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My Z journal
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- Member
- Posts: 117
- Joined: Fri Sep 18, 2020 5:19 pm
- Location: Bham
My Z journal
Since i like reading other peoples threads, i decided to make my own too. Maybe someone will find it interesting, and enjoy reading it as much as i enjoy working on my car.
Last September i bought my first ever BMW/sport car/roadster. Crazy experience to swap your second car from 1.2 petrol Polo to 3.0 Z4
Here is the pic the next day i brought it home:
She came with 19" style 67 alloys that were not to my liking, so i knew straight away i will be investing in new set of wheels, which i eventually did.
Car has 160k on a clock, and i can say after all those months of ownership - its a tank engine and i cant understand why ppl are afraid of high mileage examples. Never let me down and im using it as a daily even during past winter
After a week or two I decided to put the car up for a oil and filter change in recommended garage, and since im based in Birmingham i left her with Marc's Independent BMW ( https://marcsbmw.com ) Great guy, done the solid job and checked my whole suspension per my request as well.
More about the car:
- 3.0 straight six, 2004 manual with sport button
- Electric folding mirrors
- rear parking sensors - from new
- Sat nav
- BT phone prep
- BMW 6disc changer
- auto wipers
- auto dimmable rear mirror
- relocated roof motor (win!)
- angel eyes, xenon clean headlamps
- black leather, electric memory seats
- came with polybushes from previous owner
- new rear springs
Done:
- new wheels
- clear indicators
- service and check after buying
- new front and boot badge
- v brace painted
- new 3rd break light
- diff oil change
- break fluid full flush
- cruise control retrofit
- source and mount wind deflector
- 3 stage paint correction
- ceramic coating
- clean and restore soft top
- deal with right headlight condensation
- new bilstein B4 front shocks fitted, plus new droplinks
- oem wind deflector,and loop covers painted black
To do list:
- interior light change (cheap LED atm)
- caliper clean and paint
- MTEC drilled discs
- window tint
- wheel refurb and respray
- gearbox oil
So, just like mentioned above first upgrade was to change the wheels. I decided to downgrade 19" to 18" for more comfort. And yes, i know its not very popular to put comfort equally to owning a sports car but if u don't have to deal with awful Bham roads daily, please come and see yourself
Went for style 32 i fell in love with. Simple and stylish, apart from colour that will be changed at some point. Here we go: MASSIVE difference! Driving is possible to enjoy in the city.
was:
255/35 19
225/40 19
changed to:
8J Front ET20
9J Rear ET22
205/40
215/35
More changes to come
Last September i bought my first ever BMW/sport car/roadster. Crazy experience to swap your second car from 1.2 petrol Polo to 3.0 Z4
Here is the pic the next day i brought it home:
She came with 19" style 67 alloys that were not to my liking, so i knew straight away i will be investing in new set of wheels, which i eventually did.
Car has 160k on a clock, and i can say after all those months of ownership - its a tank engine and i cant understand why ppl are afraid of high mileage examples. Never let me down and im using it as a daily even during past winter
After a week or two I decided to put the car up for a oil and filter change in recommended garage, and since im based in Birmingham i left her with Marc's Independent BMW ( https://marcsbmw.com ) Great guy, done the solid job and checked my whole suspension per my request as well.
More about the car:
- 3.0 straight six, 2004 manual with sport button
- Electric folding mirrors
- rear parking sensors - from new
- Sat nav
- BT phone prep
- BMW 6disc changer
- auto wipers
- auto dimmable rear mirror
- relocated roof motor (win!)
- angel eyes, xenon clean headlamps
- black leather, electric memory seats
- came with polybushes from previous owner
- new rear springs
Done:
- new wheels
- clear indicators
- service and check after buying
- new front and boot badge
- v brace painted
- new 3rd break light
- diff oil change
- break fluid full flush
- cruise control retrofit
- source and mount wind deflector
- 3 stage paint correction
- ceramic coating
- clean and restore soft top
- deal with right headlight condensation
- new bilstein B4 front shocks fitted, plus new droplinks
- oem wind deflector,and loop covers painted black
To do list:
- interior light change (cheap LED atm)
- caliper clean and paint
- MTEC drilled discs
- window tint
- wheel refurb and respray
- gearbox oil
So, just like mentioned above first upgrade was to change the wheels. I decided to downgrade 19" to 18" for more comfort. And yes, i know its not very popular to put comfort equally to owning a sports car but if u don't have to deal with awful Bham roads daily, please come and see yourself
Went for style 32 i fell in love with. Simple and stylish, apart from colour that will be changed at some point. Here we go: MASSIVE difference! Driving is possible to enjoy in the city.
was:
255/35 19
225/40 19
changed to:
8J Front ET20
9J Rear ET22
205/40
215/35
More changes to come
- Attachments
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- 158922958_338042934295175_8278110475039043083_n.jpg (130.61 KiB) Viewed 1466 times
Last edited by yipikayee on Tue Feb 15, 2022 10:56 am, edited 11 times in total.
04' 3.0i
- Mr Tidy
- Legend
- Posts: 23800
- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
- Location: North West Surrey
My black gem journal
Looking good, and I much prefer the Style 32 wheels to what you had.
But I might have gone with a bit more tyre even if only to give the rims a bit of protection (OE sizes for staggered 18s were 225/40 front and 255/35 rear). You'll just have to keep well away from kerbs!
But I might have gone with a bit more tyre even if only to give the rims a bit of protection (OE sizes for staggered 18s were 225/40 front and 255/35 rear). You'll just have to keep well away from kerbs!
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
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- Member
- Posts: 117
- Joined: Fri Sep 18, 2020 5:19 pm
- Location: Bham
My black gem journal
Thank you for the comment, and i absolutely agree!Mr Tidy wrote: βSun Mar 07, 2021 10:58 pm Looking good, and I much prefer the Style 32 wheels to what you had.
But I might have gone with a bit more tyre even if only to give the rims a bit of protection (OE sizes for staggered 18s were 225/40 front and 255/35 rear). You'll just have to keep well away from kerbs!
Wheels came with them tyres on already. Good thing is these were brand new, and seller was great dude(showed me his m3, m5 and owned x5as well) and said to just try them for a bit and see how i like it. And even its not a lot rubber on, it felt like an upgrade from what i had before
Apart from performance i like "meaty look" more so will be putting wider tyres all round at some point
04' 3.0i
- Mr Tidy
- Legend
- Posts: 23800
- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
- Location: North West Surrey
My black gem journal
Oh well, that makes sense. And even if you get a scuff it won't be a disaster if you are planning a change of colour anyway.yipikayee wrote: βSun Mar 07, 2021 11:31 pm Wheels came with them tyres on already. Good thing is these were brand new, and seller was great dude(showed me his m3, m5 and owned x5as well) and said to just try them for a bit and see how i like it. And even its not a lot rubber on, it felt like an upgrade from what i had before
It must feel like a rocket-ship after your Polo!
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
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- Member
- Posts: 117
- Joined: Fri Sep 18, 2020 5:19 pm
- Location: Bham
My black gem journal
So taking small steps one at a time i went for easy change of side indicators to clear ones, as i have clear headlights so wanted to get rid of amber from front of the car.
It is a very easy thing to do, got clear indicators from the guy on FB group.
before during
To take off the indicators you just need to grab them firmly and twist, then its pretty straight forward. I used hair dryer to heat the glue under badges as i reused them for now, i will get new ones eventually. Its just one cable to reconnect the indicator.
It is a very easy thing to do, got clear indicators from the guy on FB group.
before during
To take off the indicators you just need to grab them firmly and twist, then its pretty straight forward. I used hair dryer to heat the glue under badges as i reused them for now, i will get new ones eventually. Its just one cable to reconnect the indicator.
04' 3.0i
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- Member
- Posts: 117
- Joined: Fri Sep 18, 2020 5:19 pm
- Location: Bham
My black gem journal
It does ! still smiling like a kid when I'm driving it. Cant wait to take it for a proper roadtrip
04' 3.0i
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- Member
- Posts: 117
- Joined: Fri Sep 18, 2020 5:19 pm
- Location: Bham
My black gem journal
Another weekend and more small details done to the car.
Starting off with painted v brace. I initially wanted to wrap it, even had wrap in hand but when i actually get to do it i changed my mind and painted it instead. Used spray paint from The Range. Peeled pieces of previous black paint off, cleaned it with alcohol, and carried out painting through grilles holes. Isn't perfect look but does look 100 times better Changed badges, as old ones were absolutely horrible
Bought the flybay ones as i cant justify spending 90quid on front and rear from bmw..
If they will fly off(unlikely) somewhere on motorway i will buy genuine next.
Finished the day off with cleaning roof drain holes and getting rid off the rubber ends. It was all clogged up with wet dirt, now nice and free of obstruction
Starting off with painted v brace. I initially wanted to wrap it, even had wrap in hand but when i actually get to do it i changed my mind and painted it instead. Used spray paint from The Range. Peeled pieces of previous black paint off, cleaned it with alcohol, and carried out painting through grilles holes. Isn't perfect look but does look 100 times better Changed badges, as old ones were absolutely horrible
Bought the flybay ones as i cant justify spending 90quid on front and rear from bmw..
If they will fly off(unlikely) somewhere on motorway i will buy genuine next.
Finished the day off with cleaning roof drain holes and getting rid off the rubber ends. It was all clogged up with wet dirt, now nice and free of obstruction
04' 3.0i
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- Newbie
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Sat May 30, 2020 12:26 pm
My Z journal
Looks great!
Did you remove the V-brace to paint it?
Did you remove the V-brace to paint it?
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- Member
- Posts: 117
- Joined: Fri Sep 18, 2020 5:19 pm
- Location: Bham
My Z journal
that took me a while to reply lol sorry
no, i took of the grilles, covered pain around and painted throught the holes taking off v brace is too big of an hassle for me
04' 3.0i
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- Member
- Posts: 117
- Joined: Fri Sep 18, 2020 5:19 pm
- Location: Bham
My Z journal
So done some work around the car. Horrible hobby to have i must say, next house need to have a garage and a lift
Working under car on jacks isn't comfy at all but oh well.
changing three of those oils was the plan, but manage to do two and ran out of time. didnt want to spend all sunny sunday under the car.
Brake fluid was long due, i missed it initially and finally changed it. cleaned up the mesh filter and container, done full flush and fluid change. Old one was very dark and after change i could actually feel the difference. Brakes are important, don't forget about them like me
diff oil next. Done it just beacause havent had any trace of it being changed before and it suppose to be easy job to do. Well, it is, but not very comfy, a lot of wiggling under the car to unscrew the plugs(especially if u dont have correct size allen key and need to figure it out on spot lol)
old diff oil.
Transmission oil left, dropped it for now, will do next time
Working under car on jacks isn't comfy at all but oh well.
changing three of those oils was the plan, but manage to do two and ran out of time. didnt want to spend all sunny sunday under the car.
Brake fluid was long due, i missed it initially and finally changed it. cleaned up the mesh filter and container, done full flush and fluid change. Old one was very dark and after change i could actually feel the difference. Brakes are important, don't forget about them like me
diff oil next. Done it just beacause havent had any trace of it being changed before and it suppose to be easy job to do. Well, it is, but not very comfy, a lot of wiggling under the car to unscrew the plugs(especially if u dont have correct size allen key and need to figure it out on spot lol)
old diff oil.
Transmission oil left, dropped it for now, will do next time
Last edited by yipikayee on Sat May 29, 2021 10:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
04' 3.0i
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- Member
- Posts: 117
- Joined: Fri Sep 18, 2020 5:19 pm
- Location: Bham
My Z journal
Hello again, i manage to get myself a bargain on OEM complete wind deflector for my toy. I have bought damaged one because it was in price i was very happy with, and was easy fix as it just needed new mesh.
Im robbing wife stocking on next try
oem vs replaced material, pretty big difference.
I dont have it on car yet, will mount it today/tommorow
i sourced an anti mosquito net for a 5Β£ online, and it went really well replacing it. Its not even close the same material, but will stay on till i found something better or there will be no difference with it on. OEM material is soft and finer, and the one i got is very syntetic in feel with much larger holes. Im robbing wife stocking on next try
oem vs replaced material, pretty big difference.
I dont have it on car yet, will mount it today/tommorow
04' 3.0i
- bigwinn
- Lifer
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My Z journal
Wheels look really good matey
If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way!
EWS Delete PM me
Coding- airbags etc PM me
EWS Delete PM me
Coding- airbags etc PM me
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- Joined: Fri Sep 18, 2020 5:19 pm
- Location: Bham
- mr.tourette
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- Zulu4
- Member
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- Joined: Tue Mar 16, 2021 1:22 pm
- Location: Lincolnshire
My Z journal
Interesting stuff. Well done.
To be pedantic, breaks are important, but brakes are even more important
To be pedantic, breaks are important, but brakes are even more important
2007 3.0si Auto Sport Roadster. Whippy.
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2003 3.0i SE Roadster. Whippy.
Previous:
2003 3.0i SE Roadster. Whippy.