Competition Package Questions

I'm considering ordering the Competition Package when it's time to order my 2012. Are there any downsides to this decision? I don't intend to track the car and had heard the 19" tires, while looking great, made for a much stiffer ride. Comments? Thanks.

The 19" rims work very well on the standard M3 with EDC, don't know why they'd be a problem with them on the competition package. THe 19's with EDC gives a much better ride than a 335i with 19" and sport package, of course the comp package also drops the car a bit more which may affect things (although I doubt it).

Rather than looking for a downside to the comp package I'd wonder more about whether there's really an upside to it for the road. Besides different wheels what do you expect to gain for the extra cost if you're not tracking the car?

The wheels in the comp pkg are cast while the optional 19" wheels w/o the comp pkg are forged. So the comp pkg wheels do add some weight, but probably only a couple lbs. per wheel. But for mostly street use, unless you prefer the look of the comp pkg wheels, then just get the optional 19" wheels w/o the comp pkg. The lower ride height of the comp pkg (to look at) isn't really noticeable and it will bottom out the front bumper sooner than the non comp cars.

You also get more aggressive mapping along with the slight drop and wheels. If you are planning to change the suspension I would say proceed without it. otherwise, order the option and don't look back. Why regret the decision later..........Phil

My car has a great ride on the optional 19s and unless you prefer the wheels included in the comp. pkg. I would recommend to pass on it if you are buying due to the extra complexity and potential problems and more expensive spare parts down the line. If you are going to lease it's of course nothing to worry about. Also know that the standard suspension is close to perfection for most driving, an almost magical mix of compliancy and sport.

Any updated perspectives on those who have the comp. package? Happy overall?

I dont plan on dropping my car or putting rims on it. I preferred the ZCP rims over the stocks or 220s. 10mm is nothing in a drop but its a smidgen lower than a regular M3. EDC is great. Between the wheel style and the EDC it was worth it for me. May not be for everyone.

Note: 359 rims are a MAJOR pain in the @ss to clean. You have to clean behind the spokes as the spoke are protruding out from the rims edge. Make sure you wax your rims when you first get them so clean up isn't all that big of a deal.

Good to know about the waxing, any type you recommend? Is there a sealant that can be used? Also, any idea how much heavier these are than the stock 19s?

I would get the Comp package if you like the looks of the wheels ( I do).

I also track my car so I use the other elements of the ZCP package ( although I use R- comp's on 18"'s when on the track).

Originally Posted by M3-4ME

Good to know about the waxing, any type you recommend? Is there a sealant that can be used? Also, any idea how much heavier these are than the stock 19s?

Ive been using all Chemical Guys waxes/sealants on my M.

I recently went through the ordering process and this advice is worth what it costs you.

Make sure you order what you want and what you like. If you are purchasing the car and plan to keep it long term be very selective.

I personally ordered the EDC but skipped the competition package even though the wheels look great.

I am good with the 18's for several reasons.
1. BMW engineered the M3 with the 18's(19's are an Option)
2. Ride quality is better overall.
3. Tire life is longer.

The competition 19's are very nice and they look great. Weigh out what is important to you.

I loaded my sedan but skipped the sunshades. Wish I didn't.
No sunroof (could not do it)

Once again be selective and get what you want. At the end of the day you hold the keys. Have no regrets at pick up.

Originally Posted by M3-4ME

Any updated perspectives on those who have the comp. package? Happy overall?

Originally Posted by bkmk5

I dont plan on dropping my car or putting rims on it. I preferred the ZCP rims over the stocks or 220s. 10mm is nothing in a drop but its a smidgen lower than a regular M3. EDC is great. Between the wheel style and the EDC it was worth it for me. May not be for everyone.

Note: 359 rims are a MAJOR pain in the @ss to clean. You have to clean behind the spokes as the spoke are protruding out from the rims edge. Make sure you wax your rims when you first get them so clean up isn't all that big of a deal.

I share in bkmk5's perspective and I love M Dynamic Mode. I'm scared to death to turn the stability control completely off.

I don't have ZHP but I did buy the wheels since I really like them. My only complaint of the comp wheels is that they tend to pick up rock chips which show more than the non-comp 19" wheels which are polished spokes. I have at least 3 fairly big (I'm OCD) rock chips in each wheel that bug me every time I clean the wheels. With the comp package, the car drops 10mm which is not much of a drop, but any drop will give you more front end scrapes. As for the EDC, if you don't track your car, you'd never feel the difference between the comp and the non-comp EDC settings. They are really very minor. I've driven a comp car and I couldn't tell any difference in that car with my car. On the track it would probably be different. If you bought the wheels separately, like I did, the cost is about $2K, so the comp package is a good deal for $2500. If I had the opportunity to get the comp package in 2009, I probably would have bought it. Of course, I usually buy the cars loaded, like my '09 which has every option. After 3 years, I've never used the heated seats nor the headlight washers...I wonder if they work?...he he. I have used the rear sunshade, which I really like.

Originally Posted by Jim in Oregon

After 3 years, I've never used the heated seats nor the headlight washers...I wonder if they work?...he he. I have used the rear sunshade, which I really like.

You ever clean your windshield with your lights on? Early morning, Dusk, night time, never have to clean your windshield; that's weird.

Just got my comp pack equipped car Monday. I had them wax the rims, but will surely need to wax often.

This car is such a blast. While I loved my IS-F, the customizable M button is terrific. I do wish the 6th shift pattern in DTC man mode was available without fully disabling dtc!?

I could tell a difference in the ride quality going from the standard M3 to the Comp. Pkg, so perhaps you need to determine which ride you like better- maybe it's just me . Both sets of wheels look great so I think it's just a style preference. Also, determine if you really want a sunroof, which you cannot get with the comp pkg. I think the CF roof is more cool with the lighter paint colors, such as alpine white...great contrast. Mine is Jerez black, so the CF isn't as noticable, still great though.

Originally Posted by M3-4ME

Any updated perspectives on those who have the comp. package? Happy overall?

Don't forget the 359M's (ZCP) are 1/2 inch wider all the way around - which makes them a little easier to curb (but also gives the opportunity to put on wider tires as well).

You can get the sunroof with the Comp Pckg. Ordered it on mine, but mine is a 2011 E90. Not sure if they changed it for 2012. Proof in pictures.

Originally Posted by 328dude

You can get the sunroof with the Comp Pckg. Ordered it on mine, but mine is a 2011 E90. Not sure if they changed it for 2012. Proof in pictures.

+1. I have a sunroof with mine, and you can order a sunroof with an E92 as well.

Originally Posted by 328dude

You can get the sunroof with the Comp Pckg. Ordered it on mine, but mine is a 2011 E90. Not sure if they changed it for 2012. Proof in pictures.

Originally Posted by 335i

+1. I have a sunroof with mine, and you can order a sunroof with an E92 as well.

I thought the carbon fiber roof was only available for the E92. Seems a waste to get a E92 with ZCP without the CF roof...IMHO

Go competition and never look back! Love love love

Originally Posted by mcultra

I thought the carbon fiber roof was only available for the E92. Seems a waste to get a E92 with ZCP without the CF roof...IMHO

Nope - go to bmwusa.com - you can build the car with a sunroof at no extra charge.

ZCP only adds wheels, slightly lowered suspension, and a more aggressive m-drive traction control - I honestly don't think your average joe is going to notice the difference in handling, except for on the track - and for most, the car's ability will far exceed the driver's

Originally Posted by mcultra

I thought the carbon fiber roof was only available for the E92. Seems a waste to get a E92 with ZCP without the CF roof...IMHO

You are correct.....you can only get the CF roof on the E92. But IMHO the roof only looks good on light colored cars........Phil

Originally Posted by 650 Ryder

You are correct.....you can only get the CF roof on the E92. But IMHO the roof only looks good on light colored cars........Phil

I could point you in a direction to replace a E90 roof with a CF one.
If you find that desirable.

Originally Posted by dalekressin

I could point you in a direction to replace a E90 roof with a CF one.
If you find that desirable.

I have to believe that the old adage is still true: the best performance gain on the track is to tighten the nut behind the wheel.

No way does a CF roof make more difference than another quality driving school. The roof's impact is miniscule if not unmeasurable. The driver's impact is massive.