E46 M3 Base vs ZCP Conundrum

[simon_c]

Wow that reupholstered M-texture interior looks amazing. Mind sharing what something like that costs? Looks like you built the car that you wanted

[adr_M3]

Wow that reupholstered M-texture interior looks amazing. Mind sharing what something like that costs? Looks like you built the car that you wanted

It ended up being north of $11K as many of the existing parts weren't able to reused given the entire interior was in grey. I ended up getting a new headliner and OEM A-pillars to correct errors made by another upholstery shop, who used the wrong material as well as crazy glue in their install 🙄


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[simon_c]

It ended up being north of $11K as many of the existing parts weren't able to reused given the entire interior was in grey. I ended up getting a new headliner and OEM A-pillars to correct errors made by another upholstery shop, who used the wrong material as well as crazy glue in their install 🙄


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my dreams are now shattered lol.

[davidinnyc]

Wow that reupholstered M-texture interior looks amazing. Mind sharing what something like that costs? Looks like you built the car that you wanted

Can confirm, have seen this interior in person. I was jealous.

[adr_M3]

my dreams are now shattered lol.

If you already have a black interior, you could get your seats and door cards reupholstered with the M-texture fabric at a more reasonable price point:

https://www.ascfabrics.com/product-page/mtexture

My refresh was costly due to the fact that the seats, carpet, and door cards all had be to replaced given the plastic bits were all grey and couldn't readily be refinished.

[old///MFanatic]

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

The ZCP got the steering rack from the CSL. It’s a tighter ratio of 14.5:1 vs.15.4:1. So it’s a sportier less full turns lock-to-lock. But also not as boosted, the internal spring valve isn’t as soft. So again, sportier. This is the one BMW M used in the CSL so it’s a performance feel and reaction. But nothing obnoxious by any means. *I see you added a ZF “yellow tag .712” 14.5:1 ratio rack so you now have the same “ratio”.

Since you have the early MK20 you’ll want to swap in a MK60 to code for the 14.5 rack. Otherwise you’ll find it triggering DSC in quicker turns early. With MK60 you’ll then be able to also code for “M-Track Mode”. That allows you to have some ~20% more slip of the DSC before it intervenes. M-Track is a steering wheel control on ZCPs. Non-ZCPs use the DSC button on first push to activate. And a second hold of button to turn DSC off like it usually functions.

If you were to later decide to add the CSL brakes that are larger fronts (cross-drilled floating aluminum hats) and larger rear caliper piston. The MK60 again has a very easy check box to click to code for the different CSL/ZCP brake bias also.

[Kipjames3]

The ZCP got the steering rack from the CSL. It’s a tighter ratio of 14.5:1 vs.15.4:1. So it’s a sportier less full turns lock-to-lock. But also not as boosted, the internal spring valve isn’t as soft. So again, sportier. This is the one BMW M used in the CSL so it’s a performance feel and reaction. But nothing obnoxious by any means. *I see you added a ZF “yellow tag .712” 14.5:1 ratio rack so you now have the same “ratio”.

Since you have the early MK20 you’ll want to swap in a MK60 to code for the 14.5 rack. Otherwise you’ll find it triggering DSC in quicker turns early. With MK60 you’ll then be able to also code for “M-Track Mode”. That allows you to have some ~20% more slip of the DSC before it intervenes. M-Track is a steering wheel control on ZCPs. Non-ZCPs use the DSC button on first push to activate. And a second hold of button to turn DSC off like it usually functions.

If you were to later decide to add the CSL brakes that are larger fronts (cross-drilled floating aluminum hats) and larger rear caliper piston. The MK60 again has a very easy check box to click to code for the different CSL/ZCP brake bias also.

Would you say the CSL tag is worth it over the yellow tag for a car non-track car? Sorry to derail the thread, just thought I'd ask.

[adr_M3]

Would you say the CSL tag is worth it over the yellow tag for a car non-track car? Sorry to derail the thread, just thought I'd ask.

I believe davidinnyc has disassembled and rebuilt both yellow and blue (CSL) tagged racks and found them to be nearly identical. I can’t be speak to how the blue vs yellow tag rack feels but I will say that the yellow tag rack is a worthwhile upgrade from the stock green rack and gives the steering some levity while maintaining feedback.

[old///MFanatic]

Would you say the CSL tag is worth it over the yellow tag for a car non-track car? Sorry to derail the thread, just thought I'd ask.

For as cheap and easy it is to get a plentiful ZF “yellow tag .712” that’s a hard sell not to. I figured out with Terraphntm well over a decade ago the travel (ratios) was the same. I had two ZCP/CSL racks in garage bench and measured them. Also if someone really wanted to increase the pressure of the spring in the check valve they can just add a shim. And with so many other variables like wheel & tire combos, tire pressures, underdriven power steering pulleys the feel can be changed even between two ZCPs.

[adr_M3]

The ZCP got the steering rack from the CSL. It's a tighter ratio of 14.5:1 vs.15.4:1. So it's a sportier less full turns lock-to-lock. But also not as boosted, the internal spring valve isn't as soft. So again, sportier. This is the one BMW M used in the CSL so it's a performance feel and reaction. But nothing obnoxious by any means. *I see you added a ZF “yellow tag .712” 14.5:1 ratio rack so you now have the same “ratio”.

Since you have the early MK20 you'll want to swap in a MK60 to code for the 14.5 rack. Otherwise you'll find it triggering DSC in quicker turns early. With MK60 you'll then be able to also code for “M-Track Mode”. That allows you to have some ~20% more slip of the DSC before it intervenes. M-Track is a steering wheel control on ZCPs. Non-ZCPs use the DSC button on first push to activate. And a second hold of button to turn DSC off like it usually functions.

If you were to later decide to add the CSL brakes that are larger fronts (cross-drilled floating aluminum hats) and larger rear caliper piston. The MK60 again has a very easy check box to click to code for the different CSL/ZCP brake bias also.

I've built my car to be a sporty grand tourer rather than a track tool so I'm not sure if I would find much benefit to getting an MK60 module.


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[old///MFanatic]

I've built my car to be a sporty grand tourer rather than a track tool so I'm not sure if I would find much benefit to getting an MK60 module.

I would very often trigger my DSC on freeway offramps and quick turns before coding it for the 14.5 ratio rack. Seeing how much you‘ve already done to your M3 I would think you’d very much feel adding the MK60 and coding to be worthwhile.
Besides not triggering DSC in turns on the street. Have you ever pulled infront of traffic (or done quick a u-turn) and punched it only to have the car cut power and leave you hanging out to dry? With M-track mode on you’ll not have that as abrupt, but maybe a slight rear wiggle. Read up on M-track mode retrofit.

[adr_M3]

I would very often trigger my DSC on freeway offramps and quick turns before coding it for the 14.5 ratio rack. Seeing how much you‘ve already done to your M3 I would think you’d very much feel adding the MK60 and coding to be worthwhile.
Besides not triggering DSC in turns on the street. Have you ever pulled infront of traffic (or done quick a u-turn) and punched it only to have the car cut power and leave you hanging out to dry? With M-track mode on you’ll not have that as abrupt, but maybe a slight rear wiggle. Read up on M-track mode retrofit.

Hasn't happened to me yet but perhaps I haven't driven hard enough to trigger it. I'll keep this mod in mind but am a bit weary since I read that this can be a very involved process to do full stop:

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/e46-2001-2006/189096-mk20-mk60-swap

[liam821]

Would you say the CSL tag is worth it over the yellow tag for a car non-track car? Sorry to derail the thread, just thought I'd ask.

I've owned both ZCP and non-ZCP cars. Ignoring all the cosmetic stuff (ZCP interior trim here, 19s wheels there), they're almost identical for the most part. Sure, the ZCP has better brakes from the factory, but they're still pretty mid. Both MK60s (03.5+ non-ZCP, ZCP) can be programmed with the same CSL/ZCP programming, and you can enable m-track mode in a non-ZCP too. The only part on the ZCP I'd care about is the steering rack, but the yellow tag 712 exists. I didn't really notice any difference between the ZCP/CSL rack and a yellow tag 712 rack - same ratios and feel. You'd notice more of a change with a different tire pressure.

The biggest thing the ZCP brings to the table is resale value, IMHO.

EDIT: 9/02 builds+ onwards for non-zcp, not 03.5+. 👍

[old///MFanatic]

I've owned both ZCP and non-ZCP cars.
Both MK60s (03.5+ non-ZCP, ZCP) can be programmed with the same CSL/ZCP programming, and you can enable m-track mode in a non-ZCP too.

I believe on the E46 M3s the MK60 started with 9/02 builds, not just later 03.5+ (aka “face-lifted” ‘03s). Sorry not trying to be picky but could be very useful for someone reading.

[EthanolTurbo]

I believe on the E46 M3s the MK60 started with 9/02 builds, not just later 03.5+ (aka “face-lifted” ‘03s). Sorry not trying to be picky but could be very useful for someone reading.

This is true. My 09/02 build has MK60 etc but came with the nonLED prefacelift tails. My friend's 11/02 build is the same. So technically I have an '03.25 lol.