Z4 E86 Coupe modifications so far .............Latest update - PCB Flappy Paddle change to left down change and right up .

1536Z4 · Dec 21, 2023

Well that was fun . As I cant bend my left leg it makes things even more of a challenge as I cant kneel etc so I spent 2 hours in various positions some of which are probably not even in the Karma Sutra . Got there in the end though . I would say the most time consuming part was getting the knee pads off the console :headbang:

Eventually got a trim remover behind the front and slipped in another quickly behind it .
Once it was all out I realised I still had to cut the airbag button hole in the carbon trim as it only came with the sport button side done . Used a drill and then a deburring bit to cut the shape out but did not know that there is a thin wooden layer/ cork /veneer between the part and the leather . This caused the leather to lift as small bits of wood fell out from under the leather :headbang:

I have glued it back down as best I can and will leave it overnight before possibly getting everything back together tomorrow. I am hoping it wont be too noticeable once the button is in and everything is back together . Not sure what I could have done any differently if I had known about the cork/veneer layer being in between .

Barty · Dec 21, 2023

That’s annoying! You could add a minuscule film (so no drops!) of glue to the button. As I recall, it has an edge around the outside that would press down the leather once in place. Also, the button (and airbag light) clamp down fairly tightly when fitted

1536Z4 · Dec 21, 2023

Barty said:
As I recall, it has an edge around the outside that would press down the leather once in place

I found a tube of fabric glue in a draw which said it was suitable for leather so have used a thin brush to apply it between the leather and cork veneer so hopefully that will work and as you say the button should hold it down .

1536Z4 · Dec 22, 2023

Finished today apart from the handbrake gaitor as I am going to be adjusting that as its pulling up too much since having the cables replaced . Car now needs a hoover .

Barty · Dec 22, 2023

Nice job, looks good! Don’t forget to put the handbrake into service mode when you do

1536Z4 · Dec 22, 2023

Barty said:
Don’t forget to put the handbrake into service mode when you do

I think that is why it is pulling up so far . I will let off the hub adjusters first and then put it in service mode and start again

1536Z4 · Dec 23, 2023

Reset handbrake and adjusted after having new cables fitted and then refitted handbrake trim so all done . What a faff doing the handbrake adjustment . Must do something about aluminium on the gear knob . I was going to buy a new knob off ebay which is black but may just paint or cover the aluminium colour in vinyl wrap or even carbon fibre / epoxy .

1536Z4 · Dec 24, 2023

Covered the aluminium coloured plastic on gear knob with vinyl wrap . The only thing I am in 2 minds about is that it is a bit too shiny .

1536Z4 · Dec 29, 2023

Replaced rear view mirror glass as old one was marked with what looks like guitar plectrum shapes which wouldn`t come off . I was going to buy a whole unit secondhand which would have been cheaper but decided to go with a replacement glass from Mirrorjohn https://mirrorjohn.com/How_To_Fix.php

reattached with double sided tape

Resoldered wires to new mirror glass

Zedebee · Dec 29, 2023

My goodness, mirrors are more complicated than they used to be.

1536Z4 · Jan 1, 2024

Zedebee said:
My goodness, mirrors are more complicated than they used to be.

Certainly are . Connected to the alarm clown nose etc

1536Z4 · Jan 1, 2024

Fitted 5mm foam insulation on top off already fitted Silentcoat to boot area and some Rockwool as suggested by [ref]Spriteracer[/ref], into voids . The black foam insulation is very light and easy to use and I bought it after reading [ref]Meds[/ref], post where he uses 6mm . Wont know how much difference it has made until spring as car is currently Sorn .

Barty · Jan 1, 2024

Really interested to hear (ha!) how much of a difference you experience when it comes to wind noise, tyre roar and drone. Since I daily my coupe, this is definitely something I'm looking into. When driving at motorway speed, you can quite clearly hear the tyre roar from the back. The boot floor is also virtually bare metal, so I'd expect quite a dramatic change. Looks like a job well done

Matt Scarbro · Jan 4, 2024

Really enjoyed reading through this, thanks for documenting.

A huge volume of work completed and clearly much consideration given to the choices made.

I’m sure the car is quite transformed next to what you bought.

What would you say is your favourite improvement?

1536Z4 · Jan 4, 2024

Matt Scarbro said:
What would you say is your favourite improvement?

Thank you Matt . In answer to your question I havn`t had long enough driving time with the LSD and the exhaust but I would think it will be between those two . The LSD from what I have read is what most people would say is the best improvement that can be made . The exhaust was a huge indulgence and most sane people would not entertain the cost and I only did because my Dad passed away from a brain tumour suddenly at the end of 2022 and I have used some of the money from my inheritance to fund this . He was a life long motorsport fan . The exhaust looks and sounds excellent and should help release some more extra horses once I decide where to get another remap done to really exploit its build spec . It definitely revs more freely . I think to sum it up there isn`t anything that I have done or has been done that I would change back . I had some Apex Arc 8 wheels delivered today which I got 10% off on Cyber Monday so they should help with rolling mass . What I can say is that even with all the stress , cuts and banged knuckles etc I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the Forum has been a great source of information and a good laugh too .