My new BMW Z4 28i M Sport

My new BMW Z4 28i M Sport

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SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

161 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

161 months

Sunday 10th September 2017
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Got my new plate on woohoo


SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

161 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

161 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!

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

161 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

161 months

Saturday 25th November 2017
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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!

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

161 months

Saturday 25th November 2017
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Thought I’d get some pictures in the day light, I’m absolutely loving the new wheels now!









SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

161 months

Wednesday 7th February 2018
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Just thought I’d share a few updates!

Splitter is complete and fitted (and most importantly, not made from wood!)



I’ve had the exhaust modified and it now sounds much better. I’ve got these which will finish it off...



I’ve also got Royal Steering wheels to retrim my wheel which should be finished / fitted in 2-3 weeks!



Really looking forward to the summer and making the most of all car related days this year!

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

161 months

Tuesday 20th February 2018
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Pics with these items fitted!









Then it was time for the big service, a new set of rear tyres and 4 wheel alignment which was messed up 3 times! Thankfully I took it to another garage who use Hunter equipment and an operator who’s nickname isn’t “Boomerang” and all is now sorted!

Had a rolling road day at SRR last Saturday and I’m pleased to say Charlie gave it the thumbs up, it’s running well and most importantly safely in terms of furling etc.

Didn’t quite make the power I was hoping but it still feels quick enough and the dyno has backed up my thoughts of how smooth the tune is.





Managed to get my new steering wheel early, in absolutely in love with this, it’s completely changed the driving experience, look, feel, grip etc. I love these mods that make such a big impact but could get away with looking OEM! By far the best money I’ve spent on the car and something I’ll probably get done on all future cars immediately!







Finally managed to have the roof down on the weekend so have a couple of random pics!






A few more pieces will happen over the summer I’m sure but I’m pretty much done with this now, going to enjoy it! I’m really tempted by an M240i but I think I’m going to hold off and just enjoy the Z for a few more years, absolutely loving the thing at the moment!

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

161 months

Tuesday 20th February 2018
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dibblecorse said:
Looks great .. couple of questions if I may ...

1. The sound system upgrade, what did you go for in the end and does it all tie in with iDrive and standard audio front end, and at what sort of cost ?
2. Are the wheels OEM BMW or replicas, if replicas, where from ?
3. As you now have the 12mm spacers on the rear does this mean you have no spacers on the front and are the ET's on your wheels the same as the 326's that came off or is that the reason for the spacers ?

Cheers

Dibs
Hi Dibs, no problem!

1. I’ve fitted the tweeters and speakers from a Mini that we’re very kindly sent to me by a member on here! These have if I’m honest made a big difference. I’ve chucked a set of MB Quart co axial in the rear. Still have the standard speakers in the footwells. So I now have an 8 speaker setup. I’m reasonably happy with the sound, I may add an amplifier or a slim line active sub at some stage but the tweeters have made the biggest difference (I didn’t think they would but they have!).

2. Replicas from BM Autosport, think they were around the £6-700 mark. They’re Avant Garde wheels, CM Wheels also sell them. At the moment, I wouldn’t recommend them. First set I had a hand car wash stripped the lacquer off with wheel cleaner. So I bought another set and sold the first set on needing a refurb. I’ve now got lacquer peeling again and I’ve not used anything on them that shouldn’t be. I’m currently waiting a response from BMW Autosport as to whether they’re going to cover the cost of the refurb as I don’t want another new set which could do the same thing!

3. I was running a 12mm rear spacers with the 326’s, nothing on the front. The M359’s are an inch wider front and rear so they sit perfectly without spacers.

Hope this helps!

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

161 months

Tuesday 20th February 2018
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dibblecorse said:
Thanks and noted regards the wheels ....

Also thanks to you I have now just messaged Royal about a wheel refurb ..... smile
You really will not regret it! It’s making me want to go out in the car for a drive... it’s that nice!

Pics of yours??

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

161 months

Tuesday 20th February 2018
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dibblecorse said:
Here you go ....




Ah think I’ve seen this in the Z4 Forum smile Nice!

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

161 months

Wednesday 21st February 2018
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Hammy98 said:
Lovely looking car and well done on the splitter, great idea.

I'm quite taken by that wheel retrim, what's the process there? Do you remove the wheel yourself and post them it or something?

I'm thinking of having it done on my Mini but I'd like to avoid having to buy a spare wheel just so that I wasn't without while they were re-trimming.
It’s as easy as pie, £50 deposit upon order, he sources a wheel etc. You go to him, he changes everything over and you pay the balance.

I think you can buy outright without exchange and you can also do exchange and fit yourself.

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

161 months

Wednesday 21st February 2018
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Prinny said:
But but but KFC have no chicken!? laugh That will date this post in years to come.

T’was I who sent Steve the speakers - the Mini ones have much bigger magnets & are therefore better able to handle the sound separation, especially if you add an inline resistor for the tweeters. If I remember correctly, it’s around £120 total for the two mids & two tweeters from BMW/Mini direct - ironically, I read about it on the z4-forum, so you can get part numbers there.

They really do freshen up the sound-stage in the car, well worth it, and they’re just plug&play.
Always forget your username, sorry! Kindest man on pistonheads!! Thank you so much! I’m sorry it took so long for me to fit them! Thank you!!

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

161 months

Friday 23rd February 2018
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Next upgrade sorted!


SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

161 months

Sunday 4th March 2018
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So happy with this!

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

161 months

Sunday 4th March 2018
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SiT said:
This is looking magnificent, I really really like what you have done! Think that’s fairly respectable power to for a two seat rear wheel drive car.

Our of interest are you getting ‘near’ the 40mpg you hoped you would??

Keep the updates coming, what’s next??

Si
Thank you!

No where near, should have just bought the 35iS in the first place! Lucky if I see 30mpg.

Splitter and rear valance are going gloss black, rear calipers need painting to match the fronts and I’ve got some H&R springs to get the front sitting ever so slightly lower!

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

161 months

Sunday 4th March 2018
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Some pics at Denbies




SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

161 months

Sunday 4th March 2018
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LordGrover said:
hehe I suspect 35iS will be no better than my old 35i DCT which struggled to get low twenties.
With a map though at least I’d be looking at circa 400bhp! Although, I’m not sure if you could ever use it. I find myself backing off after a few seconds of WOT at the moment anyway. Annoying but true.

I guess I feel a bit short changed by the consumption to power ratio!

SteveS Cup

Original Poster:

1,996 posts

161 months

Wednesday 9th May 2018
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Lowered slightly more at the front and fitted a carbon fibre lip spoiler. Getting her ready for the summer!