SamP’s Z4 refresh 2006 3.0si

[SamP84]

Morning All,

I’ve had my Z for two weeks now but only drive at the weekend as I live in the middle of London. The car has really got under my skin and I want to get the car in great mechanical and cosmetic shape but also still usable and not a garage queen.

I have a list of things I will be doing to the car, please feel free to offer alternatives or opinions, it would be much appreciated.

More to follow soon once I’m in the office and pretending to work!...

 

[Simon 3.2M]

If you intend to use it all year around I'd suggest greasing / coating the brake lines as they tend to corrode.

 

[LittleZ4]

Hi Sam, welcome to the forum
When I got mine I made sure that I did the DISA valve upgrade (new seals, replacement pin and valve) and changed the original vanos seals to uprated ones as preventative maintenance.
Also if its a roadster check the drainage holes either side of the car to make sure they're clear and allow the water to run out.

 

[SamP84]

Hi Simon,

Thank you, will put it on the following list... what man doesn't love a list!

Cosmetic
1. Replace number plates as the front is showing wear. I am going to put the original selling dealer name and address under the reg so it looks original.
2. Wheel refurbishment in standard colour... probably use Lepsons unless anyone knows better? Also, replace centre BMW caps as mine are shot.
3. Restore the front light lenses as mine are a little scratched.
4. 3 stage polish body... the front and rear bumpers could do with a re-spray.
5. Stubby aerial.
6. Thankfully the hood is in lovely condition so I will buy a cover for it as the car is parked on the street.
7. Drivers seat bolster has discolouration which I would like to rectify.

Mechanicals
1. Rear brakes are a little squeaky, hoping it is simply down to lack of use... brakes are very strong and car stops in a strait line.
2. There is the most frustrating knocking noise coming from what sounds like in the dash... car feels so tight and good I don't think it is anything sinister but at the weekend will have a poke about.
3. 2019 Service.
4. Grease up break lines.

Modifications
1. Relocate hood motor to boot... any suggestions on someone in the south.
2. Wind breaker.
3. Exhaust mod.
4. Cruise control mod.

Loving the car, its everything I was hoping for, should have done this ages ago! As I said in a previous thread, any advice very much welcome.

Cheers, Sam

 

[SamP84]

Hi Sam, welcome to the forum
When I got mine I made sure that I did the DISA valve upgrade (new seals, replacement pin and valve) and changed the original vanos seals to uprated ones as preventative maintenance.
Also if its a roadster check the drainage holes either side of the car to make sure they're clear and allow the water to run out.

Thanking you! Good advice.

 

[Marlon]

I like your mods list

 

[SamP84]

I like your mods list

Ta, I don't want to go mad with it, just keep it in good health and top condition... it is a lovely car out of the box. Things like Superchargers etc are tempting but I like the engine as it is and it is plenty fast enough to enjoy on B roads in standard form.

My favourite thing other than the fact it is a pretty car and the convertible factor is just how tight and pin point the steering feels. Mine has M sport suspension with Eibach springs, standard 18's with non run flat tyres... it is great fun! the back end is so controllable compared to other stuff I have had.

 

[Chris1981]

Hi Sam, welcome to the forum
When I got mine I made sure that I did the DISA valve upgrade (new seals, replacement pin and valve) and changed the original vanos seals to uprated ones as preventative maintenance.
Also if its a roadster check the drainage holes either side of the car to make sure they're clear and allow the water to run out.

DISA valves tend to not be as much of an issue on the N52 3.0si engine you have so there is no rebuild kit i'm aware of... they can still fail (mine did) but unlikely to get sucked into your engine as it would on the M54 engine so hopefully won't be an issue for you, easy to check by taking it out and ensure it can't be moved by hand!

Vanos solenoids can fail though, not a bad idea to clean them up a bit if you feel like tinkering.

Assuming you have a manual the the CDV delete is worthwhile mod and cheap or free to do too!

Not sure on your mileage or state of suspension bushes but they could be worth a change if they've not been done recently... it's on my list of things to do! I already have powerflex lower control arm bushes and they improve steering feel considerably! but will probably stick with OEM for the rest of the car when i get around to it

 

[SamP84]

Cheers Chris. the car is an auto... the suspension feels great for its 88,000 miles, it has had suspension work done. Thank you for the tip on Powerflexing the control arms. I agree on not Powerflexing everything as it gets a bit much on road.

What is your car like on coilovers?

 

[ph001]

Use ACF50 on the brake lines rather than grease.

 

[Chris1981]

What is your car like on coilovers?

So far so good, I went for bc as they have adjustable damping so I can put it on soft for my daily commute but crank it up if I want to have a blast at the weekend! Softest setting is surprisingly comfortable to say how low I have it set up!

 

[SamP84]

So, had a day off today and set about cleaning and doing a detail on the Z4. Got all the way through to claying and completely prepping for the mop to come and do the business when said mop didn’t work... it’s broken. Lol. Ah well... next Sunday it will be done!

I always find when you give the car a good clean you find out lots about it... mine is in great shape but the rear bumper is missing the odd screw I think... easy fix. Both front and rear need a respray to get to my standard but might wait until the start of next summer.

Getting the MV2 wheels done Monday. Powder coated in standard silver colour. I’m tempted with some fancy 19 inch jobs but think they might rub... and I’m the oldest 33 year old ever!

Jobs jobbed so far...

 

[SamP84]

Cosmetic
3. Restore the front light lenses as mine are a little scratched... done, not perfect but they are very good. Almost new.
4. 3 stage polish body...that's half done!
The new number plates are on their way too.

Mechanicals
2. There is the most frustrating knocking noise coming from what sounds like in the dash... car feels so tight and good I don't think it is anything sinister but at the weekend will have a poke about.
Found out what this is! The central windscreen wiper has some play in it and is knocking up and down. Does anyone know someone who can sort it in the Surrey/South West London area? Who are the best BMW indies? I don't want to DIY it.

Modifications
2. Wind breaker... On its way! Went for the mesh one from justroadsters.

Also, the wing mirror glass popped off while cruising down the motorway... scared me, which was funny. Put new ones on. Lovely.

Will get some pics up when I have finished detail and put on the fresh wheels.

 

[parabolica]

Having just bought my z4 complete with dodgy wipers, I had them off at the weekend for a refurb. Easy enough to do but understand if you don't have the space/tools to do the job. I can recommend Gilberts for BMW - one-man garage based in Gunnersbury (just a short walk from Acton Town tube station); he did an all-over vehicle check when i bought my car a month ago and was extremely thorough - was also able to quickly drill out a seized door lock and replace the internals all in the space of 24 hours!

Keen to know who you used for your wheels? I'm in Richmond and need to have my 135s refurb'd.

 

[SamP84]

Having just bought my z4 complete with dodgy wipers, I had them off at the weekend for a refurb. Easy enough to do but understand if you don't have the space/tools to do the job. I can recommend Gilberts for BMW - one-man garage based in Gunnersbury (just a short walk from Acton Town tube station); he did an all-over vehicle check when i bought my car a month ago and was extremely thorough - was also able to quickly drill out a seized door lock and replace the internals all in the space of 24 hours!

Keen to know who you used for your wheels? I'm in Richmond and need to have my 135s refurb'd.

Morning fellow Newbie! Thank you for the recommendation!

I’m using First Aid Wheels. They do a wheel swap while you wait. You phone up, book the wheels and providing they have them they just swap there and then. They are in NW6, I will report back on Monday regarding service quality etc.

 

[Grumpyowl]

For the knocking noise under the dash. Check if the engine strut braces are tight.
Do a search on here for the tourqe settings.

 

[SamP84]

parabolica... thank you for referral. Booked in for Monday 25th to get it sorted, seems like a very nice bloke.

 

[SamP84]

For the knocking noise under the dash. Check if the engine strut braces are tight.
Do a search on here for the tourqe settings.

Mr Owl, that was the first thing I checked, did a bit of research on here. Sadly not so, but it was easy enough to diagnose. I think someone before me had a go as there are a couple of plastic trim screws missing from the scuttle... which I have ordered and will replace once cured. Why can't people just do things properly!? thank you for your advice, very kind.

 

[parabolica]

parabolica... thank you for referral. Booked in for Monday 25th to get it sorted, seems like a very nice bloke.

Nice one - he's a nice guy and really knows his stuff. Be warned the alleyway down to his shop is very tight, but easy enough in a Z4. There were X5s and 7 series back there and I have no idea how he got them down there!!

 

[SamP84]

So my new DA Polisher arrived, great service from cleanyourcar! Faulty one not gone back yet. Fair play!

Got some good results just did boot and rear three quarters, really happy for my first ever go with a proper machine.