E92 M3 Handling

[beckumf]

Hello all,

recently I picked up an E92 M3 with 96k miles (i know it’s high the deal was just a steal) and I haven’t really pushed the car yet because I am getting my rod bearings done soon and obviously don’t want to push the engine too hard. However, i have taken it onto some “twisty” roads and pushed it a little and the car just feels odd, almost loose and not really planted. I am coming from a 2018 Honda Civic Si which has electric power steering instead of the E9x very famous hydraulic steering so maybe I am just not used to it?

I am not sure but I want to make sure that there isn’t any actual problems and it’s just me not being used to the car yet. I’m asking because the E9x M3 generation is KNOWN for its handling capabilities and it just feels odd when driving. Any suggestions or things it may be? Thank you so much to anyone that has some insight!

[M3SQRD]

With or without EDC? ZCP/Comp or standard model?

What’s tire condition like? Brand and model? When’s the last time the suspension was aligned?

96k miles is a lot of mileage on either EDC or standard dampers. Stock handling is well balanced; however, it can be improved with aftermarket suspension options that aren’t too expensive.

96k miles also is a lot of mileage on suspension components, sway bar drop links, bushings and monoballs as well as front strut upper mounts and rear upper shock mounts. Same goes for subframe bushings and differential bushings.

What do you mean by loose? Oversteer? Does it feel like the front and rear suspensions aren’t communicating with each other or are out of phase/not settling together?

[beckumf]

It’s a 2009 E92 M3 comp. So i’m pretty sure that means it had EDC. There’s no oversteer or anything, the steer just feels like bouncy I guess?

I’m not really sure how to explain it perfectly without you actually being in the car you know? That’s understandable that with high mileage obviously comes with some wear on bushings, sway bars, etc. I just wanted to know if I had any problems or if I’m just really not used to it. Also, it’s on a winter tire setup with a lot of tread life left. It’s on 19” wheels and i ran 18” on my civic so maybe that could also be why.

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by beckumf

It’s a 2009 E92 M3 comp. So i’m pretty sure that means it had EDC. There’s no oversteer or anything, the steer just feels like bouncy I guess?

I’m not really sure how to explain it perfectly without you actually being in the car you know? That’s understandable that with high mileage obviously comes with some wear on bushings, sway bars, etc. I just wanted to know if I had any problems or if I’m just really not used to it. Also, it’s on a winter tire setup with a lot of tread life left. It’s on 19” wheels and i ran 18” on my civic so maybe that could also be why.

Without information it’s hard to say whether you have any issues.

If it feels bouncy then the dampers could definitely be an issue at 96k miles. However, winter tires are definitely not something you want to be cornering on! Do you know if they are winter performance tires or winter snow/ice tires? Regardless, winter tires have taller and more flexible tread blocks and can create all kinds of weird handling traits. There may be other suspension issues but the winter tires are definitely not helping things.

[beckumf]

That’s definitely what it’s gotta be. I didn’t really corner that aggressive though don’t worry! I just wanted to feel what the M3 felt like 😂

But, I do have a pair of Michilen Pilot Sport 4S that the seller gave to me for free so once I get those on I’m sure that’ll make a huge difference. Thank you so much for your insight, I’ll put out an update once I get the summer setup on💪🏼

[Helmsman]

Car should feel fine and planted also with winter tires (drive Micheline Alpine myself) although obviously with less grip.
As mentioned def worth checking alignment. Recent example here: https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...stable.267803/

Does the EDC (button close to shifter) make any difference, or bouncy regardless of setting?

[Reddevils7]

Originally Posted by beckumf

It’s a 2009 E92 M3 comp. So i’m pretty sure that means it had EDC. There’s no oversteer or anything, the steer just feels like bouncy I guess?

I’m not really sure how to explain it perfectly without you actually being in the car you know? That’s understandable that with high mileage obviously comes with some wear on bushings, sway bars, etc. I just wanted to know if I had any problems or if I’m just really not used to it. Also, it’s on a winter tire setup with a lot of tread life left. It’s on 19” wheels and i ran 18” on my civic so maybe that could also be why.

Correct me if I'm wrong someone but I don't believe MY 09 offered competition package (zcp). Check your spec sheet. You can just run the vin online

For modifications/updates, really just depends on what your budget is. Let us know and we can recommend you the most cost effective updates to get it feeling like a true M again

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by Reddevils7

Correct me if I'm wrong someone but I don't believe MY 09 offered competition package (zcp). Check your spec sheet. You can just run the vin online

For modifications/updates, really just depends on what your budget is. Let us know and we can recommend you the most cost effective updates to get it feeling like a true M again

Ah, true. (https://bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=50)

Btw noticed every second ad over here these days say "E9x M Competition" typically without ZCP.

[beckumf]

Hello Reddevils7,

I am not really sure how to like directly reply to your chat but yes it is a ZCP. You made me unsure for a second lol, so I looked up the vin to make sure and it is definitely a zcp.

I am aware of most aftermarket upgrades you can do for suspension but wasn’t too worried about it atm because of how highly reputable M suspension and handling is especially in the E9x generation. I also have to pay for my rod bearings soon, so I don’t really have deep enough pockets for everything right now 😔

[Cmassey3]

Evolve did a series on a higher mileage e92 M3 and I imagine yours will need most of the suspension and bushing work they go into detail on:

My bushings and EDC are still in good shape at 84k miles, but I'm planning to refresh the EDC before 100k.

[beckumf]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Car should feel fine and planted also with winter tires (drive Micheline Alpine myself) although obviously with less grip.
As mentioned def worth checking alignment. Recent example here: https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...stable.267803/

Does the EDC (button close to shifter) make any difference, or bouncy regardless of setting?

I am in class right now but when I go drive the car later today, I will make sure to check and see if the EDC button makes any huge difference and post the update here.

[bipp]

Originally Posted by beckumf

Hello Reddevils7,

I am not really sure how to like directly reply to your chat but yes it is a ZCP. You made me unsure for a second lol, so I looked up the vin to make sure and it is definitely a zcp.

ZCP wasn't offered until 2011, so I'm pretty curious about how the VIN shows ZCP for a 2009. It could be possible that the previous owner just put 359M's on an EDC car?

[beckumf]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Ah, true. (https://bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=50)

Btw noticed every second ad over here these days say "E9x M Competition" typically without ZCP.

Wait, I thought a competition package M3 is a “zcp”? Isn’t every competition a zcp? I’m a little confused now

[bipp]

Originally Posted by beckumf

Wait, I thought a competition package M3 is a “zcp”? Isn’t every competition a zcp? I’m a little confused now

Competition Package is ZCP, but the Competition Package was not offered until 2011.

[beckumf]

Originally Posted by bipp

ZCP wasn't offered until 2011, so I'm pretty curious about how the VIN shows ZCP for a 2009. It could be possible that the previous owner just put 359M's on an EDC car?

To be honest, I thought competition meant ZCP so I am not sure now!

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by beckumf

To be honest, I thought competition meant ZCP so I am not sure now!

Competition Package = ZCP. While some ads says "M3 Competition" even when its not.

Can still have EDC thought, option without the ZCP kit.

Anyways, car should be planted with or without EDC.

[beckumf]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Competition Package = ZCP. While some ads says "M3 Competition" even when its not.

Can still have EDC thought, option without the ZCP kit.

Anyways, car should be planted with or without EDC.

Gotcha gotcha. Is there anyway to tell I have ZCP physically on the car because nothing else is coming up on the vin?

[Brandoch]

Post your VIN here so we can look.

[beckumf]

Originally Posted by Brandoch

Post your VIN here so we can look.

Here’s the vin:

WBSWD93599PY43377

Thank you!

[Brandoch]

Originally Posted by beckumf

Here’s the vin:

WBSWD93599PY43377

Thank you!

Yes EDC, no ZCP.

[beckumf]

Originally Posted by Brandoch

Yes EDC, no ZCP.

Sorry for the confusion, but not having ZCP means… what exactly?

[PACarGuy]

Originally Posted by beckumf

Sorry for the confusion, but not having ZCP means… what exactly?

It means lowered springs (10mm) all around, 359 style wheels, and more aggressive remapping of EDC.