Newbie Questions - Direct me to existing threads please!

[JimF]

I'll be looking to buy an E86 3.0 in the next month or so.

Ive got a few questions but so far I'm not looking hard enough (not a fan of the forum software - puts me off searching).

First off, where is everyone getting their Z4M front bumpers from? From crashed/broken Z4Ms? Or does somebody make a passable replica?

Is there a thread full of Z4 porn? As opposed to individual build threads? Any track focussed threads?

Also, Im presuming the N54 engine doesnt respond well to tuning? What can be done? Will any S54 bits slot in? Inlet manifold/throttle bodies and cams? And a map to suit? I'm clueless with BMWs! Ive come from turbo Jap metal.

Has anyone got some links to threads I can read through please?

Cheers!

Jim

 

[stevo///m3]

Hi Jim - crikey, that's quite a few questions there!
First up - good choice on the Coupe - beautifully shaped car. Welcome tothe club in advance.
M bumpers can be ordered from a dealer or you can search ebay regularly. Most bumper will either need painting at the dealership (I think you buy it primed only) or you might be lucky with an ebay item - although it's unlikely to be in tip-top condition obviously. There are some companies making specialised bumpers but they all seem to be a lot more thatn the usual items.
For pictures, try the Gallery section or maybe the Detailing section.
I'm the wrong person to answer the N54 modding question but I think it's unlikely S54 parts will fit - if you want that, buy an M in the first place.
Whilst the searching function is not the best in the world, you're kind of going to have to get used to it if you're going to hang around for any appreciable time period - it works OK in my view.
HTH
Stevo

 

[Dale_B]

M fronts occasionally pop up in the for sale section on here or eBay.. If you were not willing to wait around you could buy direct from the dealers.

If you are just looking for pictures, try the gallery tab across the heading.

The 3.0si coupe uses the N52 engine not the turbocharged N54. Most use it 'as is' and unfortunately no bits from the M's S54 engine are compatible like the items you mentioned. You could get a remap, but the gains are not going to be massive.

If you are wanting to do a lot of track action the 'M' really is a different animal with bigger brakes, better suspension and steering. If your budget won't stretch to a M it may be worth waiting a little longer till you have saved up some extra cash? (Easier said then done I understand).

A 3.0si is a brilliant piece of kit and with some suspension changes to make it more track compatible would be great and fun, but a M is a differen beast.

P.S the search function isn't that bad.... Is it?

Good luck with your search, plenty of nice examples out there

 

[Jimminy]

I know nothing about bmw,s either but ive found Google is easier to use to find things in this forum

 

[JimF]

Cheers folks! I'll keep on lurking about reading threads etc I'm not too bothered about extra power anyway. Also, track days would be like 5 a year maximum. Whilst the M would be lovely, moving to the 3.0 from my current car is a cost saving exercise amongst other things. The benefits of the M to me don't outweigh the drawbacks; primarily the financial ones.