M3 Steering vs. stock tire sizes

graider · 08-09-2010, 10:27 AM

i would order the zcp package with 19. that rims match the m3 the best.

i used to switch between 18/19 and personally I don't notice much different in comfort. first day after the switch, you may notice a tiny bit different. but your body will adjust to it very quickly and you won't even notice anymore. I dd on 19 80 miles per day in my e46 m3 (which is harsher) and still no problem. you should be fine with 19.

Dave07997S · 08-09-2010, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImStig

Actually, a 911 is on my list to experience sometime in life - glad to have your detailed comparison here!

I also read from another post that you through the ZCP in comfort is better than PASM? Just curious - have you also compared against non-ZCP, and is that Comfort mode rides about the same as ZCP?

Actually what I meant was, with the ZCP in full on sport mode its still softer than the 997 with its PASM in normal. The 997S with its PASM in "sport" mode the car feels like it has no shocks at all but "Louisville Sluggers" for shocks, its that stiff..

Dave

ImStig · 08-09-2010, 01:26 PM

Thanks for the clarification. Any advice on the comfort setting for the zcp for e92? It sounds like it is quite acceptable for DD?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave07997S

Actually what I meant was, with the ZCP in full on sport mode its still softer than the 997 with its PASM in normal. The 997S with its PASM in "sport" mode the car feels like it has no shocks at all but "Louisville Sluggers" for shocks, its that stiff..

Dave

ImStig · 08-09-2010, 01:28 PM

Thanks for the advice! It's good to know that there aren't much difference in ride between 18 and 19.

Quote:

Originally Posted by graider

i would order the zcp package with 19. that rims match the m3 the best.

i used to switch between 18/19 and personally I don't notice much different in comfort. first day after the switch, you may notice a tiny bit different. but your body will adjust to it very quickly and you won't even notice anymore. I dd on 19 80 miles per day in my e46 m3 (which is harsher) and still no problem. you should be fine with 19.

Dave07997S · 08-09-2010, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImStig

Thanks for the clarification. Any advice on the comfort setting for the zcp for e92? It sounds like it is quite acceptable for DD?

Its just a tad softer than normal mode from what I experience. It still won't be like you are riding in a regular 3 series.

Dave

ImStig · 08-09-2010, 09:21 PM

Interesting. But still supply enough and totally livable, in comfort/normal?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave07997S

Its just a tad softer than normal mode from what I experience. It still won't be like you are riding in a regular 3 series.

Dave

soberin · 08-09-2010, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EJ_92606

I've read many reviews that praise the steering and I find it pretty incredible...the only downside is that it is a little bit overboosted at low speeds IMO. at parking lot speeds...let's say under 20, it's great, but over that I would prefer less boost...but it firms up nicely over about 45 or so. Ride quality of mine with 19s is way better than my 335 with 18's...the suspension is completely different and it rides great.

I must take issue with that. My new E90, as I have posted before, has waaay overboosted steering, with a notable lack of feedback and feel at any speed. This has been noted by practically every car mag that has tested the M3.

Compared to my EVO VIII the steering is a joke. It is a BMW design defect. Not close to a Porsche, Lotus or Sti either.

I have corrected a bit for this by adding Dinan camber plates and springs, which at least improve turn-in and reduce roll, but really have no effect on steering feel.

Also, the servotronic steering, as noted in the quoted post does NOT get better at 45 mph, but more like 65-75, as it was designed for autobahn driving. So the problem is at legal speeds you still are way overboosted.

This has given folks major problems at autocross and track days.

ImStig · 08-09-2010, 10:10 PM

Curious - what year and tire size (or ZCP) do you run?

Quote:

Originally Posted by soberin

I must take issue with that. My new E90, as I have posted before, has waaay overboosted steering, with a notable lack of feedback and feel at any speed. This has been noted by practically every car mag that has tested the M3.

Compared to my EVO VIII the steering is a joke. It is a BMW design defect. Not close to a Porsche, Lotus or Sti either.

I have corrected a bit for this by adding Dinan camber plates and springs, which at least improve turn-in and reduce roll, but really have no effect on steering feel.

Also, the servotronic steering, as noted in the quoted post does NOT get better at 45 mph, but more like 65-75, as it was designed for autobahn driving. So the problem is at legal speeds you still are way overboosted.

This has given folks major problems at autocross and track days.

soberin · 08-10-2010, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImStig

Curious - what year and tire size (or ZCP) do you run?

2009 M3 E90 with stock 18 in wheels and OEM PS2s 245/40-18 front and 265/40-18 rear.

ImStig · 08-11-2010, 12:29 AM

Interesting - Your tires are also the same size as the launch cars where reviews commented something similar. Have you have a chance to try any different tire or tire size combos that may affect the steering?

Quote:

Originally Posted by soberin

2009 M3 E90 with stock 18 in wheels and OEM PS2s 245/40-18 front and 265/40-18 rear.

slimflem · 04-01-2011, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImStig

Interesting. But still supply enough and totally livable, in comfort/normal?

I have gotten so used to keeping my EDC on Sport, that it's there about 80% of the time. The only time I really put it on Comfort is for rough streets and when cruising on the interstates. Comfort makes a big difference to me on rough roads and takes a lot of harshness out. Sport is also very satisfying when the road surface is not rough and broken. I love the feel. If I could go Sport+ on the EDC, I would.

IMHO, all three are absolutely ok for DD duties. A co-worker has a E90 328, 2007, and I can say for sure M3 on Comfort is stiffer than a regular 3-series. Put it at Sport and you are several times over stiffer. I love the EDC.

The overall ride in any EDC setting is magnitudes better than my previous 335, IMO.

James T. Kirk · 04-01-2011, 03:51 PM

I had more tire noise on my 2010 335i than I do on my 2011 M3 with ZCP 19s.
The M3 is just better insulated and stable all around.
Comfort mode is plenty comfortable for DD duties.

sensi09 · 04-01-2011, 04:20 PM

Wider tires up front, 265s or maybe even 275s can make the steering feel more "heavy."

08-09-2010, 10:27 AM	#23
graider Colonel 35 Rep 2,406 Posts Drives: py/kiwi e46 m3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: toronto iTrader: (0)	i would order the zcp package with 19. that rims match the m3 the best. i used to switch between 18/19 and personally I don't notice much different in comfort. first day after the switch, you may notice a tiny bit different. but your body will adjust to it very quickly and you won't even notice anymore. I dd on 19 80 miles per day in my e46 m3 (which is harsher) and still no problem. you should be fine with 19.
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04-01-2011, 03:51 PM	#34
James T. Kirk Captain of the Enterprise 101 Rep 1,424 Posts Drives: 2011 1 Series M Coupe Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Alpha Quadrant, Sector 001 iTrader: (0)	I had more tire noise on my 2010 335i than I do on my 2011 M3 with ZCP 19s. The M3 is just better insulated and stable all around. Comfort mode is plenty comfortable for DD duties. __________________ 2011 1 Series M Coupe VO M3 vs 1M Comparo Review 2011 M3 E90 DCT ZCP (sold) * 2010 335i Sedan (sold) 2005 M3 Convertible (sold) * 2003 325i Sedan (sold)
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04-01-2011, 04:20 PM	#35
sensi09 Lieutenant Colonel 30 Rep 1,789 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: socal iTrader: (1)	Wider tires up front, 265s or maybe even 275s can make the steering feel more "heavy."
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