E46 M3 Base vs ZCP Conundrum

[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?

[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

[WestBankM4]

I'm in the, keep your car camp. I bought my Carbon Black w/ grey interior and hated the interior color. I decided to convert the interior to black and I bided my time to collect parts from eBay and Craigslist for the build. Waited for pristine parts, 9/10 or better, lucked out on door cards, dash and carpet all locally from a clean example becoming a race car. Some of the small bits I had to buy OEM, but also found a parts car I could nab small things needed in black.

All in all, I did a lot while I was in there to future proof and lighten as much as possible within limits. Upgraded sound components, replaced a lot of electronics, sensors, blowers behind the dash because I didn't want to take the dash out a second time.

The good news is that you have grey interior, keep your seats and the door panels! They're the best to dye given the nature of the color since you want Cinnamon in the future. I bought the dye kit which is very close to the OEM color from a company called, Leatherique. Waiting on a new HVLP gun, but I'm going to start testing summer '26. If I can get good results, I'll be reusing all my old leather interior but Cinnamon in the car. I upgraded my seats to Sportsters so getting a Cinnamon cover can be had by AMX Performance or similar, otherwise you can dye your OEM seats and repair them at the same time if worn or cracked.

I personally love Titanium, such a timeless and classic color.

[xansabi]

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

What's the most common way to switch the steering columns to CSL/ZCP?

[Obioban]

What's the most common way to switch the steering columns to CSL/ZCP?

By swapping it. But, faster isn’t “better” (if it was, it would be stock, as it’s not more expensive to make)— just a different compromise vs high speed stability to responsiveness.

[xansabi]

By swapping it. But, faster isn’t “better” (if it was, it would be stock, as it’s not more expensive to make)— just a different compromise of high speed stability to responsiveness.

Thanks!

[9kracing]

Also it's the rack not the column

[MTiz]

Interior swap will change your life. It's what I did. Dove grey to Imola. Tiag and imola is such a good combo. You've got a good car it sounds like, swap the interior and move on IMO. Interior swap is easy, just a little time consuming.

I swapped my Dove to Imola and it is NOT EASY, you're lying lol. It will take a very long time and you will likely break a lot of 20+ year old crappy plastic along the way. Zero regrets but yeah I was stressing doing that.

@OP, sell it and buy a dream spec. You'll never regret it.

[oceansize]

I swapped my Dove to Imola and it is NOT EASY, you're lying lol. It will take a very long time and you will likely break a lot of 20+ year old crappy plastic along the way. Zero regrets but yeah I was stressing doing that.

@OP, sell it and buy a dream spec. You'll never regret it.

What took you so long on the swap? If you removed the dash, which is completely unnecessary then yes. I didn't, just the cut down center, to go around the heater core, and tucked the inner center pieces up under the plastic trim dash trim. You cannot and wouldn't ever be able to tell I did that. I had it done in probably 8 hours (other than I broke the gas pedal white clip thing and had to order).

[maw1124]

I feel ya, one man’s treasure…. another man’s garbage.

Didn't know yours was a swap... smart move.

I hunted for that color combo... it was the only one I would accept. Didn't like Carbon over Imola and didn't like the darker Grey at all. And never White.

As for ZCP v not, I couldn't see anything in the difference I really cared about. And since it was Coupe only that was out. Maybe I saved a couple bucks by avoiding that hype premium. But then again convertibles were more expensive when I bought (2010Q4). Consumer preferences and market dynamics shift. It happens.

maw

[jvit27]

ZCP if you're going to leave the car stock/collectible (boring). But it really doesn't change the experience that much, especially if you upgrade the car. You can add a rack, and wheels are purely subjective. Brakes can be changed too but it's not like E46's need more front bias, and single piston calipers are nothing to write home about anyways. Just get Euro 2pc rotors if you want the look without having to change anything else.

Color is subjective, I actually think IB doesn't look good. TiAg is classic and you have a clean slate to do a special interior if you want. MK60 swap is doable especially considering how much work you've already put into the car. Not to be a hater on ZCP, I've had one. Nice option to have as far as aesthetics but I wouldn't go out of my way for one.