Newbie questions: roof, brakes, calipers

[redangelblast]

Hi, Z4 forum people!! Love this site! Its been a major help and entertainment since I've bought my little baby (2003 Z4 3.0 6-speed black exterior/tan roof/tan interior 60K) 5 months ago. I have a few questions.

#1 Roof - of course the roof motor went 4 mths after I bought it. It was my fault. I've read all about the crummy roof motor & my mechanic warned me about it before I bought. And I still left it outside under a crazy shedding oak tree in the Florida rain without a cover. Now that its fixed I'm worried it will happen again. What can I do to keep it from happening again? I'm not handy & can't clean out the filter myself. Do I or how often should I take it in to get it cleaned out?

#2 Brakes - my brake warning light came on. It doesn't stay on but comes on every 3rd drive. Its in the shop & I'm having him check the brake fluid but he had warned that the pads were getting low when I had it tuned up after I bought it. How much do brake pads usually run? Does anyone recommend any special pads (red/green??) or should I just go with what my mechanic recommends (he's a good friend who owns a racing shop)?

#3 Calipers - I'm a bit of a diva & want my calipers painted/powder coated. Is it easier/cheaper to do it at the same time as the brakes? (In my mind that makes most sense). What is the typical cost? Any ideas/hints to make this look fabulous?

Thanks for your help!! Amy

 

[Andy]

Hey Amy & Welcome to the forum!

If you've just had your roof motor replaced I wouldn't worry too much. Usually they are replaced with a better sealed unit so it can't happen again, but even then failures are only common on early cars, so even if you let yours get bad again you've probably got another 5 years before it goes.

Sounds like your pads are worn, these are a quick fix and unless you're going to do track work, the original ones have a good combination of stopping power and mess - ie they dont make much. You can of course go aftermarket and get ones which may stop you quicker, but you'll have dirtier wheels too.

With the callilpers, I have no idea about costs in the US, but some members have painted theres here by just buying a can and doing it themselves, I really wouldn't expect more than $100 if you're taking it somewhere.

Let's see some more pictures of the car ! 8)

 

[bigshurv]

Many of us simply painted the calipers in situ, remove the wheels,remove the little brake pad springs, clean up the calipers with brake cleaner, rub them with a wire brush, then slap on ( carefully of course) some paint ( hammerite in the uk) or caliper paint found at any auto accessory shop/store,then replace the springs whren the paint dries, job done. With the roof,don't park it under any trees, or get a cover ( roof only covers are available),again, job done. Buy a set of standard pads,they are perfectly good,as Andy stated.If you want aftermarket,then EBC greenstuff are perfectly good,but sounds like they need replacing NOW.....

 

[AlanJ]

Hey Amy & Welcome to the forum!

If you've just had your roof motor replaced I wouldn't worry too much. Usually they are replaced with a better sealed unit so it can't happen again, but even then failures are only common on early cars, so even if you let yours get bad again you've probably got another 5 years before it goes.

Sounds like your pads are worn, these are a quick fix and unless you're going to do track work, the original ones have a good combination of stopping power and mess - ie they dont make much. You can of course go aftermarket and get ones which may stop you quicker, but you'll have dirtier wheels too.

With the callilpers, I have no idea about costs in the US, but some members have painted theres here by just buying a can and doing it themselves, I really wouldn't expect more than $100 if you're taking it somewhere.

Let's see some more pictures of the car ! 8)

All of the above!