ZCP? Buy it or build it?

[JupiterBMW]

Hello everyone... I don't rarely post here as I'm not an M3 owner... I currently have an '03 330i ZHP, and I adore this car, but my ultimate dream is basically the E90 M3 ZCP, sort of like my car's big brother (ok, really big brother, but I can dream, right?). Alpine White, two tone interior (Bamboo or Fox Red are my preferred), and the ZCP package. I would also like Premium, Tech, and Cold Weather... If I can be picky.

My friend has an '11 E90 M3, and after driving his car, I'm insanely hooked, but I want a ZCP car for exclusivity. He says not to waste the money because the premium that the car commands isn't worth it... I do see a significant price difference. One mod I definitely will do is the wheels, but what about the rest of it?

So, for those of you that have/had/wanted but didn't get it/etc... What do you say? Should I hold out for it, or should I just buy a regular sedan and then build it to ZCP specs...?

Also, if anyone has the true list of the package, can you post? I haven't been able to locate a verifiable answer...

Thanks..

Oh, and here's my car for reference (let's be real, all threads are better with pics)... The wheels should show my love for the ZCP... I've made other E90 style upgrades as well.

[JupiterBMW]

Whoa, I apologize for the massively huge pic.

[JupiterBMW]

Ok, maybe exclusivity isn't the correct word... And now that I think about it, there are probably more ZCP cars than non-ZCP cars, given the number of special editions (which all seem to be equipped with ZCP)...

Perhaps I was only thinking in terms of the sedan. I feel like trying to find a ZCP sedan is much harder, which is what I've been thinking...

Oh, and I suppose I should mention, I am by no means saying the ZCP car is better... I don't want to start any heated debates!

[CBS]

OP nice BMW!

Depends on what you want to do with your M3 (when you get it). For me and the mods I pursued, getting the ZCP was actually a waste since I replaced them soon afterward. Be candid with yourself on what you plan to do with your M3 and it may save you some money in the future.

Good Luck!

[mdosu]

because of the electronics, once built as a civic it's always a civic, but it's been attempted before with mechanical parts, so read this thread:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...t=zcp+retrofit

I don't think it's worth the effort or cost. Other than the wheels, which looks sweet

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks for the info and the link to the retrofit mdosu. Honestly, I don't plan any major mods on the car, probably some sort of exhaust to release a little more of that amazing sound. I like to do very subtle mods. Carbon splitters and diffuser, probably. I have those on my car now, and I love the look, will probably replicate it.

No major power adders, and probably no suspension mods. If anything, probably just a set of coilovers to be able to dial in the ride height a bit. I really don't feel the car needs any mods...

[Ezio]

ZCP is worth the amount of money BMW prices the package for. you simply get more than what the package is worth. its more than better looking rims.

but if you cant find one with ZCP, just get the rims.

[enigma01]

Originally Posted by Lute

Sorry to break it you mate, but a ZCP will not add exclusivity. It is one of the better value options on the M3 though

I agree with your first statement, but I would argue that ZCP option's value will depend on what you are looking for.

The ZCP includes:
- EDC with regulated/adaptive Sport Mode, 10mm drop
- 359M wheel upgrade

MSRP for this option is $2500.

If you wanted the 19" wheels and EDC anyway, the ZCP is probably a bargain. If you didn't want EDC and/or the wheel upgrade, then the ZCP is a terrible value.

[V8FunNaturally]

very nice car regardless of zcp or not.

[JupiterBMW]

Originally Posted by enigma01

I agree with your first statement, but I would argue that ZCP option's value will depend on what you are looking for.

The ZCP includes:
- EDC with regulated/adaptive Sport Mode, 10mm drop
- 359M wheel upgrade

MSRP for this option is $2500.

If you wanted the 19" wheels and EDC anyway, the ZCP is probably a bargain. If you didn't want EDC and/or the wheel upgrade, then the ZCP is a terrible value.

This post, worth money. Thanks... Ok, I figured the package cost a lot more, but then again, I felt like there was more involved... Back in the day, when they outfitted my car with the ZHP package, it cost $3900, but it included cams, a DME flash, suspension goods, wheels, and the M-tech II body kit, along with interior changes...

So, considering the wheels alone are more than the original $2500 cost, I suppose it is a good value, when buying new. Granted that isn't an option, so I look for a suitable replacement on the used market... I would like to have the ZCP car because it is what I've always wanted, but in reality, I could probably get over it if I just bought the wheels... In 99.5% of my driving, the suspension upgrades wouldn't even be noticed/used... Hmm...

[F1Venom]

Just got an E90 ZCP and I wouldn't want it any other way. And it differentiates itself from all the others since only 2011 E90s could get ZCP and that was the last MY.

[JupiterBMW]

Hmm, good point I suppose. I am shooting for a MY 2011.

[s65e90]

not worth the premium if you're gonna mod it anyways. I have coilovers and had wheels sooo

[BPMSport]

Worth it if not changing out the struts imo

[1MOREMOD]

You may want to think about keeping the zhp as well.

[Ezio]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

Worth it if not changing out the struts imo

so in other words 95% of M3 owners should be getting ZCP lol.

[Transfer]

If you like your ZHP, you'll want the ZCP if you can find it but if a car comes along that has what you want but no ZCP, I wouldn't let that be a deal breaker. ZCP is best for those who don't want to swap suspension.

[BPMSport]

Originally Posted by Ezio

so in other words 95% of M3 owners should be getting ZCP lol.

Totally worth it given the wheels, and struts.

If you plan on changing suspension and wheels, them there is really no benefit of getting ZCP.

Otherwise it's a nice package. The ZCP rims are very clean.

[Longwong]

Honestly if your looking at keeping the car the EDC is a huge pain if you need to repair it down the line out of warranty. That was the decision for not getting EDC. Personally I loved the 220 19's and did not want the zcp wheels so it was a no brainer for me but if you want to keep the car and want to keep it maintence and repair friendlier, there is no need for the edc. I have driven cars with the edc and once you get over the novelty of switching different modes, 99 percent of the time driving in the "normal" setting is perfect for street and track as the stiffest setting is too stiff on the road and even on the track with any bumps, the normal is much more complaint than stiff. My .02

[Denk]

If you like the wheels, go for ZCP. Since you're interested in aftermarket wheels I'd pass on the ZCP. Personally, ZCP didn't win me over.

[tdott]

Originally Posted by Longwong

Honestly if your looking at keeping the car the EDC is a huge pain if you need to repair it down the line out of warranty. That was the decision for not getting EDC. Personally I loved the 220 19's and did not want the zcp wheels so it was a no brainer for me but if you want to keep the car and want to keep it maintence and repair friendlier, there is no need for the edc. I have driven cars with the edc and once you get over the novelty of switching different modes, 99 percent of the time driving in the "normal" setting is perfect for street and track as the stiffest setting is too stiff on the road and even on the track with any bumps, the normal is much more complaint than stiff. My .02

At that point, most will just go aftermarket instead of replacing EDC parts.

Then again, there are some cheap EDC parts from ppl who go coilovers, so unless your getting it done at the dealer. I think EDC repair costs shouldn't be a factor.

[dreamspeed]

Besides what others have said I want to note that since you are buying used, the amount extra you will pay for a ZCP vs non ZCP is negligible. Probably less than if you were going to buy a non ZCP and then get the ZCP wheels separately.