E46 M3 Base vs ZCP Conundrum

[sasha]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, what are the main differences between base and ZCP steering column?

ZCP had the CSL steering rack which has a faster (more sensitive to input) ratio. So less turns of the wheel for same turning radius. IMO, this was a great improvement. Base models I’ve driven feel loose at center and slow whereas my ZCP feels amazing to me. Lots of folks comment on ZCP being cosmetics, but the steering rack to me makes a difference.

But I am partial to the ZCP for cosmetics too ha

[xansabi]

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!

Sorry if this is a stupid question, what are the main differences between base and ZCP steering column?

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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?

[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...

[davidinnyc]

Fuck that guy

lol second time in two weeks

[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