Driving a sports car should be an immersive experience, a symphony of sensations that connect you to the road. When I first purchased my 2015 M3, I anticipated exactly that. However, the reality was starkly different, and frankly, disappointing. After six months, I parted ways with the car, primarily due to a disconnect in the driving dynamics that left me wanting more – much more.
My biggest issue with the 2015 M3 was the steering. It felt numb, devoid of the feedback I expect from a performance vehicle. To put it bluntly, the steering feel in my Nissan Titan pickup truck was more communicative than that of the M3. It was akin to playing a racing video game with the force feedback steering wheel unplugged. On the highway, I could wiggle the steering wheel back and forth with minimal response from the car. For a car carrying the M badge, this was unacceptable.
When pushing the 2015 M3 on winding roads, the lack of steering feedback became even more pronounced. While the car possessed immense grip and felt planted, I was left guessing about what the front tires were doing. A crucial part of spirited driving is feeling the tires interact with the pavement, that subtle communication transmitted through the steering wheel. This feedback instills confidence, encouraging you to explore the car’s limits in corners. The 2015 M3 simply didn’t offer this vital connection.
Then came an unexpected opportunity. My BMW dealer informed me about a newly arrived 2017 M3 in Sakhir Orange, equipped with the Competition Package (ZCP). Intrigued, and frankly still yearning for the M3 experience I had hoped for, I decided to take a look. I was particularly interested to see if BMW had addressed the criticisms leveled at the earlier F80 M3 models, specifically my own 2015 model. The Sakhir Orange color had always caught my eye, and the combination with the ZCP package felt like a sign. I had to drive this 2017 M3 ZCP.
Even during the initial parking lot drive, while the car was still in transport mode, the difference was immediately apparent. At a mere 3 mph, the steering ratio and response felt significantly quicker. I could feel the tires interacting with the pavement through the steering wheel – a sensation completely absent in my 2015 M3. These two improvements alone seemed to justify the ZCP package. Returning the next day for a proper test drive solidified my initial impression: this was a dramatically improved car.
The suspension in the 2017 M3 ZCP is a world apart from the standard 2015 M3. The 2015 model felt harsh, yet strangely unsettled. The shocks seemed overly firm, while the springs felt too soft, creating a disjointed and somewhat jarring ride. In contrast, the ZCP suspension feels meticulously tuned, more akin to a high-quality aftermarket coilover setup designed for both street and track use. It’s a noticeable and welcome change. Visually, the rear of the 2017 M3 ZCP also appeared to sit slightly lower, although I would need to compare photos to confirm if this was indeed the case.
The exhaust note of the 2017 M3 ZCP is another significant enhancement. Spending a substantial amount on an M car only to immediately feel the need to replace the exhaust system shouldn’t be necessary. The ZCP exhaust delivers a much more satisfying auditory experience right from startup, with enhanced burbles and crackles on deceleration, and an overall richer sound within the cabin. While louder aftermarket options exist, the ZCP exhaust hits a sweet spot, providing a performance-oriented sound without being excessive.
In terms of power delivery, with only 100 miles on the odometer, it was too early to fully explore the engine’s capabilities. I prefer to allow the engine to go through a few heat cycles before pushing it harder.
The Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) in the 2017 M3 ZCP also felt refined. The most noticeable improvement was in low-speed maneuverability. In my 2015 M3, low-speed situations, like parking lot navigation, often felt jerky, almost requiring the finesse of a clutch pedal in a manual car. The 2017 model’s DCT logic seemed smoother and more intuitive in normal driving conditions. Further experience would be needed to provide a definitive comparison, but the initial impression was positive.
The inclusion of iDrive 5 with Apple CarPlay in the 2017 M3 ZCP is a major leap forward. While the updated interface takes a bit of acclimatization, the functionality is significantly improved. BMW’s initial decision to exclude earlier 2014+ models from the iDrive 5 update felt like a disservice, especially considering it appeared to be primarily a software update.
The voice command functionality, similar to Siri, is a game-changer. Simply saying “Find [Destination]” initiates navigation seamlessly. This eliminates the cumbersome process of navigating through menus, waiting for online searches, and confirming destinations that plagued the older iDrive systems. This single feature alone promised to save considerable time and frustration.
The wheels, part of the ZCP package, initially drew criticism in online photos. Their design seemed retro, almost reminiscent of 1970s and 80s styling. However, seeing them in person changed my perspective. They actually complement the car’s aesthetics surprisingly well. While I wouldn’t have chosen them as aftermarket wheels, they undeniably enhance the overall look of the 2017 M3 ZCP in an unexpected way. The design has grown on me, and I now appreciate their unique character.
With the first 100 miles completed, it was clear that the Competition Package transforms the M3 experience. The 2017 M3 ZCP transcends being just a fast sedan; it evolves into a more focused and engaging street and track machine. It instills confidence, communicating its intentions and responses with clarity.
Cornering in the 2017 M3 ZCP felt more precise. Less steering input was required, enhancing the sense of control and accuracy. Corrections became more intuitive, requiring smaller steering wheel adjustments compared to the broader inputs needed in the 2015 M3. This responsiveness, coupled with the improved tire feedback, elevates the driving experience and enjoyment to a new level.
Of course, many drivers may not prioritize these nuances. For those seeking a comfortable, attractive, and fast M car for daily driving, the standard 2015 M3 might suffice. If the subtleties I’ve described aren’t critical to your driving enjoyment, then upgrading might not be necessary.
However, for driving enthusiasts who appreciate these finer details, the 2017 M3 ZCP is a revelation. Experiencing the improvements firsthand highlights what was lacking in the 2015 M3 and makes it difficult to accept anything less. For those who value driving feel and engagement, the ZCP upgrade is not just worthwhile, it’s transformative.
