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

[James T. Kirk]

ZCP is overrated. I have it.

I've heard that 18s are better for tracking, but they look noticeably smaller than 19s.

[CalgaryX3]

I opted for the ZCP only because the price was right. Not sure I would pay MSRP for that package, however, as been said, it will make your car more marketable should resale ever be a future consideration.

Asif

[M3tallicar]

Originally Posted by James T. Kirk

ZCP is overrated. I have it.

I've heard that 18s are better for tracking, but they look noticeably smaller than 19s.

Curious, overrated based on what? Have you pushed a similarly equipped ZCP and M3 without it back to back on same course to compare? It would be interesting to hear an objective comparo like that

[BasicMarinWheels]

Hi, it’s the OP here - I meant to post here a while back to say thanks for all the responses, but I left on vacation shortly after placing the order, and have been inundated with work ever since. So, even though it's been almost 2 months, I'll say it now: Thanks for all the input!

I did do a lot of research, as several of you suggested, read a lot of threads, and ended up opting for the Competition Package. I first decided that I wanted the dynamic damping and control of EDC, which comes with the package. Then I decided I wanted the 19 inch wheels/tires, as I think they will give it a slightly firmer/crisper ride. The rest of it – slightly lowered center of gravity, the DSC mapping, the nicer looking wheels, etc. – was just gravy.

To respond to a few of the many great posts:

Originally Posted by Technic

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.

I guess I deserved that. To answer your question, yes, I’ve driven several E90 M3’s, although not recently. It was just not practical this time, as I ordered from a So. Cal. Dealer (I’m in Nor.Cal.) and I didn’t think it was ethical to waste a local dealer’s time test-driving his cars when I had no intention of buying from him. So, I had to just get some advice from people who drive the cars every day.

Originally Posted by 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.

Yes, you can (or at least you could 7 weeks ago)!

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Your initial thought was spot on - the suspension is the same regardless of what wheels you have. . . . . 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.

Can’t wait!

I placed my order in early August, it entered production at the end of the month, and was aboard the Grand Venus by September 15, 2011. It is due in Port Hueneme on October 11, 2011, and I should be driving it within a week afterwards.

[kscarrol]

Glad to hear you got a slot! Looking forward to the pics...

[BasicMarinWheels]

Thanks! As far as the pictures go, I imagine my car will look an awful lot like yours does (e.g., mine's also a Space Gray sedan, with Comp. Package wheels, etc.). Care to link me to the post where you shared your pictures when yours arrived?

[kscarrol]

Sure, but pics are crap! Three iPhone pics at delivery and have never posted newer ones. Have since done a few cosmetic mods, OEM Edition grills, IND painted reflectors, painted side gills, tri-color stitched e-brake and shift boots (IND also), OEM carbon fiber splitters and M5 paint scheme side-mirror covers (IND again!). Will do tint soon and debating exhaust but may just do the OEM Edition exhaust tips...

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=440827

[BasicMarinWheels]

Originally Posted by kscarrol

Sure, but pics are crap! Three iPhone pics at delivery and have never posted newer ones. http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=440827

Ha ha. Bet you wish you wouldn't have mentioned my posting pictures. You are hereby officially called out on not posting more, despite promising to do so. I quote you from 10/8/10:

Originally Posted by kscarrol

Sorry about the poor iPhone pics but it was too dark by the time I got home. Proper pics tomorrow!!

And, the last post on that thread, on 10/12/10 was:

Originally Posted by killaseason22

When are we going to get more pics kscarrol??

Your one year anniversary is coming up in two weeks. Do yourself proud and post those pics, as promised . . . .

But I should say, even though you didn't post better pics, the ones you did post still show a beautiful automobile. I can't wait to get mine!

[kscarrol]

A well deserved calling out!! I will get some pics but they'll have to wait until I get a small ding on my passenger side rear wheel well fixed. Not major but right on the crease so the paintless dent removal folks can't really fix it...