M3 E92 Competition Pack - worth it?
Discussion
I know that it entails basically the following:
10MM lower ride height
Different Wheels (lighter?)
More aggressive traction settings etc. - although excatly what does this entail?
Does anyone have an e92 M3 with competition pack - I am thinking of going back to an e92 M3 (have had a 2008 one before with DCT and EDC and quick liked it) and wondered if the competion pack was really worth it?
cheers
G.
10MM lower ride height
Different Wheels (lighter?)
More aggressive traction settings etc. - although excatly what does this entail?
Does anyone have an e92 M3 with competition pack - I am thinking of going back to an e92 M3 (have had a 2008 one before with DCT and EDC and quick liked it) and wondered if the competion pack was really worth it?
cheers
G.
If its only for road use then the standard edc works well enough on road tyres but on track with cups on it struggled to cope but i have never tried a competition pack car with the stiffer setting.
There are a couple of nice cars on here with competition packs on with low miles and sensible money and i think the alloys and lower stance look a lot better than standard.
Andy
There are a couple of nice cars on here with competition packs on with low miles and sensible money and i think the alloys and lower stance look a lot better than standard.
Andy
Blowfish said:
Definitely worth it for the wheels alone!
+1 
And if it does have the same m track mode traction control thing as the e46 cs def worth going for in my opinion anyway. Let's the back end move around a bit and gets the power down much better out of the corners than the standard traction control but still with the safety net. Just for me personally
I went for the standard E92 purely because I came from a E46 CS and was fed up of cleaning the CSL style wheels so bought a standard (EDC/DCT) with anthracite coloured alloys!
I've driven the CP's and standard and to be honest you'll find very little difference in general road use especially in EDC cars. Saying that I don't think there's much different in prices (new BMW usually offer a free CP upgrade) so I'd usually go for the highest spec'd car I could for my budget which would be a CP.
I haven't tried the CP "new" traction settings but the MDM mode in the standard E92 allows for similar slip angles to the M-Trac in the E46 CS so plenty of scope for (safe-ish) fun!
There's plenty of AUC M3's around so you should be able to get comparative tests fairly easy.
I've driven the CP's and standard and to be honest you'll find very little difference in general road use especially in EDC cars. Saying that I don't think there's much different in prices (new BMW usually offer a free CP upgrade) so I'd usually go for the highest spec'd car I could for my budget which would be a CP.
I haven't tried the CP "new" traction settings but the MDM mode in the standard E92 allows for similar slip angles to the M-Trac in the E46 CS so plenty of scope for (safe-ish) fun!
There's plenty of AUC M3's around so you should be able to get comparative tests fairly easy.
Bit of geeky info for you. Regarding the M3 Competition wheels (code 359M), there are pros/cons compared to the standard 19" wheels (code 220M)
359M:
Made by BBS
Slightly wider and actually heavier (non-forged)
220M:
Made by Fuchs
Forged, lighter.
Both wear the same size tyre as standard, although I believe some people put 275/255 size tyres (GTS spec) on the competition wheels.
Also, I don't believe there is any difference in traction control settings, both have M Dynamic mode (MDM). Competition pack does have revised EDC settings - all 3 modes (comfort/normal/sport) are "active", in other words dynamically react to driving style/conditions. Only Comfort/Normal are dynamic in the standard model, and Sport mode is passive 75% damper stiffness.
Geek overload!
359M:
Made by BBS
Slightly wider and actually heavier (non-forged)
220M:
Made by Fuchs
Forged, lighter.
Both wear the same size tyre as standard, although I believe some people put 275/255 size tyres (GTS spec) on the competition wheels.
Also, I don't believe there is any difference in traction control settings, both have M Dynamic mode (MDM). Competition pack does have revised EDC settings - all 3 modes (comfort/normal/sport) are "active", in other words dynamically react to driving style/conditions. Only Comfort/Normal are dynamic in the standard model, and Sport mode is passive 75% damper stiffness.
Geek overload!
Edited by HammyHamster on Wednesday 27th June 17:23
I read somewhere that the Offset on the Competition wheels is different as well? I'm all for lighter wheels so if the standard ones are lighter then I would prefer these - do you think the electronic changes could be applied to a standard car - i.e. is it it all software / firmware?
cheers
G.
cheers
G.
gizard said:
I read somewhere that the Offset on the Competition wheels is different as well? I'm all for lighter wheels so if the standard ones are lighter then I would prefer these - do you think the electronic changes could be applied to a standard car - i.e. is it it all software / firmware?
cheers
G.
Not too sure if you can update the software but I would think a dealer would charge serious money for it. Have a look at http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/ in the E9* section, there's usually some pretty clued up guys on there regarding software/firmware upgrades.cheers
G.
gizard said:
I read somewhere that the Offset on the Competition wheels is different as well? I'm all for lighter wheels so if the standard ones are lighter then I would prefer these - do you think the electronic changes could be applied to a standard car - i.e. is it it all software / firmware?
cheers
G.
I was told that this was not possible for the revised damper settings by a dealer who knew his stuff and to turn down the chance of letting you part with some cash is unlikely.That said i have known dealers say many things can't be retro fit but a good auto electrician has done it.Even with the extra setting it will never come close to a good aftermarket set up but to go to this extent then you really must be able to really push on a bit as edc on firm with cups allows you to really push on on road and track.The weight difference on each wheel will really not make any difference on performance and the csl style ones look so much better.cheers
G.
gizard said:
I read somewhere that the Offset on the Competition wheels is different as well? I'm all for lighter wheels so if the standard ones are lighter then I would prefer these - do you think the electronic changes could be applied to a standard car - i.e. is it it all software / firmware?
cheers
G.
I was told that this was not possible for the revised damper settings by a dealer who knew his stuff and to turn down the chance of letting you part with some cash is unlikely.That said i have known dealers say many things can't be retro fit but a good auto electrician has done it.Even with the extra setting it will never come close to a good aftermarket set up but to go to this extent then you really must be able to really push on a bit as edc on firm with cups allows you to really push on on road and track.The weight difference on each wheel will really not make any difference on performance and the csl style ones look so much better.cheers
G.
gizard said:
I read somewhere that the Offset on the Competition wheels is different as well? I'm all for lighter wheels so if the standard ones are lighter then I would prefer these - do you think the electronic changes could be applied to a standard car - i.e. is it it all software / firmware?
cheers
G.
I was told that this was not possible for the revised damper settings by a dealer who knew his stuff and to turn down the chance of letting you part with some cash is unlikely.That said i have known dealers say many things can't be retro fit but a good auto electrician has done it.Even with the extra setting it will never come close to a good aftermarket set up but to go to this extent then you really must be able to really push on a bit as edc on firm with cups allows you to really push on on road and track.The weight difference on each wheel will really not make any difference on performance and the csl style ones look so much better.cheers
G.
There is some duff gen above.
If you like the wheels go for it. If you must drop the 10-18mm go for it.
You will never notice the re-calibrated ABS or the modified MDM. Never!
VFM they are having a laugh.
I will try and find the link of an interview with the designer - even he admits it is a money making gambit.
But - if you are buying 19 inch wheels, and EDC it makes sense.
Plus if you like the comp style wheels or the drop - it makes sense.
If you like the wheels go for it. If you must drop the 10-18mm go for it.
You will never notice the re-calibrated ABS or the modified MDM. Never!
VFM they are having a laugh.
I will try and find the link of an interview with the designer - even he admits it is a money making gambit.
But - if you are buying 19 inch wheels, and EDC it makes sense.
Plus if you like the comp style wheels or the drop - it makes sense.
Can't find what I am looking for but this is a start ...
[quote]
The BMW M3 with Competition Package
How this works exactly is revealed to us by Philipp Wänninger, responsible at BMW M for chassis tests at the axles, steering, suspension, and damping systems and a crucial contributor to the tuning of the new Competition Package for the BMW M3. We asked how the electronic damper control EDC works and why the BMW M3 with Competition Package is even faster.
MPW: Mr. Wänninger, what is meant by EDC?
Wänninger: EDC stands for Electronic Damping Control. EDC offers the customer the choice between a number of different damping maps. Even in the BMW M3 E30 it was possible to choose between Comfort, Normal and Sport by means of a switch. In the current BMW M3 the principle was taken a step further: here the damping is not fixed at a set level in Comfort and Normal mode but is regulated to achieve an optimum level depending on the actual driving situation.
Philipp Wänninger
MPW: How does this regulation work?
Wänninger: The current driving situation is determined by means of numerous sensors. Three acceleration sensors measure the movement of the vehicle along the road. If a steering movement is made, there is an immediate impact on damping - and the same applies to acceleration and braking, too.
MPW: How is the damping influenced?
Wänninger: It is mainly the rebound which is adjusted by controlling the damper piston valve.
MPW: How is the EDC in the Competition Package different from that in the serial production vehicle?
Wänninger: In the BMW M3 Competition Package damping in the Sport mode is now regulated too - in the serial production model it is based on a fixed level.
EDC button in the BMW M3.
MPW: How is this done? Is the BMW M3 faster due to the Competition Package?
Wänninger: Yes, the car is measurably faster. In addition to the special EDC set-up, this is also due to the increased width of the rims included in the Competition Package, which permit a larger contact area of the tyres in conjunction with optimum, constant pressure distribution. The lowered suspension at the front and rear axle not only provides visual benefits, it also drops the centre of gravity. The enhanced driving dynamics also meant that ABS and DSC had to be readjusted, too.
MPW: When should which mode be used?
Wänninger: If I were simply going from A to B, I personally would select the Comfort mode. If I were taking a run on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which requires a lot of spring travel, I would select the Normal setting. If I were driving on an even track such as Hockenheimring or the Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit, the Sport mode would be my first choice. In any case the BMW M3 is a lot of fun - and it is now even faster with the Competition Package.
MPW: Thank you very much for the interview!
[/quote]
[quote]
The BMW M3 with Competition Package
How this works exactly is revealed to us by Philipp Wänninger, responsible at BMW M for chassis tests at the axles, steering, suspension, and damping systems and a crucial contributor to the tuning of the new Competition Package for the BMW M3. We asked how the electronic damper control EDC works and why the BMW M3 with Competition Package is even faster.
MPW: Mr. Wänninger, what is meant by EDC?
Wänninger: EDC stands for Electronic Damping Control. EDC offers the customer the choice between a number of different damping maps. Even in the BMW M3 E30 it was possible to choose between Comfort, Normal and Sport by means of a switch. In the current BMW M3 the principle was taken a step further: here the damping is not fixed at a set level in Comfort and Normal mode but is regulated to achieve an optimum level depending on the actual driving situation.
Philipp Wänninger
MPW: How does this regulation work?
Wänninger: The current driving situation is determined by means of numerous sensors. Three acceleration sensors measure the movement of the vehicle along the road. If a steering movement is made, there is an immediate impact on damping - and the same applies to acceleration and braking, too.
MPW: How is the damping influenced?
Wänninger: It is mainly the rebound which is adjusted by controlling the damper piston valve.
MPW: How is the EDC in the Competition Package different from that in the serial production vehicle?
Wänninger: In the BMW M3 Competition Package damping in the Sport mode is now regulated too - in the serial production model it is based on a fixed level.
EDC button in the BMW M3.
MPW: How is this done? Is the BMW M3 faster due to the Competition Package?
Wänninger: Yes, the car is measurably faster. In addition to the special EDC set-up, this is also due to the increased width of the rims included in the Competition Package, which permit a larger contact area of the tyres in conjunction with optimum, constant pressure distribution. The lowered suspension at the front and rear axle not only provides visual benefits, it also drops the centre of gravity. The enhanced driving dynamics also meant that ABS and DSC had to be readjusted, too.
MPW: When should which mode be used?
Wänninger: If I were simply going from A to B, I personally would select the Comfort mode. If I were taking a run on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which requires a lot of spring travel, I would select the Normal setting. If I were driving on an even track such as Hockenheimring or the Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit, the Sport mode would be my first choice. In any case the BMW M3 is a lot of fun - and it is now even faster with the Competition Package.
MPW: Thank you very much for the interview!
[/quote]
HammyHamster said:
Bit of geeky info for you. Regarding the M3 Competition wheels (code 359M), there are pros/cons compared to the standard 19" wheels (code 220M)
359M:
Made by BBS
Slightly wider and actually heavier (non-forged)
220M:
Made by Fuchs
Forged, lighter.
Both wear the same size tyre as standard, although I believe some people put 275/255 size tyres (GTS spec) on the competition wheels.
Also, I don't believe there is any difference in traction control settings, both have M Dynamic mode (MDM). Competition pack does have revised EDC settings - all 3 modes (comfort/normal/sport) are "active", in other words dynamically react to driving style/conditions. Only Comfort/Normal are dynamic in the standard model, and Sport mode is passive 75% damper stiffness.
Geek overload!
Anyone know if the 359 wheels are still available from either BMW or BBS? Are they BBS CH?359M:
Made by BBS
Slightly wider and actually heavier (non-forged)
220M:
Made by Fuchs
Forged, lighter.
Both wear the same size tyre as standard, although I believe some people put 275/255 size tyres (GTS spec) on the competition wheels.
Also, I don't believe there is any difference in traction control settings, both have M Dynamic mode (MDM). Competition pack does have revised EDC settings - all 3 modes (comfort/normal/sport) are "active", in other words dynamically react to driving style/conditions. Only Comfort/Normal are dynamic in the standard model, and Sport mode is passive 75% damper stiffness.
Geek overload!
Edited by HammyHamster on Wednesday 27th June 17:23
I've had both a non CP M3 and a CP car, for me the CP is better.
The changes to the dampers, springs and DSC tighten the car up making it handle and steer better the CP car has better steering feel and is more tied down when pressing on.
It looks just "right" as well, the wheel design is superb they are wider so fill the arches and the 10mm drop sits the car perfectly.
The DSC on the CP no longer cuts power but regulates the wheel spin with the brakes this is very well judged and feels more natural in its operation.
All in all its worth in my opinion.
The changes to the dampers, springs and DSC tighten the car up making it handle and steer better the CP car has better steering feel and is more tied down when pressing on.
It looks just "right" as well, the wheel design is superb they are wider so fill the arches and the 10mm drop sits the car perfectly.
The DSC on the CP no longer cuts power but regulates the wheel spin with the brakes this is very well judged and feels more natural in its operation.
All in all its worth in my opinion.
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