April Bimmer Magazine review of M3 ZCP

[llis]

pp. 48-53. It's not online (yet?). There's an interesting review (and second opinion) of the ZCP and what it brings to the M3 beyond the 10cm drop, EDC and wheels. (This may be old news to you all, but I haven't really seen it explained like it is in this article.)

• Spring rates are the same, but the springs are shorter (for the lower stance).
• "Shock damping was adjusted to cope with the lower ride height, with the changes made primarily to rebound damping rates rather than compression."
• EDC Sport mode is modified. BMWNA M Brand Manager Larry Koch explains, "The Sport mode before ZCP was locked at 75% of the way to full stiff. It still has that as a default but is now variable like the Comfort and Normal modes." This apparently makes Sport mode more useful on the not-the-smoothest tracks.
• Electronic modifications to DSC in M Dynamic Mode. "Unique to the M3 ZCP is a revised Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) that allows larger slip angles — i.e. more fun — in its sportiest M Dynamic Mode (MDM) setting. Instead of cutting engine power to maintain the car's direction, as in DSC, DTC will only apply individual brakes to keep the wheels from spinning excessively."

It's one of the best articles I've seen on the ZCP. Probably less fun than Clarkson's review on TG expected tonight, but I found it fascinating.

The April Bimmer is on the magazine stands now. I assume they eventually put their articles online. Well worth the read.

(There's also an article on advanced M school and anotehr one on the air-force-themed GT3RS from VF and Vorsteiner which has popped up on many posts and videos already.)

[sensi09]

Good info. Interesting how MDM allows more slip and doesn't cut power.

Would have to wonder though that since engine power is not cut off, whether there is more brake application in severe cases. Or if engine power is actually cut in severe cases.

[dexx]

MDM does cut power... put the back wheels on ice/snow and the difference will become apparent. It simply allows more differential speed between front and rear wheels, it enters hysteresis at a certain speed. If you don't know what that means - sorry.

If only BMW would tell us concretely what all of the modes are supposed to do.

[conradb]

When I take mine on the Green Hell next month, I suppose I will test to see whether I feel more comfortable using MDM or completely off. What was the conclusion by the mag? Does the ZCP actually lower lap times? Enough to justify the price difference?

[PKL]

Originally Posted by llis

beyond the 10cm drop,

10 MILLIMETER brother. ONE freakin CENTImeter.

Do people not understand this?

ZCP "lowers" the car ONE CENTIMETER. Go get a ruler and tell me you think 1cm makes any difference!!!

[immiketoo]

Originally Posted by conradb

When I take mine on the Green Hell next month, I suppose I will test to see whether I feel more comfortable using MDM or completely off. What was the conclusion by the mag? Does the ZCP actually lower lap times? Enough to justify the price difference?

You must have mad driving skills! Otherwise, I would NOT recommend turning your traction control to OFF. I don't know if you have many laps under your belt, so pardon if you are the Stig, but that place is seriously awesome and seriously easy to get FUBAR.

I'll be there in May myself

[piloto]

When in May? I'll be doing my ED in May and plan on going there as well. Just wondering if others from this board will be there (ring) too.

[CalgaryX3]

As much as I like the magazine, I feel like it's published far too infrequently, with only, what, 8 or 10 issues per year? Not to mention, their website is far too out of date with more of an emphasis on securing subscriptions rather than good editorial comment.

Surely the North American Bimmer scene has more to offer no?

Just a thought when I saw the title of the thread.

Asif

[sensi09]

Originally Posted by immiketoo

You must have mad driving skills! Otherwise, I would NOT recommend turning your traction control to OFF. I don't know if you have many laps under your belt, so pardon if you are the Stig, but that place is seriously awesome and seriously easy to get FUBAR.

I'll be there in May myself

Here's a good thread on the topic http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=289303

[llis]

Originally Posted by PKL

10 MILLIMETER brother. ONE freakin CENTImeter.

Do people not understand this?

ZCP "lowers" the car ONE CENTIMETER. Go get a ruler and tell me you think 1cm makes any difference!!!

You win, sister! I hope my typo didn't ruin your day.

[llis]

Originally Posted by CalgaryX3

Not to mention, their website is far too out of date

Yeah, they seem to have things backwards on that. If they don't want people to read and talk about and share their stuff online, then they shouldn't bother with a website.

[bigjae1976]

Although I am going to pass on the ZCP and just get the Dinan St3, I would like to see a direct comparo between them.

I think 8x per year for Bimmer is about right. At times it seems like they have some weak articles that just take up space.

Roundel is worse, filled with useless banter in those columns...whatever they are. Not to mention the 5 letters per month on run flats and dipsticks. Oh, now its manuals vrs autos.

[e1000]

Originally Posted by PKL

10 MILLIMETER brother. ONE freakin CENTImeter.

Do people not understand this?

ZCP "lowers" the car ONE CENTIMETER. Go get a ruler and tell me you think 1cm makes any difference!!!

Better yet, go ask your wife/girlfriend!


I KID I KID!

[Eau Rouge]

Originally Posted by llis

pp. 48-53. It's not online (yet?). There's an interesting review (and second opinion) of the ZCP and what it brings to the M3 beyond the 10cm drop, EDC and wheels. (This may be old news to you all, but I haven't really seen it explained like it is in this article.)

• Spring rates are the same, but the springs are shorter (for the lower stance).
• "Shock damping was adjusted to cope with the lower ride height, with the changes made primarily to rebound damping rates rather than compression."
• EDC Sport mode is modified. BMWNA M Brand Manager Larry Koch explains, "The Sport mode before ZCP was locked at 75% of the way to full stiff. It still has that as a default but is now variable like the Comfort and Normal modes." This apparently makes Sport mode more useful on the not-the-smoothest tracks.
• Electronic modifications to DSC in M Dynamic Mode. "Unique to the M3 ZCP is a revised Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) that allows larger slip angles — i.e. more fun — in its sportiest M Dynamic Mode (MDM) setting. Instead of cutting engine power to maintain the car's direction, as in DSC, DTC will only apply individual brakes to keep the wheels from spinning excessively."

It's one of the best articles I've seen on the ZCP. Probably less fun than Clarkson's review on TG expected tonight, but I found it fascinating.

The April Bimmer is on the magazine stands now. I assume they eventually put their articles online. Well worth the read.

(There's also an article on advanced M school and anotehr one on the air-force-themed GT3RS from VF and Vorsteiner which has popped up on many posts and videos already.)

If you liked that info, you will probably want to take a look at this thread from May '10. Enjoy!

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=385586

[llis]

Originally Posted by Eau Rouge

If you liked that info, you will probably want to take a look at this thread from May '10. Enjoy!

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=385586

Thanks for the link!