ZCP Steering Heavier than non?

[Damage Inc]

I'm currently in a 2011 E92 ZCP coupe, looking to get back to a sedan. Found a local 2011 sedan, however it doesn't have ZCP. The steering felt quite a bit "lighter" than my coupe. I thought the ZCP was suspension only, is there any difference in the steering weight? Thanks.

[roastbeef]

short answer; i don't know for sure.

however, zcp cars with nav can change the servo setting via idrive. this may be possible with non-nav cars with the blinker stalk option settings, but again, i don't know. it could have been something that was quietly reworked in the facelift and addition of the zcp package.

[Kurt_OH]

Servo only configurable via nav

[jaehshim]

no...they are the same in terms of steering.
probably the setting was different in the two cars' servo steering

[vincE92M3]

Originally Posted by Kurt_OH

Servo only configurable via nav

This isn't accurate. Servo can also be configurated in non-nav cars via the M button on the steering wheel.

Steering could feel heavier in the ZCP because of the slightly wider wheel as well.

[///S65]

did you feel any change in suspension feel? I noticed my non-ZCP car has a lot more body roll on the track than my friend's ZCP.

[california]

Originally Posted by MojorisinM3

I'm currently in a 2011 E92 ZCP coupe, looking to get back to a sedan. Found a local 2011 sedan, however it doesn't have ZCP. The steering felt quite a bit "lighter" than my coupe. I thought the ZCP was suspension only, is there any difference in the steering weight? Thanks.

The Non-Comp M3 that I have has a light steering because it doesn't have as stiff of a suspension. My theory is all cars with aftermarket suspension or comp or even the new M3/M4 are going to be really stiff/heavy even because the suspension just stiffens up the steering also.

[OneSickM]

Originally Posted by california

The Non-Comp M3 that I have has a light steering because it doesn't have as stiff of a suspension. My theory is all cars with aftermarket suspension or comp or even the new M3/M4 are going to be really stiff/heavy even because the suspension just stiffens up the steering also.

Thats not true.. It is just the settings of steering wheel if it is set to servo or not

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by california

The Non-Comp M3 that I have has a light steering because it doesn't have as stiff of a suspension. My theory is all cars with aftermarket suspension or comp or even the new M3/M4 are going to be really stiff/heavy even because the suspension just stiffens up the steering also.

No

[Flying Ace]

What's your tire pressure?

[nachob]

Originally Posted by MojorisinM3

I'm currently in a 2011 E92 ZCP coupe, looking to get back to a sedan. Found a local 2011 sedan, however it doesn't have ZCP. The steering felt quite a bit "lighter" than my coupe. I thought the ZCP was suspension only, is there any difference in the steering weight? Thanks.

Zcp had 19s that are heavier and wider than non zcp 19s and much heavier than 18s. This gives very slight difference in feel. The 1M had the same rack and zcp wheels and I felt slight differmce going to 18s. This was very minor. My guess is that zcp had adjustable steering feel settings and you got used to one.

[jphughan]

Tires can also make a difference. When I switched from PSS to AD08R's, the steering got heavier. It wasn't a big deal and within 10 miles I stopped noticing it, but I suppose it would be noticeable in an A/B comparison. The same thing happened when I got my StopTech BBK, only that made the steering lighter. Abnormally low or high tire pressure can also make steering feel unusually heavy or light, respectively.

Lastly, maybe power steering fluid level/age would influence this somewhat too, despite BMW claiming that it's a "lifetime fill" -- which means it will last the lifetime of your power steering setup, right up until it fails from never having had its fluid changed.

[1MOREMOD]

Could be in your head too like loud exhaust makes you think car is faster on butt dyno.

[whats77inaname]

Originally Posted by MojorisinM3

I'm currently in a 2011 E92 ZCP coupe, looking to get back to a sedan. Found a local 2011 sedan, however it doesn't have ZCP. The steering felt quite a bit "lighter" than my coupe. I thought the ZCP was suspension only, is there any difference in the steering weight? Thanks.

E90 here. I contacted Mike Benvo and opted for the servotronic steering change. The difference is quite noticeable, and the steering is appreciably heavier as compared to what it was like before.

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by whats77inaname

Contact Benvo for the servo change. Difference is *QUITE* noticeable, and much better feeling, IMO.

It's funny, I used to use Sport whenever on back roads and the track (never saw the use for it during casual driving), but recently I've switched to Normal full-time. I think Sport definitely helped smooth out my inputs by requiring them to be more deliberate when I was learning, but now I enjoy the lighter feel, though I admit it's not a really strong preference. I've also noticed that previous BMWs and all Porsches I've tried have steering feel much closer to Normal mode, and a friend who drove my car said that Sport mode made it feel like it weighed an extra 400 pounds.

[Denk]

My current ZCP steering does feel slightly heavier than my previous civics as does the firmness in comfort...less bounce, more planted. I've got Conti 3's on the ZCP and had PSS's on the civics.

[Law]

E9X M3 has the same steering across the board, ZCP be damned.

Only the E46 M3 ZCP had a different steering rack a la CSL.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by Denk

My current ZCP steering does feel slightly heavier than my previous civics as does the firmness in comfort...less bounce, more planted. I've got Conti 3's on the ZCP and had PSS's on the civics.

maybe this is the difference between a real M3 and a civic?

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by ///S65

did you feel any change in suspension feel? I noticed my non-ZCP car has a lot more body roll on the track than my friend's ZCP.

At least when you step up Normal and Sport I hope the EDC better stiffen up and reduce role compared to non EDC or I spent money for nothing mate!

[spiderspider]

alignment settings can also affect steering feel. heck when i changed my rear differential fluid (with FM) i swear the steering felt lighter afterward

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by spiderspider

alignment settings can also affect steering feel. heck when i changed my rear differential fluid (with FM) i swear the steering felt lighter afterward

I can't see how this would be anything but placebo effect or something else that happened around the same time. FM fluid is only "inline" to the rear wheels, and the steering rack is only connected to the fronts.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by spiderspider

alignment settings can also affect steering feel. heck when i changed my rear differential fluid (with FM) i swear the steering felt lighter afterward

. Toe in will make it require a little more effort to move from center when driving. Toe out will make jump off center. But tires and pressures make a big difference. Remember zcp has the biggest wheel and contact patch.