E92 CP vs regular e92

[yeah_knee]

So I've been wanting an e92 m3 for a while now. A price of a used one is anywhere from 22-38k. What really draws my attention is the e92 competition package. But those run about 35k+

I was thinking of just buying an 09 m3 with 80k miles and putting on competition wheels for about 1k.

Can anyone give me any insight on the e92 m3? Maybe what's the best year to buy? Should I go for the competition package? ... etc...?

[BOOF-M3]

2011 will be your cheapest year with ZCP. Narrow your search to that and don't look back, I for one am glad I have it.

[spiderspider]

AG replicas and swift springs on my 09. very reasonable alternative to zcp imo, ymmv.

[bkdore]

I have it and wouldn't prioritize it if I had to do it again. I don't mind having it, but for a daily driver it's not worth the money. I never use EDC other than the default setting, and you barely notice the height difference when looking at it, but I often just barely drag the front end over steep driveways and probably wouldn't with the regular suspension (springs). Wheels are easy to add - I'd probably go with the 18" Avant Garde M359 over the 19" ZCPs. Prioritize the colors, transmission and options you want and shop on condition/mileage/price. If you want NAV or manual transmission be aware of the 2008 model differences, but other than that the minor differences between other years can be changed without major expense.

[jiggz]

Have you researched the E9x Competition Package? Only you can decide for yourself if the extra premium is worth it.

If it's the wheels you covet the most, those are easy to find in the FS forum if you want to save the premium that ZCP owners are asking.

The ZCP on the F8x ///M offers far more than the E90/E92 ZCP - IMO that would be worth holding out for.

[e46e92love]

Opinions are like assholes....everyone has one. Some will tell you it's worth it, others will say otherwise.

If you don't plan on modding, it's worth it. I agree with the 2011 comment.

Cheers,
e46e92

[kyippee]

If you're in the SF bay area, I could sell you my stock competition package wheels with Hankook Evo k110 tires on them. (255 and 275 widths)

They're just sitting in my apartment

[Rat3d ///M]

Only worthwhile upgrade on the comp package is the wheels. Don't sweat it if the car doesn't have. Save the thousands of dollars and buy some coilovers and wheels.

[Flying Ace]

I upgraded my 08 with the competition package wheels, and now my car is no longer a civic M3

[tdott]

If you plan to go with coilovers and aftermarket wheels. Then the ZCP package will be of no use to you.

[cmo_93]

I have it and I am of the belief that it depends on what you plan to do to the car.

If you plan to do wheels and coils, definitely skip it. If you plan to keep it stock and you like the wheels, no reason not to.

Having it, has made it very difficult for me to upgrade wheels and suspension without spending a fortune for a true improvement so I've just kept it mostly stock on that front.

[yeah_knee]

Next question ... manual or Dct?

[BOOF-M3]

Originally Posted by yeah_knee

Next question ... manual or Dct?

Now you went and did it. Only you can know. Get plenty of seat time in each. Anything other than that would be preposterous. Word of the day people, preposterous.

[Solo_M_Tech]

Lets break this down Barney style;

Will you upgrade the suspension and wheels?

Yes- Skip the ZCP package and it's premium

No- Get the ZCP package and enjoy!

Also agree with the 2011 and up comment, as the navi, tail lights, etc are updated and the bluetooth audio streaming is nice! If you're not looking to spend the money to retrofit the LCI package, CIC navi and Combox retrofit, get the 2011. ( I bought a 2008 and retrofitted everything. Since I already had the parts and the ability to swap and code everything).

[srmast1]

Originally Posted by yeah_knee

Next question ... manual or Dct?

Honestly, rate yourself from 1 to 10 for manual transmission proficiency. If you give yourself a 7 or more, consider the manual. If 6 or less, go with the DCT. It's not a learners car because it is NA and high revving. These 2 things make it unique in this world of forced induction, narrow powerband sports cars. For the 6mt in the e9x m3, having a good feel for shifting at the appropriate time in the powerband is crucial and only comes with some level of mastery. I would rate my self an 8 or an 8.5 on the manual rating scale for the e9x m3 and I've been driving manual transmission cars for 20 years solid. Every other manual I've ever driven has been easier. When you do get the hang of the manual in the e9x m3, it will be EXTREMELY rewarding. I love it.

[MachinesWithSouls]

Originally Posted by srmast1

Honestly, rate yourself from 1 to 10 for manual transmission proficiency. If you give yourself a 7 or more, consider the manual. If 6 or less, go with the DCT. It's not a learners car because it is NA and high revving. These 2 things make it unique in this world of forced induction, narrow powerband sports cars. For the 6mt in the e9x m3, having a good feel for shifting at the appropriate time in the powerband is crucial and only comes with some level of mastery. I would rate my self an 8 or an 8.5 on the manual rating scale for the e9x m3 and I've been driving manual transmission cars for 20 years solid. Every other manual I've ever driven has been easier. When you do get the hang of the manual in the e9x m3, it will be EXTREMELY rewarding. I love it.

Not to question your experience, but I had a 350Z that was a lot harder to drive smoothly than the M3.

And while yes, you must rev it out to get the promised performance, with 295 lb-ft of torque, it isn't exactly slow when driven at less than 10/10s.

That's the charm of this car. When driven calmly, it feels like a regular 3 Series. So to the OP, get the manual if you want it, no matter your proficiency. It's easy to practice on, and if you do want to heel and toe down the road, you'll be able to learn it on the M3.

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

I upgraded my 08 with the competition package wheels, and now my car is no longer a civic M3

Yeah its that home made lambo. You poseur

[Montaver]

Depends if you plan to mod or not. I'd buy on history and condition, everything else can be changed / upgraded. For the price premium of ZCP over a regular car, you could get a nice set of Ohlins R&T coil overs which are fully adjustable and great for the street by all accounts.

[GP0256]

Originally Posted by yeah_knee

Next question ... manual or Dct?

IMO, all sports cars should be manual. That being said, the DCT is bad ass, shifts way quicker than I can and they are likely faster. I am a purist. SAVE THE STICK!!!

[srmast1]

Originally Posted by SoManyBlueCars

Not to question your experience, but I had a 350Z that was a lot harder to drive smoothly than the M3.

And while yes, you must rev it out to get the promised performance, with 295 lb-ft of torque, it isn't exactly slow when driven at less than 10/10s.

That's the charm of this car. When driven calmly, it feels like a regular 3 Series. So to the OP, get the manual if you want it, no matter your proficiency. It's easy to practice on, and if you do want to heel and toe down the road, you'll be able to learn it on the M3.

Wow, that's so surprising, I have never driven a 350z but I hear such good things about the feel of their transmissions and the shifting it's self being so smooth. But yes Op, Blue Cars is right in the way that you can drive it like a regular 3 series but I swear it won't be as much fun because a regular 3 series (mostly turbo) has that down low torque rush (unless its an old NA 328i) feel that you won't get in the m3 if you try to drive it like a normal car. It's not a normal car, so driving it like one is not so much fun. You HAVE TO wind it out for power or you will be underwhelmed if you are coming from another powerful sports car.
I still feel personally that if you are not strong with a manual, this is not the car for you because when you do want to get that power out of it, the car becomes demanding with having to shift at the right times and knowing how to stay in the powerband in the right gear over a 5000 rpm rev range. Not to mention all the bucking and lurching which can happen if you are not good with timing the shift correctly. I would still test drive a manual though.

[MachinesWithSouls]

Originally Posted by srmast1

Wow, that's so surprising, I have never driven a 350z but I hear such good things about the feel of their transmissions and the shifting it's self being so smooth. But yes Op, Blue Cars is right in the way that you can drive it like a regular 3 series but I swear it won't be as much fun because a regular 3 series (turbo) has that down low torque rush (unless its an NA n52) feel that you won't get in the m3 if you try to drive it like a normal car. It's not a normal car, so driving it like one is not so much fun. You HAVE TO wind it out for power or you will be underwhelmed if you are coming from another powerful sports car.
I still feel personally that if you are not strong with a manual, this is not the car for you because when you do want to get that power out of it, the car becomes demanding with having to shift at the right times and knowing how to stay in the powerband in the right gear over a 5000 rpm rev range. So to each their own.

I had the 50th Z ever made. They had a heavy clutch and trans issues, but I liked that trans better than the one in the M. Better feel. I miss that car!

[cgoldie187]

I personally would only buy a ZCP car, and made that one of my top priorities when searching.