Mod list ideas & advice.

[taZ4]

Hello my fellow beemers

I would like a few tips and advice about some of the modifications I have in mind for my E85. I live in Sheffield and would like to know if anyone is able to direct me to places/people who are reliable and can do some of the below at good prices:-

1) Not sure whether to do a full exhaust system (new headers/manifold, cat converter, muffler), or just delete the backbox, or upgrade to a sports rear muffler. I know there's no power gain and it's only for sound purposes driving I found these places around me: powerflow & fast lane styling.

2) Cold air intake from eBay called: DIRENZA PERFORMANCE. Good idea?

3) ECU tune/dyno, I found these places: Avon tuning, DMS automotive, superchips.co.uk, remapkings. What are your thoughts on ECU tunning and these places?

4) Any recommendations for inexpensive coilovers? I want to lower the car a little bit more and have a firmer suspension.

5) Follow up on coilovers, do I need to upgrade camber plates/control arms as well?

6) Full sound system upgrade, all new 8 speakers & head unit. I found these places: source sounds & fast lane styling. I'm not looking for high-end speakers with lots of new wiring and amplifiers, I just want a better sound quality for as little money as possible.

7) When I bought the car, the previous owner had the headlights & taillights to "always-on" no matter where the switch is. As soon as I turn on the ignition, the headlights & taillights go on. How can I turn it back to normal switch operation (auto headlights)? Is this coding?

8) I also want to code the signals to flash twice & headlights to turn on when unlocking the car, as a "welcome" sort of thing. There's no sound or visual indication when unlocking the car, which is a bit annoying.

9) Lastly, code the headlights to stay ON after locking the car for a few seconds. I found this account on Instagram: shaanycodez, was wondering if anyone heard/knows them?

I would greatly appreciate any feedback & advice about any of the above points.

Thank you all!
Taz

 

[jock156]

I’m assuming you have the Angel Eye headlights. IIRC it’s just the easiest way to wire them up, to always be on, when you switch them on. I’m sure an Auto sparky could retire them for you.

You can code a few bits n bobs using Carly which includes beeping when locking and unlocking. There is SOMEWHERE on here of who has Carly and their location and should be able to code it for you.

Re. exhaust, The Zed Shed, I think is in Warrington and Mike knows his stuff

HTH

 

[Mr Tidy]

My MC already had Powerflow back-boxes fitted when I bought it and I really like them. A bit more volume but no drone.

Carly can definitely code flash/beep on locking and unlocking as I had mine done. Can also set three flash indicators which I like. Anyway here's a link to who has it:- https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=97818

 

[Darkangelv2]

For me….

1) Don’t know - I’ve got bypass pipes to go on. But mainly because I fear drone.

2) V unlikely to improve anything other than sound. The BMW system utilises a form of ram effect which is lost with an open system like that. So, depends what you’re looking to achieve.

3) EDIT - just saw you have the 2.0L N46 - a remap would gain nothing noticeable i'd suggest.

4) I have BC Racing and would recommend them

5) If it’s not been done in its life, your car will defo benefit from bush refreshing

6) I don’t think there is an 8 speaker system. There’s a basic 6 speaker (which has speaker covers in the doors which are actually unused!). Or a 10 speaker (2 versions) that both have additional amps. If you have the 6 system, you’ll want a replacement 3 way setup at the front - this will get you up to an 8 speaker setup. Hertz is a great shout here. I then added a small sub behind the seat in the cubby hole.

7) When I bought the car, the previous owner had the headlights & taillights to "always-on" no matter where the switch is. As soon as I turn on the ignition, the headlights & taillights go on. How can I turn it back to normal switch operation (auto headlights)? Is this coding?

8+ Sorry, don’t know anything about the headlights

Welcome aboard!

 

[SonnyA85]

My tip would be if you are looking for more power then buy a more powerful car. The Z4 doesn't tune well especially on the cheap using eBay parts or dodgy tunes which will put 20 year old parts under a lot of stress.

If you are looking to lower the car I feel it's low enough already and got a harsh enough ride on the roads which are covered with imperfections and potholes and spot repairs. Bigger tyres will give you the same look but without the harsher ride. Get a strut bar which will tighten it up. That's a mod I can get behind.

If you are serious about mods then look at a supercharger. It's not cheap and will require a major overhaul but at least it will be worthwhile.

 

[SqerrNipz]

1) I recently fitted a Gravity exhaust system (I think they are actually branded Direnza) and there's a thread on here titled 'ebay exhaust' where they are discussed. I'm really impressed with the system. Nice exhaust note, no drone and lots of pops and burbles. The exhaust place that fitted it for me said it was a really good fitment too. I paid £400 for a full system (with a 15% off sale).