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Z4 3.0i new to the game

Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2020 9:33 pm
by Yesteve101
Hi!

Thought I'd join the forum as I've already used it to answer some questions I've had regarding my z4.

I've owned the car for less than a month. Haven't taken many photos but here's a couple with my mates mx5.

Couple of near future changes as I haven't had the chance to get round to yet.

Lowering springs
Hardtop
Install original rear lights (will upload a picture at a later date)
Only the right side speakers work
Passenger seat making rubbing noise that I can't seem to locate

Other than above car seems perfect. 110k FSH and lots of receipts of previous work. Car is used as a daily driver

Z4 3.0i new to the game

Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2020 9:42 pm
by jabber
Welcome to the forum

Z4 3.0i new to the game

Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2020 9:43 pm
by Mr Tidy
Hi and welcome to the forum. :thumbsup:

I have found it a really useful resouce for problem solving and general information, as well as for encouraging me to spend money!

You might want to add getting the roof motor moved into the boot to your list if it hasn't been done already - where BMW put it the motor quite often ends up sitting in a pool of water. There are a few people on here who can do it for you depending on where you are.

Anyway your car looks great - slightly menacing with those black kidney grilles and wheels. :thumbsup:

Z4 3.0i new to the game

Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2020 11:48 am
by M1k3yC
Welcome :) Nice looking MX-5... and Z4 :wink: Do you know what wheels your Z4 is currently running as they look aftermarket? They look nice but it's hard to see them clearly because of how they've photographed.

Z4 3.0i new to the game

Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2020 12:00 pm
by davidmudley12
Lovely looking motors

Z4 3.0i new to the game

Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2020 12:54 pm
by Chris_D
Welcome. Looks good. How much did you pay?

+1 for roof motor relocation and if you haven't done it already have a good butchers' for oil leaks, especially the cam cover gasket. I guarantee you will need to do it if it hasn't been done yet and is still on the original. Feel around the back of the head where it meets the top of the block as that's where oil accumulates (underneath the lip) when it leaks from a compromised gasket.
Oil filter housing gasket also goes and sometimes the sump and main seal gaskets let go.
If you have any oil drippage/residue anywhere around the engine it'll most likely be one of those culprits.

:thumbsup:

Z4 3.0i new to the game

Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2020 1:02 pm
by enuff_zed
Welcome aboard.
Looks like the big brother of my wife's car.
I'd agree with Chris, I changed the top cover gasket on ours at 99k and it was more like bakelite than rubber. Came off in chips and lumps - have to be really careful none of the bits disappear down any oil-ways if you do change it.!
Having recently done it on ours, I'd ask if the Vanos has ever been overhauled? Hopefully yes and you'll have receipts. I thought wifey's 2.5i ran well until I did the overhaul. Now it purrs and feels so much more responsive.
What's the issue with the rear lights?
Have to say I prefer the early original design too.

Z4 3.0i new to the game

Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2020 6:29 pm
by Yesteve101
Thanks for the advice. Picture of the rear lights. Pretty use I'm going to put them back to standard as soon as I find a set.

Z4 3.0i new to the game

Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2020 6:39 pm
by enuff_zed
Yesteve101 wrote: Sun Nov 22, 2020 6:29 pm Thanks for the advice. Picture of the rear lights. Pretty use I'm going to put them back to standard as soon as I find a set.
Good God yes! Those look like they have cataracts!

Z4 3.0i new to the game

Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2020 6:52 pm
by inkey$
Welcome OP. Rear lights wise, they look so much better standard (and IMO look better than facelift), bit there’s a mod somewhere that makes them all red using laminex red tint film and different bulbs. Looked amazing IIRC.
EDIT: this was the post that got me thinking red tints on pre-facelift lights look incredible.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=17739

Z4 3.0i new to the game

Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2020 6:57 pm
by Yesteve101
enuff_zed wrote: Sun Nov 22, 2020 6:39 pm
Yesteve101 wrote: Sun Nov 22, 2020 6:29 pm Thanks for the advice. Picture of the rear lights. Pretty use I'm going to put them back to standard as soon as I find a set.
Good God yes! Those look like they have cataracts!
Brilliant description there. That did make me laugh

Z4 3.0i new to the game

Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 9:09 pm
by Stevo1987
Yesteve101 wrote: Sun Nov 22, 2020 6:57 pm
enuff_zed wrote: Sun Nov 22, 2020 6:39 pm
Yesteve101 wrote: Sun Nov 22, 2020 6:29 pm Thanks for the advice. Picture of the rear lights. Pretty use I'm going to put them back to standard as soon as I find a set.


Good God yes! Those look like they have cataracts!
Brilliant description there. That did make me laugh
Don't encourage him! :x :lol:

Z4 3.0i new to the game

Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 9:12 pm
by Stevo1987
Stevo1987 wrote: Mon Nov 23, 2020 9:09 pm
Yesteve101 wrote: Sun Nov 22, 2020 6:57 pm
enuff_zed wrote: Sun Nov 22, 2020 6:39 pm

Good God yes! Those look like they have cataracts!
Brilliant description there. That did make me laugh
Don't encourage him! :x :lol:
Oh, and welcome to the forum. :D

Z4 3.0i new to the game

Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 11:26 pm
by Number5
Welcome to the forum. Sterling comes up lovely with a bit of Polish on. Great colour.
Plenty of time to tinker through winter too and get her ready for Spring 👍

Z4 3.0i new to the game

Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2020 5:52 pm
by Yesteve101
Just a quick photo update regarding rear lights. Finally replaced the clear ones with standard light. Can't believe how much better they look.

I've fitted new number plates, replacing the old ones with the z4 detail on them. 12mm front spacers fitted and after watching hours of detailing videos on YouTube, I've spent the last 3 days cleaning the z ready for the winter weather