E46 M3 Base vs ZCP Conundrum

[9kracing]

My .02 cents...

If you plan on keeping an E46 M3 for another 10 years, I think the automotive landscape is going to change drastically in that time. These cars will almost definitely see the same kind of value increase that the E30 saw, and the E36 is starting to see... clean examples of desirable cars are going to the moon. So, yes, you're going to lose money getting rid of the SMG Tiag car, but think about the value of a 2006 ZCP 6 speed in 2035.

You'll almost definitely recoup any monies lost today.

[Obioban]

ZCP has always been a non starter for me because...
1) don't want to be forced into larger, cast wheels (OE 19s are forged, OE 18s are 18s, ZCP wheels are cast 19s)
2) steering wheel controls are pretty great

[9kracing]

My car isn't a ZCP, but I did put in the blue tag steering rack... so best of both worlds? Steering wheel controls + a ZCP rack! lol

All things being equal, I would have preferred my car came ZCP from the factory, the resale value is always quite a bit higher. Despite the ZCP not really offering much in today's world, especially if you're willing to mod a non-zcp

[davidinnyc]

Fuck that guy

lol second time in two weeks

[davidinnyc]

MK20 or MK60? If MK20, then it might be worth considering trading the car for an MK60 car.

I personally don't think it's worth paying the premium for a ZCP car unless you really want Interlagos. The steering rack is the only part that I would say is worth it, but you can always buy that separately (or a ZHP rack for pretty much the same experience) and swap it in. Interior trim is cool as well, but at the end of the day, it's just some trim.

(this is all coming from someone who has an MK60 swapped car that has been retrofitted with all the ZCP parts, btw)

... speaking of ZHP racks having the same valving system, pinion gear diameter, torsion rod diameter, steering rack tooth count/angle/alignment as the blue tag...

[heinzboehmer]

... speaking of ZHP racks having the same valving system, pinion gear diameter, torsion rod diameter, steering rack tooth count/angle/alignment as the blue tag...

You were exactly who I was alluding to with the ZHP rack comment

Did you confirm that the torsion rod is the same between ZCP and ZHP racks? Any other differences between the two?

[adr_M3]

Appreciate everyone's responses thus far. I'm now exploring interior refresh options and have reached out to bmwrestoredseats who said they can take care of the entire project however I'm wondering if there folks in Southern California have a recommended shop that car capable of pulling it off, from seats and carpets to the dash center console.

[oceansize]

Fuck that guy

Man, you're all over me lol. I had no issues 🤷♂️ and he delivered what he promised, but I've always believed I'm the luckiest bastard you'll ever meet.

[BlueBimmers]

FWIW - I really enjoy owning an IB ZCP. That said, I miss the steering wheel controls and wish the MUCH better looking comp wheels were 18 not 19. I know there is a retrofit to get cruise back but the wiring is above my skill level.

Agree with 9kracing comment. If I keep my car clean and under 100K miles it may be big part of my retirement portfolio in 10 years.

[scotty737]

FWIW - I really enjoy owning an IB ZCP. That said, I miss the steering wheel controls and wish the MUCH better looking comp wheels were 18 not 19. I know there is a retrofit to get cruise back but the wiring is above my skill level.

Agree with 9kracing comment. If I keep my car clean and under 100K miles it may be big part of my retirement portfolio in 10 years.

The wiring is extremely easy. I did this about 10 years ago with zero experience. Would recommend giving it a go!

[Sharocks]

I have both and I prefer the standard car over the ZCP.

However, my ZCP is an IB over Black and a factory 6MT.

Then with the Dinan S3R package added to it when it was new so I can't really compare it to my NA car however it's much more annoying to deal with.

If you're set on the color, I would sell yours and save up.

[LSB4Me]

Agree with 9kracing comment. If I keep my car clean and under 100K miles it may be big part of my retirement portfolio in 10 years.

Let me first say, I hope you’re right and that I’m wrong.

However, I have concerns about the e46 as an investment vehicle. They simply made too many and the M3 platform across all generations tends to stagnate. Sure, clean ones will become hard to find, but I’m not convinced that will spark meaningful appreciation.

FWIW OP, I’m 30k into my 20k LSB and figure I’m upside down. Didn’t stop me from ordering the carbon roof last week though.

[BlueBimmers]

This thread reminded me there was an in-depth comparison of ZCP vs. Base in Bimmer magazine, Feb. 2006, issue UTC time if you can hunt down an old copy. Sadly Bimmer never went online except for two stories a month. One conclusion was upping the tire sizes made a big difference in the ZCP.

[Kevin]

Appreciate everyone's responses thus far. I'm now exploring interior refresh options and have reached out to bmwrestoredseats who said they can take care of the entire project however I'm wondering if there folks in Southern California have a recommended shop that car capable of pulling it off, from seats and carpets to the dash center console.

AP Upholstery in San Diego look like they do good work and are local.

Joni did a panel for me when I lived in the northeast and it went fine, but there are plenty of shops in SoCal who can do it.

[cornerbalanced]

Personally, I’m a big fan of ZCP cars! Having owned several, they’re a noticeable improvement over (stock) base E46 M3s, particularly pre-LCI ones. The brakes are notably better, as is the steering feel. I’m a sucker for the steering wheel. I think ZCP wheels are tailored for the E46, and suit the car incredibly well. It all comes down to personal preference. Can you modify a base E46 M3 to be just as good, if not better than a ZCP car? Of course!