Hello from Derby

[danfrost89]

Hi all,

Thought I'd introduce myself after just acquiring a Z4 Coupe 3.0si manual in Stratos Silver. Had the same coloured 640 conv back in the day and always loved the colour. Sorry for the long'ish post!

My thoughts on it so far are:

1. Steering nowhere near as bad as some say
2. Engine is as per reputation - very torquey and smooth
3. Gears are really well spaced
4. Not quite as quick as I'd like - 50 bhp down
5. Very comfy - drove it 2.5 hours after I bought it - no problems whatsoever
6. Steering wheel rim is ridiculously thick!
7. Looks easy enough to work on
8. Feels like I stole it - I paid £6k for it and it feels like it's worth £20k+. I think they're stunning and great value
9. Interior creaks like a 95 year old - I'm hoping there's a guide to track these down as my OCD can't cope
10. Got a bit of a weird clunk that's quite inconsistent - apparently CV joints but I'm not so sure - will find out soon
11. It's now 19 years old - stood up extremely well. Really impressed with the overall condition and feel considering it's done 122k
12. One of the foam bungs was already removed - I've removed the other one - jury is out as to whether I like it or not

It needs new tyres - got Landsails on the rear. Not my thing.

For context, I've had a range of different types of cars over the years but more recently Teslas and hybrid Range Rover Sport (long story!). My other car is a Stage 4 VX220 Turbo. There's no comparison on performance but the Z4 is a great middle ground - perfect for what I want it for. So far, I'm a massive fan. Great value, interesting and can tweak a little without spending a fortune (hopefully).

So far, spent a day getting it properly clean, replaced aircon filter, general fettling. Now for a full service as it's got a gap in the history between 90k and 120k miles. It's been done (well, according to the receipts) but I'll get it all done - gearbox, diff, plugs, CDV delete, etc, etc.

I'm a bit of a OCD nerd so I've already bought Lanoguard, Bluetooth, gear knob, grills. Want badges, new steering wheel, backbox. I'll be sorting wireless charging and other OEM+ type mods.

There are about 50 Facebook groups by the look of it so thought I'd start here!

 

[Ed Doe]

Welcome along, looks a lovely example that, and a rare colour I believe too! I loved my old si, did over 50k in it in my ownership and a heap of trackdays, had a right hoot but couldn't resist the lure of an S54 in the end! Sounds like you'll be perfectly happy considering your other toy!

 

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome to the forum from an E86 addict.

I've had a couple of 3 litres but like Ed I just had to scratch that M itch.

Presumably it has an M Sport steering wheel. If you get it retrimmed somewhere like Royals they can reduce the thickness.

Like you say they offer loads of fun for the money, and the engines seem pretty bulletproof.

Your VX Turbo must be ballistic!

 

[danfrost89]

Thanks chaps.

Royals are the boys then? Got any idea of ball park? Yeah, it’s the M Sport wheel.

The VX is an animal. 300+bhp and 940kg. It’s deeply uncivilised tho. Makes the Z4 feel like a 7 series. In a good way.

 

[Mr Tidy]

I've never used them but Royals seem to be the "go to" choice. I may be wrong but £250ish comes to mind, although they will do it in whatever material you choose and add things like 3 colour M stitching, centre bands, etc.

Just a thought but could the clunk be a worn Guibo?

We like photos on here, so I don't think anyone would mind one of your rabid VX!

 

[danfrost89]

The VX is troubled (unreliable) but when on it, hilarious if a little dangerous. They’re just kit cars really but with a gear chassis.

My plan was to retrim interior in alcantara, upgrade switchgear etc - sort of restomod but so busy with work I don’t have the time at the moment.