My new BMW Z4 28i M Sport

My new BMW Z4 28i M Sport

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Discussion

Maracus

4,234 posts

168 months

Thursday 3rd August 2017
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SteveS Cup said:
I've not as yet. I'm debating getting a RaceChip tuning box, I think it's £400 and claims 60bhp increase but I'm guessing it will be close to 40bhp. I'm just worried about it running lean and blowing up.

Proper remaps are £600+ and I'm not sure I can justify over £500 (I know it's only £200 more but it's the fact it's more than £500!) for 40bhp.
Thanks,

I've looked at Simon @ emaps as well.



Parsnip

3,122 posts

188 months

Thursday 3rd August 2017
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Was never a massive fan of the Z4, but it does grow on you. Its perfect at chewing up miles as well as driving like a knob on the backroads.

Isn't the sharpest tool in the box, nor is it the prettiest, but as an allrounder it is hard to beat. I got rid of my Cayman, so Boxter was out, 370Z felt a bit cheap and nasty, SLK I hated (although never tried the proper engine) and the TT for me was too dull.

i keep toying with the idea of a remap of my 35is to squeeze out an exta 40 or so horses just because, but it rarely feels like it needs it, the handling is just right for the power it has - slightly unhinged and loose in just the right way, but so predictable - unlike my old Cayman, which had grip for days until it didn't and it tried to kill you.

I must admit that the white/white look really isn't for me, but the black bits offset it nicely. Saying that, mine is orange with orange interior and an orange racing stripe on the seats, so horses for courses I guess.

As far as MPG - 22-24 average, 30ish on the motorway. The comedy artilley barrage that the exhaust does in the Sport+ mode on downshifts can't help the economy.

TheDukeGTi

202 posts

136 months

Thursday 3rd August 2017
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Looks lovely. Not too common to see these either.

Prinny

1,669 posts

99 months

Friday 4th August 2017
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Looking good. Be interested to hear more feedback on the suspension after a few more miles. It's probably the biggest thing I'd like to do to mine, (but with Birds kit).

Oh, and did you ever fit the speakers? smile

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

160 months

Friday 4th August 2017
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TheDukeGTi said:
Looks lovely. Not too common to see these either.
Thanks mate 👍🏼


SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

160 months

Friday 4th August 2017
quotequote all
Prinny said:
Looking good. Be interested to hear more feedback on the suspension after a few more miles. It's probably the biggest thing I'd like to do to mine, (but with Birds kit).

Oh, and did you ever fit the speakers? smile
All is going well with the suspension... I've done 2 trips to Thurrock and back and it doesn't feel any different on he motorway and is definitely still more comfortable over cats eyes than it was with standard suspension and run flats!

Quite a few miles done round the country lanes in Chipstead and I'm already gaining more confidence in pushing on. But to be honest, you don't drive the Z4 like I would of driven my Mini etc.

Embarrassingly I haven't yet getmecoat I'm hoping to spend a day detailing the car soon and I'll be able to do it then. Still extremely grateful for you sending them to me beer I assure you they will be fitted soon!

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

160 months

Friday 4th August 2017
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Also, the birds kit is just Eibach springs with Bilstein shocks I think... for £1200 you could get much better suspension. Also, charging £400 + vat to fit is ridiculous.

stuart-b

3,643 posts

226 months

Friday 4th August 2017
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Parsnip said:
Isn't the sharpest tool in the box, nor is it the prettiest,.
Definitely think it looks better than the competition, but I am biased wink

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

160 months

Friday 4th August 2017
quotequote all
Parsnip said:
Was never a massive fan of the Z4, but it does grow on you. Its perfect at chewing up miles as well as driving like a knob on the backroads.

Isn't the sharpest tool in the box, nor is it the prettiest, but as an allrounder it is hard to beat. I got rid of my Cayman, so Boxter was out, 370Z felt a bit cheap and nasty, SLK I hated (although never tried the proper engine) and the TT for me was too dull.

i keep toying with the idea of a remap of my 35is to squeeze out an exta 40 or so horses just because, but it rarely feels like it needs it, the handling is just right for the power it has - slightly unhinged and loose in just the right way, but so predictable - unlike my old Cayman, which had grip for days until it didn't and it tried to kill you.

I must admit that the white/white look really isn't for me, but the black bits offset it nicely. Saying that, mine is orange with orange interior and an orange racing stripe on the seats, so horses for courses I guess.

As far as MPG - 22-24 average, 30ish on the motorway. The comedy artilley barrage that the exhaust does in the Sport+ mode on downshifts can't help the economy.
It wasn't my first initial choice but that was only due to me presuming they'd be out of budget to be honest. Then realised I could get quite a late one with sensible miles in budget! I've always loved the Z4, e85 and e89 especially in m Sport trim with the 19" wheels!

It's a quick car but it's not a true sports car. And that's fine by me. It works extremely well for me, roof down and swan around, sports mode and play with the paddles, cruise at 80mph comfortably and it doesn't require 100% attention to drive, you can be in a lazy mood and just get home.

When you say White / White do you mean the side repeaters? In the flesh I'd of preferred to go back to chrome than have the black ones. They looked terrible. I'm glad I did it otherwise I'd always be thinking what it would look like, but colour coded is definitely best. The black grills and hoops make a nice difference. I still want to sort out some sort of black Splitter but I don't want to ruin it with something I make so I'm trying to get one made.



SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

160 months

Tuesday 15th August 2017
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I think I'm nearly there with exterior mods! I've had the lower part of the front bumper wrapped in Gloss Black and have put 12mm spacers on the rear :thumbsup: I originally bought the 12mm spacers for the front and had 20mm on the rear. Unfortunately I got a lot of rubbing on the rear so off they came and I put the 12's on the rear. Annoying as it looked perfect!

I'm in contact with someone about producing some sort of OEM inspired front Splitter and then I will definitely be done. I was tempted by a 35i exhaust conversion but I don't want it to seem like I'm trying to make it something it's not so decided against it.

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

160 months

Monday 21st August 2017
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Had a good run up to Shepshed yesterday to meet with a few other Z4's, nice to see some of the e85/e86 Z4M's. The Coupe really is a great looking car!




SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

160 months

Friday 1st September 2017
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BMS Stage 1 tune installed, it's made a huge difference so I will try to get it on a rolling road to see what it's doing asap.

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

160 months

Sunday 10th September 2017
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Got my new plate on woohoo


SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

160 months

Saturday 7th October 2017
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Few updates...

Will hopefully be able to jump on the rolling road next weekend to see what sort of power it's running with the tuning box!

I've decided to have all aspects of the audio upgraded, 4 channel amp, digital sound processor, all new speakers and 1 maybe 2 8" subs behind the seats.

Centre silencer on the exhaust will be removed and new tips fitted.

Looking at a colour coded lip spoiler.

Finally getting progress on the splitter I want!



Will hopefully be ready for a trial fit on my car next week!

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

160 months

Wednesday 22nd November 2017
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Failed MOT due to 3 cracks in one of the rear M326 wheels so a good excuse to upgrade to so M359’s that I’ve wanted for ages! My favourite OEM wheel!



Hoping the splitter is sorted before Xmas!

Mr Tidy

22,259 posts

127 months

Thursday 23rd November 2017
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Those wheels are fantastic - I think I need to keep a look-out for some! thumbup

I also love the shape of the Coupe - that's why I'm on my second!

Gratuitous photo follows:-



SebringMan

1,773 posts

186 months

Friday 24th November 2017
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I've seen this thread for a while but never commented!

When I initially saw the E89s I did really like them. Strange considering I felt lukewarm towards the E87. The 28i engine however didn't appeal much. That said, they don't sound bad on full chat at all, and let's remember that the E30 M3 had a 4 pot as did the 2002 Tii and the Turbo. In that respect the car certainly has some pedigree behind it.

The spoiler looks to be coming on very well and the wheels are a lovely touch! The colour combo is lovely!

DonaldTrump

770 posts

182 months

Friday 24th November 2017
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Is the BMS a plug a play tuning box type of thing?? I have just ordered a TMC for my Z4 but not sure now weather or not to fit it as other ph members are telling me it's an inferior product likely to end in engine destruction if i use it.

Assuming you have a plug in box how are you getting on with it?? are you worried about engine problems?? and do you think i should be.

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

160 months

Saturday 25th November 2017
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SebringMan said:
I've seen this thread for a while but never commented!

When I initially saw the E89s I did really like them. Strange considering I felt lukewarm towards the E87. The 28i engine however didn't appeal much. That said, they don't sound bad on full chat at all, and let's remember that the E30 M3 had a 4 pot as did the 2002 Tii and the Turbo. In that respect the car certainly has some pedigree behind it.

The spoiler looks to be coming on very well and the wheels are a lovely touch! The colour combo is lovely!
Appreciate your comments! As mentioned previously, I hadn’t set out to purchase a Z4 let alone a 28i... just something about the colour combo, spec, age, mileage, price that felt right so I went to have a look!

I’m glad I did, I really do enjoy the car.

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

160 months

Saturday 25th November 2017
quotequote all
DonaldTrump said:
Is the BMS a plug a play tuning box type of thing?? I have just ordered a TMC for my Z4 but not sure now weather or not to fit it as other ph members are telling me it's an inferior product likely to end in engine destruction if i use it.

Assuming you have a plug in box how are you getting on with it?? are you worried about engine problems?? and do you think i should be.
Hi mate,

Yes, it’s a box with a few wires coming out of it that connects to 2 or 3 sensors.

I was incredibly dubious before fitting it and told myself I’d remove it if there were any drawbacks / issues from it. I’ve not had any issues with it.

I liked the idea of the BMS box as it’s the same company who produce the JB4 which is widely recommended within the N54 forums.

I’ve had a lot of remapped cars previously but I still wasn’t a huge fan of the idea re the box.

But, it’s spot on. Throttle response is no instant (for a turbocharged engine anyway) and it pulls so much stronger throughout the Rev Range but just as smoothly!