Z3M Roadster Upgrdes/Suspension

[ChezzaV8]

After years of having a V8 Capri, I'm now a BMW owner.

I've very recently acquired a 1999 BMW Z3M Roadster off my Dad (used to be my Mum's, she died, then my dad had it, now I have it) and it needs a little bit of TLC.

The first impressions are that it's a little bit tatty. It's been serviced regularly and been looked after, but it does need some work to turn it from an every day roadster into something a little more special. There are quite a few little niggles that need sorting out (some minor electrical issues, scratches, dents, scuffed wheels, vanos service etc) but the main one seems to be the suspension. The dampers need replacing and I think it could do with having all the suspension bushes replaced.

Can anyone recommend decent aftermarket suspension for a Z3M roadster? The only things I've seen so far are Bilstein B8, or a Koni set. My plan is to use this on the road and track.

Also, a full set of powerflex bushes - any thoughts?

Many thanks

[Joyceyboy]

Congrats on your purchase mate you won’t be disappointed once its all done.

I have a Z3M too and these things are a must. I recently just done all that work you are talking about, i even wrote and article and step by step guide. (If you want a link PM me) I changed all the rear bushes to powerfelx and have fitted the Koni adjustable gas struts with 30mm lower springs all round.

(powerflex now do a black series for the M which is for track, be warned they are very very stiff and will most likly rattle your fillings out if used on our roads stick to the purple)

The change in handling is very noticeable! Also if your M hasn’t already buy yourself a strut brace, this keeps the tram lining down to a minimum. While you’re under the rear have a good look at your diff hanger make sure its intact and not tearing itself away from the beam above, another sign is the spot welds in the boot popping out.

I have just come back from Le'Mans with a group from here and the handling/proformace was more then man enough to keep up with the others. Mines now ready for track but im still in two minds weather i will or not.

Lee

Edited by Joyceyboy on Wednesday 16th July 13:19

[alanw89]

Ive got a coupe and have done quite a few things recently replacing worn out original parts.

Something that makes a noticeable difference for not a huge amount of money is H&R Anti Roll Bars. I got mine when there was a decent offer on them from Eurocarparts. Been recommended to beef up the mounts for them by welding in a little tab between it and the trailing arm but I haven't got around to that yet.

I recently changed to Bilstein B8 all round as well. Mine was still on the originals (X reg and 95000mls) and they were completely shot so not sure how they compare to a good set of originals but definitely made a big improvement. Also fitted Rogue engineering rear top mounts which are quite highly regarded as they allow removal of dampers without stripping the boot interior (don't think its as big a job in the roadster though).

Ive changed quite a few of the bushes to power flex but again only when originals were shot so not really a fair comparison, but i do feel like there is a bit of a clunk from the front end over drain covers and the like and considering I've changed most of the front suspension I'm starting to think it might just be the stiffer bushes ( either that or I've missed something).

Might be worth renewing the throttle cable aswell, known to stretch over time and stop you getting full throttle. Not expensive from what I remember, around £25 quid I think.

[ChezzaV8]

Thanks for the replies. I'm looking into all the options with the suspension, the KW dampers appear to be quite popular, but they are much more expensive than the Konis.

At the moment, I just don't know where to start, that's always the problem when you've got a big job. I think the more I do, the more problems I'll find....