Don't let your dream car die!

[gcsa]

One of those Bluetooth adapters is probably next on my list for my 2003 E85. Which one did you get? I've seen a few on Amazon, and some with hands free mic which might be handy.
As I understand it, the vents have two metal clips along the top that needs to be released through the vent grilles somehow?
Cheers
Geoff

 

[theosinc930]

One of those Bluetooth adapters is probably next on my list for my 2003 E85. Which one did you get? I've seen a few on Amazon, and some with hands free mic which might be handy.
As I understand it, the vents have two metal clips along the top that needs to be released through the vent grilles somehow?
Cheers
Geoff

Yeah, the vent has two clips on the top and two on the bottom. I used this guide to remove it: https://youtu.be/tuBuSuzJxho?si=-MJP9SPor8aUCIDz

The adapter I got was from ebay. Worked just fine, seems to connect to the phone quickly, the sound quality is good and it also seems to turn off when the car is turned off, so it hopefully won't drain the battery, which was a worry I had.

https://ebay.us/m/NRSC9u

 

[gcsa]

Thanks for that, really very helpful. That YouTube video is great, good find
Time to order one of those adapters I think.
Cheers
Geoff

Edit: I have to remember to remove my FM transmitter from the cigarette lighter as that remains powered when the car is off.

 

[theosinc930]

Three little tips I learned over the last few weeks:

1. If you have worn out rubber pedal pads, you can buy them as original parts for around 6€ each. You can heat the new pads up in some warm water to make the installation easier.

2. If you want to replace a headlight bulb, I recommend ordering new headlight access panels. They're only 17€ per piece (original parts) and I recommend doing this because the rubber seals on my original covers were cracked after 20+ years.

3. Aliexpress cup holders are exactly the same as the originals. I ordered a set of Aliexpress cup holders and some used original vents with cup holders from ebay, to compare them. There is zero difference between them. I'd actually rather have the new cup holders from Aliexpress, since the plastic will be fresher.

 

[gcsa]

Yeah, the vent has two clips on the top and two on the bottom. I used this guide to remove it:

The adapter I got was from ebay. Worked just fine, seems to connect to the phone quickly, the sound quality is good and it also seems to turn off when the car is turned off, so it hopefully won't drain the battery, which was a worry I had.

Bluetooth Musik Adapter BMW E46 E39 X5 E53 X3 E83 Z4 E85 MINI R50 R52 Flachpin | eBay.de

Das für den CD-Wechsler 3+6-Anschluss finden Sie hier. Für geschraubte Radios, ist das passende Werkzeug hier. > Wiedergabe startet bei Auswahl am Radio automatisch, stoppt bei Wechsel auf z.B. Radio.

ebay.us

I tried and failed with the air vent removal. I think I found the clips, but nothing would move the vent out. I was worried I'd break one of the vent grilles in the process, so decided to take a break (ahem) from it. Perhaps finding the CD changer leads behind the centre console might be a less damaging route to take. Is the vent itself a very stiff interference fit into the dashboard? It felt solidly stuck in there even with the clips released. At least I think they were released!

Cheers
Geoff

 

[theosinc930]

I tried and failed with the air vent removal. I think I found the clips, but nothing would move the vent out. I was worried I'd break one of the vent grilles in the process, so decided to take a break (ahem) from it. Perhaps finding the CD changer leads behind the centre console might be a less damaging route to take. Is the vent itself a very stiff interference fit into the dashboard? It felt solidly stuck in there even with the clips released. At least I think they were released!

Cheers
Geoff

Yes, I'd say the vent is a stiff interference fit. It took me an hour of fighting to get it out. My tip is to get 3-4 thin screwdrivers and special plastic clip removal tools and to try again.

 

[paddy wright]

Well done for saving your Z! Keeper for life now.

 

[theosinc930]

Well done for saving your Z! Keeper for life now.

Thanks! I will definitely keep it for a long time. I might replace it when I can afford a Z4M or a Porsche, but that's a long way away.

 

[theosinc930]

Upgraded the cheap plastic sill covers to something a little nicer, made of aluminium. Very happy!

 

[gcsa]

Yes, I'd say the vent is a stiff interference fit. It took me an hour of fighting to get it out. My tip is to get 3-4 thin screwdrivers and special plastic clip removal tools and to try again.

Thanks. Im going to revisit when I have some time to carefully work it out. Never had a stereo so tricky to remove from a car before.

 

[theosinc930]

I went to a workshop in Northern Germany that specialises in E85s.
I had my electric steering column refurbished with a new bearing and grease, to get rid of the sticky steering effect in hot weather.
I also had my roof pump relocated to the boot. Very happy!

 

[gcsa]

Thanks. Im going to revisit when I have some time to carefully work it out. Never had a stereo so tricky to remove from a car before.

Finally had another go at this without success. Oddly the bottom of the vent appeared to release but the top refused to budge. Being concerned I was near the point of damaging the vent fins I gave up.
Ten minutes later I'd found the two cd changer connectors in the boot lol. I should have done that in the first place.
Now to order the correct Bluetooth adaptor for the boot connection....

 

[theosinc930]

Just bought a set of freshly powdercoated style 106 wheels.
Can't wait to put them on, they're so elegant!

 

[theosinc930]

The Z4 is ready for the summer. Work carried out this week:

- oil and filters change, new front brake pads, new front lower control arm bushings, new gearbox mounts

- installed my new style 106 wheels

-installed my new M steering wheel with the button-free side covers from my old steering wheel. We wrapped the covers with 3M matte black wrap

- new rear bumper side mounts and boot side vents

All that's left is to remove the hardtop, but my garage is full of wheels at the moment and I don't have much space haha

 

[SAinSurrey]

Absolutely love your commitment. Always loved the e85 and bought one last November. I have an f90 M5 Competition and actually have a lot more fun in the Z4 and its the first set of keys I grab when I need to drive somewhere.

Glad there is someone else that puts love and money into their cars

 

[theosinc930]

Productive day for the Z4.
I started off by retrofitting E46 seat springs to my E85 M sport seats. This improves seat comfort and prevents the foam from collapsing after 20 years. I don't understand why M sport seats did not have springs from the factory.


I also replaced the mirror switch for a good used one.




Finally, I fixed this stupid piece of plastic that squeaks when the soft top rests on it.



I finished with the first top down drive of the season. What a lovely experience.