What have you done to your car today?

[AndyJ1]

The Coupe looks so much more gorgeous on the lift than the old porker.

I’ve got to agree with you there!

Never a fan of the original Boxter. Apologies to anyone who has one. The Cayman and its roof-off derivative is more on the mark.

The lift looks terrific. How much?

It was a big investment for me at £1200, but I’m going to get a lot of use out of it. It makes work on the Z so much easier. The lifter lifts 450mm and with the rubber blocks takes it to a convenient height to work under while on a creeper. Great access down the centre of the car for gearbox servicing etc.
Expensive it worth it!

 

[lucasxdiniz]

Checked valve clearances and measured all shims. Surprisingly, only two were actually out of spec, but I will be making sure to bring all valve clearances to as close to nominal as possible so I will be ordering a total of 6 new shims from BMW and moving a couple around. Not too bad of a job.

Also had a very good look at the VANOS unit and chain guides - very happy to see both tabs that drive the oil pump intact, showing no signs of wear/cracks, etc. Upper chain guide is also in one piece, thankfully!

 

[PDJ]

Checked valve clearances and measured all shims. Surprisingly, only two were actually out of spec, but I will be making sure to bring all valve clearances to as close to nominal as possible so I will be ordering a total of 6 new shims from BMW and moving a couple around. Not too bad of a job.

Looks like you have a spread sheet of the sizes in your engine. I did the same so I know what is in there it helps with moving shims around and buying the best sizes to get it right

Not a hard job just takes a few hours taking your time

 

[3002 tii]

New race seats… with integrated OEM occupancy sensor and 3 stage heating element

Pretty fancy looking! Looks like leather.

Thanks bud, the red leather is really impressive as are suede inserts. Almost reminds me the M4 GTS Recaros.

 

[Calps]

New race seats… with integrated OEM occupancy sensor and 3 stage heating element

Pretty fancy looking! Looks like leather.

Thanks bud, the red leather is really impressive as are suede inserts. Almost reminds me the M4 GTS Recaros.

Nice! Were the sensors and heating pads originally part of the seats, or were they retrofitted?

 

[patriot66]

I got away from work a little earlier this afternoon as the weather was quite good and gave the Zed a quick wash and detail prior to installing the offside rear U.S twin white light unit from the set I bought from Tom (thecremeegg) on here a couple of weeks back. Now I have the quad white spot rear I've been waiting 8 years for ! Currently have a red P21W bulb in the offside clear fog light that is actually a shade of bright pink when illuminated Going to replace that with a red LED bulb and code out the bulb warning. Went over the lights with my DA and some compounds to remove any scratches/swirls and have to say they have come-up like brand new. My thanks to Tom, they look great !

 

[3002 tii]

Pretty fancy looking! Looks like leather.

Thanks bud, the red leather is really impressive as are suede inserts. Almost reminds me the M4 GTS Recaros.

Nice! Were the sensors and heating pads originally part of the seats, or were they retrofitted?

Retrofitted. Unless you buy one of the few Recaros offered by BMW at 3x the price, none of them come with factory sensors. At best, they may come with their own heating solution but it won’t be integrated with factory controls.

The nice thing about these seats is that the not only are the inserts removable, but the alcantara covers on each cushion can be removed (or opened up) so retrofitting any sensors inside the cushion is really easy.

 

[Calps]

Retrofitted. Unless you buy one of the few Recaros offered by BMW at 3x the price, none of them come with factory sensors. At best, they may come with their own heating solution but it won’t be integrated with factory controls.

The nice thing about these seats is that the not only are the inserts removable, but the alcantara covers on each cushion can be removed (or opened up) so retrofitting any sensors inside the cushion is really easy

That is awesome. Something you did yourself, or was it offered as a service? If it was DIY-able, that would be great.

 

[deltasierra]

MOT time, fitted new front wishbones and anti roll bar links, replaced rear anti roll bar links, these are alloy both were broken and I guess potholes caused that. Parts total around £135.
Also removed modified rear silencer too noisy on long runs and fitted S/H standard box, maybe I’ll change back if it’s too quiet.

 

[3002 tii]

Retrofitted. Unless you buy one of the few Recaros offered by BMW at 3x the price, none of them come with factory sensors. At best, they may come with their own heating solution but it won’t be integrated with factory controls.

The nice thing about these seats is that the not only are the inserts removable, but the alcantara covers on each cushion can be removed (or opened up) so retrofitting any sensors inside the cushion is really easy

That is awesome. Something you did yourself, or was it offered as a service? If it was DIY-able, that would be great.

Re heated elements, many have tried but most have failed. I drew up a schematic and priced out the parts. All-in I would’ve spent $300+ for something that wasn’t guaranteed to work so just made more sense to buy a custom (proven) solution from AMX Performance for few bucks more.

 

[paddy wright]

Replaced my third brake light and cup holder. Both non OEM Chinese ones this time- the cup holder is identical
- the light wasn’t the best fit for the wiring plug but looks and works ok so far.

 

[3gGT01]

Other front strut swapped out, no issues, well under an hour including stopping for phone calls and coffee.

Much more satisfying today

How's the ride quality with the new struts, shocks and springs? A project that I will be performing at some point and thinking the sachs would be a good choice for an OEM ride.
Always easier the 2nd time round.

 

[3002 tii]

Checked valve clearances and measured all shims. Surprisingly, only two were actually out of spec, but I will be making sure to bring all valve clearances to as close to nominal as possible so I will be ordering a total of 6 new shims from BMW and moving a couple around. Not too bad of a job.

Also had a very good look at the VANOS unit and chain guides - very happy to see both tabs that drive the oil pump intact, showing no signs of wear/cracks, etc. Upper chain guide is also in one piece, thankfully!

If the tabs are intact are you going to proactively swap out the hub?

 

[3gGT01]

[ref]Dubbedown[/ref],

How did your track day(s) go?

I've got a question, is it normal for the M's to buck sometimes in 1st and 2nd gear and always seems like when you need to get going to pull out? Or is there a problem some place? Never had this on any other vehicle. I have no codes and I didn't see any oil on the clutch surfaces, like a rear main seal leak. Thanks in advance!

 

[3002 tii]

[ref]Dubbedown[/ref],

How did your track day(s) go?

I've got a question, is it normal for the M's to buck sometimes in 1st and 2nd gear and always seems like when you need to get going to pull out? Or is there a problem some place? Never had this on any other vehicle. I have no codes and I didn't see any oil on the clutch surfaces, like a rear main seal leak. Thanks in advance!

Uneventful… had some gearbox issues. Given my luck not surprising since that was the one thing I didn’t look over. On the bright side used this opportunity to replace the clutch.

I guess that’s a good segue. If I had to guess, you’re probably letting the clutch out too soon. In general I shift slowly 1st to 2nd, letting off clutch slower while adding throttle earlier. Alternatively if you’re going to shift quicker, you need to make sure you got the revs higher.

Lastly, not sure if you still have the CDV but that doesn’t help since it makes the engagement point so vague.

 

[lucasxdiniz]

Checked valve clearances and measured all shims. Surprisingly, only two were actually out of spec, but I will be making sure to bring all valve clearances to as close to nominal as possible so I will be ordering a total of 6 new shims from BMW and moving a couple around. Not too bad of a job.

Also had a very good look at the VANOS unit and chain guides - very happy to see both tabs that drive the oil pump intact, showing no signs of wear/cracks, etc. Upper chain guide is also in one piece, thankfully!

If the tabs are intact are you going to proactively swap out the hub?

Not at the moment. If the holes were becoming enlarged/oval like you see in worn out hubs, I would have stripped it and rebuilt it. But had a good look with a borescope and it's no where as bad as what people post online, so I will enjoy the car until winter at which point I'll probably do a lot of preventative maintenance. Already got someone lined up at work to drill smaller holes in the oil pump hub for me.

 

[True-Blue]

Other front strut swapped out, no issues, well under an hour including stopping for phone calls and coffee.

Much more satisfying today

How's the ride quality with the new struts, shocks and springs? A project that I will be performing at some point and thinking the sachs would be a good choice for an OEM ride.
Always easier the 2nd time round.

Much improved, much less crashy… all shocks had no resistance.

I’ve done a few sets of these on E85’s now, first one just wasn’t playing ball.

This rear strut was compressed the night before and is still like this days later (excuse the mess garage needs sorting);

 

[3gGT01]

[ref]Dubbedown[/ref],

How did your track day(s) go?

I've got a question, is it normal for the M's to buck sometimes in 1st and 2nd gear and always seems like when you need to get going to pull out? Or is there a problem some place? Never had this on any other vehicle. I have no codes and I didn't see any oil on the clutch surfaces, like a rear main seal leak. Thanks in advance!

Uneventful… had some gearbox issues. Given my luck not surprising since that was the one thing I didn’t look over. On the bright side used this opportunity to replace the clutch.

I guess that’s a good segue. If I had to guess, you’re probably letting the clutch out too soon. In general I shift slowly 1st to 2nd, letting off clutch slower while adding throttle earlier. Alternatively if you’re going to shift quicker, you need to make sure you got the revs higher.

Lastly, not sure if you still have the CDV but that doesn’t help since it makes the engagement point so vague.

What was the issue with the tranny? Hopefully nothing major. Did you go with an OEM clutch setup?

Back to the bucking bronc, if I drive more aggressively, I don't think it's as likely to happen. The previous owner had the CDV removed and the larger hole CDV valve installed, then I completely removed the CDV valve connector altogether, as there is some restriction with it installed too. I have both the original valve and the larger ID replacement valve, which is still a restrictor compared to totally removing it. I drove it around and it seemed like it was fixed, but now and then it still bucks. Maybe higher revs and slipping the clutch will help, basically the same thing you are saying.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[3gGT01]

Other front strut swapped out, no issues, well under an hour including stopping for phone calls and coffee.

Much more satisfying today

How's the ride quality with the new struts, shocks and springs? A project that I will be performing at some point and thinking the sachs would be a good choice for an OEM ride.
Always easier the 2nd time round.

Much improved, much less crashy… all shocks had no resistance.

I’ve done a few sets of these on E85’s now, first one just wasn’t playing ball.

This rear strut was compressed the night before and is still like this days later (excuse the mess garage needs sorting);

IMG_1362.jpeg

At 112K miles, I don't know that mine have ever been replaced. I don't think they are crashing, but they are pretty rough over a bumpy road.

 

[patriot66]

How's the ride quality with the new struts, shocks and springs? A project that I will be performing at some point and thinking the sachs would be a good choice for an OEM ride.
Always easier the 2nd time round.

Much improved, much less crashy… all shocks had no resistance.

I’ve done a few sets of these on E85’s now, first one just wasn’t playing ball.

This rear strut was compressed the night before and is still like this days later (excuse the mess garage needs sorting);

IMG_1362.jpeg

At 112K miles, I don't know that mine have ever been replaced. I don't think they are crashing, but they are pretty rough over a bumpy road.

If they are the originals at 16 years old and 112k miles then they WILL be well past their best Do yourself a favour and fit some new ones and improve the handling, roadholding, ride quality and SAFETY of your Z4