[Dethsupp0rt]

I currently have a 2015 M3, which I love, but it's about time for a change. I couldn't get past the interior of the gen5 ZL1, but it looks like the gen6 has improved a bit.

I'm not a big fan of all the alcantara, and I saw some photos where the dash area by the passenger had carbon fiber instead, however I don't see that option anywhere.

There's also an option when looking at Truecar for "Carbon Fiber Instrument Panel Molding". I'm guessing neither of these is actually available, so it would have to be done aftermarket?

I'm guessing the build quality is a bit better in the gen6 as well? I remember shutting the door in the gen5 and it sounded like the window was rattling around inside the door, which wasn't exactly confidence inspiring. The big knobs for the vents felt cheap, along with the shift paddles as well.

I'm not expecting a Mercedes, but just something better than it was.

I've also perused all the wheel threads, but didn't see many people switching to 19s. There don't appear to be many tire options for all-season or winters in 20s, so I was thinking 19s might be the way to go if they didn't look too bad.

Otherwise, it's pretty much stock or P4S for summer and Sottozeros for winter, which isn't bad I guess, just spendy since there isn't much competition in those sizes.

Thanks in advance for opinions and thoughts. Right now it's either stick with the Germans and go with the new Audi RS3, or get something a bit more raw and monstrous like the ZL1.

[TheElementalCashew]

Hey man, welcome! I also came back to GM from a 2016 F80. Here's a link to a similar thread, I also posted a link to my comparison on bimmerpost somewhere in there.

http://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=492629

[Artos]

If you want 19's, go with the 2018 ZL1 1LE...it's going to be more of a full blown out road racer vs the more refined & 'regular' ZL1

[Dethsupp0rt]

Originally Posted by TheElementalCashew

Hey man, welcome! I also came back to GM from a 2016 F80. Here's a link to a similar thread, I also posted a link to my comparison on bimmerpost somewhere in there.

http://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=492629

Thanks man!

Yeah, I remember reading that post a little while back on Bimmerpost actually. I just went back and read it again. Some really good insight there, and even though we differ a bit in our tastes and assessment of the F80, other things are spot on (especially the exhaust!)

Really, I wouldn't even have considered the ZL1 if it weren't for you and one other person I can recall switching and having minimal regrets.

It's a beast for sure, and a decent daily driver from what I understand, especially with different rubber.

[Dethsupp0rt]

Originally Posted by Artos

If you want 19's, go with the 2018 ZL1 1LE...it's going to be more of a full blown out road racer vs the more refined & 'regular' ZL1

I plan on daily driving it for the most part, so the 1LE suspension will probably be a bit too much on the harsh side for my liking.

I don't think I could justify it for the once or twice a year I'd get to a track, unfortunately.

[Artos]

That was my thinking as well, although still anxious to see what the members here who have them on order have to say...all I can tell you this is my first REAL sports car & I'm not qualified in any fashion to compare to the others you mention as I have no real world hands on experience. I looked long and hard before buying this car & can tell you I grin every single time I get in it. Could not be more pleased & doubt you will have many detractors swaying you back to your roots.

Also no help on the winter tires but many will be along shortly...hell, our winters are in the 70's down this way for the most part & we cannot even handle a hard freeze or it will wipe out all our citrus market. Summer's may suck, but I'll take it over that ice & snow any day.

ANYWAY...

I say: "you don't know the power of the dark side." Good luck in your decision.

Originally Posted by Dethsupp0rt

I plan on daily driving it for the most part, so the 1LE suspension will probably be a bit too much on the harsh side for my liking.

I don't think I could justify it for the once or twice a year I'd get to a track, unfortunately.

[TheElementalCashew]

Originally Posted by Dethsupp0rt

Thanks man!

Yeah, I remember reading that post a little while back on Bimmerpost actually. I just went back and read it again. Some really good insight there, and even though we differ a bit in our tastes and assessment of the F80, other things are spot on (especially the exhaust!)

Really, I wouldn't even have considered the ZL1 if it weren't for you and one other person I can recall switching and having minimal regrets.

It's a beast for sure, and a decent daily driver from what I understand, especially with different rubber.

No worries, different people will have different preferences. I'm glad my review was useful, I think if you find a ZL1 and take a seat in it, you won't want to get out of the comfy Recaros after you press that start button.
The stock tires are not bad for what they are. I don't daily drive mine, but easily could/would if I wanted. They probably won't last long daily driving though, especially if you drive it hard (which you'll want to ).

[unavailablezl1]

Originally Posted by Dethsupp0rt

I currently have a 2015 M3, which I love, but it's about time for a change. I couldn't get past the interior of the gen5 ZL1, but it looks like the gen6 has improved a bit.

I'm not a big fan of all the alcantara, and I saw some photos where the dash area by the passenger had carbon fiber instead, however I don't see that option anywhere.

There's also an option when looking at Truecar for "Carbon Fiber Instrument Panel Molding". I'm guessing neither of these is actually available, so it would have to be done aftermarket?

I'm guessing the build quality is a bit better in the gen6 as well? I remember shutting the door in the gen5 and it sounded like the window was rattling around inside the door, which wasn't exactly confidence inspiring. The big knobs for the vents felt cheap, along with the shift paddles as well.

I'm not expecting a Mercedes, but just something better than it was.

I've also perused all the wheel threads, but didn't see many people switching to 19s. There don't appear to be many tire options for all-season or winters in 20s, so I was thinking 19s might be the way to go if they didn't look too bad.

Otherwise, it's pretty much stock or P4S for summer and Sottozeros for winter, which isn't bad I guess, just spendy since there isn't much competition in those sizes.

Thanks in advance for opinions and thoughts. Right now it's either stick with the Germans and go with the new Audi RS3, or get something a bit more raw and monstrous like the ZL1.

I had a 2012 M3. The ZL1 is much more the the M. My M3 broke all the time. The motor was smoother but the ZL1 beats if for raw power and fun. The Gen5 I did not like. The Gen6 has nailed it for me.

I will never go back to BMW.

[JustinOpinion]

Originally Posted by Dethsupp0rt

I currently have a 2015 M3, which I love, but it's about time for a change. I couldn't get past the interior of the gen5 ZL1, but it looks like the gen6 has improved a bit.

I'm not a big fan of all the alcantara, and I saw some photos where the dash area by the passenger had carbon fiber instead, however I don't see that option anywhere.

There's also an option when looking at Truecar for "Carbon Fiber Instrument Panel Molding". I'm guessing neither of these is actually available, so it would have to be done aftermarket?

I'm guessing the build quality is a bit better in the gen6 as well? I remember shutting the door in the gen5 and it sounded like the window was rattling around inside the door, which wasn't exactly confidence inspiring. The big knobs for the vents felt cheap, along with the shift paddles as well.

I'm not expecting a Mercedes, but just something better than it was.

I've also perused all the wheel threads, but didn't see many people switching to 19s. There don't appear to be many tire options for all-season or winters in 20s, so I was thinking 19s might be the way to go if they didn't look too bad.

Otherwise, it's pretty much stock or P4S for summer and Sottozeros for winter, which isn't bad I guess, just spendy since there isn't much competition in those sizes.

Thanks in advance for opinions and thoughts. Right now it's either stick with the Germans and go with the new Audi RS3, or get something a bit more raw and monstrous like the ZL1.

I feel you, man. Before taking a look at the ZL1, I was actually giving strong consideration to the new M4. I've had 3 previous 3 Series' (E90's). I still can't get over how much MORE nimble this Camaro is over the BMWs. Even the smaller ones. You'll find a bit more hard plastic inside than you'd like, but not as bad as previously. The micro-suede is actually nice and I think it softens the interior nicely. Technology is way better than BMW - who still have no clue about tech. The raw power is beyond anything Germany can imagine let alone build. And I'm not knocking Bavaria, just telling it like I feel it is. Not sure if a test drive is possible or if you've done one - but you owe it to yourself.

I talk about my initial thoughts and comparisons to German cars and some of these exact points in my video of the ZL1: https://youtu.be/k-6skCfqaqE

Planning to do some follow ups in the near future.

[Dethsupp0rt]

Originally Posted by Artos

I looked long and hard before buying this car & can tell you I grin every single time I get in it. Could not be more pleased & doubt you will have many detractors swaying you back to your roots.

I say: "you don't know the power of the dark side." Good luck in your decision.

Thanks man. I appreciate your thoughts and insight.

I'm sure it's a helluva ride, and I probably shouldn't fret over the "little things". By late summer/early fall I should be able to do some test drives and come to some decision.

[MoreSpeed]

I came over to the ZL1 from 4 straight Porsche purchases and two Mercedes purchases in a row. I find the fit and finish to be comparable and the tech to be quite further ahead than the Porsches. The performance of the ZL1 is way better than both the Porsches and the Mercedes. It is a different car and you have to be into the V8 rumble, but if you are, you will be rewarded with a great car. Roughly 2500 miles into the experience and a day does not go bye where I don't appreciate something about the car. There was a lot of attention to detail.

Ps. I have 19 inch wheels and tires on order from PK Auto Design. Paul can get you what you want for the non-1LE ZL1.

[Dethsupp0rt]

Originally Posted by unavailablezl1

I had a 2012 M3. The ZL1 is much more the the M. My M3 broke all the time. The motor was smoother but the ZL1 beats if for raw power and fun. The Gen5 I did not like. The Gen6 has nailed it for me.

I will never go back to BMW.

I like the F80 a bit more than the E90, except for the exhaust note, of course.

The E90 you really had to wind out to get much out of it. When you did, you were rewarded, but there was no being subtle and having fun in that car.

It is good to know that you too did not care for the gen5, but bought a gen6. That's encouraging. Thanks!

[Dethsupp0rt]

Originally Posted by TheElementalCashew

No worries, different people will have different preferences. I'm glad my review was useful, I think if you find a ZL1 and take a seat in it, you won't want to get out of the comfy Recaros after you press that start button.
The stock tires are not bad for what they are. I don't daily drive mine, but easily could/would if I wanted. They probably won't last long daily driving though, especially if you drive it hard (which you'll want to ).

Yeah, I understand the Goodyears aren't very good when it's not dry out, and I would be dd'ing this car most likely, or would prefer to at least.

As far as preferences go, we do agree on color. I'd probably go NG as well, with the carbon insert and roof. I'd just do the A10 and maybe add nav/PDR. Your car is very sharp!

[Octane1]

Just traded my '17 M3 Comp Pkg - picked up my ZL1 on Friday.

The ZL1 is way more fun and overall a better fit for me. The M was great - the ZL1 heads and tails more exciting and satisfying to drive. If you could integrate the BMW iDrive into the ZL1 it would be an early perfect car for me. I also had hesitations about the interior but after a ~week I don't notice it. The seats are much better than in the M. I also thought about 19 inch wheels to get a little bit better ride... my M had 20s and the ride was a bit harsh. In my brief experience this is not the case with the ZL1 - the suspension is awesome and always feels planted - not harsh.

PM me your number if you have any questions that I can help with.