Tidying up my Z4 2.0i Sport.

Jahmez

Member
 Scotland
Hi. Just thought I'd bring things up to speed since I bought the car back in Jan.

Tok charge of the car with a fresh mot but it didn't take long to realise there were a few things needing done. On my way back up to S cotland, I discovered that the headlights were pointing to Mars and one off them quickly filled up with water. The rocker cover gasket started to weep. I found out that the bumper was moving due to a few missing bits of plastic and that the front fog light on the driver's side had a broken bracket. The missing plastic turned out to be the plastic undertray and the triangular piece that connects to the wheel liner. The liner had a big crack through it also. I also discovered a little bump of paint in the front offside wheel arch, which led me to suspect both arches of rusting from the inside. I had a Seat Leon FR which had similar issues and, after ignoring it, led to new wings. So, armed with a list of things needing done, I hit Ebay. I manged to get the plastic parts from a couple of breakers as well as another fog light for just over £170. The headlight, in excellent condition, came from Romania for £220. The fog light itself was really grotty but the bracket was in perfect condition. A bit of care applied and it came apart without cracking. All these bits went with the car to the Bodyshop. They took the wings back to bare metal and removed all of the rust, more than I imagined. Got the car back last week and put a couple of hundred miles on her whole the sun shined. I handed her over to a garage this morning. They will take the wheels off and strip the calipers and hangers off. That lot is going for painting tomorrow. Sticking with the original silver for the wheels but the calipers and hangers will be red. Once painted, the calipers will be rebut with new pistons, seals etc and reconnected with Goodrich braided hoses. New dust shields and Brembo discs are also being fitted. A full service and a check of all fluid levels, suspension etc will also be carried out. I'll detail all of the expense later once I get her back but she's off to Preserve and Protect in Johnstone on the 26th for a full Dinitrol coating. Last job, hopefully, will be a drive down to Durham Dave in April to get the roof motor relocated. The roof works like a dream but I'm not taking any chances.

A few photos of the work so far.....
 

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Love that colour!

Well done chap- you are doing loads of good work to get it back to a good standard.
 
That looks good and sounds like you're in Glasgow. Where did you get the wings done and if you don't mind, how much was it? Also how much did they quote for Dinitrol treatment?

Might have to do the same myself and considering dinitrol in Johnstone too!
 
It’s surprising how quickly the costs add up. But when everything is done you will have peace of mind and low running costs for some time into the future. I was lucky when I bought my Z last November to have bigwinn (Stuart) living nearby. Ho did a enormous amount to sort out my car for me. :thumbsup:
 
bigwinn said:
Love that colour!

Well done chap- you are doing loads of good work to get it back to a good standard.

Thanks. The colour is my favourite and pretty much was always going to be the first choice when I started looking for a Z4 last year. I'm going to keep her for a while so it was always my intention to get whatever car I bought back to a pristine condition. Thankfully I'm still well within my budget lol.
 
u02sgb said:
That looks good and sounds like you're in Glasgow. Where did you get the wings done and if you don't mind, how much was it? Also how much did they quote for Dinitrol treatment?

Might have to do the same myself and considering dinitrol in Johnstone too!

I'm in Fife. BMW in Kirkcaldy recommended Bodywyse, who are based in Kirkcaldy and Cupar. I was quoted and paid just under £300 for the work done on both wings. I'm pleased with the results.

As for the Dinitrol, I've been quoted £700.... I'm pretty sure that's the price on the website.... Obviously that figure could rise if they find something but I've seen underneath and it doesn't look too bad for the age of the car. Have a look at the Protect and Preserve website, lots of info and photos of prior jobs.
 
IRD said:
It’s surprising how quickly the costs add up. But when everything is done you will have peace of mind and low running costs for some time into the future. I was lucky when I bought my Z last November to have bigwinn (Stuart) living nearby. Ho did a enormous amount to sort out my car for me. :thumbsup:

Yep, I agree, costs can mount but I've been lucky so far by finding bits on Ebay and using companies like Euro car parts.... This is my first BMW and I'm quite surprised at how cheap some things are and at how expensive the new plastic (undertrays etc) is. I'll be collecting bits and pieces over the next wee while and may invest in a plastic welder. I kept the old headlight, which I'll be having a go at repairing. If successful, I'll be looking around the breaker's yards for other leaky headlights with a view to repairing them.
 
That's an impressive list of jobs you are working through. :thumbsup:

Have to agree that Montego Blue is a great colour!
 
Mr Tidy said:
That's an impressive list of jobs you are working through. :thumbsup:

Have to agree that Montego Blue is a great colour!

Knowing me, I'll replace every part on this car through time 😂
Yep, montego blue really suits the shape especially when the sun hits it. 👍
 
Thanks. Would be interested what you think of the dinitrol job when you get it done.

Nice looking car anyway. Think mine has a bit of work before it looks as good
 
u02sgb said:
Thanks. Would be interested what you think of the dinitrol job when you get it done.

Nice looking car anyway. Think mine has a bit of work before it looks as good

Cheers and yes I will let you know. 👍
 
Just received photos from the wheel refurbisher of the finished Wheels and Calipers.... The car is being rebuilt as we speak and had its full service etc. Hopefully picking her up this afternoon after work. All I need now is some sunshine....
 

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MikeyH said:
Don’t forget photos of the finished work please Jahmez :thumbsup:

Absolutely there will be photos. Car won't be ready until tomorrow lunchtime but will hopefully head up Glencoe area on Sunday with camera. :thumbsup:
 
Yeehaa, I got her back today but unfortunately I have to go to work tonight to cover sickness but I managed to get in about 40 miles of nice twisty roads and she's moving and sounding nice ..... Garage did an awesome job. As well as all the requested work they replaced some missing brake pad sensors and fixed a broken exhaust bracket, which I knew nothing about. Wheels and red calipers look stunning. Nice drive and photo session planned for tomorrow. I want to thank and recommend Robin of XPC (xtreme powder coating Ltd) and Steven of SM Autos, both of Burntisland, Fife, for their great work. Next job will be Preserve and Protect on the 26th for the dinitrol.
 

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Had a nice drive in the sunshine down to West Charleton near Kingsbridge, about 1 hour both ways. Saw 4 Z4's and waved at the first 2 but got no reply. :cry: So gave up with that, felt a right prat. :rofl: I don't think many in this area are forum members so don't know to wave, probably thought I was some weirdo. :rofl: Back in the day all MG drivers waved as long as the car was the same type. i.e. midget to midget or MGB R to MGB R. :thumbsup: No one waved at MGB GT drivers though, don't know why.
 
MikeyH said:
Had a nice drive in the sunshine down to West Charleton near Kingsbridge, about 1 hour both ways. Saw 4 Z4's and waved at the first 2 but got no reply. :cry: So gave up with that, felt a right prat. :rofl: I don't think many in this area are forum members so don't know to wave, probably thought I was some weirdo. :rofl: Back in the day all MG drivers waved as long as the car was the same type. i.e. midget to midget or MGB R to MGB R. :thumbsup: No one waved at MGB GT drivers though, don't know why.

I thought I saw a forum member in Dunfermline driving a Blue Coupe but I was in my Clio lol so he probably wouldn't have waved back anyway.
My dad had a 1303 Beetle back in the early 70's, lots of waves back then.... Hopefully might get some waves tomorrow.... Have to remember and put my forum stickers on first. :thumbsup:
 
Had a few good runs over the weekend. 400 miles in total with a fair bit of sun on my head lol. Full service has made a big difference, running very smoothly. Best mpg reading was 32.4 with a low of 25.6 with the foot down. Thought I'd get a bit more but I'm happy getting that seeing as I had the roof down for the majority of the time. Wheels and caliper refurb really make her stand out now. Private plates fitted as well as a new stubby and the Z4 forum sticker lol. Only job left is to fit the new third brake light. Got the longer socket set now so will do that this morning.
Saw quite a few Z's when out and about up the East Neuk and across by Bo'ness. One Dark Blue roadster in St Monans but I was parked and the driver didn't see me as he came down by the harbour. Was that anyone from here? Glencoe next weekend.
 

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