Where to find tuning and after marked stuff for the Z?

[tehdarkstar]

Hi guys,

I should be getting my Z soon and I would like to see options for tuning the car as it is going to be more of a trackday car than anything else. Any recommendations of tuners in the UK will be appreciated.

I'm also interested in aftermarked wheels (lightweight ones), so if you can point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Wondermike]

http://www.simpsonmotorsport.co.uk/bmw-tuning/shop.asp?id=67&pid=67&cid=59&pcid=0 is the best bet, I would recommend changing the diff for a limited slip one with a bit shorter gearing, say the M3 diff at 3.64.

You could also use the diff from a 2.5Si auto which is 3.73, this would compare well to your standard 3.23 ratio, give a bit more acceleration, but not limited slip though.

Some nice brakes there too.

 

[Curtis]

The problem with changing the diff for an M3 item is that you have to change the complete rear axle which is narrower than the Z axle. You also need to shorten the propshaft. Then you need to find wheels to fit M3 hubs and widen the track and to keep the fronts the same you have to fit M3 hubs to the front etc etc etc. Having said that, it's a great mod and I highly recommend it! You also gain M3 rear brakes so you may want to beef up the fronts a bit to compensate.

The first thing anyone should do before worrying about expensive mods is to replace the standard BMW jelly suspension bushes with some grown up ones. Theres no point worrying about the finer aspects of suspension tuning when the entire system is flapping around like a fish out of water.

I could go on and on but I should probably stop now before I get carried away!

One last thing! Remove the dowel on your front strut top mounts and push the struts inboard as far as they will go. This gives you about 2 - 2.5 degrees negative camber. Works great and it costs nothing!

 

[155MPH]

Trade it for an M and then you cover off all this rear differential, suspension, tires, wheels crap...and it looks better too

 

[Rick Hunter]

Trade it for an M and then you cover off all this rear differential, suspension, tires, wheels crap...and it looks better too

Wow... that sounded...almost ...Dammmittt-ish. :lol: :lol:

 

[20ducks]

Trade it for an M and then you cover off all this rear differential, suspension, tires, wheels crap...and it looks better too

Wow... that sounded...almost ...Dammmittt-ish. :lol: :lol:

Puleez. :rcard:

 

[FemmeT]

You can order a LSD are complete new rear axle (with different final drive ratio as you like) from Drexler Motorsport. It's quite expensive however, about 2200 euros for the LSD and 3600 euros for a complete package including shipment.

I have the Drexler LSD with 3,46:1 final drive ratio installed on my Alpina Roadster S and it's a very noticable improvement.

I'm having the suspension bushing upgrades from Turner Motorsport fitted to my car as I speak. Here are some pictures:

Turner Motorsport E46 Front Subframe Reinforcement Kit.



TMS E46 Control Arm Bushing Kit



TMS Trailing Arm Bushing Limiter Kit



TMS Upper or Lower Rear Trailing Arm Bushing



The original bushing still in place:

 

[tehdarkstar]

That's a good point you guys have made: is the suspension too soft without the runflats? If yes, then that means an upgraded suspension.

I'm thinking on the following in a first instance:

- ECU remap (remove the top speed limiter)
- Full Milltek exhaust
- AP Racing or similar brakes
- 19" lighweight wheels (BBS probably)
- Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres

The suspension will be something to look at too and the limited slip diff sounds very tempting (even though it will cost quite a lot).

Any opinions on the list above?

Thanks for all the tips. I'm taking notes of it all.

 

[Wondermike]

The problem with changing the diff for an M3 item is that you have to change the complete rear axle which is narrower than the Z axle. You also need to shorten the propshaft. Then you need to find wheels to fit M3 hubs and widen the track and to keep the fronts the same you have to fit M3 hubs to the front etc etc etc. Having said that, it's a great mod and I highly recommend it! You also gain M3 rear brakes so you may want to beef up the fronts a bit to compensate.

The first thing anyone should do before worrying about expensive mods is to replace the standard BMW jelly suspension bushes with some grown up ones. Theres no point worrying about the finer aspects of suspension tuning when the entire system is flapping around like a fish out of water.

I could go on and on but I should probably stop now before I get carried away!

One last thing! Remove the dowel on your front strut top mounts and push the struts inboard as far as they will go. This gives you about 2 - 2.5 degrees negative camber. Works great and it costs nothing!

Yes, not as straightforward as I was thinking then

 

[Wondermike]

...Full Milltek exhaust...

A few on Z4um had the Milltek, I know Graeme took his off because it was too loud, really droning under load in a higher gear, say when going up hills etc. but he did say when he was giving it "the beans" that it sounded brilliant.

 

[Wondermike]

FemmeT that's good info on your post

 

[taffy]

The Turner Motorsport gear is 1st class, top quality and a top company to work with, I plan to also do these when i get the beast