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- Thread starter DiscoDaveZ4
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DiscoDaveZ4
Member
Got the Z4 cheap, 130k miles and in need of TLC, car owned by a 75 year old lady that owned for 10 years and good service history, don't think it really got cleaned or driven hard, that's now started, especially the driving aspects 
Body got full clay bar treatment, full machine cut/polish, interior full clean with leather treated
So now the mechanic parts, looking at getting the manual gearbox fluid changed and the diff to.
Had a look, but not found much info, can any one recommend the oils, in the past used Redline and that was great but very expensive. So what's the recommendation
Gearbox, MVMTF 75W80 Synthetic or MTF LT-3, 1.5 litres
Diff , 75W90 SAF-XO GL-5 Gear Oil, 1 liter
With the diff change, any recommendations about changing. I read you have to be really careful about the amount you put in as it's difficult to get out, is there no drain bolt
Then onto taking the engine apart, need to replace the eccentric shaft sensor.
Also have the dreaded handbrake warning light, just software update, but BMW want £240 diagnostic and £240 to program it...
Have seen a how to program it for free but if anyone local Cambridge that can do it, happily pay
Cheers and sorry for the long me message...lol
Is there any club meets?
Body got full clay bar treatment, full machine cut/polish, interior full clean with leather treated
So now the mechanic parts, looking at getting the manual gearbox fluid changed and the diff to.
Had a look, but not found much info, can any one recommend the oils, in the past used Redline and that was great but very expensive. So what's the recommendation
Gearbox, MVMTF 75W80 Synthetic or MTF LT-3, 1.5 litres
Diff , 75W90 SAF-XO GL-5 Gear Oil, 1 liter
With the diff change, any recommendations about changing. I read you have to be really careful about the amount you put in as it's difficult to get out, is there no drain bolt
Then onto taking the engine apart, need to replace the eccentric shaft sensor.
Also have the dreaded handbrake warning light, just software update, but BMW want £240 diagnostic and £240 to program it...
Have seen a how to program it for free but if anyone local Cambridge that can do it, happily pay
Cheers and sorry for the long me message...lol
Is there any club meets?
It's a lovely colour combination, and assuming it has the N52 engine 130K miles is nothing to worry about.
BMW use Shell Helix Ultra engine oil, but any oil that meets BMW LL04 spec should be fine. Tesco even sell an own-brand one that meets LL04!
When I had the gearbox oil replaced my ex-Sytner Indy used MTF LT2 fluid, but he didn't want to change the diff oil because as you say there is no drain plug.
If you can find a BMW Indy you might be able to get the software update for the handbrake cheaper.
Have a look at the Meets/Events/Road Trips section, there are a few on there. Zedfest is usually the biggest one, it's in Shepshed Leicestershire and well worth the trip. I've been twice and really enjoyed it.
But there is also the National Meet in the Lake District that includes a couple of days "spirited" driving. I did that in 2023 and plan to go again this year.
Forum member B21 runs Scottish trips, and while getting to them is a 300 mile slog for me they are well worth the effort.
BMW use Shell Helix Ultra engine oil, but any oil that meets BMW LL04 spec should be fine. Tesco even sell an own-brand one that meets LL04!
When I had the gearbox oil replaced my ex-Sytner Indy used MTF LT2 fluid, but he didn't want to change the diff oil because as you say there is no drain plug.
If you can find a BMW Indy you might be able to get the software update for the handbrake cheaper.
Have a look at the Meets/Events/Road Trips section, there are a few on there. Zedfest is usually the biggest one, it's in Shepshed Leicestershire and well worth the trip. I've been twice and really enjoyed it.
But there is also the National Meet in the Lake District that includes a couple of days "spirited" driving. I did that in 2023 and plan to go again this year.
Forum member B21 runs Scottish trips, and while getting to them is a 300 mile slog for me they are well worth the effort.
Spaldingski
DiscoDaveZ4
Member
Enjoy the Z4, using as my daily, better mpg than the ST....lol
Really enjoying the coupe experience again after many years of driving family cars....lol
Previous coupes, Honda Civic Coupe, TSport Celica, RX8, really enjoying the straight six
The ST is amazing, not far off 400bhp, normal driving no difference to a standard ST, put your foot down and your rapidly hitting the speed limit ...lol
Thank you for the welcome and the info. The modding started today. Ok first unofficial mod was new battery....lol but the old battery has been on the car for 15 years
Really enjoying the coupe experience again after many years of driving family cars....lol
Previous coupes, Honda Civic Coupe, TSport Celica, RX8, really enjoying the straight six
The ST is amazing, not far off 400bhp, normal driving no difference to a standard ST, put your foot down and your rapidly hitting the speed limit ...lol
Thank you for the welcome and the info. The modding started today. Ok first unofficial mod was new battery....lol but the old battery has been on the car for 15 years
Welcome Dave,
Nice looking Z, but we need more photos 8)
And have I missed the post, what actually is it? 18i, 20i, 28i, 23i, 30i, 35i or 35is?
Nice first mod with the Android Auto
Although I don't do mechanical mods, as such, my first mod was fitting an upgraded OE radio that had Bluetooth calls in it. Now 8 1/2 years later I'm still modding, with a very high spece'd car 
Nice looking Z, but we need more photos 8)
And have I missed the post, what actually is it? 18i, 20i, 28i, 23i, 30i, 35i or 35is?
Nice first mod with the Android Auto
Although I don't do mechanical mods, as such, my first mod was fitting an upgraded OE radio that had Bluetooth calls in it. Now 8 1/2 years later I'm still modding, with a very high spece'd car DiscoDaveZ4
Member
Hi AnubisZed, more pics will follow once the sun is out fingers crossed.
I am hoping this will stay as it mostly, that was how it was sold to my partner...lol....especially how heavily moded the ST is......lol...I told her that I will leave the Z4 alone...lol...hmm maybe !
I am hoping this will stay as it mostly, that was how it was sold to my partner...lol....especially how heavily moded the ST is......lol...I told her that I will leave the Z4 alone...lol...hmm maybe !
Apart from my mmi box and the SmartTop roof module, all my mods are OEM so you'd never knowDiscoDaveZ4 said:
PDC
Top Hi-Fi
Full iDrive (every option)
Memory seats
Powerfold mirrors
Auto dimming mirrors
Full spec Cruise Control
Heated steering wheel
Auto wiper/lights
And a few bits here n there
I'd love a quad exhaust mod and full sports seats, a couple of mods for the future I think
DiscoDaveZ4
Member
Sounds like you got a nice car, would love heated seats and steering wheel, I do miss that.
This is getting dangerous....pol
This is getting dangerous....pol
