My 2003 Z4 3L Journey (every mod including pics)

[tomrdy]

I would like to get rid of my yellow side bulbs for some white ones - has anybody got any recommendations for an error free solution?

I've plonked in cheap LEDs and there's been no errors at all. Even fitted RGB remote control ones someone bought me for laughs and still no errors (until I switched them OFF via the remote - then it gave a bulb-out warning).

I've currently got super basic ones like this in mine: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10x-T10-194-168-SMD-5050-LED-Car-Wedge-Tail-Side-Parking-Light-Globe-12V-WHITE/113234895827?hash=item1a5d5363d3:g:~aoAAOSwiIRbkH2Q:rk:1f:1&frcectupt=true

Probably look better if you grabbed something like this that has a little lens on it so it looks less poverty-spec: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10x-White-W5W-T10-LED-Car-Interior-Dash-Wedge-Side-Parker-Lights-12V-LED-Globes/153131033927?hash=item23a7522547:g:U5UAAOSwgfRcOFXw:rk:11f:0

 

[ben g]

From what I remember, sidelights bulbs won't give you any errors, because I don't think there are any bulb checks for the sidelights.

I remember mine died and I only realized when I looked closely at my headlamp and realized I had no working sidelight.

Good job on the headlamp sanding wish I had known about that kit earlier. I just spent 20 quid on the 3m restoration kit

 

[tomrdy]

From what I remember, sidelights bulbs won't give you any errors, because I don't think there are any bulb checks for the sidelights.

Besides the bulb out warning, my indicators in my headlights for the side that was "out" also stayed ON as a notification.

I too previously thought there would be no warning - but maybe something was weird as I was using an RGB LED with a remote?

 

[Hutch]

I've plonked in cheap LEDs and there's been no errors at all. Even fitted RGB remote control ones someone bought me for laughs and still no errors (until I switched them OFF via the remote - then it gave a bulb-out warning).

Thanks

Is changing the side lights an easy job? I think I read that you have to remove the wheels or something like that?

 

[tomrdy]

Super easy!

Just turn your wheel full lock to the side you are working on and remove panel inside the footwell (if you have foglights there will be 2. You want the one directly behind your headlight).

Then you'll see the back of the headlight - just pull the lock off the back cover (it's a stiff metal cable/coat hanger looking thing). Has tension but it should be obvious how it unlocks.

Back panel will fall out and you can reach in and pull the sidelight bulb

 

[Hutch]

Super easy!

Just turn your wheel full lock to the side you are working on and remove panel inside the footwell (if you have foglights there will be 2. You want the one directly behind your headlight).

Then you'll see the back of the headlight - just pull the lock off the back cover (it's a stiff metal cable/coat hanger looking thing). Has tension but it should be obvious how it unlocks.

Back panel will fall out and you can reach in and pull the sidelight bulb

Perfect! Thanks for the info

 

[Hutch]

Mod 3 - Number Plate LED Lights

I desided to replace my number plate lights with LED ones and oh boy they are so bright!!! So bright they the rear of my car now has a halo around it

Really simple, cheap mod that took me about 20 minutes (I had to mod the connectors slightly by cutting part of the connector out so that it would fit on the connectors on the car. I did buy some connectors but they were the exact same as the one already on my car so they didn’t help with the fact the the ones on the LED lights were different) I used OEM parts recommended on here (part number 63267193294) , but yeah they still didn’t fit so I had to mod the connector to get them on but they are on and work a treat! I think it give the rear of the car a nice bright look to it

Product Name
2 X Genuine BMW LED Licence Number Plate Light Lamp E63 E81 E87 F06 F12 F20 K48

Price
£27.98- (cheaper ones are available but this was recommended by people on here and is OEM apparently)

Link to buy
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-X-Genuine-BMW-LED-Licence-Number-Plate-Light-Lamp-E63-E81-E87-F06-F12-F20-K48-/301318456767?txnId=1606515609020

Before
left side old yellow light, right side new super bright light


After
Super bright halo around rear of car

 

[enzed4]

Mod 3 - Number Plate LED Lights

I desided to replace my number plate lights with LED ones and oh boy they are so bright!!! So bright they the rear of my car now has a halo around it

Really simple, cheap mod that took me about 20 minutes (I had to mod the connectors slightly by cutting part of the connector out so that it would fit on the connectors on the car. I did buy some connectors but they were the exact same as the one already on my car so they didn’t help with the fact the the ones on the LED lights were different) I used OEM parts recommended on here (part number 63267193294) , but yeah they still didn’t fit so I had to mod the connector to get them on but they are on and work a treat! I think it give the rear of the car a nice bright look to it

Product Name
2 X Genuine BMW LED Licence Number Plate Light Lamp E63 E81 E87 F06 F12 F20 K48

Price
£27.98- (cheaper ones are available but this was recommended by people on here and is OEM apparently)

Link to buy
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-X-Genuine-BMW-LED-Licence-Number-Plate-Light-Lamp-E63-E81-E87-F06-F12-F20-K48-/301318456767?txnId=1606515609020

Before
left side old yellow light, right side new super bright light
545A0814-CB7A-4BBC-9A3B-75A47683CA86.jpeg

After
Super bright halo around rear of car
AC52A724-73FC-4F83-A175-C2DFB32038AC.jpeg

That should help the rozzers get a nice clear pic of your number plate next time you run a red light or speed... :lol:

 

[Hutch]

That should help the rozzers get a nice clear pic of your number plate next time you run a red light or speed...

I hope your not suggesting I participate in illegal driving activities!!!

 

[Vijay]

Hi
On the headlight restoration kit, do U just use it on the outside?, so one doesn’t need to remove it..?

 

[Hutch]

Hi
On the headlight restoration kit, do U just use it on the outside?, so one doesn’t need to remove it..?

Hi mate,

I did mine purely from the outside so need to remove the headlights! The kit comes with some protection tape that you put on the hood and bumper before you start the sanding and polishing process.

You do have to do a little bit of hand sanding at the edges of the lights to make sure that you get everywhere

 

[enzed4]

That should help the rozzers get a nice clear pic of your number plate next time you run a red light or speed...

I hope your not suggesting I participate in illegal driving activities!!!

The lady doth protest too much, methinks

 

[Hutch]

Mod 4 - ZHP Gear Knob (M Sport Knob)

If there is one thing I don’t like about my Z4 it’s the gear change particularly between 1 & 2

I just fitted the ZHP knob today and it feels loads nicer than the plastic one that came on the car as standard. Does it make the gear change better.. the answer is not really, however, it does my the gear box/stick feel more sportier like your driving a more modern short shift car. The gear stick is a little shorter (and heavier) so you don’t have to smash it quite so far to order to get into gear which helps with quicker changes. The look and feel of the knob are fantastic and actually make the inside of the car look a little more modern aswell

I’m going to do the CDV (clutch delay Value) mod next as that seems like it’s highly rated!

Product Name
BMW Genuine M Leather Gear Stick/Shift Knob Black (25 11 7 896 886)

Price
£66.31 (Purchased on amazon and was the cheapest I could find)

Link to buy
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0052R53PI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qqsHCb125SQ72

Before


After


ZHP Knob


Comparison

 

[paulc_bkk]

Great choice with the ZHP gearknob.... I had that fitted to my old E36. It was even more noticeable when I did a short shift conversion on it too.

 

[Papa_Zee]

Hi Hutch,

Could you please let me know how you modded the connection so I don’t muck it up?

I ordered the proper light from BMW as in your link but I haven’t been able to connect the cable from the car as pics. Thanks.

Papa...

 

[Hutch]

Hi Hutch,

Could you please let me know how you modded the connection so I don’t muck it up?

I ordered the proper light from BMW as in your link but I haven’t been able to connect the cable from the car as pics. Thanks.

Papa...

Hello mate,

Not sure if you have already done this and im sorry for the late reply!

Basically there is a tiny bit of plastic inside the female connector on the back of the LED number plate light that stops the male connector from being able to be pushed in. It's long and thin and starts about half way down the sids of the female connector and runs to the bottom. I think its purpose is to act as guide to the correct male connector.

To make it fit the male connector I had to remove the little bit of plastic. How I did this was by heating up the tip of a really thin flat head screw driver with a lighter to the point it was glowing hot. Then I drove the screw driver all the way through the plastic bit insidethe Female connector so that is was completly removed. It's a bit messy as your basically melting off that peice of plastic! I then tidied it up a bit with a small file and a knife to remove any left over plastic. Once that little plastic stopper/guide is removed the Male connector on your car will fit in there a treat and even still locks into the connector to ensure the connection won't come loose.

Hope this helps!! it's a little bit of faffing around but easy enough to do

 

[Papa_Zee]

Hey Hutch,

No worries, I knew you would check back soon anyway and thanks. I did the mod by snipping off the protruding bit with my dremel which did a really neat job. I even cancelled the order for new plugs.

Overall, very pleased with the outcome. I think it beats the chinese bulbs which can be too bright, have errors etc. Thanks again.

 

[Hutch]

[ref]Papa_Zee[/ref],

Looks great mate

Definitely looks loads better then the original lights!

Dremmel would have probably been a better option thinking about it now !

 

[Flyingfifer]

[ref]Papa_Zee[/ref],
Looks great mate
Definitely looks loads better then the original lights!
Dremmel would have probably been a better option thinking about it now !

Both look fantastic, have purchased a set myself!
Brilliant thread Hutch, informative, well laid out and of course shows that stubby > whippy

 

[Flyingfifer]

Gents, can I clarify, do the number plate lights just pull out from one side (the one with the clip) Will be fitting these at the weekend 8)