Hi
I came across the Z4-F when searching for information on my newly acquired Z4 Coupe and have to thank you all for the information held here that pretty much covers the problems and ideas I have for the car going forward.
I bought a 2008 E86 3.0si in Monaco blue with Champagne interior and piano black dash with 100k miles. When I bought it I realised that I would have to spend a few ££'s on some essential repairs and like all things I will probably end up spending too much but I will do so in the knowledge that it will be right for me in my period of ownership and be safe if I decide to sell at some stage.
First job was to de-badge as I do with any car - its the only time that I get to use a hairdryer!
The car as I bought it was bog standard apart from H&R lowering springs (part number 29269) which were totally useless for where I live and I spent the first weeks of ownership digging out the 'crown' of my drive - unmade footpath, just to avoid beaching the car. I knew I would have to raise the suspension so decided upon ST springs 28220272 which lower by 20mm and 10mm front and rear from standard height which would be a whole lot more clearance for me than the H&R. This is when I first became aware of the problems of parts supply - many emails and phone calls to suppliers all quoting silly time lead time so I rang KW Auto (ST manufacturers) in Germany to be told that they could get them to me in 3 days max - it turned out that their computer system was not showing any stock when they had some on the shelf.
I bought a pair of fog light cover plates so they could be changed when the suspension was being fixed - fortunately the paint work at the front of the car is in need of TLC so my pathetic attempts at spraying do not look so out of place.
When the suspension work was being undertaken it was clear that the front dampers where scrap so the obvious answer was Bilsteins - more aggro with part supply and an ever concerned garage that one of their ramps was becoming a permanent display of BMWness meant a decision was made to go with Sachs only for a hub locating bolt to shear and BMW then contributed to the delays by sending out 3 different replacement bolts - day after day of course.
The day after collecting the car back from the workshop it went in for wheel refurb when it was discovered that one had a slight buckle and one needed a small weld - both inner rather than outer which would have been easy. I also replaced the rear tyres at the same time.
I have the car back today so might actually drive the thing properly shortly.
Plans for the near future:
New discs - the fronts have been replaced but the rears are poor so I shall probably go down the route of grooved and dimpled all round - I know it is not necessary and all the arguments for and against but I like them.
Suspension set up - Once the new discs/pads are on.
Back box replacement - The car feels as if it needs to 'breathe' a little easier and I want more sound. I am pro
Longer term if I keep the car I will consider a respray as it does show its years.
Again, thanks for all the info already on the site.
I came across the Z4-F when searching for information on my newly acquired Z4 Coupe and have to thank you all for the information held here that pretty much covers the problems and ideas I have for the car going forward.
I bought a 2008 E86 3.0si in Monaco blue with Champagne interior and piano black dash with 100k miles. When I bought it I realised that I would have to spend a few ££'s on some essential repairs and like all things I will probably end up spending too much but I will do so in the knowledge that it will be right for me in my period of ownership and be safe if I decide to sell at some stage.
First job was to de-badge as I do with any car - its the only time that I get to use a hairdryer!
The car as I bought it was bog standard apart from H&R lowering springs (part number 29269) which were totally useless for where I live and I spent the first weeks of ownership digging out the 'crown' of my drive - unmade footpath, just to avoid beaching the car. I knew I would have to raise the suspension so decided upon ST springs 28220272 which lower by 20mm and 10mm front and rear from standard height which would be a whole lot more clearance for me than the H&R. This is when I first became aware of the problems of parts supply - many emails and phone calls to suppliers all quoting silly time lead time so I rang KW Auto (ST manufacturers) in Germany to be told that they could get them to me in 3 days max - it turned out that their computer system was not showing any stock when they had some on the shelf.
I bought a pair of fog light cover plates so they could be changed when the suspension was being fixed - fortunately the paint work at the front of the car is in need of TLC so my pathetic attempts at spraying do not look so out of place.
When the suspension work was being undertaken it was clear that the front dampers where scrap so the obvious answer was Bilsteins - more aggro with part supply and an ever concerned garage that one of their ramps was becoming a permanent display of BMWness meant a decision was made to go with Sachs only for a hub locating bolt to shear and BMW then contributed to the delays by sending out 3 different replacement bolts - day after day of course.
The day after collecting the car back from the workshop it went in for wheel refurb when it was discovered that one had a slight buckle and one needed a small weld - both inner rather than outer which would have been easy. I also replaced the rear tyres at the same time.
I have the car back today so might actually drive the thing properly shortly.
Plans for the near future:
New discs - the fronts have been replaced but the rears are poor so I shall probably go down the route of grooved and dimpled all round - I know it is not necessary and all the arguments for and against but I like them.
Suspension set up - Once the new discs/pads are on.
Back box replacement - The car feels as if it needs to 'breathe' a little easier and I want more sound. I am pro
Longer term if I keep the car I will consider a respray as it does show its years.
Again, thanks for all the info already on the site.
North West Surrey
south yorkshire