01 · Überblick
The middle ground
From December 2004, BMW offered the Competition package for the M3 Coupé — internally ZCP, sold in the UK as the M3 CS. The idea: to bring the dynamic ingredients of the sold-out CSL into a car with full series equipment.
In concrete terms, this meant 19-inch cross-spoke wheels in CSL design, a more direct steering ratio of 14.5:1, firmer springs, the M Track mode DSC, and the larger brake system. The engine remained untouched at 343 PS — the package sharpened the chassis, not the drivetrain.
02 · Historie
Einordnung
- 2003 The CSL sold out after 1,383 units — demand for a sharper series M3 remains.
- 2004 In December, the Competition package appears: CSL chassis technology in a fully equipped coupé.
- 2006 With the end of E46 M3 production, the package also comes to an end.
03 · In detail
In detail
Coupé with ZCP package
Recognisable by the 19-inch cross-spoke wheels, the Alcantara steering wheel, and the badge. Coupé only.
04 · Technik
What the package changes
Chassis and steering
Bremse
05 · Kaufberatung
Buying advice coming soon
Technically like the series M3 (conrod bearings, rear axle mounts). Check authenticity via the equipment codes — retrofitted CSL looks are common.
06 · Die Konkurrenz
Die Konkurrenz
M3 CSL
More radical and lighter, but without the comfort of automatic climate control and traded at significantly higher prices.
07 · Quellen