New Owner - Multiple E86 Questions

[OJ343]

Hi all,

new e86 owner here with some questions. I've almost owned a z4 on a few occasions, test drove a z4m but ended up with a 987 Boxster S (should have got the M), then test drove a 3.0SI but ended up with a mk3 mx5, which is a brilliant car and now used for track duties. I picked up a lovely low mileage e86 a month or so ago and am very happy with it, great car, more of a mini GT car than a pure sports car but that's exactly what I wanted. Only downside is it's a shame the electric steering mutes the front end so much, but then again I'm comparing it to the 987 and mx5 which both have fantastic steering feel. With xmas approaching I'll have the time to tackle a few jobs and would greatly appreciate any info:

Stereo/Speakers

I have the bogo 6 speaker system which isn't amazing. In comparison my old 130i had the professional system which was great. What's the best way to go here? I don't want to change the head unit as I like the OEM look, unless there is an OEM look option? Happy to spend around £200-£300 but do want to get the best sound possible. Intending to do the work myself.

Radio not working

Since purchase the radio has not worked, I have the BlueMusic upgrade which was done prior to my ownership but I don't believe this should interfere with the radio. Is this common? I've had a look on the forum but didn't come up with an answer, I assume I'll have to trace the aerial wire running to the rear bumper.

Phone holder

I'm using a vent phone holder but it's a pita and doesn't stay stable, anyone have any good recommendations? The dash is lovely but doesn't have a convenient space for a non vent holder near the wheel.

Exhaust

It already has an aftermarket backbox but I'm considering the DLV mod and have watched various vids online, does anyone have it? I'm defo not looking to wake the neighbours, just want to make the n52 have a few pops and crackles. Alternatively maybe a complete exhaust system.

Steering Feel/Turn In

Bit of a bonus Q this one as I'm not sure so much can be done, the alignment pins have been removed and I believe the car has been aligned to Z4M specs. What else can be done to improve steering feel and turn in?

Thanks!

 

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome to E86 ownership.

The standard stereo isn't great, but I hardly ever used it in my Coupes so I just lived with it so can't help with that or your BlueMusic question.

My 2nd Coupe had a cat-back aftermarket exhuast which I really liked as it just sounded better with a bit more volume and popping but no drone, although that is an expensive option!

I'm not sure you can do much more with steering feel and turn in other than making sure there aren't any worn suspension components like bushes, etc.

 

[OJ343]

Thanks for your reply, I"m really enjoying ownership, had several comments which is always nice. I was driving in London yesterday and two guys in business suits ran across a busy road to ask what car it was, I saw them running towards the car and in typical Londoner mentality, assumed they were up to no good and prepared myself for the worst! Had a nice chat with them before the light went green, he didn't know they made a z4 coop.

I'm not adversed to spending a bit on it if it makes the car how I want really, what exhaust was it? I've always thought of this type of car ownership as something that should make you smile, its about the occasion of driving it, so if it takes a bit of dosh to make that smile bigger then so be it

With regards to the steering feel and turn in, I was thinking more along the lines of increasing camber, I"m going to get an alignment done to make it a bit more pointy too. I know there is also the hydraulic conversion which I would love to do but don't really have the time for these days.

 

[Billbob10]

Hi . I have the dlv rear box it sounds great with no drone at speed and looks standard

 

[Mr Tidy]

I'm not adversed to spending a bit on it if it makes the car how I want really, what exhaust was it?

It was a custom built system - must have cost a fair bit I imagine!

I recently had my MC aligned to E46 M3 CSL settings and it feels so much better but I'm not sure if that is possible, or effective, on a 3.0Si.

The hydraulic conversion is far from straightforward and not cheap. It's just a shame BMW decided to try their first EPAS system on the Z4. I had an E87 1 Series with EPAS and it was much better than my E86s.