Discussion
Hello PH, I've have had my MY04 3.0i Roadster for just under a week now and have a few questions! I love the car so far, and that burble is extremely addictive. 
The tyre pressure sensor came on the other day, which I reset but upon closer inspection it seems the drivers side front may have a slow puncture.. I'd ideally like to eventually replace all the existing RFTs on the car but doing this at once will be quite costly and as the others are fairly new and perfectly fine it would seem a bit of a waste to do all four in one go. Would I be okay replacing the slow puncture with a non-RFT for now and do the other three when it is more convenient? Or am I better just doing two at a time?
Another issue that worries me is there is a cable coming from the centre console on the passenger side that leads up into the actual console itself, and the end is not dissimilar to what would attach to a tyre's valve from a pump. It's just sitting there under the right hand side of the passengers seat. It doesn't lead anywhere and I cannot find the answer as to what it is. Is it something to do with the passenger seat air bags? It is rather worrying in any case. Can upload a picture if anybody asks.
Also if anyone can recommend an independent specialist in or around the West Yorkshire area that'd be great. The car had all fluids/filters/plugs done 7,000 miles ago so won't need anything soon (hopefully) but if somebody knows a place for future, that'd be great.
Plans at the moment are a stubby aerial, leaning towards powder coating the alloys in grey and after seeing an exhaust video earlier, to save for a Eisenmann racing exhaust.
The tyre pressure sensor came on the other day, which I reset but upon closer inspection it seems the drivers side front may have a slow puncture.. I'd ideally like to eventually replace all the existing RFTs on the car but doing this at once will be quite costly and as the others are fairly new and perfectly fine it would seem a bit of a waste to do all four in one go. Would I be okay replacing the slow puncture with a non-RFT for now and do the other three when it is more convenient? Or am I better just doing two at a time?
Another issue that worries me is there is a cable coming from the centre console on the passenger side that leads up into the actual console itself, and the end is not dissimilar to what would attach to a tyre's valve from a pump. It's just sitting there under the right hand side of the passengers seat. It doesn't lead anywhere and I cannot find the answer as to what it is. Is it something to do with the passenger seat air bags? It is rather worrying in any case. Can upload a picture if anybody asks.
Also if anyone can recommend an independent specialist in or around the West Yorkshire area that'd be great. The car had all fluids/filters/plugs done 7,000 miles ago so won't need anything soon (hopefully) but if somebody knows a place for future, that'd be great.
Plans at the moment are a stubby aerial, leaning towards powder coating the alloys in grey and after seeing an exhaust video earlier, to save for a Eisenmann racing exhaust.
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/ might be your best place although it isn't exactly the best owner's forum I've ever been on.
I wouldn't recommend putting different tyres on each axle, not even if it was for a short while. The RFTs are admittedly very poor (IMO) with regards to road feel and I replaced mine in the first week with Falken 452s from Camskill. It also appears that they are the weapon of choice for the majority of Z4 owners.
Cable sounds like it could be an iPod/AUX connection?
Oh and service it yourself, it's easy and so much cheaper than any garage. I posted a 'how to' on the Z4 Owners forum for the 3.0 engine.
HTH
I wouldn't recommend putting different tyres on each axle, not even if it was for a short while. The RFTs are admittedly very poor (IMO) with regards to road feel and I replaced mine in the first week with Falken 452s from Camskill. It also appears that they are the weapon of choice for the majority of Z4 owners.
Cable sounds like it could be an iPod/AUX connection?
Oh and service it yourself, it's easy and so much cheaper than any garage. I posted a 'how to' on the Z4 Owners forum for the 3.0 engine.
HTH
Well one RFT will seemingly set me back the best part of £200, and for that I could do both the fronts at once really. Then do the back two at some other stage?
I thought it could be aux but I wasn't sure. Doesn't look particularly like one..
Did ask the on the Z4 forum but nobody seemed bothered to reply to me, and most topics are about MPG and that's it. :-s
Servicing wise is something I probably will attempt myself, I'd just rather be aware of any possibilities should anything go ...wrong. Will have a look for that guide though.
I thought it could be aux but I wasn't sure. Doesn't look particularly like one..
Did ask the on the Z4 forum but nobody seemed bothered to reply to me, and most topics are about MPG and that's it. :-s
Servicing wise is something I probably will attempt myself, I'd just rather be aware of any possibilities should anything go ...wrong. Will have a look for that guide though.
Edited by Jimmy No Hands on Tuesday 27th September 22:13
Jimmy No Hands said:
Well one RFT will seemingly set me back the best part of £200, and for that I could do both the fronts at once really. Then do the back two at some other stage?
I thought it could be aux but I wasn't sure. Doesn't look particularly like one..
Did ask the on the Z4 forum but nobody seemed bothered to reply to me, and most topics are about MPG and that's it. :-s
Servicing wise is something I probably will attempt myself, I'd just rather be aware of any possibilities should anything go ...wrong. Will have a look for that guide though.
Haha, there does seem to be a surge in people asking about mpg on there recently.I thought it could be aux but I wasn't sure. Doesn't look particularly like one..
Did ask the on the Z4 forum but nobody seemed bothered to reply to me, and most topics are about MPG and that's it. :-s
Servicing wise is something I probably will attempt myself, I'd just rather be aware of any possibilities should anything go ...wrong. Will have a look for that guide though.
Edited by Jimmy No Hands on Tuesday 27th September 22:13
Book figure of 31mpg seems to be a good average, surprisingly
I went non-rft to FK452, but imo, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric are better tyres despite the cost, they last longer and wear better.
I tried to pick up a BMW M tyre repair kit (about £50 on eBay usually), they have a pump and tyre repair liquid etc in them... in the end I got a few tins of Holts tyre weld stuff, and a pump, and a BMW Mini tyre weld bottle thingy, so I have a few solutions if I get a flat tyre.
What wheels do you have? My 108's split rims and RE050 RFT were leaking when I got the car... but it was leaking air down the side of a leaky valve... those wheels seem to be bad for being a bit leaky. I think the corrosion on them can generate sealing issues.
I'd just pump them all up, check for leaks around the bead/valve etc, and then see how fast they lose pressure. Mine were slow leaking for a month till I replaced them. Just topped up every few days. I'd just take the plunge and swap them all.
As for the wire thing, post a picture here and lets see.
As for garages, why not just use BMW? I've used BMW Wakefield a number of times now and they always seem reasonable on price, and have a good quality of service. These cars are so easy/nice to work on, you may as well either DIY it and make a real saving, or go BMW imo. No point paying an independent for something you can do yourself while also losing FBMWSH and losing a decent level of come back if they do something retarded to your car.
Thanks
Dave
Edited by Mr Whippy on Tuesday 27th September 23:58
Yeah it isn't the best owners forum I've visited. Will gladly upload a picture once I get home from work. Tax is also due now, came at a great time. 
Checked the pressure today and it was at a whopping 7 PSI so im presuming its well and truly gone. Pumped it up for the time being. But looks likely ill go down the Falken route as they are quite competitively priced. I have the 5 spoke rims, not sure what they are called but think they are the 108's.
Also computer tells me 9k to service so a while yet.
Checked the pressure today and it was at a whopping 7 PSI so im presuming its well and truly gone. Pumped it up for the time being. But looks likely ill go down the Falken route as they are quite competitively priced. I have the 5 spoke rims, not sure what they are called but think they are the 108's.
Also computer tells me 9k to service so a while yet.
Welcome to Z4 ownership, hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Know what you mean about mpg threads - obviously people buy them with different priorities in mind. if there's more than ever it must be bad. How low you can get it might be more interesting Some nice folk on there though, and some very knowledgeable, so don't write it off imo. Worth checking roof motor drain clearance threads.
Ditto Dave's comment about servicing. BMW do a lower rate for older cars too, and you can get a quote in advance. They don't need servicing that often so it's not a huge saving over time.
Yes, your wheels sound like 108s. Can't remember if RFTs are repairable, probably if they've not been driven on flat, I suspect.
Know what you mean about mpg threads - obviously people buy them with different priorities in mind. if there's more than ever it must be bad. How low you can get it might be more interesting
Some nice folk on there though, and some very knowledgeable, so don't write it off imo. Worth checking roof motor drain clearance threads.Ditto Dave's comment about servicing. BMW do a lower rate for older cars too, and you can get a quote in advance. They don't need servicing that often so it's not a huge saving over time.
Yes, your wheels sound like 108s. Can't remember if RFTs are repairable, probably if they've not been driven on flat, I suspect.
Will definitely utilise all the guides on the forum, they seem quite handy!
As far as i know if they are completely flat they can get damaged beyond repair. But ill keep my eye on it for now and see how fast it looses pressure as there is no visual signs of a puncture.
So glad I went this route instead of a Focus ST now. Made the right decision for sure. Debating whether to do the sound generator mod now
As far as i know if they are completely flat they can get damaged beyond repair. But ill keep my eye on it for now and see how fast it looses pressure as there is no visual signs of a puncture.
So glad I went this route instead of a Focus ST now. Made the right decision for sure. Debating whether to do the sound generator mod now
Replace all four tyres and put them on ebay - You'll be surprised how much money you can get for some part worn RFT's.
Before you spend a load of cash on the exhaust, have you taken any of the foam out of the intake 'sound generator'? This might keep you satisfied at zero cost.
You'll have to upload a photo of the cable for anyone to make a decent guess at what it is.
Before you spend a load of cash on the exhaust, have you taken any of the foam out of the intake 'sound generator'? This might keep you satisfied at zero cost.
You'll have to upload a photo of the cable for anyone to make a decent guess at what it is.
Where are you, local to Leeds?
You are welcome to meet up if you want, I've done some sound generator mods, suspension tweaks (bushings), exhaust tweaks, non-RFT etc...
Then I can have a look over with my keen eye and make note of anything I'd be worried about for you.
They are great cars, more so with the right tweaks (imo)
As for the RFT, I ran on mine for ages at 9psi on the front offside wheel (the days following pick-up from the trader after a 100 point check
), and when I finally removed it and swapped it a month later frequent top-ups, it was fine on the inside.
I'd just get FK452 fitted asap, with new valves, get the wheel bead seat nicely cleaned up too, to make sure the leak isn't bead seat related...
My next jobs are alignment, squirty PTFE on my squeaky new poly rear bushes, and then finally get round to reading off the map via BDM, and looking at the steering mapping. I'm sure it can be improved lots!
Dave
You are welcome to meet up if you want, I've done some sound generator mods, suspension tweaks (bushings), exhaust tweaks, non-RFT etc...
Then I can have a look over with my keen eye and make note of anything I'd be worried about for you.
They are great cars, more so with the right tweaks (imo)
As for the RFT, I ran on mine for ages at 9psi on the front offside wheel (the days following pick-up from the trader after a 100 point check
), and when I finally removed it and swapped it a month later frequent top-ups, it was fine on the inside.I'd just get FK452 fitted asap, with new valves, get the wheel bead seat nicely cleaned up too, to make sure the leak isn't bead seat related...
My next jobs are alignment, squirty PTFE on my squeaky new poly rear bushes, and then finally get round to reading off the map via BDM, and looking at the steering mapping. I'm sure it can be improved lots!
Dave
Partial sound gen mod is where it is at 
Since de-secondary catting the car it makes a bit more exhaust noise now (which it needs), so the sound-generator foam of 1/4 of original is left in.
By 1/2 it's as good as the same as fully in.
All the foam in is horrible imo. You can't really hear much except the mechanical noise of the engine only, and not the best parts of that either.
As standard these cars are very woofly and bland on the exhaust note front for a big 6 cylinder NA! 330Ci sounds better...
Dave
Since de-secondary catting the car it makes a bit more exhaust noise now (which it needs), so the sound-generator foam of 1/4 of original is left in.
By 1/2 it's as good as the same as fully in.
All the foam in is horrible imo. You can't really hear much except the mechanical noise of the engine only, and not the best parts of that either.
As standard these cars are very woofly and bland on the exhaust note front for a big 6 cylinder NA! 330Ci sounds better...
Dave
Jimmy No Hands said:
Might be a silly question but whats DISA?
I'd not heard of it before either http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&am...Took the smallest bit of foam out this afternoon and went for a top down cruise (hoon). Does make a massive difference inside the cabin above 3k or so. It's staying out, I've decided.
My newest problem is I can't find the damn locking wheel nut. Going to hopefully take the DISA out and have a look at that tomorrow too but there isn't any rattling or hesitation so touch wood it's okay.
..Anybody lowered theres on springs? If so what brand?
My newest problem is I can't find the damn locking wheel nut. Going to hopefully take the DISA out and have a look at that tomorrow too but there isn't any rattling or hesitation so touch wood it's okay.
..Anybody lowered theres on springs? If so what brand?
Lowering
Honestly, what is the obsession with lowering these cars.
Mine grounds everywhere if you get your boot down, scrapes speed bumps, bumper scrapes kerbs in parking spaces.
I will only say that if my car were lowered, it'd be a flawed car for driving imo. Best to get some decent adjustable dampers as I think they are the weaker point, and the RFT tyres being replaced!
Dave
Honestly, what is the obsession with lowering these cars.
Mine grounds everywhere if you get your boot down, scrapes speed bumps, bumper scrapes kerbs in parking spaces.
I will only say that if my car were lowered, it'd be a flawed car for driving imo. Best to get some decent adjustable dampers as I think they are the weaker point, and the RFT tyres being replaced!
Dave
Pretty sure I don't but I'll give it a proper looking over tomorrow. Won't be a happy bunny if that's the case
As for the lowering I've seen a few in the flesh that sat a little lower and think it improves the look a lot. The back looks like it sits higher than the front, though it might just be me. I don't want to slam it or anything ridiculous
Also whats the deal with cup holders, were they US spec only or something?
As for the lowering I've seen a few in the flesh that sat a little lower and think it improves the look a lot. The back looks like it sits higher than the front, though it might just be me. I don't want to slam it or anything ridiculous
Also whats the deal with cup holders, were they US spec only or something?
Cup holders were an option. You can buy them for about £40 I think.
I've used mine about twice, and even then they didn't feel as good as putting it between your legs resting against the jewels...
They also squeak lots on bumpier ground. Unless you drink lots in the car, I wouldn't bother.
As for lowering. I'd see how you go with it first. The cars are very low to start with, and you mess up so much stuff when lowering I can only imagine that a lowered car is almost technically worse in every way. Your only gain is it looks a bit cooler, though I just look at them and think 'flawed'
You could argue that they are actually better a bit higher with softer suspension.
Dave
I've used mine about twice, and even then they didn't feel as good as putting it between your legs resting against the jewels...
They also squeak lots on bumpier ground. Unless you drink lots in the car, I wouldn't bother.
As for lowering. I'd see how you go with it first. The cars are very low to start with, and you mess up so much stuff when lowering I can only imagine that a lowered car is almost technically worse in every way. Your only gain is it looks a bit cooler, though I just look at them and think 'flawed'
You could argue that they are actually better a bit higher with softer suspension.
Dave
Tried to check the condition of the DISA today and maybe give it a clean but the two bolts were well and TRULY stuck and couldn't get them to budge with a good half hour of trying with a bit of lubricant on them as-well. Car seems to idle the same whether it's connected or not so no signs of it going bad.. yet.
Can't find any cracks or visual signs of damage on the tyre/alloy but it's still loosing pressure. Not at an alarming rate but it will have to go. The car has Bridgestone Potenzas all round but the rear two are not RFT for whatever reason, so I'm just going to put two new non RFT on the front and maybe stick the good RFT on the Bay to see if I can claw anything back. My rears are 255/35's and my fronts are 225/40's, is this correct?
And I've added a picture of the cable that's driving me mad.
Anybody?
Can't find any cracks or visual signs of damage on the tyre/alloy but it's still loosing pressure. Not at an alarming rate but it will have to go. The car has Bridgestone Potenzas all round but the rear two are not RFT for whatever reason, so I'm just going to put two new non RFT on the front and maybe stick the good RFT on the Bay to see if I can claw anything back. My rears are 255/35's and my fronts are 225/40's, is this correct?
And I've added a picture of the cable that's driving me mad.
Anybody?
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