About to buy a 2006 3.0si roadstar

Cheers all.

Been driving it around, probably put on 200 miles since I bought it and I'm really enjoying it - esp in sport mode however it does seem to hang onto gear changes abit too long sometimes! Few observations:

1. Tyres

The RFT are driving me mad, the car tramlines really bad and is not comfortable - anyone know what best tyres to get for comfort?

I've priced up a set of Michelin PS3's and they're working out at £410 fitted for a full set which isn't too bad at all considering I paid £500 for a pair of rears on the M3. I've got experience with the Michelin PSS but they don't seem to make them for this tyre size. Not sure about the PS3 though but do rate Michelin for road noise etc.

2. Steering wheel

Also, has anyone bought the Z4M steering wheel from the dealer? Is it plug and play for mine? My steering is quite thin and doesn't help with nimble driving - I don't want to re-trim this one and want to retain the original wheel to return it back to original spec so a Z4M smaller diameter wheel with a thicker rim seems better.

3. Handling

My car is an SE spec so I'd imagine it isn't as nimble as the Sport in the corners, nor does it feel anything like my E46 M3. Any ideas of how to sharpen up the handling at lower cost?

Regards

Bill
 
Alternatively on the wheels I may get a set of 18" Style 108's staggered and wrap them in the Michelins - at least then I can keep the original alloys away. The 18's look so good on the Z4, suit it so well :D

P140208_150801.jpg
P140208_134201.jpg

Cheers,

Bill
 
The steering wheel is a straight swap. Get the M Sport one not the ///M one. They are identical except the ///M one has tri colour stitching and will cost more.

A set of Eibach or similar lowering springs will stiffen up the ride. Different dampers and ARB's on Sport models also though.
 
Just to say those two pics are NOT my car guys, just to show the Style 108's against PY bodywork.

Will be getting photos of mine this weekend once I get a chance to give her a good polish :thumbsup:
 
srhutch said:
The steering wheel is a straight swap. Get the M Sport one not the ///M one. They are identical except the ///M one has tri colour stitching and will cost more.

A set of Eibach or similar lowering springs will stiffen up the ride. Different dampers and ARB's on Sport models also though.
Click to expand...
Cheers for the tip dude - I'd imagine the M Sport one is the part normally supplied on the Z4 3.0si Sport?

Also, would you know whether Eibach ARB's would be a good shout?

http://store.bubbleandkick.com/index.php/car-manufacturers/bmw/bmw-z4m-z4-series-eibach-bmw-anti-roll-bar-kits.html
 
Lovely car mate a great find that.

Enjoy it, it may not be in the same league as the M3 power wise but still a quick car and with the roof down and sun beaming down with a lovely straight 6 to listen to it will more than make up for it.

Do yourself a favour and have a read up about the sound generator mod it will make you smile. Here is the link to the post, :D

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15035

One final thing, enjoy your car I don't see why people garage these cars for the winter or keep them away from a little rain etc as it's a car to enjoy and it wont melt away in the bad weather. I only use mine as a weekend toy but it's parked outside and i wont be afraid to use it through the winter as long as there is no snow about. We all pay tax and insurance each year so enjoy it and drive it as much as you can :driving:
 
londonbmwguy said:
srhutch said:
The steering wheel is a straight swap. Get the M Sport one not the ///M one. They are identical except the ///M one has tri colour stitching and will cost more.

A set of Eibach or similar lowering springs will stiffen up the ride. Different dampers and ARB's on Sport models also though.
Click to expand...
Cheers for the tip dude - I'd imagine the M Sport one is the part normally supplied on the Z4 3.0si Sport?

Also, would you know whether Eibach ARB's would be a good shout?

http://store.bubbleandkick.com/index.php/car-manufacturers/bmw/bmw-z4m-z4-series-eibach-bmw-anti-roll-bar-kits.html
Click to expand...

Yep M sport wheel standard on sport trim.

Not sue on the arb. Others with better knowledge on suspension will hopefully pipe up.

Thought the sound generator was standard though on 3.0si.
 
Soundgen mod is standard on all 3.0i and 3.0si but you just have to remove the foam if you want a nice deep induction noise in the car. It's very quiet as standard but that guide will just let him know what it is :D

I only removed mine a few weeks ago until I came across that post :thumbsup:
 
DPG said:
Welcome Bill

Listen out for a tappy engine when cold. If it's quite loud then goes when the car is warm it's likely to be the HVA's.

Also rear springs are a known issue. You probably won't be able to tell from a seat drive though.

Finally check the roof a few times to make sure the motor is ok.

Pretty reliable fun cars so if it's been looked after you shouldn't have much trouble.

Desirable options? For me that would be Heated Seats, Nav, Cruise and Parking Sensors.
Click to expand...


from experience, you'll only really hear that tappy noise if the car has been used for many short journeys recently.

desirable options for me are piano trim ,extended leather and parking sensors
 
Wow, nice car Bill. Never seen that colour but looks awesome. Like a new one - what a great find. :thumbsup:

Personally would recommend M-wheels and either Continental Conti Sport 5 or Good year F1 Asymmetric 2 -tires. Also can recommend a M-steering wheel it is thicker than non-M :driving:
 
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