow successful in ordering then go for the 19's. The 19's are forged thereby making them extremely strong and durable. Plus they cost more aftermarket than the Comp Pkge wheels which are low pressure cast.

[gthal]

Originally Posted by stefan

DSC is only modified to account for changes to EDC, which are made to account for the higher spring rates and lowered ride height. That's about it.. I think BMW marketing has chalked it up to be much more than it is.

Not quite true... it also allows for more wheel spin in MDM mode which I think is very useful for those who use MDM on the track.

[Grail05]

your SN sounds like your going to mod the wheels... get the 18... but if you want a spare that looks good on your car get the 19.... its your money and its going to be up to you no matter what....

if it was me... Id get the 19 so i can swap wheels every other month... thats if your going to mod your wheels...

[mmm def]

ZCP all the way

[stefan]

Originally Posted by M3tallicar

As I understand it the altered DSC has a higher slip threshold, as mentioned in this review for example-
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...e/viewall.html

In any case, I still think it is a good thing

Hmm now that is interesting. Thanks for the link. Surprised this isn't a dealer-based reflash option given that information; sounds to be all contained in software.

[chmura]

I have an M3 on order with ZCP. I got it mainly for the wheels and the minimal drop.

I do not like the regular 19 inch wheels at all. Makes the M3 look dated IMO.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by BasicMarinWheels

I thought I could just get the stock 18 inch wheels, since the car comes with the legendary M3 suspension. But, I'm concerned that if I get the stock 18 inch wheels and stock tires that come with it, it would be like getting a 3 series without the sport package, which would be unthinkable to me.

Unwarranted concern, IMHO. Your initial thought was spot on - the suspension is the same regardless of what wheels you have. This isn't like the 3 series where different spring rates and/or dampening are used with the Sport, M Sport, etc packages.

Now, there is EDC vs. non-EDC suspension of course. I suggest you search to read up on the differences. Also, like others said, get a test drive to compare. But the bottom line is that an M3, even with 18s and the non-EDC suspension, is going to make you forget all about your 3 series with sport package. Canyon carving will be taken to a whole new level.

[Jeff_DML]

Originally Posted by M3tallicar

As I understand it the altered DSC has a higher slip threshold, as mentioned in this review for example-
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...e/viewall.html

In any case, I still think it is a good thing

I don't trust motortrend, I think they are getting confused with ///M marketing and it is just the standard MDM mode of DSC.


18" do not ride like a non-sport 3 series

[shay2nak]

If you like the wheels and you plan on leaving your car stock, I'd say get it. You can get lighter wheels and I'd rather save the money for a set of coilovers.

who cares what size wheels are on accords and camrys. they're too big for those cars in the first place. If you care about wheel size, then maybe this not the car for you. I know there are plenty of SUVs out there where you can fit like 30" wheels.

[SROC3]

Completely worth it. Worst case is it increases resale value...?

I'm getting a new M3 2012 and DEF getting the Comp Package.