My Z4C Journey

[kis]

Thanks for the heads up about the front bumper, I've got an issue with an existing DLR which I need to sort, then again as it's already been visited before maybe the re-usable screws have been used!

Nice update and I think I quite like the look of the grille without the fog lights, gives it a more aggressive look? Not sure about the kidney's but it's your baby and definitely unique! Only seen it before on a coupe that was being discussed in the market watch section I think

 

[idej_z4]

Thanks for the heads up about the front bumper, I've got an issue with an existing DLR which I need to sort, then again as it's already been visited before maybe the re-usable screws have been used!

Nice update and I think I quite like the look of the grille without the fog lights, gives it a more aggressive look? Not sure about the kidney's but it's your baby and definitely unique! Only seen it before on a coupe that was being discussed in the market watch section I think

I had a feeling the kidney grilles would split opinion. Some people would quite rightly say I've changed one of the most quint essential bits of a BMW - great things is they're easy to change back.

For now though I'm just happy it looks unique, without modding to the point of it looking ridiculous. I'm trying to keep it tasteful. Can't wait to get it sprayed now!

 

[bobo075]

nice job on your car....

 

[idej_z4]

Front bumper now completed. I've had a full respray that includes the fog light covers and the side reflectors. Not 100% sure about the side reflectors, but from a distance it at least makes the bumper look like one piece. Getting them filled in would have been extra ££££ so went for the cheaper option. Also fitted a cheap rubber splitter...may have to do some drilling to fix it on, but we'll see how we go with the sticky and a bit of glue.

Overall though I'm pretty chuffed. It's no ///M bumper, but it is still the si bumper...but revamped to look a bit meaner without going to extremes.

 

[the stripler]

 

[MACK]

does look nice, never understood why uk cars have the side reflectors. They do look cheap to me. I know there necessary in some markets, but it seems like cost cutting to keep them on cars in markets that don't need them

 

[idej_z4]

does look nice, never understood why uk cars have the side reflectors. They do look cheap to me. I know there necessary in some markets, but it seems like cost cutting to keep them on cars in markets that don't need them

I don't see the point in them either...the ///M doesn't have them on so why does the si?

 

[Lanky Lancs Lad]

Just caught up with this thread, great read.
Thanks for the useful links.

 

[idej_z4]

Its been a while since I posted on here as I've not been doing much with the Z, but started to get a squeak on the rear brake so took this as an opportunity to upgrade the discs and pads. I opted for the Mtech drilled and grooved discs after doing a fair bit of reading and coming to the assumption that they're the best value for the kind of money I was looking to spend. Splashed out a bit on the brake pads, getting some EBC Red Stuff.

Couple of tips I found our whilst doing the switch over with a mate.

1. If your wheels are jammed on, pour some boiling water on the hub and it helps to release them
2. You don't have to dismantle the calliper fully to do the pads (which is what most of the YouTube videos showed). Once you have the calliper off the disc you can just about slide the pads down either side of the calliper
3. Unscrew the brake fluid cap in the engine before you start - this will make pushing the pistons back in soooo much easier. I pushed it back in while the old pads were still on using a screwdriver
4. Don't drop the brake discs on your foot - it really does hurt.

Here are a couple of snaps during and after. Can't really comment on any difference yet as the pads need to do a few hundred miles before I'll notice any real benefit.

 

[iShimy]

Hi, like some of your mods. I was intrigued by what you said regarding your 19" profile tyres modification that had you known what you did after making the change you would have done things differently. I ask as I have 18 inch motorsport optional extra wheel setup on my Z4 Coupe and was considering to upgrade to 19". So at the moment I am just carry out some research as my 1st attempt went wring... bad offset. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this.

 

[idej_z4]

Painted the hubs silver this weekend. Should have done it when I put the discs on in the first place. I now have silver hubs, and grey calipers....god job my car is silver-grey.

Also finally removed the centre console and was able to carbon fiber the interior pieces. A tough job to say the least, but I think well worth it. The two bits I found difficult were getting the leather pads off either side of the console - they were stuck on like concrete, and removing the piece of plastic where the phone cradle is. The pivot bits are a real pain to get in and out. Some pics below to show the finished job.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Finished job looks great idej_jedi.

 

[idej_z4]

Finished job looks great idej_jedi.

Thanks! I hope I never had to do it again...

 

[Mr Tidy]

Thanks! I hope I never had to do it again...

So it's probably safe to say you won't be offering it as a service to forum members then!

 

[Sae]

Nice touch on the grills, I associate that type of styling with jaguar/Bentley - which isn't a bad thing, looks cool on the bmw split grills

 

[idej_z4]

Thanks! I hope I never had to do it again...

So it's probably safe to say you won't be offering it as a service to forum members then!

They'd have to millionaires to pay me enough to go through that again! :wink:

 

[idej_z4]

Nice touch on the grills, I associate that type of styling with jaguar/Bentley - which isn't a bad thing, looks cool on the bmw split grills

Cheers! I really like them. Gives it a more aggressive lok I think. Not to everyone's taste though....

 

[idej_z4]

Spent yesterday with andyfanshawe from on here. A cracking bloke who really knows his cars! He fitted my new Meyle front wishbone arms and link rods for £100 - massively cheaper than my local indy. They have made a huge difference to the drive of the car, especially under braking. The car now feels more planted and has less twitch in the steering. I managed to get a set from a guy on Facebook so only paid £240ish to do the whole lot!


Andy also did the CDV delete whilst the car was in the air. I can't recommend this very quick mod enough. It completely transforms 1st and 2nd gear changes so that you have no clunkiness what so ever. Below is the piece that comes out. It basically stops the fluid from passing through at a full rate which causes the delay.