Are ZCP M3's less desirable than normal ones?

[maw1124]

It used to be that the "Best" model was rarer... now people have that confused, where they think anything that's "Rare" is better.

The Mercedes Silver Arrows were the same thing. A cosmetics only package where people would swear you down that they were going to be worth more, just because they were rarer. As it turns out, vanity isn't worth much.

This will be a good test case... https://carsandbids.com/auctions/KZD..._campaign=hero

The $90k car was about mileage (and condition), I think. This car will test that.

For me, ZCP wasn't worth the absence of a drop top...

maw

[kermmmit7]

I have had few M3s and ZCP is great package. That's why people swapped 67 style rims to ZCP rims , standard brakes to ZCP brakes etc. ZCP is missing cruise control but have great M-track mode. It's worth extra money in my opinion.

[JokerElite]

To me, generally, the more options the better. Especially ZCP. I love the wheels most and the one button steering wheel the least.

[Silbergrau metallic]

Considering that a E46 M3 is a performance car, I think what makes the ZCP package desirable is that it was an option more geared towards a performance advantage compared to luxury items like the multi function steering wheel and any other comfort options. The simpler and more raw feeling the car has the better as far as I'm concerned, Slick top, because it saves weight, Bigger Brakes for better stopping, 14.5:1 steering ratio, Track mode button only with no cruise control, basically a simplified E46 M3 that's designed to make it the edgiest performance package available in the USA within reason without any of the other Fluff and Puff features that make the car a more comfortable driving experience. If BMW had made a limited edition USA available track model E46 M3 with a factory roll bar, 6 speed manual, CSL type intake, no back seat, no stereo, no seat warmers, 400 HP motor with factory race exhaust and cats, faster steering ratio, bigger brakes, stiffer and lower suspension, rims and tires all geared towards performance, they'd sell for so much money it would make your head spin right now, because that's what some people like, but for others that want to stuff as many creature comfort options on a E46 M3 ( The Normal Ones ) as they can, a ZCP or a CSL might be looked upon as being less desirable.

[Obioban]

Considering that a E46 M3 is a performance car, I think what makes the ZCP package desirable is that it was an option more geared towards a performance advantage compared to luxury items like the multi function steering wheel and any other comfort options. The simpler and more raw feeling the car has the better as far as I'm concerned, Slick top, because it saves weight, Bigger Brakes for better stopping, 14.5:1 steering ratio, Track mode button only with no cruise control, basically a simplified E46 M3 that's designed to make it the edgiest performance package available in the USA within reason without any of the other Fluff and Puff features that make the car a more comfortable driving experience. If BMW had made a limited edition USA available track model E46 M3 with a factory roll bar, 6 speed manual, CSL type intake, no back seat, no stereo, no seat warmers, 400 HP motor with factory race exhaust and cats, faster steering ratio, bigger brakes, stiffer and lower suspension, rims and tires all geared towards performance, they'd sell for so much money it would make your head spin right now, because that's what some people like, but for others that want to stuff as many creature comfort options on a E46 M3 ( The Normal Ones ) as they can, a ZCP or a CSL might be looked upon as being less desirable.

Eh…
-The ZCP brought about the softer suspension vs the earlier cars.
-The ZCP wheels are a lower performance size (19”), cast, and don’t clear BBKs (unlike the forged non ZCP 19s).
-The ZCP rotors are drilled, and therefore more prone to cracking on track than the stock rotors. The pads are the same size, so no extra pad life
-steering wheel buttons do not detract from the performance of the car. If anything, they let you stay more involved in driving (as they let you keep yours hands on the wheel instead of reaching for/looking at the center stack)
-a faster steering ratio isn’t “better”— it’s a different set of priorities. A faster ratio trades responsiveness for high speed stability and smoothness of inputs. Personally, especially on track, I want the slowest rack I can get away with that doesn’t force me to reposition my hands mid corner.
-ZCP is separate and unrelated to slick top vs sunroof

[jet_dogg]

I've got myself a performance package (PP) m3, manual with no sunroof.

[Estoril]

Eh…
-The ZCP brought about the softer suspension vs the earlier cars.
-The ZCP wheels are a lower performance size (19”), cast, and don’t clear BBKs (unlike the forged non ZCP 19s).
-The ZCP rotors are drilled, and therefore more prone to cracking on track than the stock rotors. The pads are the same size, so no extra pad life
-steering wheel buttons do not detract from the performance of the car. If anything, they let you stay more involved in driving (as they let you keep yours hands on the wheel instead of reaching for/looking at the center stack)
-a faster steering ratio isn’t “better”— it’s a different set of priorities. A faster ratio trades responsiveness for high speed stability and smoothness of inputs. Personally, especially on track, I want the slowest rack I can get away with that doesn’t force me to reposition my hands mid corner.
-ZCP is separate and unrelated to slick top vs sunroof

I'll add that ZCP doesn't stop (brake) any better - despite what SB posted.

[Tbonem3]

I think being completely optionless (cheapest/most basic) is the most performance enhancing "package" you could have. It's what sealed the deal for me on my car.

[jet_dogg]

I think being completely optionless (cheapest/most basic) is the most performance enhancing "package" you could have. It's what sealed the deal for me on my car.

On the old old forum there were guys running around with zero options like manual cloth seats, halogens, slicktops, manuals pretty much like yours but this was before silver gray was introduced.

I wonder where those cars are now since I never see zero optioned cars for sale.

[Jimbo's M]

I ordered my car with two options, leather seats and metallic paint.

[Tbonem3]

I ordered my car with two options, leather seats and metallic paint.

So mine isn't actually optionless, technically, with Met paint and leather as well.

[Tbonem3]

On the old old forum there were guys running around with zero options like manual cloth seats, halogens, slicktops, manuals pretty much like yours but this was before silver gray was introduced.

I wonder where those cars are now since I never see zero optioned cars for sale.

Ya you rarely see them, esp the most true optionless i.e., standard paint and cloth. True with slicktop alone as well as far as I see.

[Jimbo's M]

So mine isn't actually optionless, technically, with Met paint and leather as well.

Well, mines an 02, not sure of yours and some options have changed. For instance, some may not know this but believe it or not, 01's came standard with a cassette deck. 02's had the CD standard. IIRC, the only non-metallics at the time were IR, LSB, and JB.

[Tbonem3]

Sure, I wouldn't compare years tho no point imo.

I think alpine too no?

[Jimbo's M]

I think alpine too no?

If that's a color, it's obviously not ringing a bell with me.