First Week of Ownership - My thoughts

M

MrMonty

Member
 Lincoln
When I bought my e85 2.5 it was the first ‘selfish’ significant purchase I’ve made in years.

As a 44yo Dad my money has been needed elsewhere for many years now. Being a car fan I had to watch from the sidelines and live vicariously through YouTubers.

The Zed has given me everything I needed. A quick 30 minute b road blast really does wonders after a stressful day. But it’s also given me so much more.

What I didn’t account for is the quality moments it’s given me with both of my teenagers and my wife 1 on 1. My wife and I have enjoyed a top down drive a couple of times to the woods to walk the dog. Such a simple thing but having the roof down makes it such an occasion.

My 16yo son and I have been tinkering and forming plans for some mods. I love this as I’ve always wanted to work on cars but I’m not confident at all. With it being a 3rd car I’m not too stressed if it’s off the road a bit if/when I make a mistake!

Maybe my favourite part is my 13yo daughter and I have had quality time the last 2 Sundays. We’ve gone out at 7am while the house is asleep and gone to feed the ducks followed by a coffee.

I really didn’t foresee how this selfish purchase could lead to see many bonding moments with the people I love most. Especially with the children getting older, it’s so lovely to spend proper time with them.

Anyway, I’m rambling! If you’ve got this far and haven’t yet bought a Zed then take this as a sign, rustle up a few grand and go a treat yourself!

Thanks to everyone for such a warm welcome.

Nick
 
You have just encapsulated the joy of owning a soft top car. I take mine off the road over winter as not much point having the roof up. Today I took my car out to buy some petrol at least that what I told the wife and within a few minutes pulled up alongside a jaecoo. My roofline didn't reach the top of his tyres and I had a juckle at the poor idiot who has to drive a car that big whilst I am enjoying the lovely weather.
Driving the zed does however highlight just how big and ugly newer cars are these days.
 
Mike6 said:
You have just encapsulated the joy of owning a soft top car. I take mine off the road over winter as not much point having the roof up. Today I took my car out to buy some petrol at least that what I told the wife and within a few minutes pulled up alongside a jaecoo. My roofline didn't reach the top of his tyres and I had a juckle at the poor idiot who has to drive a car that big whilst I am enjoying the lovely weather.
Driving the zed does however highlight just how big and ugly newer cars are these days.
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You’re absolutely right, however I’m afraid I’m guilty of having a huge motor. The family wagon is a Kia Sorrento. Hence my need for something fun! My last fun motor was about 10 years ago when I had a manual 330ci.
 
MrMonty said:
N52. What did you go for? I originally wanted a coupe but loving the top down.
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I have the N52 also. I'd like to look at the coupe, but the roadster is what I need.

An easy mod is the three stage manifold. Have just done this myself and it's quite noticeable. Handy with a laptop? Then there's another 20hp from flashing the ECu to a 2.5Si
 
CuppaTea said:
I have the N52 also. I'd like to look at the coupe, but the roadster is what I need.

An easy mod is the three stage manifold. Have just done this myself and it's quite noticeable. Handy with a laptop? Then there's another 20hp from flashing the ECu to a 2.5Si
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip. I’m very lucky to have purchased the car from @bigwinn who already did this. Feels incredibly responsive and plenty of scope to have fun in the 40-70 range.

Do you plan to make any more changes? I do like the idea of lowering springs and spacers for looks and maybe the gravity exhaust to get some more noise.
 
MrMonty said:
Do you plan to make any more changes?
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Many.

Am slowly gathering parts to refresh/upgrade the suspension, and there are some cosmetics that need addressing (front bumper seems to have been painted by a 5 year old). Brakes are definitely getting an upgrade before any more power.

As for the gravity exhaust, I'd rather spend my pennies on either a custom exhaust by Tony Banks or if you're flush, an Eisenmann setup. Maybe both if you just buy the back box?
 
MrMonty said:
When I bought my e85 2.5 it was the first ‘selfish’ significant purchase I’ve made in years.

As a 44yo Dad my money has been needed elsewhere for many years now. Being a car fan I had to watch from the sidelines and live vicariously through YouTubers.

The Zed has given me everything I needed. A quick 30 minute b road blast really does wonders after a stressful day. But it’s also given me so much more.

What I didn’t account for is the quality moments it’s given me with both of my teenagers and my wife 1 on 1. My wife and I have enjoyed a top down drive a couple of times to the woods to walk the dog. Such a simple thing but having the roof down makes it such an occasion.

My 16yo son and I have been tinkering and forming plans for some mods. I love this as I’ve always wanted to work on cars but I’m not confident at all. With it being a 3rd car I’m not too stressed if it’s off the road a bit if/when I make a mistake!

Maybe my favourite part is my 13yo daughter and I have had quality time the last 2 Sundays. We’ve gone out at 7am while the house is asleep and gone to feed the ducks followed by a coffee.

I really didn’t foresee how this selfish purchase could lead to see many bonding moments with the people I love most. Especially with the children getting older, it’s so lovely to spend proper time with them.

Anyway, I’m rambling! If you’ve got this far and haven’t yet bought a Zed then take this as a sign, rustle up a few grand and go a treat yourself!

Thanks to everyone for such a warm welcome.

Nick
Click to expand...
Love this post! 👌👍
 
CuppaTea said:
Many.

Am slowly gathering parts to refresh/upgrade the suspension, and there are some cosmetics that need addressing (front bumper seems to have been painted by a 5 year old). Brakes are definitely getting an upgrade before any more power.

As for the gravity exhaust, I'd rather spend my pennies on either a custom exhaust by Tony Banks or if you're flush, an Eisenmann setup. Maybe both if you just buy the back box?
Click to expand...
Off to have a google for the exhausts you’ve mentioned! Look forward to seeing pics of your progress.
 
MrMonty said:
Thanks for the tip. I’m very lucky to have purchased the car from @bigwinn who already did this. Feels incredibly responsive and plenty of scope to have fun in the 40-70 range.

Do you plan to make any more changes? I do like the idea of lowering springs and spacers for looks and maybe the gravity exhaust to get some more noise.
Click to expand...
Now then Nick

So glad you are enjoying z4 ownership. I knew you would.

All we need to do now is get you addicted to the M variant

And remember the law- you have to wave
 
It looks like you have had a great introduction to Z4 ownership. Maybe it's all about a 2 seater dictating some 1 on 1 time which doesn't happen otherwise?

Anyway keep enjoying your car and don't let Stuart lead you into M territory, unless you have a budgetary surplus - running an M doesn't come cheap (although if you can afford it the price is well worth paying)!
 
Mr Tidy said:
It looks like you have had a great introduction to Z4 ownership. Maybe it's all about a 2 seater dictating some 1 on 1 time which doesn't happen otherwise?

Anyway keep enjoying your car and don't let Stuart lead you into M territory, unless you have a budgetary surplus - running an M doesn't come cheap (although if you can afford it the price is well worth paying)!
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I absolutely agree about the 1 on 1 time. It’s priceless.

I might be shot for this, but If I were ever able to get an M, it would have to be an E46 M3!
 
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MrMonty said:
might be shot for this, but If I were ever able to get an M, it would have to be an E46 M3!
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Traitor! 😡

Why on earth would you want a 2 door 3 Series that is prone to suffering from cracked boot floors when you save thousands for a 2 seat sports car with the same engine? :confused:
 
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