E85 BU33 '06 Diary
- Thread starter fynbos
- Start date
Texas
September 2025 — Deep Service + Tires
Did a big mechanical refresh this month: stopped the leaks, fixed the clunk, replaced missing plastics, and finally added new rubber.
Total Service: $9,491.77
Tires: $822.66 (Tire Rack, shipped to installer)
Result: Quiet, tight, no oil smells, and finally tracks straight again.
⸻
Findings
• Rear differential bushing torn, causing rear clunk
• Valve cover leaking onto exhaust (N52 classic)
• Eccentric shaft sensor leaking
• LCABs soft and cracking
• Underbody plastics missing or damaged
• Cowl seal cracked
• Weak hood struts, streaky wipers
• Uneven front tire wear, mild misalignment
⸻
Fixes
• Replaced rear diff and subframe bushings
• Installed new valve cover, gasket set, and cam adjuster gasket
• Replaced eccentric shaft sensor and seal
• Dropped subframe for oil pan gasket and LCABs
• Replaced all underbody plastics (fender liners, belly panels, engine cover)
• New cowl seal and cover
• Turn signal bulbs, brake fluid flush, transmission + diff service
• Mounted new tires and did a 4-wheel alignment
⸻
Tires
Ordered from Tire Rack — Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus (SL, Ultra-High-Performance All-Season).
• Front: 225/45ZR-17 @ $168.99 × 2 = $337.98
• Rear: 245/40ZR-17 @ $210.99 × 2 = $421.98
Subtotal $759.96 + tax $62.70 = $822.66 delivered 
Installed, balanced, and aligned during the same visit.
⸻
Cost Breakdown
Job Cost
Diff + subframe bushings $1,670
Valve cover + gaskets $980
Underbody panels $1,742
Cowl seal + cover $603
Eccentric shaft sensor $632
Oil pan gasket + oil service $1,176
LCABs $470
Fluids + brake flush $497
Tire install + alignment $409 (excl. tires)
⸻
Notes
The N52 leaks were predictable but satisfying to fix right. Eccentric shaft sensor was oil-soaked, and the old underbody plastics had basically disintegrated. Now the underside looks OEM-clean.
The new Continentals are a big step up in ride and steering feel. With the alignment sorted, the car feels like a proper roadster again.
Did a big mechanical refresh this month: stopped the leaks, fixed the clunk, replaced missing plastics, and finally added new rubber.
Total Service: $9,491.77
Tires: $822.66 (Tire Rack, shipped to installer)
Result: Quiet, tight, no oil smells, and finally tracks straight again.
⸻
Findings
• Rear differential bushing torn, causing rear clunk
• Valve cover leaking onto exhaust (N52 classic)
• Eccentric shaft sensor leaking
• LCABs soft and cracking
• Underbody plastics missing or damaged
• Cowl seal cracked
• Weak hood struts, streaky wipers
• Uneven front tire wear, mild misalignment
⸻
Fixes
• Replaced rear diff and subframe bushings
• Installed new valve cover, gasket set, and cam adjuster gasket
• Replaced eccentric shaft sensor and seal
• Dropped subframe for oil pan gasket and LCABs
• Replaced all underbody plastics (fender liners, belly panels, engine cover)
• New cowl seal and cover
• Turn signal bulbs, brake fluid flush, transmission + diff service
• Mounted new tires and did a 4-wheel alignment
⸻
Tires
Ordered from Tire Rack — Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus (SL, Ultra-High-Performance All-Season).
• Front: 225/45ZR-17 @ $168.99 × 2 = $337.98
• Rear: 245/40ZR-17 @ $210.99 × 2 = $421.98
Subtotal $759.96 + tax $62.70 = $822.66 delivered 
Installed, balanced, and aligned during the same visit.
⸻
Cost Breakdown
Job Cost
Diff + subframe bushings $1,670
Valve cover + gaskets $980
Underbody panels $1,742
Cowl seal + cover $603
Eccentric shaft sensor $632
Oil pan gasket + oil service $1,176
LCABs $470
Fluids + brake flush $497
Tire install + alignment $409 (excl. tires)
⸻
Notes
The N52 leaks were predictable but satisfying to fix right. Eccentric shaft sensor was oil-soaked, and the old underbody plastics had basically disintegrated. Now the underside looks OEM-clean.
The new Continentals are a big step up in ride and steering feel. With the alignment sorted, the car feels like a proper roadster again.
Misc Wk 1 At Home
Parts:
Hood Emblem: 51-14-7-044-207-M9 | $55.84 Pelican Parts
2X Emblem Grommets: 51-14-1-807-495-M9 | $2.50 Pelican Parts
Antenna Mast (Radio): 65202296761 | $28.39 FCP Euro
Front License Plate Bracket: 51117158838 | $61.99 FCP Euro
Rear View Mirror (used 99K): 51169134400 | $162.94 EBay
Center Console Switch: 51466978107 | $46.19 Ebay
Consumables:
303 Soft Top Cleaner and Protector | $32.79
WD-40 White Lithium Grease | $7.98
SONAX 03401000 Rubber Protectant | $11.99
NOCO GC008 Battery Quick Connect | $15.95
Debating:
- How much I care about the body dings, hail damage, dents
- Seats are not torn, but cracking and could be reupholstered or just treated
Parts:
Hood Emblem: 51-14-7-044-207-M9 | $55.84 Pelican Parts
2X Emblem Grommets: 51-14-1-807-495-M9 | $2.50 Pelican Parts
Antenna Mast (Radio): 65202296761 | $28.39 FCP Euro
Front License Plate Bracket: 51117158838 | $61.99 FCP Euro
Rear View Mirror (used 99K): 51169134400 | $162.94 EBay
Center Console Switch: 51466978107 | $46.19 Ebay
Consumables:
303 Soft Top Cleaner and Protector | $32.79
WD-40 White Lithium Grease | $7.98
SONAX 03401000 Rubber Protectant | $11.99
NOCO GC008 Battery Quick Connect | $15.95
Debating:
- How much I care about the body dings, hail damage, dents
- Seats are not torn, but cracking and could be reupholstered or just treated
Weekend projects
Mostly cosmetic:
- Swapped out steering wheel - rewrapped from Global Parts UK (eBay) with pretty M stitching (original and replacement in pics) | Arrived in Texas in 3 days | GBP 384.27
- Fabric Wind deflector (struggling to get some of the european suppliers to ship to the US at the moment | $60
- Condor Speed Shop Shift Boot (M Tech) | $45 (broke the plastic cover on the gearbox and ordering a replacement
- Condor "Roundie" Shift Knob - Black 6 Speed | $85.00
- OEM Trunk Liner - 82-11-0-305-069-BOE | $60 Pelican Parts
- OEM 82112473374 UV Sunshade | $75 Amazon
- Soft Top Roof Protector Half Cover Compatible with BMW Z4 2003-2008 | $88 Amazon
- Safety Triangle | $13 Amazon
Parts:
- Morimoto D2S: XB 4300K 35w HID Bulbs (Pair) | $85
Mostly cosmetic:
- Swapped out steering wheel - rewrapped from Global Parts UK (eBay) with pretty M stitching (original and replacement in pics) | Arrived in Texas in 3 days | GBP 384.27
- Fabric Wind deflector (struggling to get some of the european suppliers to ship to the US at the moment | $60
- Condor Speed Shop Shift Boot (M Tech) | $45 (broke the plastic cover on the gearbox and ordering a replacement
- Condor "Roundie" Shift Knob - Black 6 Speed | $85.00
- OEM Trunk Liner - 82-11-0-305-069-BOE | $60 Pelican Parts
- OEM 82112473374 UV Sunshade | $75 Amazon
- Soft Top Roof Protector Half Cover Compatible with BMW Z4 2003-2008 | $88 Amazon
- Safety Triangle | $13 Amazon
Parts:
- Morimoto D2S: XB 4300K 35w HID Bulbs (Pair) | $85
Attachments
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Interesting. Hadn't thought about it. I do feel like I'd rather hold onto what little low end torque there is without it. Did you do it?
North West Surrey
Wow, you have really put some time and effort into getting it just right. 
I always feel jealous when I see photos of Z4s with no front license plate, the front end just looks so much cleaner!
As far as the seats go as there are no tears I'd try a good leather restoration treatment as cracking can usually be significantly improved, although I guess Texas sun isn't kind to them.
I always feel jealous when I see photos of Z4s with no front license plate, the front end just looks so much cleaner!
As far as the seats go as there are no tears I'd try a good leather restoration treatment as cracking can usually be significantly improved, although I guess Texas sun isn't kind to them.
ivanchen1211
Member
I did mine, best mod ever. I also flashed my 6hp19 transmission software to 3.0si.
Recently I also added lumbar support, it really help! The stock seat cost lower back pain.
Not loving height of summer with the top down, to be honest! Oh well. Cooler days just kicked in.Wow, you have really put some time and effort into getting it just right.
I always feel jealous when I see photos of Z4s with no front license plate, the front end just looks so much cleaner!
As far as the seats go as there are no tears I'd try a good leather restoration treatment as cracking can usually be significantly improved, although I guess Texas sun isn't kind to them.
And...have added a front plate holder :-(. A bit weird, as it's the law in Texas, but the previous owner and some drivers ignore it somehow.
I think that's why Roadsters tended to sell so well in cooler climates, like Northern Europe. But A/C is your friend!
Shame about the need for a front plate, I know quite a few states don't require them. But then I also see quite a few cars without them in the UK where they are mandatory too. I wish I hadn't had one in 2023 when I got caught for speeding by a forward facing camera.
I did. The car is much, much more playful and imo fun to drive with it.
Yeah on this side of the pond it's very hit or miss. I've never run a front plate and have never gotten a citation for it. Someone I know got pulled over for speed when they weren't speeding and when the cop was questioned, he backtracked the speeding violation, but then walked around the car and ended up giving them a ticket for missing front plate.