Add another "new" Z4 owner... Pt II

[RecycledTeen]

Well, after two years of ownership of an E85 3.0, it was time to jump to the next level in this line's heritage. Seriously considered an M, but was looking for something newer and with remaining warranty/maintenance, so I am now the rather content owner of a very well equipped 2011 Z4 35is, DCT, Space Gray / Red Kansas Leather. Premium, Cold Weather, and Premium Sound Packages, 19" 326M wheels, PDC. One owner. 25k miles.

Couple of mods already done (you SMEs will be able to pick up). Next on list will probably be caliper covers and maybe white angel eye bulbs, though yellow is still very attractive and functional. Oh, and yes, the RFT's gotta go!

Some phone pics:

DAY ONE (as I got it)





DAY TWO (after getting a couple of maintenance items done)





TODAY (just back from the beauty salon)







And a couple BEFORE and AFTER shots







So you like?

[BMWZ4RIDER]

I'll take 2, (of each)

[RecycledTeen]

HeHe, thanks rider. And thanks also for your posts on mods and "stuff" - been quite helpful already!

(Has the snow melted yet???)

[2011CrazE89]

Amazing what a difference a stubby antenna makes. Love the side markers too. Nice job!

[F1LOCO]

Looking good. Th E89 is just sexy..top up, top down. Those "ladies" need be allowed to design more Bimmers IMHO. They nailed it.

[vasmir]

Nice!
If you're looking for more mods, I recommend doing the front side reflectors next: http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=301161

And +1 for a fellow space grey!

[VailM3]

Congrats, the 1st thing you need to do a golf t-mod and remove the s piping valve line from your right exhaust. You will NEVER put it back save from going to the dealer.

2nd. get some white halos.

3rd enjoy.

[DKZTT]

Good choice, I like it...biased opinion. Next should be FMIC, DownPipe, then aftermarket tune. If I had to do it all over again, I would have skipped the exhaust, because the downpipes makes a big difference in sound and performance.

[BrooklynG87]

Beautiful looking car! Congrats with it. What a nice color combination. I love the red interior!

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by DKZTT

Good choice, I like it...biased opinion. Next should be FMIC, DownPipe, then aftermarket tune. If I had to do it all over again, I would have skipped the exhaust, because the downpipes makes a big difference in sound and performance.

Agreed on the parts.. I would maybe switch order to chip (cobb?), FMIC then downpipe

[RecycledTeen]

Thanks peeps. Good ideas, all of them, though not sure if I'm all in just yet. The performance of this one over the prior E85 is significant enough to enjoy stock for a while. (But as already mentioned, non-RFT will more than likely be next).

[mbetoni]

Originally Posted by Dave 19103

Thanks peeps. Good ideas, all of them, though not sure if I'm all in just yet. The performance of this one over the prior E85 is significant enough to enjoy stock for a while. (But as already mentioned, non-RFT will more than likely be next).

You have a compatriot here. Coming from two previous E85s, most recently an '08 3.0si, the entire E89is is an upgrade . Starting with (most significantly for me) the DCT, and then add in the better looks, interior, sound system (14 speakers vs 10), more power, hard top, wheels, seamless iPhone integration w/ nav, you name it - its all improved. It can be argued that it's less hardcore than the E86 M Coupe, but as this car was never going to be a track toy in my case, for me it's irrelevant. My mods are few and easy: 35% tint all around, de-badged, valve stem caps and a new style BMW stubby antenna. I had a mangowalk stubby on the E85 but BMW's newer stubby style fits (IMO) better on the E89. I also waited for the LCI as BMW tends to improve each model as it gets older, a lesson I learned with my previous E85s.

Link to pics of my car here, although it's mineral and not space grey, I think you'll find it familiar .

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by mbetoni

It can be argued that it's less hardcore than the E86 M Coupe,

+1

[RecycledTeen]

MBetoni - your car looks SHWEEET!

Was a good day to do some wheel & brake caliper cleaning.

This is what I wanted to address:





After:





A shot of the rear brake after cleaning:



And since we were in there, a little interior wheel detailing (and opticoat protection), done on all four wheels:



Mo betta.

[Vintage]

looks really great - love the side markers; maybe we need another upgrade on our e89

[BMWZ4RIDER]

Clean look. Nice job.

[tab380]

New to this site. Just signed a deal for a 2012 z4 sDrive 35i M on eBay, Don't know the lingo or meaning of some of the abbreviations used on this site yet.
That chrome thing on the side of the fender you replaced the side light with, Is it a drop in replacement? or do you need to dril mounting holes?
Also, can a front license plate bracket be removed? or do they screw into the painted bumper?

[BMWZ4RIDER]

Originally Posted by tab380

New to this site. Just signed a deal for a 2012 z4 sDrive 35i M on eBay, Don't know the lingo or meaning of some of the abbreviations used on this site yet.
That chrome thing on the side of the fender you replaced the side light with, Is it a drop in replacement? or do you need to dril mounting holes?
Also, can a front license plate bracket be removed? or do they screw into the painted bumper?

Search this forum.
This is the complete write up on retrofitting the side markers with the new LCI side markers.
Direct retrofit. Plug and play.


http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthre...I+side+markers

[Crazykoh]

Originally Posted by tab380

New to this site. Just signed a deal for a 2012 z4 sDrive 35i M on eBay, Don't know the lingo or meaning of some of the abbreviations used on this site yet.
That chrome thing on the side of the fender you replaced the side light with, Is it a drop in replacement? or do you need to dril mounting holes?
Also, can a front license plate bracket be removed? or do they screw into the painted bumper?

Unless there is a special bracket they screw into the bumper, but can be removed. Someone on the forum had found plugs that seemed to look pretty good. Better than a plate anyway. I can't remember who it was though.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by tab380

Also, can a front license plate bracket be removed? or do they screw into the painted bumper?

The front license plate bracket does screw into the painted plastic bumper cover

[i001947]

It's kind of ironic that the OP stated that he wanted to move up to a M3. When I bought my 2013 M3 a year ago, I was in the market for a Z4. After going through the options, I realized that I was approaching the M3 base price point. With a little more savings, I evenly pulled the trigger for the M3.

I love my M3, but not a day goes by when I wondered how my life would have been like in that Z4 I walked away from. It's funny how things works itself out. I only wished I could have bought both.

I would be proud to own a Z4 like yours.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by i001947

not a day goes by when I wondered how my life would have been like in that Z4 I walked away from.

If you are really curious, my Z435i lease is $589/mo incl CA tax.

Z4 is a great street car. Always a lot of fun. HPDE though, I think even 135is or 335is are better choices.