BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)

BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   M3Post - BMW M3 Forum > E90/E92 M3 Technical Topics > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis
 
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-24-2010, 02:20 PM   #1
aajami
Brigadier General
aajami's Avatar
United_States
430
Rep
4,567
Posts

Drives: Space Gray '09 E92 M3
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Manhattan Beach, CA

iTrader: (4)

Just finished ZCP retrofit

For anyone who frequents the suspension subforums, it will come as no surprise that I have been on a quest to retrofit my car with ZCP suspension for over a year now. It started when rldzhao first noticed that the JDM E92 M3 sat lower than ROW models; was compounded when BMW announced a revised suspension for the Edition model later that summer; and came to a head when the ZCP option was announced earlier this year. After a bit of research from Scott at BMW of Houston and Jason at Tischer BMW in Maryland, we quickly determined that all three variants had the same suspension components. At that point, it was simply a matter of importing the struts from BMW AG (not as easy as it sounds), matching up my car's options to the appropriate springs, and importing them -- also from BMW AG.

The suspension was installed at EAS yesterday, and even though I haven't had an alignment yet, I took the car for a quick sprint around the hills that overlook Irvine and Newport Coast last night. The difference is noteworthy. I was initially a bit surprised to find that the ride was somewhat softer than before. But after a few minutes, I realized that it wasn't softer per se, but more planted. In the past, the car had a slight tendency to become a bit unsettled on uneven pavement under acceleration while cornering in Sport mode. With the new setup, the car feels much more solid... much more confident.

I have more rubber on the road now than before too, as I installed a new set of wheels with 255f/275r PS2s, which is one size wider than our OEM 19" tires. Part of the confidence the car now exudes is undoubtedly due to the wider patch of contact that it has with the road, but the stability that the car exhibits because of the ZCP suspension is definitely noticeable as well. I plan on taking the car out on some more serious twisties next weekend once I have the alignment done, but I'm very happy with the change so far.

A few other notes:

1) No, this wasn't cheap. But for a component as critical as suspension, I would never opt for a non-OEM solution, even at a considerable discount over the premium that I most surely paid. I took this tack with my S2000, and it served me well then.

2) No, you can't really see the drop. I had a two finger gap in the rear and a three finger gap in the front before that are now down to one in the back and two in the front, but it's barely noticeable.

3) Pics are forthcoming. Tom's crew at EAS took some pictures during the installation process, and I'll post them up as soon as I have them.

On a separate note, this forum (i.e. its members) is really an invaluable source of information. I would never have been able to perform this upgrade without the wealth of knowledge on this site. Don't take it for granted!

Edit: Here are some pics:









More here:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=412085
__________________
'09 E92 M3: Space Gray, Black, Carbon Leather | ZTP 2MK ZPP 2MT 6FL | link 1 / link 2
Mods: M Performance exhaust | ZCP retrofit | Euro airbox | GTS DCT flash | JPN 240 ECU flash | Euro LCI taillights | CRT lip | OEM alarm retrofit | Space Gray bumper plugs | BMW Performance: Mk. II spoiler / Mk. II non-electronic steering wheel / mirror caps / front grilles / side gills / intake louvers / emblem

Last edited by aajami; 07-28-2010 at 06:32 PM..
Appreciate 0
      07-24-2010, 08:44 PM   #2
M3 Esq
Automobilist
M3 Esq's Avatar
United_States
395
Rep
2,632
Posts

Drives: E70 X5, 911 GT3
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CT

iTrader: (12)

Can you describe for us what was done? My understanding is that the ZCP option includes different shocks, springs, and wheels (as well as some remapping of EDC). Does your car have EDC? I am just wondering if this upgrade could be achieved for non EDC cars. Also, how much of the improvement you perceive could be attributable to the wider tires? Finally, can you give us an idea of the cost?

Thanks for the write up.

Cheers!

Last edited by M3 Esq; 07-24-2010 at 11:09 PM..
Appreciate 0
      07-24-2010, 09:58 PM   #3
FruitCake
Banned
Taiwan
88
Rep
1,680
Posts

Drives: '10 E92 M3
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (19)

Nice!!! I knew if anyone was to do it, it was you./
Appreciate 0
      07-24-2010, 11:02 PM   #4
Trier Germany
Banned
Luxembourg
58
Rep
1,084
Posts

Drives: 2009 E-90 M3 space gray
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Deutschland KreisTrier auf Autobahn 64 & Tucson AZ

iTrader: (1)

You should have opted for a nice premium set of coilovers. I can't even imagine how much money you spent for these OEM parts. I'm guessing highway robbery. It's the wider stance and tires you are feeling. First it would be impossible to feel this setup in normal driving. You would have to have a baseline at a local track.
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2010, 12:14 AM   #5
FruitCake
Banned
Taiwan
88
Rep
1,680
Posts

Drives: '10 E92 M3
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (19)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Trier Germany View Post
You should have opted for a nice premium set of coilovers. I can't even imagine how much money you spent for these OEM parts. I'm guessing highway robbery. It's the wider stance and tires you are feeling. First it would be impossible to feel this setup in normal driving. You would have to have a baseline at a local track.
OEM is what he's looking for, and I don't blame him.
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2010, 12:23 AM   #6
Trier Germany
Banned
Luxembourg
58
Rep
1,084
Posts

Drives: 2009 E-90 M3 space gray
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Deutschland KreisTrier auf Autobahn 64 & Tucson AZ

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by FruitCake View Post
OEM is what he's looking for, and I don't blame him.

point noted
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2010, 01:07 PM   #7
aajami
Brigadier General
aajami's Avatar
United_States
430
Rep
4,567
Posts

Drives: Space Gray '09 E92 M3
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Manhattan Beach, CA

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Trier Germany View Post
You should have opted for a nice premium set of coilovers. I can't even imagine how much money you spent for these OEM parts. I'm guessing highway robbery. It's the wider stance and tires you are feeling. First it would be impossible to feel this setup in normal driving. You would have to have a baseline at a local track.
Trier, the whole point is that I didn't want to opt for a set of aftermarket coilovers -- I wanted an OEM solution that would provide an incremental gain in handling, retain EDC functionality, provide a subtle drop, while not sacrificing everyday ride quality. To that end, a ZCP retrofit was my only option. That all said, I ended up paying just about the same as a set of KW v3s.

And you're right in suggesting that the modest gains in handling are attributable to both the new wheel/tire setup as well as the suspension, but the suspension improvements are definitely noticeable, subtle though they may be. I took her out again last night on Ortega Highway and was very pleased with her new disposition.

Quote:
Originally Posted by McLoven View Post
Can you describe for us what was done? My understanding is that the ZCP option includes different shocks, springs, and wheels (as well as some remapping of EDC). Does your car have EDC? I am just wondering if this upgrade could be achieved for non EDC cars. Also, how much of the improvement you perceive could be attributable to the wider tires? Finally, can you give us an idea of the cost?
McLoven, my car does have EDC, but I did not flash it with the changes to the Sport EDC that the ZCP option provides. I don't believe there's any way to retrofit the EDC settings. In that regard, my hardware retrofit changes are in line with the 2010 Edition suspension and the JDM M3. As mentioned in the OP, I swapped out all four stock shocks for ZCP shocks, and all four springs for ZCP springs. I also picked up the Style 359M wheels, but I wrapped them in slightly wider rubber, which also adds to the difference in handling. As I mention in the reply to Trier, I paid about the same as a set of KW v3s, though your mileage may vary. I send a bit of business toward the vendor that I purchased some of these parts from, so they cut me a discount.

PNs for anyone interested:

Front Left ZCP strut 31312283917
Front right ZCP strut 31312283918
Rear ZCP struts 33522283920 (x2)

Spring PNs have to be obtained through BMW, since they're matched directly to your VIN.

I edited the OP with some pics.
__________________
'09 E92 M3: Space Gray, Black, Carbon Leather | ZTP 2MK ZPP 2MT 6FL | link 1 / link 2
Mods: M Performance exhaust | ZCP retrofit | Euro airbox | GTS DCT flash | JPN 240 ECU flash | Euro LCI taillights | CRT lip | OEM alarm retrofit | Space Gray bumper plugs | BMW Performance: Mk. II spoiler / Mk. II non-electronic steering wheel / mirror caps / front grilles / side gills / intake louvers / emblem
Appreciate 1
DOCTOR.Y100.50
      07-25-2010, 01:18 PM   #8
OC ///M
Dr. Octagon
OC ///M's Avatar
United_States
260
Rep
1,919
Posts

Drives: Moonstone e92 M3
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: South County

iTrader: (0)

Nice work aajami. I can appreciate you wanting to retain the OEM components.

I am confident that the zcp suspension in my '11 is much improved over the standard in my previous '08 and am sure you're enjoying it as well.

I'm curious, does the increase in the outside diameter of your tires affect your speedometer reading or speed off the line? ...or just a negligible difference?
__________________
OC ///M

2013 E92 M3 Individual
Sold: 2011 E92 M3 SSII | Sold: 2008 E92 M3 SSII | Into a Wall: 2008 E92 M3 SSII | Sold: 2007 E92 335i JB

Last edited by OC ///M; 07-25-2010 at 05:12 PM..
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2010, 01:28 PM   #9
rzm3
Moderator
rzm3's Avatar
670
Rep
4,737
Posts

Drives: E92 M3
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: USA

iTrader: (18)

Do you have pictures with ZCP and non-ZCP shocks side by side?
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2010, 02:17 PM   #10
aajami
Brigadier General
aajami's Avatar
United_States
430
Rep
4,567
Posts

Drives: Space Gray '09 E92 M3
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Manhattan Beach, CA

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by rldzhao View Post
Do you have pictures with ZCP and non-ZCP shocks side by side?
Not side-by-side, unfortunately (unless Tom @ EAS snapped some). The main difference that I noticed was the spring perches on the front struts were a bit lower on the assembly than the standard struts.
__________________
'09 E92 M3: Space Gray, Black, Carbon Leather | ZTP 2MK ZPP 2MT 6FL | link 1 / link 2
Mods: M Performance exhaust | ZCP retrofit | Euro airbox | GTS DCT flash | JPN 240 ECU flash | Euro LCI taillights | CRT lip | OEM alarm retrofit | Space Gray bumper plugs | BMW Performance: Mk. II spoiler / Mk. II non-electronic steering wheel / mirror caps / front grilles / side gills / intake louvers / emblem
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2010, 02:50 PM   #11
aajami
Brigadier General
aajami's Avatar
United_States
430
Rep
4,567
Posts

Drives: Space Gray '09 E92 M3
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Manhattan Beach, CA

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by OC ///M View Post

I'm curious, does the increase in the outside diameter of your tires affect your speedometer reading or speed off the line? ...or just a negligible difference?
The difference in size is so small that the speedometer error is less than 1%. So at 80MPH, it'll read 79.3 -- pretty negligible.
__________________
'09 E92 M3: Space Gray, Black, Carbon Leather | ZTP 2MK ZPP 2MT 6FL | link 1 / link 2
Mods: M Performance exhaust | ZCP retrofit | Euro airbox | GTS DCT flash | JPN 240 ECU flash | Euro LCI taillights | CRT lip | OEM alarm retrofit | Space Gray bumper plugs | BMW Performance: Mk. II spoiler / Mk. II non-electronic steering wheel / mirror caps / front grilles / side gills / intake louvers / emblem
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2010, 03:42 PM   #12
STALKER
Brigadier General
169
Rep
3,830
Posts

Drives: 997.2 GT3, Golf R
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Toronto, ON

iTrader: (5)

Good to know that it can be done, thanks for sharing.
Car looks sharp!!
I might have gone another route myself, but I can totally understand wanting to stay OEM for your own comfort level.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2010, 04:35 PM   #13
signes
Brigadier General
signes's Avatar
United_States
199
Rep
4,318
Posts

Drives: 991 GT3 RS
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Living at (almost...) 9k

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by STALKER View Post
Good to know that it can be done, thanks for sharing.
Car looks sharp!!
I might have gone another route myself, but I can totally understand wanting to stay OEM for your own comfort level.
+1
__________________
GT3 RS | Desperately seeking the next great M car...
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2010, 04:51 PM   #14
alpina527
Banned
United Kingdom
60
Rep
638
Posts

Drives: 2008 E92 M3 DCT JZB/FR
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: London, England

iTrader: (1)

Well done on finally getting it all sorted. This is a route that I might take.
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2010, 05:27 PM   #15
aajami
Brigadier General
aajami's Avatar
United_States
430
Rep
4,567
Posts

Drives: Space Gray '09 E92 M3
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Manhattan Beach, CA

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by alpina527 View Post
Well done on finally getting it all sorted. This is a route that I might take.
Thanks. Your help was invaluable.
__________________
'09 E92 M3: Space Gray, Black, Carbon Leather | ZTP 2MK ZPP 2MT 6FL | link 1 / link 2
Mods: M Performance exhaust | ZCP retrofit | Euro airbox | GTS DCT flash | JPN 240 ECU flash | Euro LCI taillights | CRT lip | OEM alarm retrofit | Space Gray bumper plugs | BMW Performance: Mk. II spoiler / Mk. II non-electronic steering wheel / mirror caps / front grilles / side gills / intake louvers / emblem
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2010, 06:55 PM   #16
1cleanm6
Brigadier General
1cleanm6's Avatar
No_Country
437
Rep
3,668
Posts

Drives: M5 comp/Range/i3S
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Earth

iTrader: (7)

coming from a zcp owner....

yes the handeling is better then a reg m3(buddy has a reg one), HOWEVER i have no idea how much you spent. Im guessing this setup cost you like atleast 3k. I would rather get kw v3's. Id put my money itll handle/perform much better. I know i read you wanted oem however not worth it.
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2010, 07:13 PM   #17
aajami
Brigadier General
aajami's Avatar
United_States
430
Rep
4,567
Posts

Drives: Space Gray '09 E92 M3
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Manhattan Beach, CA

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Boosted335 View Post
coming from a zcp owner....

yes the handeling is better then a reg m3(buddy has a reg one), HOWEVER i have no idea how much you spent. Im guessing this setup cost you like atleast 3k. I would rather get kw v3's. Id put my money itll handle/perform much better. I know i read you wanted oem however not worth it.
It didn't even run me $2K, let alone $3K.
__________________
'09 E92 M3: Space Gray, Black, Carbon Leather | ZTP 2MK ZPP 2MT 6FL | link 1 / link 2
Mods: M Performance exhaust | ZCP retrofit | Euro airbox | GTS DCT flash | JPN 240 ECU flash | Euro LCI taillights | CRT lip | OEM alarm retrofit | Space Gray bumper plugs | BMW Performance: Mk. II spoiler / Mk. II non-electronic steering wheel / mirror caps / front grilles / side gills / intake louvers / emblem
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2010, 07:20 PM   #18
Technic
Lieutenant General
Technic's Avatar
2258
Rep
12,985
Posts

Drives: 2021 i3S, 2024 i4 M50
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Florida

iTrader: (18)

Quote:
Originally Posted by aajami View Post
Not side-by-side, unfortunately (unless Tom @ EAS snapped some). The main difference that I noticed was the spring perches on the front struts were a bit lower on the assembly than the standard struts.
So are the springs shorter than the non-ZCP or the 10mm drop is from the perches?
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2010, 07:31 PM   #19
ersin
Brigadier General
ersin's Avatar
United_States
124
Rep
4,145
Posts

Drives: 17 YMB F80 M3
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Maryland

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by aajami View Post
The difference in size is so small that the speedometer error is less than 1%. So at 80MPH, it'll read 79.3 -- pretty negligible.
The speedo already reads high, especially the faster you go. So, with the slower than stock reading you're actually getting closer to the true speed.

BTW, nice work. I'd go aftermarket myself, but I'm glad you got to do it OEM the way you wanted.


Cheers.
__________________
2017 F80 YMB.
Appreciate 0
      07-26-2010, 06:47 AM   #20
Slpnbyu
First Lieutenant
11
Rep
305
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: NC

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2023 BMW X3MC  [0.00]
2020 M2 CS  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by aajami View Post

PNs for anyone interested:

Front Left ZCP strut 31312283917
Front right ZCP strut 31312283918
Rear ZCP struts 33522283920 (x2)

Spring PNs have to be obtained through BMW, since they're matched directly to your VIN.
Do you know if these are the same part numbers as what would be used on the E90, or are they E92 specific?

I wonder why they are matching the spring part numbers with your VIN. I have read in the past (E46 CSL) that they used to match VIN with part numbers so you couldn't order the parts unless you really had a CSL.
__________________
/// '23 F97 X3MC : Montego Bay Blue/Black ///
/// '20 F87 M2 CS : Misano Blue/Black ///
/// '11 E90 M3 : Space Grey/Fox Red /// SOLD
/// '04 E46 M3 : Mystic Blue/Black /// SOLD
/// '00 E46 323Ci : Titanium Silver/Grey /// SOLD
Appreciate 0
      07-26-2010, 07:44 AM   #21
Technic
Lieutenant General
Technic's Avatar
2258
Rep
12,985
Posts

Drives: 2021 i3S, 2024 i4 M50
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Florida

iTrader: (18)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Slpnbyu View Post
Do you know if these are the same part numbers as what would be used on the E90, or are they E92 specific?

I wonder why they are matching the spring part numbers with your VIN. I have read in the past (E46 CSL) that they used to match VIN with part numbers so you couldn't order the parts unless you really had a CSL.
I would guess that it has to do with the Vehicle Order that that VIN has to show (ZCP). The springs are matched to the shocks which are matched to the new EDC algorithm, which makes up the ZCP option code in the VO, which is in the VIN.

In simpler words, BMW wants to make sure that if/when you crash you are not going to use your ZCP retrofit as the possible cause for a lawsuit.
Appreciate 0
      07-26-2010, 07:52 AM   #22
WCH
Lieutenant Colonel
WCH's Avatar
United_States
347
Rep
1,844
Posts

Drives: '20 M8C convertible
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Boston

iTrader: (8)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by OC ///M View Post

I am confident that the zcp suspension in my '11 is much improved over the standard in my previous '08 and am sure you're enjoying it as well.
+1. It's hard to know objectively but this is my feeling as well.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:43 AM.




m3post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST