Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.

My Z4 35i, unexpected purchase, minor project

Specific discussion about the E89 2009 Z4 (sDrive35is, sDrive35i, sDrive30i, sDrive23i)
Matt Scarbro
Member
Member
Posts: 53
Joined: Tue Jul 18, 2017 10:42 am

My Z4 35i, unexpected purchase, minor project

Post by Matt Scarbro » Wed Jul 26, 2017 2:51 pm

I always like to make project threads for my cars so here we are with one for the Z4!

I came here looking for a 3.0 Coupe having always loved the shape, found a nice one and then stumbled across the car we eventually bought for a little bit more...

The budget had originally been 12k but a little stretch got us something a generation newer, more special on the inside and with some extras to make living with the car more enjoyable.

So unexpectedly we have ended up with a 35i in Havana, with a lovely spec including the extended leather ivory trim and dark wood that really sold me on the car.

It's a manual which to be honest was led by price, I didn't really have a preference between manual and DCT, so with the doppelkupplungsgetriebers costing a bit more with similar spec, the manual was an easy choice.

Our car does however benefit from a fairly comprehensive tune from Birds, using the Dinan software. The receipt documents considerable dyno time perfecting the map so it's nice to know it's 'just right'.

In terms of power the dyno graph shows peaks of 366bhp and 421lbft, which are impressive numbers! As you'd expect with a 3l turbo the curves are also suitably vuloptuous!
I would say the car feels effortlessly quick with nice surge through the middle of the revs, rather than being quite as ballistic as the numbers would suggest. It's so difficult to tell but I would imagine it's a similar speed to the 435d it replaces, perhaps a little less potent than the derv destroyer at all but licence losing speeds, due to the 8 closely stacked cogs and lightning fast shifts that benefitted the posh barge.

A couple of sweet heel and toe downshifts with the six singing though and I appreciate the manual box!

In terms of immediate plans, it will soon need fresh rubber so I'm deliberating over that. Are the Rainsports sufficient for what is ultimately a nice cruiser for us, or do I give it the best and go with Continentals...

Beyond that I'm looking at getting the CDV (clutch delay valve) removed, as the clutch action and gear change feels inorganic to me. I think I'll also give the 'golf tee' exhaust mod a go, being easily reversible it's worth seeing whether the difference is positive. Would be nice to hear a bit more of that lovely engine though!

A set of Eibach springs and spacers are also on the cards, as are wheel refurbs. Bit of research to do on the former and there's a decision to make on colour for the latter.

Anyhow, lots of rambling, if you've stuck with it this far then well done indeed!

A few pics ahead of the thorough clean it deserves when time permits!
Enlight57.jpg
Enlight57.jpg (604.87 KiB) Viewed 2030 times
IMG_4093.JPG
IMG_4093.JPG (360.42 KiB) Viewed 2030 times
IMG_4063.JPG
IMG_4063.JPG (310.11 KiB) Viewed 2030 times
E86 3.0 road & track project and assorted Jap crap
YouTube: Circuit : Driver

User avatar
ekimj10
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1284
Joined: Tue Mar 12, 2013 3:48 pm
Location: Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

My Z4 35i, unexpected purchase, minor project

Post by ekimj10 » Wed Jul 26, 2017 3:06 pm

Very good looking motor, great choice and relatively rare I guess.
All the best and enjoy!
2.2R Toledo Blue

User avatar
sunnydays
Member
Member
Posts: 983
Joined: Fri Sep 23, 2016 7:50 am

My Z4 35i, unexpected purchase, minor project

Post by sunnydays » Wed Jul 26, 2017 3:06 pm

Love the interior colour!

User avatar
hopz121
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 3711
Joined: Sun Jul 03, 2011 4:33 pm
Location: Guildford Surrey

My Z4 35i, unexpected purchase, minor project

Post by hopz121 » Wed Jul 26, 2017 3:21 pm

I'd go Michelin Pilot Supersports for tyres and then get a LSD :)
2004 BMW E46 M3 Coupe - Manual - Silver Grey
2017 BMW F31 318d M-Sport - Auto - Glacier Silver
2007 Porsche Cayman 2.7 - Manual - Arctic Silver
2003 Renault Clio 172 Cup - Blue
2003 BMW E85 Z4 3.0i - Gone
2008 BMW E90 330i SE - Gone

User avatar
R.E92
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1644
Joined: Wed Dec 04, 2013 10:10 am

My Z4 35i, unexpected purchase, minor project

Post by R.E92 » Wed Jul 26, 2017 3:23 pm

For the rubber if you want to give it the best then you need to be looking at the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. For a tuned 35i I wouldn't consider Rainsports.

Matt Scarbro
Member
Member
Posts: 53
Joined: Tue Jul 18, 2017 10:42 am

My Z4 35i, unexpected purchase, minor project

Post by Matt Scarbro » Wed Jul 26, 2017 3:35 pm

Is there a strong agreement from 35i owners that the Supersports are superior to the Contis?

As a self-confessed Evo fanboy, I've tended to use whatever they've recommended:
http://www.evo.co.uk/features/18309/the ... t/page/0/6

As for the Rainsports, I drove a c.300bhp turbocharged mk1 MX5 in the damp on a set and thought they were tremendous for the money. I'm leaning as has been suggested towards a premium, no compromise tyre though.

As for the LSD, if one pops up for sensible money second hand, I'll buy it. I can't justify the cost of the Birds conversion on this roadcar with two track cars that both have slippy diffs!
E86 3.0 road & track project and assorted Jap crap
YouTube: Circuit : Driver

User avatar
sunnydays
Member
Member
Posts: 983
Joined: Fri Sep 23, 2016 7:50 am

My Z4 35i, unexpected purchase, minor project

Post by sunnydays » Wed Jul 26, 2017 3:37 pm

Supersports have been replaced with the Pilot Sport 4S

Matt Scarbro
Member
Member
Posts: 53
Joined: Tue Jul 18, 2017 10:42 am

My Z4 35i, unexpected purchase, minor project

Post by Matt Scarbro » Wed Jul 26, 2017 4:34 pm

Ahhh, thanks, I thought the 4 S was an update on the PS4!
Has anyone actually tried the new 4 S then?

Very frustrating that Continental didn't supply a Contisport for this year's tyre test.
Best go and look at the German publications' tests and see if they completed the two.
E86 3.0 road & track project and assorted Jap crap
YouTube: Circuit : Driver

Busterboo
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 2798
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2016 2:49 am

My Z4 35i, unexpected purchase, minor project

Post by Busterboo » Thu Jul 27, 2017 9:18 am

sunnydays wrote: Wed Jul 26, 2017 3:37 pm Supersports have been replaced with the Pilot Sport 4S
A bit misleading, perhaps? :)

A range of Pilot Sports is available.
Vidi, vici, veni

User avatar
R.E92
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1644
Joined: Wed Dec 04, 2013 10:10 am

My Z4 35i, unexpected purchase, minor project

Post by R.E92 » Thu Jul 27, 2017 9:56 am

PS4S is just a direct update on the PSS. The naming is misleading as it's not a successor to the PS4.

All reviews are feedback I've seen rate the PS4S as the best UHP tyre on the market. My own personal experience coming from PSS is that they grip better, are quieter and offer a MPG increase.

User avatar
Marlon
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 10899
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2015 11:13 am
Location: Lancs.
Contact:

My Z4 35i, unexpected purchase, minor project

Post by Marlon » Thu Jul 27, 2017 10:07 am

I remember this forum car going up for sale not so long ago. Congratulations, and nice OP - sounds like your enjoying those extra horses :driving:
Image
Gone: 3.0si 2008 E85
911 997 Carrera S

Matt Scarbro
Member
Member
Posts: 53
Joined: Tue Jul 18, 2017 10:42 am

My Z4 35i, unexpected purchase, minor project

Post by Matt Scarbro » Thu Jul 27, 2017 12:01 pm

R.E92 wrote: Thu Jul 27, 2017 9:56 am PS4S is just a direct update on the PSS. The naming is misleading as it's not a successor to the PS4.

All reviews are feedback I've seen rate the PS4S as the best UHP tyre on the market. My own personal experience coming from PSS is that they grip better, are quieter and offer a MPG increase.
Great to have some real world feedback, I must be getting old as road noise and comfort are becoming more important in road cars!

Any supplier recommendations? Would quite like to try them but I don't think I'm prepared to pay a huge premium over the likes of the Conisports and Eagle F1s I've found to be excellent on other cars.
E86 3.0 road & track project and assorted Jap crap
YouTube: Circuit : Driver

Matt Scarbro
Member
Member
Posts: 53
Joined: Tue Jul 18, 2017 10:42 am

My Z4 35i, unexpected purchase, minor project

Post by Matt Scarbro » Thu Jul 27, 2017 12:10 pm

Interesting wear rate information in this test:
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/20 ... e-Test.htm

Has me considering the PremiumContact or SportMaxx as great allrounders...
E86 3.0 road & track project and assorted Jap crap
YouTube: Circuit : Driver

Online
User avatar
Nictrix
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 5423
Joined: Mon Aug 18, 2014 9:59 pm
Location: Paisley

My Z4 35i, unexpected purchase, minor project

Post by Nictrix » Thu Jul 27, 2017 12:15 pm

I have been checking out prices for F1s recently and the best prices were coming from Black Circles at £114 each for the rears in 18"
I was surprised that it would be an extra £40 each for 19" and an extra £80 each for PS4S in 19"
So the difference between Goodyear and Michelin on 19" is £40 each rear tyre.
Quite pleased that I have 18" wheels now. :)
E89 2014 35i M Sport Black with Black leather :)

jamie_z4
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 4621
Joined: Fri Dec 31, 2010 9:38 pm

My Z4 35i, unexpected purchase, minor project

Post by jamie_z4 » Thu Jul 27, 2017 1:33 pm

nice introduction & lovely motor in a great colour combo

welcome
18 Z4s owned to date.

Current: 2.5i Titan silver

Daily driver: 480bhp M140i Shadow edition.

Post Reply