From M3 to Z4

P

poss

Member
Hi All,

Recently finished my E46 M3 'Vert project and decided to keep progressing down the alphabet to a Z4 :D

Still waiting to pickup my Z4 due to interstate COVID restrictions here in the Land of Oz, but decided in the interim to go for 19" 225M's over the standard 18" 107's. Picked up a staggered set but unfortunately some young dude decided to repaint them (badly) gun metal grey - so in the process of restoring them.

Plan to keep the insides dark grey and paint spokes Wurth Silver - anyone done this previously perchance?

Pics:

225 Wheels.jpg
225 Wheel Undercoat.jpg
 
Hi and welcome to the forum.

I hope you don't have to wait too long to pick up your Z4. It'll be interesting to see how you find it compares to your M3.
 
Welcome from across the ditch in NZ. I’ve found this to be a great forum, lots of info to help with diy etc. What model and engine size of Z are you buying? The Z is quite different to the E46 vert but great fun imo. Cheers
 
Thanks.

Only another 2 weeks. Border restrictions for vaccinated end this week so flights booked. I managed to score a fully-optioned merlot manual E85 3.0i (the manuals are like hens teeth here - very rare to see one up for sale. Previous owner died).

The M3 is an SMGII so having a clutch pedal will be a significant point of difference (which is one of the main reasons I bought it).

I am expecting the roadster to feel more rigid and, at 200 kilos lighter and lower to the ground, more nimble - will be replacing all bushings, control arms, and shocks, so hopefully she will handle nicely too - no hydraulic power steering tho.

The lower redline of the M54 will also be a significant point of difference I'd imagine - the S54 is something special.

Something I am hoping to enjoy with Z4 ownership are substantially fewer issues that require expensive preventative maintenance - such as the M3's vanos issues, rod bearings, SMG, and infamous 'subframe' cracking (which my car had and which cost thousands to repair/strengthen the chassis)
 
Welcome! I spent a few years in Australia a while back and I still have a few friends there who are affected by the current situation.

I can echo the comments of others here - great forum and a wealth of info.

Hope you get the car soon so you can start enjoying it - it looks like you've got the modifying bug already, and don't forget to post pics
 
Good to know the end of the wait is now in sight!

Having 3 pedals will certainly feel different and so will the M54 after an S54, as I found out although I did it the other way around via a few N52s in between.

From what I have read the E85 shell is stiffer than that E46 Coupe shell so will be much stiffer than your E46 Convertible. And sitting just in front of the rear wheels fells very different too!

I know what you mean about S54 maintenance costs, but as mine is in an E86 I don't have to worry about SMG or boot floor cracking thankfully. :)
 
Welcome!

I was just looking at an Estoril blue m3 convertible, funny that. What colour was yours?

Great era for cars. The z4 doesn't rust much and the M54 is mostly bombproof. Just get the DISA valve rebuilt with aluminium parts, DIY and not expensive. Even then, if/when it collapses I don't believe it eats the engine on a z4.

Just returned from a nice crisp blast. Every winter I think I'll sell it, then the top comes down and I think... nah. :D Bobble hat to keep you warm and you're good to go. :driving:
 
My M3 'vert is silver-grey facelift with 19" rims - and I am keeping it. The Z4 is for my better half (but I get to drive it too of course)

Luckily Sydney has more convertible-friendly weather than NI - except for summer when it gets too hot to have the roof down.
 
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