Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.
New Owner: inside the M25 (UK)
- Bunnyboileravoider
- Newbie
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Mon May 31, 2021 10:21 am
New Owner: inside the M25 (UK)
Greetings all.
I've just bought a 'mature', yet largely wrinkle-free 2.0i SE 2006 roadster, solely for the purpose of touring Europe for a few months. The service history is flawless, albeit not specialist (understandably, for most owners of a 15-year old car), and has had only 2 previous owners. I think the spec. is about the most 'vanilla' on the road: titansilber-metallic, charcoal fabric seats, black/brushed alu. interior trim, 17" alloys (so the ride is comfortable, not teeth-jarring) and a BMW Business CD/radio...all of which suits me perfectly. It tells me it hasn't been thrashed, and hasn't had a load of Carlos Fandango modifications .
With that in mind, allow me to thank those of you who are Administrators and contributors, for such an insightful forum. In the week since I took ownership, I've already learned stacks about how to turn a frog into a princess. It's amazing what you can learn from people who've "been there and done that". Actions I've completed so far:
1. replaced cam cover and gaskets
2. removed front bumper and replaced kidney grill holders (eBay)
3. ordered replacement kidney grills (newvehicleparts)
4. removed & deep cleansed/cleaned seats (they made me itch just looking at them), using a Bissell Little Green, VAX, 2001, diluted Dettol etc.
5. deep cleaned carpets and interior trim with 2001 / VAX / Auto Glym
6. full interior and exterior amateur 'detailing' using random orbital hand polisher, toothbrush, nailbrush, Auto Glym, Poorboy's, Demon, Turtle etc.
7. removed bonnet badge to replace (pending source at time of writing)
8. removed old engine badges (may or may not replace TBD)
9. ordered a fabric wind blocker (eBay)
As soon as I'm largely comfortable knowing the car and it's quirks, I plan on a test tour around the UK, learning what I like, don't like and what I think I could do to enhance the whole experience. And that's where I'd like to ask for help from those of you far more familiar with the Z4 than I am.
1. Is there a 'go to' UK-based parts and accessories supplier/site, that the experts on here tend to gravitate towards, or is it largely a case of eBay, Google and so on? I'm familiar with AliExpress, Sytner etc. (horses for courses and all that), but I just wondered if there's anything akin to superformance, that most search engines deprioritise because they don't get kickbacks?
2. Does the Z4 e85 share any 'common' specs. with anything else e.g. where it being a 'BMW part' adds 20-30% to the price of the exact same part as if it were a 'VW part'?
3. Has anyone had any experience taking an extended European road trip in their car (3-6 months), and if so, what lessons did you learn e.g.
- a breakdown cover you'd recommend based on actual use i.e. experiential recommendation?
- things that irritated you over time e.g. I have no cup holder(s), phone holder, hands-free, bluetooth yet - all of which I'm prioritising immediately - and any suggestions as to 'what', 'fitted by whom' etc.?
- any particular accessories you've added, without which you'd now be distraught?
- any recommended centre armrest(s), that genuinely don't look ugly?
4. Any other must do recommendations?
Thanks in advance, and again, congrats to the committee.
I've just bought a 'mature', yet largely wrinkle-free 2.0i SE 2006 roadster, solely for the purpose of touring Europe for a few months. The service history is flawless, albeit not specialist (understandably, for most owners of a 15-year old car), and has had only 2 previous owners. I think the spec. is about the most 'vanilla' on the road: titansilber-metallic, charcoal fabric seats, black/brushed alu. interior trim, 17" alloys (so the ride is comfortable, not teeth-jarring) and a BMW Business CD/radio...all of which suits me perfectly. It tells me it hasn't been thrashed, and hasn't had a load of Carlos Fandango modifications .
With that in mind, allow me to thank those of you who are Administrators and contributors, for such an insightful forum. In the week since I took ownership, I've already learned stacks about how to turn a frog into a princess. It's amazing what you can learn from people who've "been there and done that". Actions I've completed so far:
1. replaced cam cover and gaskets
2. removed front bumper and replaced kidney grill holders (eBay)
3. ordered replacement kidney grills (newvehicleparts)
4. removed & deep cleansed/cleaned seats (they made me itch just looking at them), using a Bissell Little Green, VAX, 2001, diluted Dettol etc.
5. deep cleaned carpets and interior trim with 2001 / VAX / Auto Glym
6. full interior and exterior amateur 'detailing' using random orbital hand polisher, toothbrush, nailbrush, Auto Glym, Poorboy's, Demon, Turtle etc.
7. removed bonnet badge to replace (pending source at time of writing)
8. removed old engine badges (may or may not replace TBD)
9. ordered a fabric wind blocker (eBay)
As soon as I'm largely comfortable knowing the car and it's quirks, I plan on a test tour around the UK, learning what I like, don't like and what I think I could do to enhance the whole experience. And that's where I'd like to ask for help from those of you far more familiar with the Z4 than I am.
1. Is there a 'go to' UK-based parts and accessories supplier/site, that the experts on here tend to gravitate towards, or is it largely a case of eBay, Google and so on? I'm familiar with AliExpress, Sytner etc. (horses for courses and all that), but I just wondered if there's anything akin to superformance, that most search engines deprioritise because they don't get kickbacks?
2. Does the Z4 e85 share any 'common' specs. with anything else e.g. where it being a 'BMW part' adds 20-30% to the price of the exact same part as if it were a 'VW part'?
3. Has anyone had any experience taking an extended European road trip in their car (3-6 months), and if so, what lessons did you learn e.g.
- a breakdown cover you'd recommend based on actual use i.e. experiential recommendation?
- things that irritated you over time e.g. I have no cup holder(s), phone holder, hands-free, bluetooth yet - all of which I'm prioritising immediately - and any suggestions as to 'what', 'fitted by whom' etc.?
- any particular accessories you've added, without which you'd now be distraught?
- any recommended centre armrest(s), that genuinely don't look ugly?
4. Any other must do recommendations?
Thanks in advance, and again, congrats to the committee.
You only live twice. I'm on my 2nd.
Toys: (Audi Q7 2018, BMW Z4 2006, Ferrari 348 Spider 1994, Le Mans Noble 1971)
Toys: (Audi Q7 2018, BMW Z4 2006, Ferrari 348 Spider 1994, Le Mans Noble 1971)
- buzyg
- Legend
- Posts: 26531
- Joined: Fri May 20, 2011 6:11 pm
- Location: Cornwall
New Owner: inside the M25 (UK)
Great start up post. (No pic though) Not sure what's required over on the continent now days. Worth getting a compressor and a rats tail repair kit to keep in the boot. Not much room for a spare tyre.
Welcome aboard.
Welcome aboard.
- Bunnyboileravoider
- Newbie
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Mon May 31, 2021 10:21 am
New Owner: inside the M25 (UK)
Thanks buzyg Actually bought both from Halfords on the drive home after buying it. They fit neatly in the space separated from the battery, along with a high viz jacket.
And acknowledged ref pics. The advert's been pulled (I wanted to show some 'before and after' photos of the bodywork), but strap in... I have some of the seats...
- Attachments
-
- Will try to find original advert photos and will then show a proper exterior comparison
- Z4 front.jpg (220.32 KiB) Viewed 886 times
-
- Drips from days 1 & 2 markedly expanded, hence rocker cover & gaskets prioritised - leaks stopped immediately
- Oil leaks evidence days 1 and 2.jpg (169.76 KiB) Viewed 886 times
-
- Driver's seat before. I did say "strap in", although I suspect like me, you wouldn't want to
- Driver's seat before.jpg (250.06 KiB) Viewed 886 times
-
- Residual water after 1st wash, hence deciding on a 2nd...and then a 3rd each seat
- Seat dirty water.jpg (267.09 KiB) Viewed 886 times
-
- Passenger side drying after 3rd wash and rinse (I'm not joking)
- Before and after seats 2.jpg (223.95 KiB) Viewed 886 times
-
- Passenger side dry, stomach emptied down the big white telephone, gloves and mask back on for the Driver's side...
- Before and after seats.jpg (234.09 KiB) Viewed 886 times
-
- Driver's seat afterwards (drying)
- Driver's seat afterwards.jpg (201.24 KiB) Viewed 886 times
-
- Both seats after 3 cleans/drying time each
- Both seats afterwards.jpg (258.89 KiB) Viewed 886 times
You only live twice. I'm on my 2nd.
Toys: (Audi Q7 2018, BMW Z4 2006, Ferrari 348 Spider 1994, Le Mans Noble 1971)
Toys: (Audi Q7 2018, BMW Z4 2006, Ferrari 348 Spider 1994, Le Mans Noble 1971)
- buzyg
- Legend
- Posts: 26531
- Joined: Fri May 20, 2011 6:11 pm
- Location: Cornwall
New Owner: inside the M25 (UK)
Nice work, you can sell that respirator now.
Amazing that people sell things and don't clean them properly first..
Amazing that people sell things and don't clean them properly first..
-
Online
- Lifer
- Posts: 8493
- Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2021 7:20 pm
- Location: Spaldingski
New Owner: inside the M25 (UK)
Hello and welcome. You're a braver man than me; I would have walked from that. Was the kidney grill missing, or have you taken it out already?
One word of advice if I may; don't write an essay in one post. People get bored of reading after a few lines and will miss bits. Best to address questions etc in different posts once the thread gets going. Most of your questions will get more attention in other sections (ie E85/86 discussion and problems). Just my opinion and HTH.
One word of advice if I may; don't write an essay in one post. People get bored of reading after a few lines and will miss bits. Best to address questions etc in different posts once the thread gets going. Most of your questions will get more attention in other sections (ie E85/86 discussion and problems). Just my opinion and HTH.
All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
- enuff_zed
- Lifer
- Posts: 14754
- Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
- Location: Attleborough, Norfolk
New Owner: inside the M25 (UK)
See, I totally disagree. I get fed up with new people literally offering up a couple of grunts, then it taking days of to and fro just to glean the basics.Pondrew wrote: ↑Wed Jun 09, 2021 4:39 pm One word of advice if I may; don't write an essay in one post. People get bored of reading after a few lines and will miss bits. Best to address questions etc in different posts once the thread gets going. Most of your questions will get more attention in other sections (ie E85/86 discussion and problems). Just my opinion and HTH.
I actually like to see someone land here full of enthusiasm and keen to tell us all about their adventures.
Maybe it's an attention span thing?
- Bunnyboileravoider
- Newbie
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Mon May 31, 2021 10:21 am
New Owner: inside the M25 (UK)
I can do succinct and brief, too "opinions are like ar**holes; everybody's got one".enuff_zed wrote: ↑Wed Jun 09, 2021 4:42 pmSee, I totally disagree. I get fed up with new people literally offering up a couple of grunts, then it taking days of to and fro just to glean the basics.Pondrew wrote: ↑Wed Jun 09, 2021 4:39 pm One word of advice if I may; don't write an essay in one post. People get bored of reading after a few lines and will miss bits. Best to address questions etc in different posts once the thread gets going. Most of your questions will get more attention in other sections (ie E85/86 discussion and problems). Just my opinion and HTH.
I actually like to see someone land here full of enthusiasm and keen to tell us all about their adventures.
Maybe it's an attention span thing?
The Q&A comment is fair enough. I just would've written it as: "...why not also post your questions in the xyz location?" (which I obvioulsy wouldn't know, given my opening 3 words). Or better still, tried to answer one of the questions. But hey don't sweat it - I promise you I won't.
You only live twice. I'm on my 2nd.
Toys: (Audi Q7 2018, BMW Z4 2006, Ferrari 348 Spider 1994, Le Mans Noble 1971)
Toys: (Audi Q7 2018, BMW Z4 2006, Ferrari 348 Spider 1994, Le Mans Noble 1971)
- Bunnyboileravoider
- Newbie
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Mon May 31, 2021 10:21 am
New Owner: inside the M25 (UK)
And thank you @enuff_zed and @buzyg - appreciate itenuff_zed wrote: ↑Wed Jun 09, 2021 4:42 pmSee, I totally disagree. I get fed up with new people literally offering up a couple of grunts, then it taking days of to and fro just to glean the basics.Pondrew wrote: ↑Wed Jun 09, 2021 4:39 pm One word of advice if I may; don't write an essay in one post. People get bored of reading after a few lines and will miss bits. Best to address questions etc in different posts once the thread gets going. Most of your questions will get more attention in other sections (ie E85/86 discussion and problems). Just my opinion and HTH.
I actually like to see someone land here full of enthusiasm and keen to tell us all about their adventures.
Maybe it's an attention span thing?
You only live twice. I'm on my 2nd.
Toys: (Audi Q7 2018, BMW Z4 2006, Ferrari 348 Spider 1994, Le Mans Noble 1971)
Toys: (Audi Q7 2018, BMW Z4 2006, Ferrari 348 Spider 1994, Le Mans Noble 1971)
-
Online
- Lifer
- Posts: 8493
- Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2021 7:20 pm
- Location: Spaldingski
New Owner: inside the M25 (UK)
Must be. It seems I have very little in common with anyone on here. Oh well at least my mum loves me....I hope I think I'll get me coat.
OP. The first line of my reply was actually a compliment. The rest I was just trying to help. You obviously didn't take it as such so for that I apologise. I sincerely hope you get to tour Europe and enjoy your new car
All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
- Mr Tidy
- Legend
- Posts: 23835
- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
- Location: North West Surrey
New Owner: inside the M25 (UK)
Well firstly welcome to the forum!
Those seats are a huge improvement.
I don't know about parts shared with other makes but many E85/86 parts are the same as othere BMWs, especially the E46 3 Series.
The forum can also be a good source of parts, and both Cotswold BMW and Sopers of Lincoln offer a discount if you mention the forum.
Someone found what seems to be a good source for cup-holders here:- viewtopic.php?f=2&t=126282
I got a new front badge on Amazon for £40.45 in September 2019 - it came from BMW Park Lane.
Cruise Control is a fairly popular retro-fit. The stalk costs around £100 from BMW, and forum member "srhutch" will supply the section of wiring loom required for not much money. If you take the lower cowl off the steering column you can see the outline of where to cut it on the inside.
Hopefully others will be able to help with some of your other questions, but in the meantime I don't think anyone would mind seeing photos of your other cars!
Those seats are a huge improvement.
I don't know about parts shared with other makes but many E85/86 parts are the same as othere BMWs, especially the E46 3 Series.
The forum can also be a good source of parts, and both Cotswold BMW and Sopers of Lincoln offer a discount if you mention the forum.
Someone found what seems to be a good source for cup-holders here:- viewtopic.php?f=2&t=126282
I got a new front badge on Amazon for £40.45 in September 2019 - it came from BMW Park Lane.
Cruise Control is a fairly popular retro-fit. The stalk costs around £100 from BMW, and forum member "srhutch" will supply the section of wiring loom required for not much money. If you take the lower cowl off the steering column you can see the outline of where to cut it on the inside.
Hopefully others will be able to help with some of your other questions, but in the meantime I don't think anyone would mind seeing photos of your other cars!
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
- inkey$
- Lifer
- Posts: 10479
- Joined: Sun Mar 21, 2010 9:48 pm
- Location: Sevenoaks & Suffolk
- Contact:
New Owner: inside the M25 (UK)
Looking good, OP. You've made a great start by the looks of things and those seats look [and I'm sure smell] so much improved.
Another piece of cleaning advice. get yourself some magic eraser, dip it in water and gently clean your steering wheel. Then post similar pics to the jar of dirty water when you see what comes off
Love the longer posts too btw. Gets your into the story more and you can almost hear how pleased you are with it all.
UK parts wise, I'd look at Phil Ennis at Cotswolds Sytners as they do a forum discount on all available parts ([email protected]). Also Autodoc are pretty good if you don't mind waiting a few extra days. And of course Eurocarparts/Carpartsforless always have discounts. Then its eBay and this forum via a WANTED ad.
Not sure where you are in the M25, but if you can get south then I highly recommend ETA Motorsport near Brands Hatch just of the M25. Use them for all my Beemers and they are experts n their field and really well priced.
Bluetooth can be added via the BlueMusic dongle (search my posts for install instructions (easier in a roadster than a coupe).
Annoyances include random rattles and generally not enough time to drive it as much as I want to.
Accessories: I've got a Brodit phone holder which is great, but there are tons of options so the search tool on here is your friend. Stubby arial if thats your thing. Maybe a waterproof roof cover if you leave it outside when the weather gets gnarly again.
Anyway, have fun and look forward to reading about your progress
Another piece of cleaning advice. get yourself some magic eraser, dip it in water and gently clean your steering wheel. Then post similar pics to the jar of dirty water when you see what comes off
Love the longer posts too btw. Gets your into the story more and you can almost hear how pleased you are with it all.
UK parts wise, I'd look at Phil Ennis at Cotswolds Sytners as they do a forum discount on all available parts ([email protected]). Also Autodoc are pretty good if you don't mind waiting a few extra days. And of course Eurocarparts/Carpartsforless always have discounts. Then its eBay and this forum via a WANTED ad.
Not sure where you are in the M25, but if you can get south then I highly recommend ETA Motorsport near Brands Hatch just of the M25. Use them for all my Beemers and they are experts n their field and really well priced.
Bluetooth can be added via the BlueMusic dongle (search my posts for install instructions (easier in a roadster than a coupe).
Annoyances include random rattles and generally not enough time to drive it as much as I want to.
Accessories: I've got a Brodit phone holder which is great, but there are tons of options so the search tool on here is your friend. Stubby arial if thats your thing. Maybe a waterproof roof cover if you leave it outside when the weather gets gnarly again.
Anyway, have fun and look forward to reading about your progress
Current: Project Audi A2 1.4SE
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0
-
- Lifer
- Posts: 3380
- Joined: Tue Sep 29, 2020 10:37 pm
- Location: North Hampshire
New Owner: inside the M25 (UK)
Dirty water? I thought it was peanut butter
Welcome to the forum OP, and to Z4 ownership. They’re nice cars to work on, if that’s your thing, and even better to drive. Very occasionally Mini parts are interchangeable and tend to be cheaper. Many screws and fixings etc are generic and readily available for peanuts if you know how to measure them up.
2003 Maldives Blue 3.0i auto
Previously: Maldives Blue 2.5i manual (its back!) and another, and a Monaco Blue 3.0Si coupe
Previously: Maldives Blue 2.5i manual (its back!) and another, and a Monaco Blue 3.0Si coupe
- enuff_zed
- Lifer
- Posts: 14754
- Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
- Location: Attleborough, Norfolk
New Owner: inside the M25 (UK)
You have a sense of humour, that's the main thing.
I should apologise though, I was making my own point but the last line was a bit unnecessary in hindsight.
-
OnlineArgyll Andy
- Lifer
- Posts: 5345
- Joined: Mon Oct 21, 2019 10:16 pm
- Location: Argyll & Bute
New Owner: inside the M25 (UK)
Pondrew, and a cracking taste in V8 convertibles, oh wait Ford Focus’……………………..
G29 M40i Thundernight with Ivory interior, all option packs (here for a while, hopefully )
G29 M40i Misano Blue all option packs (Gone 26k of fun)
E89 35iS, Valencia Orange, Design Pure Traction pack (Gone)
E89 23i sDrive, Silver (Gone)
-
Online
- Lifer
- Posts: 8493
- Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2021 7:20 pm
- Location: Spaldingski
New Owner: inside the M25 (UK)
I try not to take this all too seriously. You don't need to apologise.
All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!