Jono's Z4 Coupe

[Z4C_er]

The alcantara looks really good! did you have fitment issues due to the added thickness of the material? Or was the process relatively straight forward.

Yes, I'd like to know as well, esp. around the radio/vents? What was required?

Thanks.

[JDavis21]

The alcantara looks really good! did you have fitment issues due to the added thickness of the material? Or was the process relatively straight forward.

Fairly straightforward if I'm honest, just time consuming.

I used some sandpaper to remove some of the sharp edges of the aluminium around the radio etc, so the alcantara curved round the corners more easily. That probably helped a little with fitment too.

[JDavis21]

Fitted the new brakes and stiffer front springs today, car felt massively improved on my way home.

I opted for Mintex 1144's rather than anything overly aggressive, as I don't have any track time planned for a few months due to work commitments so there really was no need for a pure track compound. The cold bite feels great, so I'm hoping they don't deteriorate with temperature.

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Plus the BMW performance (2-piece) discs upfront, hopefully having directional cooling vanes should help on track.

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I also replaced the standard rubber caliper bushes for Millway Motorsport brass ones, probably not a common mod on Z4's. But helps brake feel without going to a monoblock caliper.

My list before my July roadtrip is now:

- Braided brake lines and fresh fluid
- Full service
- Gearbox and diff oil change

Still makes me smile every time I get in, I definitely bought the right car!

Love reading the updates, thanks.

But an off-centre question; where are the axle stands placed in the disc/spring picture? What are they supporting?

Looks like they're under the inner ballpoints on the wishbone in this picture, I had recently replaced the wishbones and wanted to check the nuts were fully seated. I wouldn't usually have them placed there if I'm honest!

[Z4C_er]

Looks like they're under the inner ballpoints on the wishbone in this picture, I had recently replaced the wishbones and wanted to check the nuts were fully seated. I wouldn't usually have them placed there if I'm honest!

Thanks!

[JDavis21]

No pictures with this update, but fitted an exhaust with the centre silencer removed today. It was cheap and gets a little more noise before I can budget for something more exotic.

Thanks to Liam22 for helping me fit it in my little Twingo to get it home yesterday. His track build looks ace in person, excited to see some more on boards once testing begins!

[Liam22]

Nice to meet you, Jono.

[JDavis21]

Swapped out my Recaro SPG's for some Pole Positions a couple of weeks ago. The SPG's were great and supportive, but I'm quite slim and not all my friends are so fortunate, and there's nothing more awkward than a mate jumping in to find out he doesn't fit...

The swap wasn't as straight forward as planned, as the Poles are narrower around the shoulders but wider at the base - so I still need to do some fettling to bring them closer to the centre console and more in-line with the steering wheel.

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I still need to do something about my steering wheel now the dash is Alcantara, so I feel I may be contacting Royal Steering Wheels very soon. Although I hate the overall diameter of the stock wheel, so would love to fit a MOMO, but I'll wait until the car is more track focused and I have harnesses fitted for that.

I also have a K Sport BBK on it's way from a friend that's just purchased AP 5000R's for his E46 M3. I'll either need to design my own bracket, or swap my wishbones/hubs over with the M items I have stored to fit them.

[dougie1142]

Great update Jono.

I just put a deposit down on a 3.0si, so i'll finally be joining the club! I'd quite like to go down a similar route to you. Certainly the pole positions and BBK.

Got to say that photo really shows off how good your alcantara dash has turned out! Very nice. A royal wheel would certainly finish it off.

[Gav-coupe]

Picked up Jono’s old exhaust today, top guy good luck with the car. I saw the interior the alcantara looks great.

Thank again, a credit to the z4 community

[JDavis21]

Picked up Jono’s old exhaust today, top guy good luck with the car. I saw the interior the alcantara looks great.

Thank again, a credit to the z4 community

Thanks, glad you got it back with no troubles.

[JDavis21]

Haven't posted an update in a short while, but I have been tinkering away.

Gave in and booked in at royal steering wheels, very happy with the results - it's my 3rd car I've had finished by them and the quality is always great.

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I had initially bought a used 356mm K Sport BBK but the buyer messed me around. Got my money back and decided to start a little project of piecing everything together to fit Porsche 996 front calipers - I've done the maths on piston area etc. and I'm happy the bias won't be too altered, but it does leave scope for a future upgrade in the rear.

Picked up the calipers for a bargain and have been busy cleaning them up and replacing the hardware, will be fitting them in combination with the 345x28mm CSL/Z4M discs and Endless ME22 pads.

Trial fit with standard discs still fitted:

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Right hand caliper cleaned up and ready for fitting:

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Plus I gave the car a wash this weekend, any recommendations on good brand wash mitts? This one was difficult to use.

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[R60BBA]

Car’s looking good mate.

Can’t go wrong with a Meguiar’s Lambswool mitt, it’s certainly better than cat fur

[JDavis21]

Small update. Had two new front wheel bearings fitted two weeks ago as they were noisy, and I didn't fancy taking any risks with it on track.

Unfortunately I didn't manage to get the 996 Brembo's fitted in time for yesterday's track evening at Snetterton, but the current brakes held up surprisingly well (they didn't at Donington).

I had the GoPro on, so will try cut down a lap and upload it to YouTube for those interested. But I enjoyed myself and it felt great to actually drive the car home without any issues.

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Next track session is looking likely to be at Cadwell.

[sjj84]

What brackets are you using to fit the porsche calipers?

[marmite monster]

cool car