My midlife crisis purchase; E86 BMW Z4 Coupe
Discussion
Jhonno said:
Nice! Love a Z4 Coupe! The 3.0 is a very nice thing.. Those wheels really suit it! What tyre sizes are on currently? I ask as even on the heavy MV2's the E46 rides well on 18's and those are E46 based.. Goodyear Asymmetric 6's work REALLY well and are cheap. I went to 235/40 on the rear and you don't notice the less width, and balances the chassis a bit more.
Thanks - I think they’ve aged really, really well.It’s on 225/35’s up front and 255/30’s on the rear. I might look at reducing the rear tyres down a bit as long as I don’t end up with stretched tyres
swanny71 said:
Lovely, congrats.
Quite fancy one myself now the Cayman has gone. I’m also a huge fan of the N52 and this era of BMW’s.
Thanks.Quite fancy one myself now the Cayman has gone. I’m also a huge fan of the N52 and this era of BMW’s.
How was Cayman ownership? I was tempted but it’d have to be the S but I just couldn’t face the cost of potential big issues vs. the value of the car vs. my limited attention span.
DRE7 said:
Great car, I really miss mine
Did have a problem with corrosion of those wheels even with good maintenance, it’s a good thought to change them
Surprised you needed to add an aux plug as mine had one on the underside of the dashboard between the gear selector and the climate controls
Yeah, I’ve seen the corrosion issues. These have been refurbed but I think it’s been done without splitting them.Did have a problem with corrosion of those wheels even with good maintenance, it’s a good thought to change them
Surprised you needed to add an aux plug as mine had one on the underside of the dashboard between the gear selector and the climate controls
I think the aux was fitted from 07 on, so a few months after my car was built. It was easy enough to do and works pretty well - it’s nice to stream music from my phone.
I just need to sort out the Bluetooth connection for phone calls because I can’t get my phone to connect. The system is searching for a phone, but I’ll be buggered if I can get it into pairing mode.
Lotusgone said:
A very good looking example, I've only recently started to consider one of these.
I will probably keep my E92 330d going as the daily and move on my E63 645. Your impressions are very informative, particularly the lowness and cosy cabin compared to your own E92. Also the ride on 18" wheels and, presumably, runflats.
The flip-up screen & system is ancient but at least allows for an upgrade.
I’ve always liked them - a friend had one a few years ago in pale grey with red leather on 108’s. He really enjoyed it before trading it in for an M140i for about 10 pence.I will probably keep my E92 330d going as the daily and move on my E63 645. Your impressions are very informative, particularly the lowness and cosy cabin compared to your own E92. Also the ride on 18" wheels and, presumably, runflats.
The flip-up screen & system is ancient but at least allows for an upgrade.
I’m pretty sure they’re non-RFT’s. This is on B4 dampers with Eibach pro springs so probably a tad firmer than stock.
cerb4.5lee said:
Yes Sam and the CSL's looked amazing on your 335i I thought, and they arguably look even better on the Z4 too I think. I bet you're quite a bit tempted by them?
I'll keep trying to spend your money for you anyway!
They did look great on my 335i.I'll keep trying to spend your money for you anyway!
Personally I find the smaller 18’s can look a bit odd whereas the 19’s look bang on (I’m certainly not entertaining bigger wheels).
Spending other people’s money is easy and lots of fun!
InitialDave said:
Ah, nice, I quite like the look of these, and could've been tempted when buying my E89. They look far, far nicer than the soft top variant in my opinion.
I agree on the feeling of being sat quite far back when you're coming from a 4 seater coupe or saloon etc, it's the same for me, does make visibility at junctions a bit of a pain if there's someone alongside you, or knobbish parking close to the junction.
On the wheels, see if Alloy Wheels Direct have anything for you, I got a set of 18" 276s from them for a really good price.
I think the soft top looks great with the roof down, less so with the roof up.I agree on the feeling of being sat quite far back when you're coming from a 4 seater coupe or saloon etc, it's the same for me, does make visibility at junctions a bit of a pain if there's someone alongside you, or knobbish parking close to the junction.
On the wheels, see if Alloy Wheels Direct have anything for you, I got a set of 18" 276s from them for a really good price.
One t-junction I have to battle on the way to work is quite overgrown and I to a NSL road and it’s certainly a bit frustrating. I was a bit of a Doris the other day in a multi-storey car park. The yoof behind me in an Ibiza was getting a bit annoyed I think.
MDifficult said:
Oh yes! I'm late to this particular party but absolutely fantastic purchase!
I'll join the chorus here and tell you that CSLs may be the default option but it's because they're simply the best on that car. Maybe (maybe) some genuine LMs but I'd be going CSLs all day long - yes.. I know I said that for your 335i but I was absolutely right then too
Either way, outstanding purchase and I think you'll get a huge amount of fun out of this once you get it handling right. Enjoy!
Cheers. CSL’s do look mint on these, I was just trying to explore a slightly different path and with the car being so small, I think it’ll sit well on 17’s.I'll join the chorus here and tell you that CSLs may be the default option but it's because they're simply the best on that car. Maybe (maybe) some genuine LMs but I'd be going CSLs all day long - yes.. I know I said that for your 335i but I was absolutely right then too
Either way, outstanding purchase and I think you'll get a huge amount of fun out of this once you get it handling right. Enjoy!
roadie said:
Really interesting move with all practicality for the family reliant on one car. There's no way my partner would allow me to completely abandon being able to carry people or things almost entirely!
Did you get a decent price for the 335i?
I have always wanted an E85 Z4 3.0si Sport in silver as a fun car in addition to something more practical. I'm certain roof down N52 noises would be epic!
I really look forward to reading about how you get on with this car and whether you can find a tyre/suspension setup that gives you what you want. I would 100% go with an aftermarket wheel if you are beyond keeping those fitted - how about something like this, albeit with more tyre?
I think it’ll be fine - we’ve got plenty of friends and family close if we’re ever really in a major bind. I think it helps that she really, really likes the car (it’s the nicest one that I’ve owned apparently).Did you get a decent price for the 335i?
I have always wanted an E85 Z4 3.0si Sport in silver as a fun car in addition to something more practical. I'm certain roof down N52 noises would be epic!
I really look forward to reading about how you get on with this car and whether you can find a tyre/suspension setup that gives you what you want. I would 100% go with an aftermarket wheel if you are beyond keeping those fitted - how about something like this, albeit with more tyre?
I was happy with the price of the 335i in the end - the swap has cost me a few hundred quid.
I like Bola wheels in all fairness. I think for now, I might just bin the stty Dunlop tyres and keep the 108’s and focus on the suspension / handling. Most seem to really like the wheels as they are.
B'stard Child said:
Court_S said:
So, now it’s in the process of getting cleaned and looking good, what are my plans? Well I don’t intend to get to carried away with mods in this one, I’ll focus on maintenance and keeping it well looked after.
I mean this in the nicest possible way but the in bold bitLooks like a good base considering it's age
I think there’s a really good car to be had with a few replacement bits and some tinkering (which is were the fun is).
So, after seeing the state of the RTAB carriers, new ones were ordered from Sytner along with the relevant nuts and bolts…first of many parts collections no doubt. Powerflex bushes are on the way for the training arm. People seem to rate them as an upgrade and they look much easier to for.
The boot seems a decent size having had to pick up supplies for next weeks arrival (don’t ask)
Whilst at B&Q, I parked in front of a Model Three which bought home just how small it is and just how far back you end up sitting.
Once home, it was time to try out my new toy, a Seasuckee Talon bike carrier.
The first use will be nerve racking being just held on with suction.
The boot seems a decent size having had to pick up supplies for next weeks arrival (don’t ask)
Whilst at B&Q, I parked in front of a Model Three which bought home just how small it is and just how far back you end up sitting.
Once home, it was time to try out my new toy, a Seasuckee Talon bike carrier.
The first use will be nerve racking being just held on with suction.
DamnKraut said:
OP, that's a great colour combination you got there.
Have always been a fan of Style 216 wheels on the E85/86. Here's an example for inspiration:
https://www.zacharylukecarslimited.co.uk/details/u...
Thanks, that was one of the selling points especially since the beige interior is very beige but the back is too much of a cave.Have always been a fan of Style 216 wheels on the E85/86. Here's an example for inspiration:
https://www.zacharylukecarslimited.co.uk/details/u...
I love the 216’s (my wife has them on her E91)
There is a decent looking set I’ve found, but they’re miles away. Tempted though.
Fermit said:
This shape Z4, especially in the coupe form, is what I consider to be Bangle's finest. They just look sooo good. Love the colour too, not making it's mind up if it's blue or purple. Another vote for the bought with alloys, 17's, IMO at least, just look too small.
If you don't mind sharing, and no probs if you do, what did you get £ wise for the 335i? Not that it matters, as I've long decided I'm never selling the thing, but I'm just interested in real world 335i values.
Oh, and as an aside Sam, if you want a tutorial on how to 're-colour' the leather (your words) I'm your man (can't recall if you have my number?) My currently dormant company of 12 years was Leather Better Ltd, and I am confident to state that I can restore leather as well if not better than anyone in the UK. It's not rocket science, but there are basic things which you can fk up, it's an if you know you know thing.
Thanks; I think it’s certainly one of the successfully striking designs of this era and I think it’s stood the test of time well. If you don't mind sharing, and no probs if you do, what did you get £ wise for the 335i? Not that it matters, as I've long decided I'm never selling the thing, but I'm just interested in real world 335i values.
Oh, and as an aside Sam, if you want a tutorial on how to 're-colour' the leather (your words) I'm your man (can't recall if you have my number?) My currently dormant company of 12 years was Leather Better Ltd, and I am confident to state that I can restore leather as well if not better than anyone in the UK. It's not rocket science, but there are basic things which you can fk up, it's an if you know you know thing.
I’ll drop you a line re values - it’s worth remembering that values have softened since I bought mine two years ago and I stuck just over 30k on it in that time which is a pretty good effort.
I might need to pick your brains re the leather. I’ve done a basic recolour of Dakota leather which is basically rhino skin. I’m a bit more wary of tackling this because it’s nappa leather and much softer. It’s been done before I think.
PepeelgordoTheFirst said:
Good work on that car, it's lovely and the paint looks very deep. I know nothing about BMWs, but could you just swap wheels with your wife?
I need to check that the E9x version of the 216’s will fit this and not be too pokey. That court be a good call side she likes the 108’s.
mooseracer said:
I'm nervous enough using my BMW bars and bike carrier, I think I'd have a meltdown with a SeaSucker
Possibly going against the grain but I don't like the current wheels and I think you're right, it would look lovely on some 216s. Slightly off topic but so many of them I see for sale are cracked - are they particularly prone to that?
I think I’ll drive round the block with it on first just in case! Possibly going against the grain but I don't like the current wheels and I think you're right, it would look lovely on some 216s. Slightly off topic but so many of them I see for sale are cracked - are they particularly prone to that?
The 216’s amongst 1 series owners seem to quite well thought of but those on the 3 seem quite prone to cracking…it really every set for sale at the moment is either cracked or has been repaired. They’re quite possible off the list for now.
Mr Tidy said:
Wow, the sale of your 335i came as quite a shock Sam, but your Z4 Coupe looks fantastic.
You probably looked at this database that a z4forum member compiled back when free VIN decoders were available:- http://perso.numericable.fr/tonyz4c/index30si.html... Which suggests your manual Coupe in Monaco Blue with Champagne leather and
Piano Black trim is one of 18 that came to the UK but probably fewer than that with Xenons and those heated M-Sport seats.
I fell in love with the shape of them and bought my first in 2014, but for most of 2019 I ran one alongside my E90 330i. And while they use the same engine they are a completely different driving experience. The Z4 just feels so much more urgent sitting low and just in front of the rear axle with a way more special a sound-track. If you do decide you want more sound you can take one or both of the foams out of the sound-generator (assuming they are still there).
Z4s use wheels with the same sizes and offsets as E46s, but 3.0Sis need at least 17s to clear the front brakes. The 108s look great, but deteriorate quickly because the titanium bolts react with the alloy rims which lifts the lacquer. I sold my 108s while they still looked decent and fitted a set of 295s from an E89 that have more aggressive offsets and are just as easy to clean! Refurbing 108s is horribly expensive because they need to be split for a proper job and will often result in sheared bolts.
I know CSLs'/Reps look great, but so many people have done that I sold the 19" Reps my current MC came with and went back to OE 224s, which seem to fit 3.0Sis too.
IMHO they are pretty special cars and hopefully you'll enjoy yours.
Yeah, I came across that website and had a nose through it. It is a relatively rare car. It’d be interesting to know how many of those that were sold on this spec are still on the road. I see quite a few roadsters locally but not many coupes (just the one in the car park near work). You probably looked at this database that a z4forum member compiled back when free VIN decoders were available:- http://perso.numericable.fr/tonyz4c/index30si.html... Which suggests your manual Coupe in Monaco Blue with Champagne leather and
Piano Black trim is one of 18 that came to the UK but probably fewer than that with Xenons and those heated M-Sport seats.
I fell in love with the shape of them and bought my first in 2014, but for most of 2019 I ran one alongside my E90 330i. And while they use the same engine they are a completely different driving experience. The Z4 just feels so much more urgent sitting low and just in front of the rear axle with a way more special a sound-track. If you do decide you want more sound you can take one or both of the foams out of the sound-generator (assuming they are still there).
Z4s use wheels with the same sizes and offsets as E46s, but 3.0Sis need at least 17s to clear the front brakes. The 108s look great, but deteriorate quickly because the titanium bolts react with the alloy rims which lifts the lacquer. I sold my 108s while they still looked decent and fitted a set of 295s from an E89 that have more aggressive offsets and are just as easy to clean! Refurbing 108s is horribly expensive because they need to be split for a proper job and will often result in sheared bolts.
I know CSLs'/Reps look great, but so many people have done that I sold the 19" Reps my current MC came with and went back to OE 224s, which seem to fit 3.0Sis too.
IMHO they are pretty special cars and hopefully you'll enjoy yours.
It is a very different experience compared to the 330i which has been mapped to similar power levels. They’re quite a lot more raw in terms of noise etc. I think the foam may have already been removed because it’s quite noisy when you rev it out. I certainly won’t be looking to add any more noise this time around.
I’ve seen / heard the horror stories of the 108’s and whist mine are in decent condition, it’s probably not a bad time to try and move them on.
The 261’s from a 1 series coupe suit these well and there appear to be a few sets available that aren’t totally shagged.
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