E85 3.0SI - new project thread

[Inspectorcluseo]

Just to say, love the car, I'll follow your thread with interest as I've just bought my first Z4, also a 3.0 Si, albeit a completely stock SE. I agree on the engine, it's really very good. I had an M3 E46 a while ago and for me this engine is up there, along with performance, given the lower weight of the Z4. I'm also lining up a few subtle mods... I like the sound of the gaptech, I've binned the runflats already for F1's, I'm getting a suspension assessment today as there's clearly some play where there shouldn't be.

[JPB]

That was a bargain.

The N52 is a great engine, so enjoy getting it up to the red-line sitting in that M-Sport seat.

Carly can do the 3 flash indicators and beep on locking that I really like.

If you are in the Cotswolds you might be nearer to Number 5 than Ross for getting the roof motor moved. Either way it's worth getting it done.

Thanks! Yeah loving those seats, they're so warm
Where is Number 5? I can't find it on google anywhere, but keen to check them out.

[JPB]

First upgrades
Yesterday (second day of ownership) I carefully removed and resprayed the kidney grills. I like the black and chrome combination, rather than grey and chrome that they previously were. I split them apart (no tabs broken, win!) and gave them five coats of black and five top coats of a clear, non-yellowing matt polyurethane for protection.

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WhatsApp Image 2024-04-19 at 10.04.39.jpeg (168.38 KiB) Viewed 335 times

I also restored, polished and put four layers of clear coat protection on the headlights, so they should be perfect for many more miles.

WhatsApp Image 2024-04-19 at 10.04.50.jpeg (164.29 KiB) Viewed 335 times

[enuff_zed]

That was a bargain.

The N52 is a great engine, so enjoy getting it up to the red-line sitting in that M-Sport seat.

Carly can do the 3 flash indicators and beep on locking that I really like.

If you are in the Cotswolds you might be nearer to Number 5 than Ross for getting the roof motor moved. Either way it's worth getting it done.

Thanks! Yeah loving those seats, they're so warm
Where is Number 5? I can't find it on google anywhere, but keen to check them out.

Number5, someone is looking for you.
That should do it.

[JPB]

Day three of ownership and it's all trim restoration today. Gone are the drab and marked greys and in are the fresh, deep blacks!

WhatsApp Image 2024-04-19 at 15.02.48.jpeg (144.14 KiB) Viewed 315 times

[JPB]

Just to say, love the car, I'll follow your thread with interest as I've just bought my first Z4, also a 3.0 Si, albeit a completely stock SE. I agree on the engine, it's really very good. I had an M3 E46 a while ago and for me this engine is up there, along with performance, given the lower weight of the Z4. I'm also lining up a few subtle mods... I like the sound of the gaptech, I've binned the runflats already for F1's, I'm getting a suspension assessment today as there's clearly some play where there shouldn't be.

Thank you! Yeah sounds good, let me know what you're up to as well. I've got the gaptech coming. If you do decide to do suspension upgrades I've got some ST X coilovers I'm debating on selling, so drop me a message first if you're interested.

[coldel]

Day three of ownership and it's all trim restoration today. Gone are the drab and marked greys and in are the fresh, deep blacks!
WhatsApp Image 2024-04-19 at 15.02.48.jpeg

What did you use? I have tried a fair few from Megs to BH to GTechniq to my favourite at the moment Solution Finish. I havent found one that lasts more than a few months before going grey again yet...

[JPB]

Day three of ownership and it's all trim restoration today. Gone are the drab and marked greys and in are the fresh, deep blacks!
WhatsApp Image 2024-04-19 at 15.02.48.jpeg

What did you use? I have tried a fair few from Megs to BH to GTechniq to my favourite at the moment Solution Finish. I havent found one that lasts more than a few months before going grey again yet...

I used the GTechniq C4 and have always found it to last quite a long time. I apply it liberally, get a good evening coat then wait about 10-15mins and buff it off with a microfibre towel. Gives the result above each time for me. Gotta do one panel at a time though or there's a predisposition to get darker spots if you leave certain sections longer than others.

[ryushe]

I also restored, polished and put four layers of clear coat protection on the headlights, so they should be perfect for many more miles.

Looking good! What did you use for the headlights?

[Mr Tidy]

Where is Number 5? I can't find it on google anywhere, but keen to check them out.

Number 5 is Alan's user name on here so you can just send him a PM. He's based in the Bristol area.

[JPB]

I also restored, polished and put four layers of clear coat protection on the headlights, so they should be perfect for many more miles.

Looking good! What did you use for the headlights?

Thanks! I just used the standard autoglym headlight repair kit and finished with several top coats.

[Towers040]

I would be interested in the suspension shocks?

[Number5]

Where is Number 5? I can't find it on google anywhere, but keen to check them out.

I’m here ! Located in BS32. I’ll drop you a PM

[coldel]

Day three of ownership and it's all trim restoration today. Gone are the drab and marked greys and in are the fresh, deep blacks!
WhatsApp Image 2024-04-19 at 15.02.48.jpeg

What did you use? I have tried a fair few from Megs to BH to GTechniq to my favourite at the moment Solution Finish. I havent found one that lasts more than a few months before going grey again yet...

I used the GTechniq C4 and have always found it to last quite a long time. I apply it liberally, get a good evening coat then wait about 10-15mins and buff it off with a microfibre towel. Gives the result above each time for me. Gotta do one panel at a time though or there's a predisposition to get darker spots if you leave certain sections longer than others.

Thanks yes I used C4 previously, mostly for the interior panels as I found it wasn't great at dealing with British weather!

[JPB]

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