Cheap/good value mods for z4 23i

[dakotaa]

This is probably a very common question, but I just got a new beautiful z4 23i and I’m thinking of customising it a bit. Any good ideas that aren’t too expensive? Looking for some nice appearance mods as well as any decent beginner engine mods that aren’t too hard too add would be appreciated

Thanks

 

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome to the forum with your E89 in one of the best colour combinations.

I don't think there are any engine mods that will offer much, but after-market exhaust parts might give you a bit more volume if that's what you like.

Appearance-wise swapping wheels is a cheapish option, but yours look good anyway. Or you could swap the aerial for a stubby if that's your preference for very little money.

I'd just spend the mod fund on petrol. :lol:

 

[dakotaa]

Thanks for the advice! What exhaust mods do you recommend, I’m very new, so sorry for any stupid questions xD I do like to hear a nice loud noise so I’m gonna do some. Otherwise, had my eye on an aero and might get it then

 

[RAYK47]

Welcome. Nice Z, definitely the best colour :wink:

What about an MMI box (if you have iDrive).or the updated side indicators.

 

[dakotaa]

It sadly doesn’t have iDrive, do you know if there’s any way to add something so I can use maps and Apple car play? Or would that not be possible

 

[Pondy]

It sadly doesn’t have iDrive, do you know if there’s any way to add something so I can use maps and Apple car play? Or would that not be possible

Dave is your man AnubisZed for all things tech with the E89. He has several youtube how-to videos aswell.

 

[RAYK47]

It is possible to add an MMI box that includes a screen and the iDrive controller. A much bigger job if you don't have iDrive already but will give you a much larger touch screen though.

As Pondrew said Dave is your man. I am tapping him up to install a Mr12Volt MMI into mine.

 

[Silverstar]

Not much you can do with the engine but you could consider a ECU chip tune, it won’t add much BHP but will make it more responsive and better to drive. If it’s an auto you can flash the geárbox with XHP Flashtool which will give much quicker gear changes.

On the other hand for better performance consider handling mods, it will help you go faster around corners than any engine mod (for this particular engine). A sports exhaust from the likes of Supersprint Remus etc will make it sounded better.

Aesthetically LCI side indicators, stubby aerial black grills and maybe a rear spoiler although with styling bits you’ve got to be careful not to ruin or cheapen the car.

 

[Zed Baron]

Doesn't improve the performance but, I swapped the seats and the steering wheel in mine to Msport (newer style paddles). Also on mine I've changed to a stubby aerial, different style front grilles and LCI indicators.

 

[dakotaa]

It sadly doesn’t have iDrive, do you know if there’s any way to add something so I can use maps and Apple car play? Or would that not be possible

Dave is your man AnubisZed for all things tech with the E89. He has several youtube how-to videos aswell.

The ones he has shown on his YouTube channel are a bit out of my budget, or the website has been taken down, do you have any cheaper recommendations?

 

[N4LLY]

Spinning centre caps, LCI indicators (Keep the whippy ! )
If you have extended lighting then BMW Logo puddle lights.

8)

 

[Silverstar]

It sadly doesn’t have iDrive, do you know if there’s any way to add something so I can use maps and Apple car play? Or would that not be possible

Dave is your man AnubisZed for all things tech with the E89. He has several youtube how-to videos aswell.

The ones he has shown on his YouTube channel are a bit out of my budget, or the website has been taken down, do you have any cheaper recommendations?

You can get stand alone car play / android auto units for around £150. Check out this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A5NIZX0dKc

 

[wanderer]

1) Get your steering wheel re-covered. You don't say where you are, but if In the UK or Ireland then I can recommend someone.

2) Automatic? What type of shifter so you have? If the old style then you can change to the newer style from china.

3) Automatic? Then consider a Racechip XLR unit or Flashtool XFP transmission upgrade.

4) Before doing anything else, change the aerial to a stubby aerial.

5) What type of sound / speaker system so you have? An amp upgrade may help. I have a Vibe Audio unit for the E89

 

[flybobbie]

This improved the steering and stability on my car, getting to the point of thinking of selling the car.
Fitted to my 2009 23i.
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=141177&hilit=wish+bone

 

[dakotaa]

1) Get your steering wheel re-covered. You don't say where you are, but if In the UK or Ireland then I can recommend someone.

2) Automatic? What type of shifter so you have? If the old style then you can change to the newer style from china.

3) Automatic? Then consider a Racechip XLR unit or Flashtool XFP transmission upgrade.

4) Before doing anything else, change the aerial to a stubby aerial.

5) What type of sound / speaker system so you have? An amp upgrade may help. I have a Vibe Audio unit for the E89

Not in up or Ireland and i have an automatic! So ill definitely consider those

 

[The.Analyst]

Racechip doesn’t affect gearbox performance only engine ECU

xHP is the gearbox product for automatic gearboxes aka ZF6HP fitted to 23i

As for stubbies

 

[wanderer]

1) Get your steering wheel re-covered. You don't say where you are, but if In the UK or Ireland then I can recommend someone.

2) Automatic? What type of shifter so you have? If the old style then you can change to the newer style from china.

3) Automatic? Then consider a Racechip XLR unit or Flashtool XFP transmission upgrade.

4) Before doing anything else, change the aerial to a stubby aerial.

5) What type of sound / speaker system so you have? An amp upgrade may help. I have a Vibe Audio unit for the E89

Not in up or Ireland and i have an automatic! So ill definitely consider those

Did you end up making any changes?

 

[jenniferlouise]

Another 23i owner here interested to know…

 

[Nodzed]

Another 23i owner here interested to know…

Here's some the changes I made to the 23i.

Remus CAT back sport exhaust (off the shelf)
Eibach B12 Pro Kit suspension.
Updated side indicators if pre LCI (colour coding optional)
OEM leather short throw gear knob
Royal steering wheel (Thicker padding and new leather)
Cruise Control (if not fitted)
Colour coded roll hoops
Self leveling wheel centre badges
LED front indicator bulbs
And the hated (by many) stubby aerial
Also de-chromed