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      06-15-2021, 01:19 PM   #1
Equilibrandt
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Am I Going to Regret Not Getting a ZCP E46 M3?

Just sold my ZCP F80, in the market for an E46. Usually I'd default to a ZCP E46, but they're quite a headache to find here in CA. I've been looking for months for the right one. Don't want to jump into a non-ZCP quickly if there are big benefits to holding out for a ZCP.

Am I going to have a ton of heartburn if I don't get the ZCP?

From what I understand, the benefits are:
- BBS 19 inch wheels (I'd probably replace a non-ZCP car with Apex wheels in this exact style so not a big deal)
- Alcantara wheel and e-brake (buttons deleted, M track mode button)
- the CSL's steering rack
- Cross drilled rotors

Are there any other big things I'm missing? In my F80, the suspension and the HP/TQ were both changed in the ZCP but I don't see mention of that.

Am I going to regret not having the "M Track Mode" or is it all preference? Drove my F80 with M1 having DSC on and M2 having DSC off. I'm not too torn up about getting to keep my volume control and cruise control buttons.

Last edited by Equilibrandt; 06-15-2021 at 02:28 PM..
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      06-16-2021, 09:33 AM   #2
Obioban
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You can code M track mode onto any MK60 e46 M3 (MK60 was added in mid 2002).

You can have a normal M3 steering wheel rewrapped in alcatara for $300-500... and any car you're buying at this point either will be a rewrap or garbage, as alcantara gets nasty quickly.

The steering rack is better if you prefer a faster rack. Faster isn't "better"-- your trading less hand movement for less high speed stability.

M track mode retrofit procedure:
https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...3-m-track-mode

If you show that to anyone that can to any amount of coding, they should be able to add M track mode to your car.
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      06-16-2021, 10:01 AM   #3
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Absolutely not. I bought mine recently from an owner that bought ZCP wheels and rotors. You can do the same and that takes care of cosmetics. OEM ZCP wheels look much better than Apex IMO.

Some upgrade the steering rack. Code the M track mode.
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      06-16-2021, 10:04 AM   #4
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And consider this. 2006 Imola Red E46 M3 Couple, ZCP, 6MT https://e46m3.bimmerpost.com/forums/....php?t=1832194
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