Are ZCP M3's less desirable than normal ones?

[cobra]

I don't understand why the E46 M3 ZCP is often regarded as the "highest" spec. In my mind, the multi-function steering wheel with radio control and cruise control are worth more than marginally better (and more expensive) brakes.

Other things like stiffer springs don't really matter because the whole suspension can and should be changed out if you're after better ride and performance. The wheels look nice but are heavy cast wheels that I'd rather replace with forged 18's.

I guess either a standard or ZCP can easily be converted one way or the other with some coding and a few parts, and ultimately it's just a matter of preference. Especially when compared to the CSL that had dramatic weight savings.


Go back to 2006 - would you buy a ZCP or regular model?

[jet_dogg]

In certain people's minds they are.

[Tbonem3]

Only cars to have interlagos
Only 05-06, limited production
CSL rack is great. Wheels are nice, 8" is too small. Not cast exactly, spun forged. Fairly light for factory 19s.

It's not a mystery why they're desirable. That said, with the parts and knowledge we have access to, any M3 can be made to uber spec and surpass both the ZCP(CS) & even CSL.

[CrisSilberGrau]

ZCP, rack, brakes, Option for IB color, and for me it comes with stuff that I'd want on the car. Dont need buttons on steering wheel, even 1 is too much. My right arm is so jacked from turning that volume knob 30cm away. Its preference, they do command decidedly more in the market. If that matters to anyone.

Definitely not biased.

[lastMleft]

If I could go back in time I personally would pull the trigger on a ZCP, jet black with imola red interior 6MT no navigation.....I don’t need the radio and cruise buttons on the wheel....my DD X5 has all that.

[jet_dogg]

ZCP, rack, brakes, Option for IB color, and for me it comes with stuff that I'd want on the car. Dont need buttons on steering wheel, even 1 is too much. My right arm is so jacked from turning that volume knob 30cm away. Its preference, they do command decidedly more in the market. If that matters to anyone.

Definitely not biased.

rack - yes
brakes - no, brembos
ib - no thanks, jb in da house (and silver gray for you)
buttons - meh, easily changed
premium - i think this is the real reason (though I prefer 200.3.5 myself)

Not any real material data. I have a friend who thinks his zcp is a special edition m3 despite it being an options package. That's the equivalent of someone claiming PP M3 for premium package.

If you're a collector or just love cars in stock trim then I can see the appeal of the package.

[heinzboehmer]

IMO, the only things that are really worth it with ZCPs are the IB color option and the ZCP MK60 module (haven't driven a ZCP so can't comment on the rack).

Everything else —like others have said— is relatively cheap, easy to find and easy to swap in.

[maw1124]

I was only considering '05 or '06... and since ZCP was the only difference and ZCP didn't come in a convertible, I never considered it... seriously... I got all the other "final year" stuff in the car I wanted... upgraded the brakes and stereo, got a couple tunes (power and transmission) and down the road I went... car was still under factory warranty so "all records since new"... that was 2010, not quite '06.

maw

[sina]

They definitely do seem to command a premium, but not as much as a desirable interior/exterior color combinations on a "base" manual car. And since both the poster colors were discontinued before ZCP package came around, I'd say on average it's probably a wash.

[Sprp85]

I would take any E46 M3 coupe.

I currently do have a 06, Non-ZCP coupe.

The only desirable thing about the ZCPs over the standard pkg, in my eyes is the IB color + used car premium when you end up selling it.

[Estoril]

The purpose of ZCP was (and still is) to support declining sales late in the model year production lifespan by adding "features" that infer "racy" qualities (aka "Competition"). Toss in a color option, cool name and you're done.

[maw1124]

^^^ MB did it forever... Silver Arrows anyone? And of course that "premium" evaporated as time passed and knowledge increased. Fine idea but I think it depends greatly upon execution.

mae

[DoubleSidedTape]

I thought it was more desirable. Went from an 02 Steel Grey to an 05 Interlagos and probably paid way too much for it but it’s a car I’ll keep forever.

[ridebikes]

I think more desirable as a piece of BMW history ("baby CSL") but kind of a waste to mod if you're going to change out a lot. Definitely BaT bait.

[repoman89]

I wasn’t necessarily looking for one but ended up with one anyway. IB is a really nice color, I like the quick steering rack and (stock) M-track mode, and the stock wheels are pretty street wheels. I was able to sell the stock brakes and pretty much cover the cost of my 996 kit so that was nice. It’d be far down on my requirements list though.

I’m probably in the minority in that I prefer the minimalist steering wheel as well. I never used the buttons or cruise control in 100k miles of driving my first E46.