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My First Zed Thread (2003 E85 3.0)

2003 - 2009, roadster, coupe, facelift
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Timmyboybunter
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Post by Timmyboybunter » Sat Mar 30, 2019 8:58 pm

Used the Autoglym roof treatment today. Reserving judgement on the final result until it has properly dried, but does look encouraging.

One of the photos shows some odd marks which look almost like splashes, which came out after the protector spray was used - but have since disappeared. Baffling.
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2012 VW Passat 1.4 Tsi Estate
2005 Mercedes CLK 55 AMG
2015 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive35iS (sold)
2010 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive30i (sold)
2003 E85 BMW Z4 3.0 (sold)

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paulc_bkk
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Post by paulc_bkk » Sun Mar 31, 2019 1:35 am

Nicely done! Looks great

I’ve heard good things about the autoglym kit, so please post an update on long term results....

I’ve got the renovo kit to do mine but not had chance to do it yet... and since getting my hardtop and the fact the rainy season will come soon I don’t like my chances of getting it done til the cooler drier period in December/January

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Timmyboybunter
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Post by Timmyboybunter » Sun Apr 07, 2019 11:09 am

paulc_bkk wrote: Sun Mar 31, 2019 1:35 am I’ve heard good things about the autoglym kit, so please post an update on long term results....
Not sure what to make of the Autoglym kit yet really. The roof has come up fairly well and looks a little bit 'blacker' all over, if that makes sense - however the shiny bits from general wear and rubbing are still just as shiny, if anything look a bit worse than they did before - possibly because of the deeper black colour surrounding them.

More confusing is how it is reacting to water. I've read several threads which generally descend into arguments :) about the Autoglym kit making the roof water proof and seeing water run off it etc. but I'm seeing nothing like that - we've had a rainy week this week and the roof has been completely saturated with water how it has always been.

So, bit of a 'meh' result really. I've read positive results about renovo products to restore colour so may go down that route. Will also be interested to hear about your experience when you get around to it.
Last edited by Timmyboybunter on Sun Apr 07, 2019 11:45 am, edited 1 time in total.
2012 VW Passat 1.4 Tsi Estate
2005 Mercedes CLK 55 AMG
2015 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive35iS (sold)
2010 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive30i (sold)
2003 E85 BMW Z4 3.0 (sold)

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Post by Timmyboybunter » Sun Apr 07, 2019 11:13 am

Bought some 17mm nut covers this week. Hadn't really considered them before, but was chatting to another Zed owner recently who had just added some and they tidied up the wheels nicely - especially as my wheel nuts are a) black and b) a bit manky.

So, bought this ones:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07 ... UTF8&psc=1

And they are no good - far too tight. I forced one on and quickly concluded that was a good place to stop, as they would be impossible to remove without destroying them. Back to Amazon they go.

I then tried one of the OEM grey ones fitted to my Skoda - fitted perfectly, and look really good against the silver wheel colour - so ordered a set of those instead :)

Wil post up a picture when fitted.
2012 VW Passat 1.4 Tsi Estate
2005 Mercedes CLK 55 AMG
2015 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive35iS (sold)
2010 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive30i (sold)
2003 E85 BMW Z4 3.0 (sold)

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Post by Timmyboybunter » Sun Apr 07, 2019 11:17 am

Gave my exhaust tip a polish - has come up reasonably well after a quick session, I think will come up nicely with some more enthusiastic rubbing.

Used Autogylm metal polish first, just as I had a bottle in the garage - rubbish.
Then used Brasso, the pre-soaked material stuff as again I had some kicking around - actually worked quite well.
Then ordered some 'Autosol' after reading around for recommendations - took a bit more of the dirt off and is fairly cheap.
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2012 VW Passat 1.4 Tsi Estate
2005 Mercedes CLK 55 AMG
2015 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive35iS (sold)
2010 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive30i (sold)
2003 E85 BMW Z4 3.0 (sold)

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Post by Timmyboybunter » Sun Apr 07, 2019 11:23 am

Bodged some boot lid stops using PVC tube - 10mm internal diameter, 3mm wall thickness. Need a bit of persuasion to fit as the part on the boot is roughly 11mm, but do slip on and stay put.

Being PVC they are a bit squishy, so is not a perfect solution but they will give a bit more space between the boot and the hard top window when fitted.
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2012 VW Passat 1.4 Tsi Estate
2005 Mercedes CLK 55 AMG
2015 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive35iS (sold)
2010 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive30i (sold)
2003 E85 BMW Z4 3.0 (sold)

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Post by Timmyboybunter » Sun Apr 07, 2019 11:27 am

Controversial one I know :D but I've done the 'french fry' delete.

Nice and simple - blast with hairdryer, gentle coax with a plastic pry tool being careful not to snap the tiny plastic arms top and bottom, then clean up the sticky areas left behind.

I've been considering this for a while but wasn't convinced - now it's done, definitely looks better. I like the general uninterrupted shape of the facelift rear lights, but not the design of the actual lenses, and this mod gives a decent half way house.

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2012 VW Passat 1.4 Tsi Estate
2005 Mercedes CLK 55 AMG
2015 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive35iS (sold)
2010 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive30i (sold)
2003 E85 BMW Z4 3.0 (sold)

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ben g
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Post by ben g » Sun Apr 07, 2019 11:36 am

A few pointers for you.

Regarding the autoglym treatment, did you use both the cleaner and the proofer? The proofer definitely works and creates beads of water on the fabric, as I've used it myself and even video'ed it 'in action'.

The wheel bolt covers you need are TPi ones. The cheap covers are way too tight and you can easily damage your alloys when trying to remove them. Again, I know this as I too purchased the cheap ones and slipped with the tool when removing them, resulting in a scratched alloy :headbang: The TPi covers are much easier to remove and the finish on them lasts a lot longer.

Lastly, do not use renovo reviver if you wish for your fabric to actually stay as intended. The reviver causes the fabric to feel more like sandpaper after application. It does do a good job of making the roof nice and black, but it feels terrible to touch. Both me and Johnny Essex found this out the hard way and ended up purchasing new roof fabric at great cost.
Red Soft-top Sterling grey 3.0i - Z4M Front, Eibachs, Polybushed, Clear headlights, Triple clear spot rear lights, Shadow Chrome 107's, Sport MFSW, ZHP.

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Post by Timmyboybunter » Sun Apr 07, 2019 11:43 am

ben g wrote: Sun Apr 07, 2019 11:36 am Regarding the autoglym treatment, did you use both the cleaner and the proofer? The proofer definitely works and creates beads of water on the fabric, as I've used it myself and even video'ed it 'in action'.
Yes certainly did - that's why I'm baffled. The only thing I can think is that I didn't rinse the treatment out enough before moving onto the proofer as I've seen people moaning about how long it takes to rinse - but I was only getting water without bubbles come the end so concluded it had been rinsed correctly. The only thing I've done since owning the car is use Milton fluid on it, which nicely cleared out all the green algae but I can't think that will affect it. Never mind, not really bothered about beading either way just a bit confused!
ben g wrote: Sun Apr 07, 2019 11:36 am The wheel bolt covers you need are TPi ones.
Yes I think all the cheap and cheeful ones on Ebay and Amazon would be a non-starter really. The ones on my Skoda are 9 years old now and look good as new so I think that will be money well spent - only £16.10 so not an expensive purchase.
2012 VW Passat 1.4 Tsi Estate
2005 Mercedes CLK 55 AMG
2015 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive35iS (sold)
2010 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive30i (sold)
2003 E85 BMW Z4 3.0 (sold)

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Post by Timmyboybunter » Mon Apr 08, 2019 9:23 pm

Noticed this on the car today, so there is some beading going on:
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@ben g - I must have skimmed over your last paragraph about renovo reviver, thanks for the warning. Is there any recommended product for getting rid of the shiny bits, or is this just proud signs of 16 years worth of use to be embraced?
2012 VW Passat 1.4 Tsi Estate
2005 Mercedes CLK 55 AMG
2015 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive35iS (sold)
2010 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive30i (sold)
2003 E85 BMW Z4 3.0 (sold)

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Post by ben g » Mon Apr 08, 2019 10:52 pm

Unsure what you could use to get rid of the shiny bits really. I ended up with new roof fabric, cost a fortune. But I couldn't deal with having a tatty roof :lol:

I've just purchased some auto finesse ragg top to try out, as it was cheaper than autoglyms cleaner. I'll see how I get on with that :thumbsup:
Red Soft-top Sterling grey 3.0i - Z4M Front, Eibachs, Polybushed, Clear headlights, Triple clear spot rear lights, Shadow Chrome 107's, Sport MFSW, ZHP.

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Post by Timmyboybunter » Wed Apr 24, 2019 5:13 pm

VW/Audi 17mm grey wheel nut covers now fitted.

The color difference between the covers and the wheel is actually very minor in real life - the photo makes the covers look darker for some reason. Pleased with the result.

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2012 VW Passat 1.4 Tsi Estate
2005 Mercedes CLK 55 AMG
2015 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive35iS (sold)
2010 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive30i (sold)
2003 E85 BMW Z4 3.0 (sold)

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Post by john-e89 » Wed Apr 24, 2019 5:28 pm

Timmyboybunter wrote: Mon Apr 08, 2019 9:23 pm Noticed this on the car today, so there is some beading going on:

20190408_141837.jpg

@ben g - I must have skimmed over your last paragraph about renovo reviver, thanks for the warning. Is there any recommended product for getting rid of the shiny bits, or is this just proud signs of 16 years worth of use to be embraced?
Correct me if I’m wrong Tim but I thought the fabric top was designed to let water soak in the top layer then the inner layer keeps water out. I’m not sure all this sealing of the outer layer does any good, quite the reverse in fact. :?
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Post by Timmyboybunter » Wed Apr 24, 2019 5:34 pm

You're not wrong John, I must have read through 30 different threads debating this very point and most of them end in an argument :)

I found more people seemed to be recommending the Autoglym than other products, the beading/not beading doesn't bother me either way really especially as some people have been using it for many years without issue.

I AM bothered about removing the shiny bits (but not whole new roof bothered!)
2012 VW Passat 1.4 Tsi Estate
2005 Mercedes CLK 55 AMG
2015 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive35iS (sold)
2010 E89 BMW Z4 sDrive30i (sold)
2003 E85 BMW Z4 3.0 (sold)

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Post by john-e89 » Wed Apr 24, 2019 5:44 pm

:thumbsup:

Cars looking good Tim, the devils in the detail isn’t it. :D :driving:
M roady...OEM CSL’s, strut brace, Remus back boxes, ZHP
MR2 MK 2
E89 35i project car...mapped 365bhp, M4 stoppers & wheels, KWV3’s, H&R front ARB, M3 front arms, strut brace Eisenmann cat back race exhaust, VRSF downpipes inbound
E89 35is
G29

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