What mods/additions would you make?

[Jellybaby38]

Morning all, while awaiting delivery of my first Z4 (2010 23i, black with walnut) I was giving some consideration to what easy cosmetic modifications can be done to improve things. I'm considering doing the below once I have a break from driving it rapidly around the lanes round here...

Whippy aerial to stubby
Stock sidelights to LCI
Internal lights from halogen to LED
Add android to iDrive

What else would you do with a stock vehicle, and why?

 

[Zed Baron]

Morning all, while awaiting delivery of my first Z4 (2010 23i, black with walnut) I was giving some consideration to what easy cosmetic modifications can be done to improve things. I'm considering doing the below once I have a break from driving it rapidly around the lanes round here...

Whippy aerial to stubby
Stock sidelights to LCI
Internal lights from halogen to LED
Add android to iDrive

What else would you do with a stock vehicle, and why?

Ive done all of them except Android as mines got iDrive. My car didn't have sports seats, so I changed them and swapped the steering wheel for the later M sport version with the newer paddle shift and of course a refurbishment by Royal Steering Wheels. The wheels have been powder coated a different colour and BMW self levelling wheel centres added. The bigger iDrive knob! The grille has been changed to the newer diamond style and I'm contemplating have the hoops painted the same colour as the car.

 

[clarker63]

What wheels (and tyres) have you got? that would also be an option. My previous Z4 was a pauper spec 23i, that had horrible 17" wheels on it. made a big difference to swap to larger/nicer looking wheels.

I did also add heated/electric sports seats to it, although it was a bit of a headache to do (with OEM parts, especially if you had manual/non heated seats).

before


after

 

[Smartbear]

It’s possible to add the M-sport bumpers if yours is the standard model
Rob

 

[Jellybaby38]

It's a decent spec, so already has electric heated M sport seats. 18" 325M rims, which are certainly a bit more comfortable than the 19s I've tested out, although maybe 19s and non run-flats would be a good compromise, assuming they fit.

The bigger iDrive knob!

Didn't know you could get one to fit the Z, I've only seem them for other versions of the idrive that look a bit different. Any pic/link? I'm considering having the brake calipers painted/powder coated (which I suspect is a 50:50 item for debate). what is a self-levelling centre?

 

[N4LLY]

what is a self-levelling centre?

BMW Floating center caps....

https://www.marshall.co.uk/bmw/service/floating-hub-caps/

 

[Jellybaby38]

I quite like the idea of that, on to the list it goes

 

[Marcoose]

Tyres and suspension. The OEM are massively disappointing.

 

[Zed Baron]

I quite like the idea of that, on to the list it goes

Yep, done the callipers also (back to silver) and retrofitted later side indicators and tidied up the exhaust tail pipes.

 

[peeblezZ4]

Glad to see you've got a car sorted Jellybaby38
Unlike the view of the masses, I actually like my pre-LCI indicators and I'm part of the pro whippy elite contingent :rofl: A front grill with matt silver slats offers a nice contrast unless you prefer the all black look.
My new black Z4 pic attached - 326 alloy style sets it off really well I think.
Walnut interior sounds quite quirky. Let's see a pic of the car when you get it

 

[BMC_Kid]

What else would you do with a stock vehicle, and why?

When we got our Z4, the first thing we did was a full paint correction, application of full hood, fenders, bumper cover and headlight PPF, and ceramic paint coating. Also removed the iDrive badging from the fenders. Next, we had the rear valence and roll over hoop covers painted body color. Then we added the stubby antenna and replaced the interior piano black trim with carbon fiber pieces along with the front half of the roll over hoop covers. Recently, we added the carbon fiber side skirt extensions. As for the why, all of the above was done purely for aesthetics.

We did replace the stock run flattires with non-runflats, which improved the ride considerably.

We plan to keep our Z for many years to come and I’ll add that the the PPF was not strictly for aesthetic reasons as it will keep the paint from getting damaged due to road debris.

 

[Silverstar]

Black with walnut is a great combo and very rare too! I would and have done all the mods you have listed including painted callipers except I've got Apple CarPlay instead of Android. You can also add to that black grills especially since your car is black, it suits it very well and maybe de-badge it or at least part or it.

 

[B21]

Morning all, while awaiting delivery of my first Z4 (2010 23i, black with walnut) I was giving some consideration to what easy cosmetic modifications can be done to improve things. I'm considering doing the below once I have a break from driving it rapidly around the lanes round here...

Whippy aerial to stubby…er no…looks awful on E89s ok on E85s..very chavy
Stock sidelights to LCI…maybe the black versions?
Internal lights from halogen to LED…why..better do the Angel eyes…
Add android to iDrive…car play MMI box much better..



What else would you do with a stock vehicle, and why?

 

[enuff_zed]

Morning all, while awaiting delivery of my first Z4 (2010 23i, black with walnut) I was giving some consideration to what easy cosmetic modifications can be done to improve things. I'm considering doing the below once I have a break from driving it rapidly around the lanes round here...

Whippy aerial to stubby…er no…looks awful on E89s ok on E85s..very chavy
Stock sidelights to LCI…maybe the black versions?
Internal lights from halogen to LED…why..better do the Angel eyes…
Add android to iDrive…car play MMI box much better..



What else would you do with a stock vehicle, and why?

Phew, I saw you'd replied and expected a long list of turbos, exhausts, suspension and probably more turbos! :rofl:

 

[B21]

Morning all, while awaiting delivery of my first Z4 (2010 23i, black with walnut) I was giving some consideration to what easy cosmetic modifications can be done to improve things. I'm considering doing the below once I have a break from driving it rapidly around the lanes round here...

Whippy aerial to stubby…er no…looks awful on E89s ok on E85s..very chavy
Stock sidelights to LCI…maybe the black versions?
Internal lights from halogen to LED…why..better do the Angel eyes…
Add android to iDrive…car play MMI box much better..



What else would you do with a stock vehicle, and why?

Phew, I saw you'd replied and expected a long list of turbos, exhausts, suspension and probably more turbos! :rofl:

If you’ve bought a 23i then either accidentally or purposely you are not in the market for Saturn V type acceleration…..

You are in ‘gentleman’s smoking carriage’ mode..so apply lots of walnut and leather..tune in and chill out..

 

[enuff_zed]

Phew, I saw you'd replied and expected a long list of turbos, exhausts, suspension and probably more turbos! :rofl:

If you’ve bought a 23i then either accidentally or purposely you are not in the market for Saturn V type acceleration…..

You are in ‘gentleman’s smoking carriage’ mode..so apply lots of walnut and leather..tune in and chill out..

Brilliant!
Well thought out Mr B

 

[flybobbie]

Phew, I saw you'd replied and expected a long list of turbos, exhausts, suspension and probably more turbos! :rofl:

If you’ve bought a 23i then either accidentally or purposely you are not in the market for Saturn V type acceleration…..

You are in ‘gentleman’s smoking carriage’ mode..so apply lots of walnut and leather..tune in and chill out..

Brilliant!
Well thought out Mr B

Not quite according to this article;
https://openspacescience.blog/2020/05/18/usain-bolt-v-the-saturn-v-rocket-who-wins-a-race-from-a-standing-start/

 

[mr.tourette]

Smart top , new wheels and tyres and a 4 wheel alignment

 

[Silverstar]

Adding to my earlier post here are some of those mods on mine:

 

[enuff_zed]

Adding to my earlier post here are some of those mods on mine:

IMG_6862.jpeg

IMG_6335.JPG

IMG_6855.jpeg

looking at your photos has jogged my memory.
Only real mod I've done on mine is to space those rear wheels out by 15mm. No noticeable effect on anything other than a massive improvement in looks.