Competition package yes or no?

[Veratyr]

If you were going to get a new M3 would you opt for the competition package? Does it handle that much better, versus the cost to the ride for daily street driving? Anybody have time behind the wheel with an E9x with and without the competition package?

[IND-Distribution]

If you are planning on leaving the car exactly as equipped from the factory, then the competition package is a good value. The suspension and steering changes as well as the ZCP wheels are a good addition to the E9x M3, in my opinion.

If you are planning on modifying the suspension and wheels, then the ZCP package is not completely necessary, in my opinion.

[3XTR3M3]

Had without, have with, like with.

[jwarner]

I agree with Ilia for the most part. I'd view the competition package as a cosmetic purchase... generally because you prefer the wheels over the standard 19s. The suspension modification is, I think, undetectable.

There is a very slight difference in M mode in terms of how loose the electronics will allow the car to get before correcting your bad behavior. This is noticeable but largely irrelevant unless you are on track (and arguable irrelevant also on the track).

I chose the competition package almost entirely because I think the wheels look great (80%) and the rest because I liked the idea that the car was somewhat sportier (20%).

In a practical sense, the car handles the same as a non-competition package car with 19" wheels.

[Ateam]

Originally Posted by Ilia@IND

If you are planning on leaving the car exactly as equipped from the factory, then the competition package is a good value. The suspension and steering changes as well as the ZCP wheels are a good addition to the E9x M3, in my opinion.

If you are planning on modifying the suspension and wheels, then the ZCP package is not completely necessary, in my opinion.

There is no steering changes on a zcp. Its the wheels, suspension 10mm lower and recalibrated EDC with sport mode active suspension and not fixed and mdm re-tuned a bit to allow more slip.

Nothing else.

If you like the wheels and were going to get EDC than its a no brainer. If you prefer the OEM wheels you are not really missing out on much. I say you go by the wheels you like and choose from there.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

I recommend it ....

BMW has released further information and photos about the 2011 M3 Competition Package. Available this spring, the Competition Package is offered on the M3 Coupe and the M3 Sedan. It features a lowered suspension (ride height is reduced 10mm), light alloy wheels, a specially developed 'sport' mode (part of the Electronic Damping Control), and a revised stability control program. Options include carbon fiber front apron flaps and a carbon fiber rear spoiler.

Besides the Competition Package, BMW also announced all 2011 M3s (Sedan, Coupe, and Convertible) will feature an engine stop/start function. Thanks to this system, average fuel consumption will be reduced by 8% while C02 emissions are cut by 24 g/km. According to BMW, the M3 Coupe and M3 Sedan will achieve an average fuel consumption of 11.2 l/100km (21 mpg US) with the optional 7-speed M dual clutch transmission - manual models consume 12.4 l/100km (19 mpg US). On the other hand, the M3 Convertible has an average fuel consumption of 11.5 l/100km (20.4 mpg US), M dual clutch transmission with Drivelogic, and 12.7 l/100km (18.5 mpg US) with 6-speed manual transmission.

Source: BMW

Also the 19" wheels look great on the car ... just mounted my 18" winter package and the car looks kind of lonely with the 18" wheels ... just my 2 cents

[immiketoo]

Yes!

[tlp]

If you like the 359 wheel and were planning on getting EDC anyhow it's a no brainer. Get it!! I also think it will command a higher resale when it comes time to sell.

[GOLFFRR]

If you plan on modding suspension etc might not be necessary. However IMO I would get it bc it will be better for resale purpose later down the line if you decide to move on. Thats just my 2 cents. I would say 80% of people we get looking for a used M3 ask about zcp package.

[GOLFFRR]

Originally Posted by tlp

If you like the 359 wheel and were planning on getting EDC anyhow it's a no brainer. Get it!! I also think it will command a higher resale when it comes time to sell.

beat me to it lol

[tlp]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

beat me to it lol

First time ever. You must have been distracted.

[GOLFFRR]

lol I actually had it typed out just didn't submit it was watching golf on tv lol

[mdosu]

the only part of ZCP i like is the wheels. I doubt most owners who track can notice and reap full benefits of the ZCP. Generally, the biggest factor when it comes down to track time differencess are the tires and driver skill not ZCP.

My suggestion, but the wheels seperately, ppl are selling the packages for around $2500 new with tires.

[Gearhead999s]

I have had both on my 08 &11 and much prefer the car with the competition package over the base EDC & 19" wheels.There is no downside ride quality wise on the street and it does roll less and much more neutral ontrack than my 08 was.

[mdosu]

buying a car and it's options shouldn't be seen for "resale" value, and "investment value", you're likely to get pennies on the dollar for some options.

Case in point, $67k sticker E90 M3 will sell for $46k in 2 years, a $58k sticker same E90 M3 wil sell for $41k in 2 years. pennies on the dollar...it's a depreciating asset, if you can live without the option, dont' get it, or buy used.

[SchnellM3]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

lol I actually had it typed out just didn't submit it was watching golf on tv lol

Watching Golf lol Who would have guessed

[Ateam]

Originally Posted by Gearhead999s

I have had both on my 08 &11 and much prefer the car with the competition package over the base EDC & 19" wheels.There is no downside ride quality wise on the street and it does roll less and much more neutral ontrack than my 08 was.

Its likely because your car was 3 years old when you switched so the suspension was just much looser after 3 years of driving so the new 2011 felt much tighter-nothing to do with zcp

[IFX]

Others have said valid points, however I disagree about re-sale. 2nd party people do not pay the price for ZCP, it's worth nothing except if the car is brand new.

IMO.

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by Ateam

Its likely because your car was 3 years old when you switched so the suspension was just much looser after 3 years of driving so the new 2011 felt much tighter-nothing to do with zcp

My 08 always oversteered quite a bit on a square setup compared to my 11 and the tires wore much flatter which indicated a lot less body roll which you can see in pictures.

08



11 with ZCP

[M3SQRD]

Have both and I'd definitely recommend Comp package. Assuming you keep the stock suspension then the Comp EDC sport setting with variable damping is a huge plus.

[ES_TRADER]

Yes get it, all the way, hands down, 110% worth every penny

[MUFCbmwbear]

I would