Discussion
I was fortunate enough to have a couple of track days gifted to me this week but none of my track focused metal was in any fit state to use so I elected to use the Z4MC.
My PSII's were nearly shot but had a little life left in them and I hastily organised some Pagid front pads in readiness.
On Tuesday I went to Snetterton, it pissed with rain until midday and rumours were flying round that the day may well be cancelled as there was standing water at Corum and The Bomb Hole. The rain eventually stopped and the bowser was sent out to clear the lakes. The Marshall's very kindly worked through their dinner hour and we ran unhindered up until five o'clock. I didn't go as hard as I had intended because of a mix up with the supplied pads meant I had to make do with standards on the day. Did about 25 laps and was getting a feel for the car as much as anything but early signs were good.
On Thursday I went to Goodwood, my local track. The weather looked like it might be troublesome but stayed good and dry all day and was almost glorious in the afternoon
The Pagids were now fitted and being that I have done Gw a few times before, all was looking well.
Once in my stride the car really began to show it's true colours; It was mighty impressive. As you know, timing is frowned upon at such events but one of the instructors said that he reckoned I was doing sub 100's, which is at the top end of not being too shabby. The amount of folk that showed an interest and passed comments that the car was fast was encouraging, but being the modest soul that I am I said that the car is flattering me, and it was to a certain degree.
Well, after having done 50 or so laps, passing quite a few cars and never being passed myself ( more to do with cars out at the time than me being any good ), wearing the N/S PSII down to the canvass and warping the front disc/s?, I had the most excellent day EVER out of about a dozen track days that I have ever done.
Track biased tyres and AP front brakes are my next port of call along with KW V3 suspension and I can't wait to see what difference that will make.
As we all know the Z4MC is a formidable road car but using it on track has opened my eyes to an as yet unseen and not even considered dimension that has been somewhat of a revelation. The car was rewarding, flattering, capable, fast and most importantly, FUN!
The noise from the S54 motor on full chat is amazing and once again, drew many comments from spectators and participants alike.
In light of the current financial down turn and with residuals taking a pasting, you could do no worse than get your Z4MC out on track and discover another facet to ownership that I guarantee will bolster your confidence in the model and re-introduce the love that the car deserves ( I realise this may all sound a little wishy washy but remember, I am still on a high; Live long and prosper
)
My PSII's were nearly shot but had a little life left in them and I hastily organised some Pagid front pads in readiness.
On Tuesday I went to Snetterton, it pissed with rain until midday and rumours were flying round that the day may well be cancelled as there was standing water at Corum and The Bomb Hole. The rain eventually stopped and the bowser was sent out to clear the lakes. The Marshall's very kindly worked through their dinner hour and we ran unhindered up until five o'clock. I didn't go as hard as I had intended because of a mix up with the supplied pads meant I had to make do with standards on the day. Did about 25 laps and was getting a feel for the car as much as anything but early signs were good.
On Thursday I went to Goodwood, my local track. The weather looked like it might be troublesome but stayed good and dry all day and was almost glorious in the afternoon
The Pagids were now fitted and being that I have done Gw a few times before, all was looking well.
Once in my stride the car really began to show it's true colours; It was mighty impressive. As you know, timing is frowned upon at such events but one of the instructors said that he reckoned I was doing sub 100's, which is at the top end of not being too shabby. The amount of folk that showed an interest and passed comments that the car was fast was encouraging, but being the modest soul that I am I said that the car is flattering me, and it was to a certain degree.
Well, after having done 50 or so laps, passing quite a few cars and never being passed myself ( more to do with cars out at the time than me being any good ), wearing the N/S PSII down to the canvass and warping the front disc/s?, I had the most excellent day EVER out of about a dozen track days that I have ever done.
Track biased tyres and AP front brakes are my next port of call along with KW V3 suspension and I can't wait to see what difference that will make.
As we all know the Z4MC is a formidable road car but using it on track has opened my eyes to an as yet unseen and not even considered dimension that has been somewhat of a revelation. The car was rewarding, flattering, capable, fast and most importantly, FUN!
The noise from the S54 motor on full chat is amazing and once again, drew many comments from spectators and participants alike.
In light of the current financial down turn and with residuals taking a pasting, you could do no worse than get your Z4MC out on track and discover another facet to ownership that I guarantee will bolster your confidence in the model and re-introduce the love that the car deserves ( I realise this may all sound a little wishy washy but remember, I am still on a high; Live long and prosper
) 
wayne can you be abit more detailed on how the brakes held up? i was really hoping a car of this performance range would be able to do better in the braking department, arnt these items on the z4m from the CSL?? maybe you were exceptionally hard on the them? or maybe its wishful thinking by me
^ Hello Byron, the brake situation is a little hazy just yet but to outline events so far;
Experienced slight warp sensation few weeks ago after a hard stop from big speed to nothing on the road with totally standard brakes.
Spoke to a certain BMW tuner and was told that Pagid PS 42's were what I needed for my intended use and so I placed an order for a set.
Pads did not arrive in time for my Snetterton jaunt so I tip toed round all standard.
Upon my 200ml+ trip home I noticed the warp had seemingly disappeared!, RESULT
In all fairness, I have to say that the aforementioned tuner did advise me that once the RS 42's were fitted, some sharp and abrupt braking may well sort the warped disc out. I must say that I was apprehensive but it would seem that stern use with the standard pad cured the situation.
The last two sessions yesterday and the judder was back and I had at first questioned my heavy right foot but after a little ringing around it would seem that I was sold the WRONG pads as the heat range was not desirable and I am now looking to use PS 19's which are what I should have installed from the start!
MORAL OF THIS STORY: Get more than one opinion in such matters and go with the general consensus
PS Another thing worth mentioning is to change front and rear pads so as to promote an equalized brake.
PPS Don't forget that the CSL brakes were never that good on the CSL so why they should be any better on our cars is beyond me
Experienced slight warp sensation few weeks ago after a hard stop from big speed to nothing on the road with totally standard brakes.
Spoke to a certain BMW tuner and was told that Pagid PS 42's were what I needed for my intended use and so I placed an order for a set.
Pads did not arrive in time for my Snetterton jaunt so I tip toed round all standard.
Upon my 200ml+ trip home I noticed the warp had seemingly disappeared!, RESULT
In all fairness, I have to say that the aforementioned tuner did advise me that once the RS 42's were fitted, some sharp and abrupt braking may well sort the warped disc out. I must say that I was apprehensive but it would seem that stern use with the standard pad cured the situation.
The last two sessions yesterday and the judder was back and I had at first questioned my heavy right foot but after a little ringing around it would seem that I was sold the WRONG pads as the heat range was not desirable and I am now looking to use PS 19's which are what I should have installed from the start!
MORAL OF THIS STORY: Get more than one opinion in such matters and go with the general consensus
PS Another thing worth mentioning is to change front and rear pads so as to promote an equalized brake.
PPS Don't forget that the CSL brakes were never that good on the CSL so why they should be any better on our cars is beyond me
Edited by GTWayne on Friday 15th August 20:17
wayne just another question did you notice what temps your oil went to?? was the motor more than a match for most other things on the track or did you feel that you could do with more power??? sorry for all the questions i just hav ent managed to get mine on track to see how it compares to other cars i.e 911s ect ect, i should imagine a boxster and cayman would be left in the weeds?
Oil temp. reached 108 degrees, nothing to worry about, is fine up until 115 ish
The car was definitely a match and more for everything that it came across; 60's race prepped Mustang, Suburu WRX, Aston DB9, Porsche Carrera 4, Porsche 964 and even a race tuned Ford Anglia with no less than 150 bhp
Nothing came past me.
The only week link was me really, I feel that I did quite well but the car could easily have been faster with a better driver. The other factor worth considering is how good or how hard were the other participants trying?, I think most were giving it their all but who knows.
The car was definitely a match and more for everything that it came across; 60's race prepped Mustang, Suburu WRX, Aston DB9, Porsche Carrera 4, Porsche 964 and even a race tuned Ford Anglia with no less than 150 bhp
Nothing came past me.The only week link was me really, I feel that I did quite well but the car could easily have been faster with a better driver. The other factor worth considering is how good or how hard were the other participants trying?, I think most were giving it their all but who knows.
Hi Wayne... im looking @ selling my CS at present... IF this goes in std factory road trim.. then i will have a complete set of brakes, rims, cups, and KW3 suspension up for grabs.. which sounds like what you need..! let me know if your interested, and if it all fits on a Z4.. i expect that its all the same running gear as an E46. but im not certain.. ?
Edited by RatBoy M3CS on Saturday 16th August 08:24
May WELL be interested
My car is booked in to have KW3 on Monday so time is of the essence here. I will make enquiries about compatibility but even if I don't have the parts from you , a pal of mine is collecting his CSL shortly and may well be interested himself.
My email is kaput at the moment but please do not hesitate to give me a call on; 07979264565. I know many would not give out their number on a public forum such as this but it is my work number and is plastered all over my van so anyone can call me, I don't mind, what is the worst that can happen?
My car is booked in to have KW3 on Monday so time is of the essence here. I will make enquiries about compatibility but even if I don't have the parts from you , a pal of mine is collecting his CSL shortly and may well be interested himself.
My email is kaput at the moment but please do not hesitate to give me a call on; 07979264565. I know many would not give out their number on a public forum such as this but it is my work number and is plastered all over my van so anyone can call me, I don't mind, what is the worst that can happen?
m12_nathan said:
KW3 for the CSL is different to the normal M3 so may well be different again on the Z4M?
Yeah, you are indeed correct and they are different to Z4MC so that is a no go I am afraid so I am still taking my motor to be sorted on Monday but the rest of the bits will be no problem.m12_nathan said:
Dual tube dampers are Pike anyway, get some proper monotube ones on there :P
What is your rational behind this statement?GTWayne said:
m12_nathan said:
KW3 for the CSL is different to the normal M3 so may well be different again on the Z4M?
Yeah, you are indeed correct and they are different to Z4MC so that is a no go I am afraid so I am still taking my motor to be sorted on Monday but the rest of the bits will be no problem.m12_nathan said:
Dual tube dampers are Pikey anyway, get some proper monotube ones on there :P
What is your rational behind this statement?As you move up the KW range they switch from twin tube to monotube. Clubsports are the ones above the KW3s and are monotube.
I'd be picking between KW Clubsport or Intrax 1K2 if you plan on doing a lot of track work.
^ I appreciate what you are saying but I never said that I was intending to do lots of track work. Ideally I would like to do half a dozen or so annually with the odd trip to the ring thrown in. I am not looking for 'a track car for the road' but merely to tighten up my road car for a little more predictable type performance on a track and that is the reason that I have chosen to have the KW3's fitted ( after, I hasten to add, MUCH deliberation 
).
). 
No Problem at all, i dont know if the brakes are the same fittings either..?
If your having KW3's.. I can tell you that the difference is huge over stock dampers.. but you will still destroy front tyres, as you cant get any more than -1.0 neg on stock turret tops..
If i was doing this mod again, I would go for the Clubsport kit that comes with adjustable turret tops as part of the kit.
While the front end is already in bits you should do this.. it will save you a geo set up.. as you will find yourself in for turret tops as the next step im sure of that.. you wont get the front end to grip properly without doing this, and your tyres wont last a day..!
You can retro fit clubsport turret tops on KW3's too.. as i have done..
The clubsport uses a parallel race spring, whereas the KW3 uses a conical progressive spring.. I tried this too, still harsh on road, but too soft for the track..
Dont expect a nice soft ride tho'.. it is harsh over bumps and not so good on B roads.. If you go for parralel front springs go for 60Kn fronts not 70's as a best compromise, the harder ones are better on track for sure, but not so good on the road.. IMO..
If your having KW3's.. I can tell you that the difference is huge over stock dampers.. but you will still destroy front tyres, as you cant get any more than -1.0 neg on stock turret tops..
If i was doing this mod again, I would go for the Clubsport kit that comes with adjustable turret tops as part of the kit.
While the front end is already in bits you should do this.. it will save you a geo set up.. as you will find yourself in for turret tops as the next step im sure of that.. you wont get the front end to grip properly without doing this, and your tyres wont last a day..!
You can retro fit clubsport turret tops on KW3's too.. as i have done..
The clubsport uses a parallel race spring, whereas the KW3 uses a conical progressive spring.. I tried this too, still harsh on road, but too soft for the track..
Dont expect a nice soft ride tho'.. it is harsh over bumps and not so good on B roads.. If you go for parralel front springs go for 60Kn fronts not 70's as a best compromise, the harder ones are better on track for sure, but not so good on the road.. IMO..
Edited by RatBoy M3CS on Saturday 16th August 19:00
^ I hear what you are saying and having already done most of my homework I have adjustable top mounts already in hand but thanks for the heads up.
The spring rates for the Z4MC are different to those of the M3 and to be honest I have left of of that side of things to West Tuning who are to carry out the work for me.
The brakes are the same as CSL so the AP's should fit no problem and I am very interested in your Cup's should you be looking to move them on, please bear me in mind
The spring rates for the Z4MC are different to those of the M3 and to be honest I have left of of that side of things to West Tuning who are to carry out the work for me.
The brakes are the same as CSL so the AP's should fit no problem and I am very interested in your Cup's should you be looking to move them on, please bear me in mind
Had a phone cal from a pal today to say that due to his car not being ready in time, he would not be able to make it to Goodwood on the 30.8.08 and would I be interested in taking his place
Obviously I didn't need any time to consider and said yes please immediately
The only problem that I now face is that my Z4MC is still in the shop having KW3, Pagid RS29's, full geo etc. done and it looks like it is going to be touch and go as to if I will have the car back in time or not!
If I manage to get it all together and the weather holds out too, that will be an achievement in itself; All I need to do then is go round in circles as quick as possible. Although I will not be timing myself, ( as we all know that is forbidden on track days ), it is generally regarded to be good going if you can circulate in under 100 seconds and in theory this will be my benchmark. Can't wait to see how things pan out 
Obviously I didn't need any time to consider and said yes please immediately
The only problem that I now face is that my Z4MC is still in the shop having KW3, Pagid RS29's, full geo etc. done and it looks like it is going to be touch and go as to if I will have the car back in time or not!
If I manage to get it all together and the weather holds out too, that will be an achievement in itself; All I need to do then is go round in circles as quick as possible. Although I will not be timing myself, ( as we all know that is forbidden on track days
), it is generally regarded to be good going if you can circulate in under 100 seconds and in theory this will be my benchmark. Can't wait to see how things pan out Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff