Jonttt Imola II Red S54 Z3m Roadster Journal
Those wheel spacers look the business Jonttt, I've saved the seller for future needs Can you tell me where you got your old wheel bolts from with the ///M logo on.
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I'm quite happy to keep the Breytons on all summer, hence finishing them off with spacers.
I got the rear Schnitzers because they were on offer to sell off remaining stock. It may take me all year to find some suitable fronts or I may buy new if/when the euro improves (but at over £1,000 per wheel I'm trying to resist).
I got the rear Schnitzers because they were on offer to sell off remaining stock. It may take me all year to find some suitable fronts or I may buy new if/when the euro improves (but at over £1,000 per wheel I'm trying to resist).
Thats the prob with the AC's, theyre damn expensive, but then your paying for the quality, cheapest 18's I could find for the 1 Series was £490 per alloy so just shy of 2k for the set then another 600 notes ontop for the Goodyear Eagles still I'm happy with the BMW club sport rims, will just have to foresake this years cruise and buy the AC's for the ZedJonttt wrote:I'm quite happy to keep the Breytons on all summer, hence finishing them off with spacers.
I got the rear Schnitzers because they were on offer to sell off remaining stock. It may take me all year to find some suitable fronts or I may buy new if/when the euro improves (but at over £1,000 per wheel I'm trying to resist).
Tim.
Great work Jonttt. Bargain ACS too (for new of course)!
The addition of a fire extinguisher is a retrofit mod I've done on all my BMWs (apart from my first E36 which had it optioned from new), and I intend to do the same on the MC.
The part number for the universal extinguishers is common, so I usually source an as-new one second hand and then buy the bracket new from the dealer, as they are quite cheap.
The addition of a fire extinguisher is a retrofit mod I've done on all my BMWs (apart from my first E36 which had it optioned from new), and I intend to do the same on the MC.
The part number for the universal extinguishers is common, so I usually source an as-new one second hand and then buy the bracket new from the dealer, as they are quite cheap.
12mm hib centric Spacers fitted today.
Straight forward job and fitted no problems. Great quality, very light and cheaper than the better known makes. I'm happy to recommend them
On the hub
I use some bolt guides to help mount the wheels to the hub (saves some swearing trying to line up the bolt holes )
I fitted the new longer wheel locks as well. I thought I might as well fit 2 per wheel as they are too long for the front. So I fitted the locking nut removed from the back to the front as well (so 2 locking nuts front and back fitted for extra protection)
Before on the left, after right
Just about perfect and look a lot better, glad I didn't go 15mm though as that would have been too much.
The rear tyres as 255 width (recommended by Breyton) but I think they could take 265's easily.
Took the car out for a good hour "blast". I also fitted a new smaller steering wheel (write up to follow) so it was hard to tell what made what difference (probably the steering wheel made most difference) but WOW sooooooo much fun and definately more "point and shoot". Roads were damp/dry and the back end seemed more predictable around the twisties
Might be psychological but the wider track seemed to make a difference.
Adjustment from stock wheels:
Standard Z3m wheels are
Front 17x7.5 ET41
Rear 17x9.0 ET8
Breyton Magic Racing (without spacers)
Front 18x8.5 ET38
Rear 18x9.5 ET19
giving change from stock wheels
Front - 10mm less inner clearance, outer extended 16mm
Rear - 17mm less inner clearance, outer retracted by 5mm
and now
Breyton Magic Racing (with 12mm rear spacers)
Front 18x8.5 ET38
Rear 18x9.5 ET7
giving change from stock wheels
Front - 10mm less inner clearance, outer extended 16mm
Rear - 5mm less inner clearance, outer extended by 7mm
Straight forward job and fitted no problems. Great quality, very light and cheaper than the better known makes. I'm happy to recommend them
On the hub
I use some bolt guides to help mount the wheels to the hub (saves some swearing trying to line up the bolt holes )
I fitted the new longer wheel locks as well. I thought I might as well fit 2 per wheel as they are too long for the front. So I fitted the locking nut removed from the back to the front as well (so 2 locking nuts front and back fitted for extra protection)
Before on the left, after right
Just about perfect and look a lot better, glad I didn't go 15mm though as that would have been too much.
The rear tyres as 255 width (recommended by Breyton) but I think they could take 265's easily.
Took the car out for a good hour "blast". I also fitted a new smaller steering wheel (write up to follow) so it was hard to tell what made what difference (probably the steering wheel made most difference) but WOW sooooooo much fun and definately more "point and shoot". Roads were damp/dry and the back end seemed more predictable around the twisties
Might be psychological but the wider track seemed to make a difference.
Adjustment from stock wheels:
Standard Z3m wheels are
Front 17x7.5 ET41
Rear 17x9.0 ET8
Breyton Magic Racing (without spacers)
Front 18x8.5 ET38
Rear 18x9.5 ET19
giving change from stock wheels
Front - 10mm less inner clearance, outer extended 16mm
Rear - 17mm less inner clearance, outer retracted by 5mm
and now
Breyton Magic Racing (with 12mm rear spacers)
Front 18x8.5 ET38
Rear 18x9.5 ET7
giving change from stock wheels
Front - 10mm less inner clearance, outer extended 16mm
Rear - 5mm less inner clearance, outer extended by 7mm
Last edited by Jonttt on Sun 07 Feb, 2010 22:22, edited 5 times in total.
Looking good Jonttt.
Where did you get the guides from, it's always a pain getting them lined up so would like some of those myself.
Where did you get the guides from, it's always a pain getting them lined up so would like some of those myself.
Aceman
Arctic Silver '98 Z3M
Previously;
Bright RED '99 Z3 2.8
Rocking seats ? You need seat bushes click HERE
Arctic Silver '98 Z3M
Previously;
Bright RED '99 Z3 2.8
Rocking seats ? You need seat bushes click HERE
Looks good jonttt
Are the spacers attached/screwed to the hub or in effect just sandwiched in place by the wheel?
I'm just thinking about "separation issues" when you take the wheels off next time.
For example even though I copper grease the hub and flange, it's often necessary to persuade the wheel to come off.
If the spacer sticks to the wheel you could have an interesting time
Are the spacers attached/screwed to the hub or in effect just sandwiched in place by the wheel?
I'm just thinking about "separation issues" when you take the wheels off next time.
For example even though I copper grease the hub and flange, it's often necessary to persuade the wheel to come off.
If the spacer sticks to the wheel you could have an interesting time
Hey jontt, my m /// came with a fire extinguisher in the boot, the original by the look of it? Still has the pin, etc and I have the mounting parts from BMW. I didn't know these were difficult to find (the extinguishers) as I got a new one for my 8 series back in october 09?
It's a cool (and practical) thing to own though!
It's a cool (and practical) thing to own though!
They are effectivey sandwiched on place (ie not bolted on) but being hubcentric they are a very "snug" fit on the hubs wheel bore flange. I always use copper grease but sometimes you do have to "tap" them off ie remove the centre badgeTitan wrote: Are the spacers attached/screwed to the hub or in effect just sandwiched in place by the wheel?
I'm just thinking about "separation issues" when you take the wheels off next time.
For example even though I copper grease the hub and flange, it's often necessary to persuade the wheel to come off.
If the spacer sticks to the wheel you could have an interesting time
I'm going to order the fitting bracket so will ask the dealer if they are still available. (I as led to believe there is a different "model" now)violetduck wrote:Hey jontt, my m /// came with a fire extinguisher in the boot, the original by the look of it? Still has the pin, etc and I have the mounting parts from BMW. I didn't know these were difficult to find (the extinguishers) as I got a new one for my 8 series back in october 09?
It's a cool (and practical) thing to own though!
I fitted a smaller steering wheel at the same time as the hub spacers last weekend.
It is a Raid Daytona sports steering wheel with Airbag.
I have done a full write up HERE
Some pics......
Side by Side
Before
After
This has been a long term project of mine to research, source and fit (ever since I got my first ///M) as I have always perceived the stock ///M wheel to be both too large a circumference and too thin.
To say I'm pleased with the result is an understatement.
The wheel feels perfect and adds a more responsive "directness" to the cars steering and percieved handling. You really do feel as though you can throw the car around the bends with more control.
It is a Raid Daytona sports steering wheel with Airbag.
I have done a full write up HERE
Some pics......
Side by Side
Before
After
This has been a long term project of mine to research, source and fit (ever since I got my first ///M) as I have always perceived the stock ///M wheel to be both too large a circumference and too thin.
To say I'm pleased with the result is an understatement.
The wheel feels perfect and adds a more responsive "directness" to the cars steering and percieved handling. You really do feel as though you can throw the car around the bends with more control.
Good job jonttt. Did you put the ACS badge on the airbag cover? There was a thread on bimmerforums discussing the merits of adding a badge to the cover - some perceived that there was a danger of it flying off when the airbag deploys. Probably the least of your worries if you're in that situation
Current...1998 ///M Coupe
Previously...1997 Z3 2.8
Previously...1997 Z3 2.8
Yep, I fitted the AC Schnitzer badge to match the rest of the accessories fitted to the car.
There is normally a Raid sticker on the lower part of the wheel but I replaced that with a small ///M badge as well (ie like the OEM wheel).
They are just stuck on at the moment with the sticky backing they came with. I will be "super" glueing them on for just that reason once I know I'm happy with the badges
There is normally a Raid sticker on the lower part of the wheel but I replaced that with a small ///M badge as well (ie like the OEM wheel).
They are just stuck on at the moment with the sticky backing they came with. I will be "super" glueing them on for just that reason once I know I'm happy with the badges
AC Schnitzer Type III Split Rim Front
Managed to get my bargain of the year so far delivered today
I sourced two brand new rear AC Schnitzer Type III Race split rims a few weeks ago for about 1/3 of the normal retail price. These were with the "hard to get" rear offset suitable for the Z3m.
So that left me on the lookout for 2 matching fronts in the more "common" e46 fitment with an offset of 43.
I could go out and buy new but at £1,050 per wheel I was trying to avoid this. I did manage to get the UK agent down to £1,650 delivered for 2 new wheels but I was up for the challange of getting an even better bargain.
The downside was that I knew I may have get used and have them refurbed. These are not cheap wheels to refurb due to the polished lips and so I had to weigh up the likely cost of buying (probably) a full set of 4 wheels off an E46 and getting 2 refurbed against the cost of just buying 2 new (refurbed are never quite the same as new )
Then this weekend I had a call from DaveP from Z3Coupe to say that if I was quick one wheel had just been posted on eBay, ex display model for £190 buy it now. I have never moved so quickly in my life and fortunately had just arrived home after a hard days shopping with SWMBO.
So end result, bargain of the year so far, a £1,000 wheel in new condition for <£200. I could not believe my luck
It was described as "ex display, genuine BMW part, with a few minor marks", the picture looked fine, I was smiling, even with a few showroom marks it would be in much better condition than a second hand one. (nb a refurb would probably cost me c£150 per wheel).
I got great correspondance from the company selling and it arrived in its original box today.
To my surprise and relief the "few minor marks" were not marks at all but simply dirt that wiped away. The wheel is absolutely mint
The wheel would normally come with a 7mm spacer and longer bolts to bring the offset down to 36 from 43 for the Z3 front. I should be easily be able to source the spacers from eBay.
So 3 down 1 to go
I sourced two brand new rear AC Schnitzer Type III Race split rims a few weeks ago for about 1/3 of the normal retail price. These were with the "hard to get" rear offset suitable for the Z3m.
So that left me on the lookout for 2 matching fronts in the more "common" e46 fitment with an offset of 43.
I could go out and buy new but at £1,050 per wheel I was trying to avoid this. I did manage to get the UK agent down to £1,650 delivered for 2 new wheels but I was up for the challange of getting an even better bargain.
The downside was that I knew I may have get used and have them refurbed. These are not cheap wheels to refurb due to the polished lips and so I had to weigh up the likely cost of buying (probably) a full set of 4 wheels off an E46 and getting 2 refurbed against the cost of just buying 2 new (refurbed are never quite the same as new )
Then this weekend I had a call from DaveP from Z3Coupe to say that if I was quick one wheel had just been posted on eBay, ex display model for £190 buy it now. I have never moved so quickly in my life and fortunately had just arrived home after a hard days shopping with SWMBO.
So end result, bargain of the year so far, a £1,000 wheel in new condition for <£200. I could not believe my luck
It was described as "ex display, genuine BMW part, with a few minor marks", the picture looked fine, I was smiling, even with a few showroom marks it would be in much better condition than a second hand one. (nb a refurb would probably cost me c£150 per wheel).
I got great correspondance from the company selling and it arrived in its original box today.
To my surprise and relief the "few minor marks" were not marks at all but simply dirt that wiped away. The wheel is absolutely mint
The wheel would normally come with a 7mm spacer and longer bolts to bring the offset down to 36 from 43 for the Z3 front. I should be easily be able to source the spacers from eBay.
So 3 down 1 to go
Jon, great news what a bargain I'm pretty sure I saw this alloy on e-bay then noticed it dissapeared quickly, I would never have guessed who bought it . I think sometimes being patient and buying singular wheels can pay off as most buyers are looking for a set, it just can take longer but when you saving alot of money but still getting the same, makes it worthwhile
Tim.
Tim.
Re: AC Schnitzer Type III Split Rim Front
Shame you've got an ///M JontttJonttt wrote:Managed to get my bargain of the year so far delivered today ....... So 3 down 1 to go
"Normal" Zeds come with a spare wheel which would have completed your set
Re: AC Schnitzer Type III Split Rim Front
I would rather have quad exhausts than a spare wheelTitan wrote:Shame you've got an ///M JontttJonttt wrote:Managed to get my bargain of the year so far delivered today ....... So 3 down 1 to go
"Normal" Zeds come with a spare wheel which would have completed your set
Jonttt, any luck fitting the extinguisher? I have had the extinguisher and mounting parts new from BMW (just under £50 all-in) sat waiting to be fitted, but after looking just now, fitting is not as straight forward as on my previous BMWs.
The mounting part on the seat itself is covered with the actual seat covering material. This would mean cutting through to fit the mounting bracket I think.
I really need to get the seat out of the car for a proper look to see if there is another way, as I really don't want to cut anything.
Let me know if you have any ideas, in the meantime I'm going to start a new thread with requests for pictures of items fittined from factory and to share notes with anyone who has done the retrofit.
The mounting part on the seat itself is covered with the actual seat covering material. This would mean cutting through to fit the mounting bracket I think.
I really need to get the seat out of the car for a proper look to see if there is another way, as I really don't want to cut anything.
Let me know if you have any ideas, in the meantime I'm going to start a new thread with requests for pictures of items fittined from factory and to share notes with anyone who has done the retrofit.
I've a non BMW extinguisher that's just kept in my boot, but be interesting to see how the original is mounted and don't blame you for not wanting to cut your seats up.
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- Joined: Thu 18 Feb, 2010 14:53
- Posts: 6
Awsome thread, and very inspiring read. Just bought my 2.8 coupe, but it´s still sitting in the garage om 19" summer tyres awaiting the spring... Pics will be up when the season starts
Tnx alot for keeping my urges under control. Not even driven my car on proper tyres and dry asphalt yet...
/andreas.
Tnx alot for keeping my urges under control. Not even driven my car on proper tyres and dry asphalt yet...
/andreas.
Yorkshire Dales run through to Whitby
First "proper" run in the Z since I got her last year (local roads don't count, much more fun when you have no idea where you are )
Met up with Deano, Pingu and Spokey (+ his better half) for a "reccy" run starting at Whetherby Services (J46 A1(M)), through the Yorkshire Dales to Whitby and back.
The day was "damp" with some drizzle early on and the back roads had a little mud on them to keep the concentration levels up
Halfway point at Whitby, Deano plans the route back
Titan (and son) had joined us for lunch (he even brought some sheep )
The aftermath, back at Whetherby Services
Great Fun
Now where did I put that jet washer
Met up with Deano, Pingu and Spokey (+ his better half) for a "reccy" run starting at Whetherby Services (J46 A1(M)), through the Yorkshire Dales to Whitby and back.
The day was "damp" with some drizzle early on and the back roads had a little mud on them to keep the concentration levels up
Halfway point at Whitby, Deano plans the route back
Titan (and son) had joined us for lunch (he even brought some sheep )
The aftermath, back at Whetherby Services
Great Fun
Now where did I put that jet washer
Last edited by Jonttt on Sat 06 Mar, 2010 19:58, edited 1 time in total.
Hi Jonttt
Loving the Raid wheel and the fantastic write up, I want one now!!
Just a couple of questions;
1. How does this mod affect insurance on the S54 as you effectively lessen the level of safety provided by the 2 stage air bag system on a higher speed collision (or shouldn't I ask )?
2. Does the smaller wheel obstruct the view of the gauges in the dash, I guess not being adjustable that is why the original wheel was so large?
Cheers
Ade
Loving the Raid wheel and the fantastic write up, I want one now!!
Just a couple of questions;
1. How does this mod affect insurance on the S54 as you effectively lessen the level of safety provided by the 2 stage air bag system on a higher speed collision (or shouldn't I ask )?
2. Does the smaller wheel obstruct the view of the gauges in the dash, I guess not being adjustable that is why the original wheel was so large?
Cheers
Ade
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- Joined: Wed 12 Mar, 2008 14:33
- Posts: 1967
- Location: UK
Wow thats dirty good to see it driven properly...like above really not sure i could let me car get that dirty!! i have a paddy after a few hours drive on the motorway about dead flies and stone chips!!
Progress Thread:http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... 32&t=36117
Previous - S54 M Roadster, S50 M Roadster, Ibiza Cupra IHI 340bhp, Ibiza Cupra K04 270bhp, 6n2 Polo GTi
What a weekend zedding.
Saturday fast road coast to coast from Liverpool to Whitby via the Yorkshire Dales and back.
Sunday leisurely Lakes Cruise in the sun.
550 miles of driving bliss
Some pics from today (Lee's black Z, Ians Red (aka MyRedZed))
Will keep a smile on my face for a while
Edit: Lee has posted up some more pics HERE
Saturday fast road coast to coast from Liverpool to Whitby via the Yorkshire Dales and back.
Sunday leisurely Lakes Cruise in the sun.
550 miles of driving bliss
Some pics from today (Lee's black Z, Ians Red (aka MyRedZed))
Will keep a smile on my face for a while
Edit: Lee has posted up some more pics HERE
Last edited by Jonttt on Tue 09 Mar, 2010 13:22, edited 1 time in total.
I should not affect your insurance as plenty of cars only havea single stage airbagaj2007 wrote:Hi Jonttt
Loving the Raid wheel and the fantastic write up, I want one now!!
Just a couple of questions;
1. How does this mod affect insurance on the S54 as you effectively lessen the level of safety provided by the 2 stage air bag system on a higher speed collision (or shouldn't I ask )?
2. Does the smaller wheel obstruct the view of the gauges in the dash, I guess not being adjustable that is why the original wheel was so large?
Cheers
Ade
Really depends on seat position but for me I just "lose" the top few numbers on the speedo so no problem. From what I've read from others they are the same.
I would not go any smaller than 340mm both for this reason and also in practice I think it would "feel" wrong whilst driving ie 340mm really does feel a lot smaller at first, but with 500 miles now under my belt I'm chuffed to pieces with the way it drives, feels so solid, responsive and perfect, I actually enjoy holding the steering wheel now
- 3.0 Lakes Lee
- Joined: Wed 01 Apr, 2009 08:34
- Posts: 258
- Location: Kendal
Yep.......................great day. That top pic is a definite calendar shot, weather couldnt be better.
Will have to do it again.
Lee
Will have to do it again.
Lee
<a href="http://s185.photobucket.com/albums/x201 ... ooter2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x201 ... ooter2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Car went in for its MOT this morning to a new indy I've not tried before since moving house over xmas (Autotech just outside Liverpool City Centre). Very impressive setup.
Left at 8.30am to pick up at 5pm.
Got a call at 9am to say it had passed with no advisories (how quick was that, they must have decided to do it whilst the engine was still warm)
The surprising thing is it had 2 advisories last year for slight front ball joint play and front rear bush. That was carried out at a main dealer mmmmmm
I did not say anything to the Indy as I wanted to see if they said the same thing before having the work done (I even have powerflex poly brushes in the boot ready for fitting!).
I'll have a chat with them when I pick it up later but could this be another example of a main dealer "trying it on" last year ?
ps it means I must have lined my lights up correctly as well
Edit: picked the car up and asked the indy about the advisories from the last MOT and he said rubbish. He showed me that there was no play
ps Always nice when they say how nice the car looks and comment on never having seen an imola one before
When I picked it up it was parked between a CSL and pristine pheonix e46 cabriolet
All set for a summers fun now
Left at 8.30am to pick up at 5pm.
Got a call at 9am to say it had passed with no advisories (how quick was that, they must have decided to do it whilst the engine was still warm)
The surprising thing is it had 2 advisories last year for slight front ball joint play and front rear bush. That was carried out at a main dealer mmmmmm
I did not say anything to the Indy as I wanted to see if they said the same thing before having the work done (I even have powerflex poly brushes in the boot ready for fitting!).
I'll have a chat with them when I pick it up later but could this be another example of a main dealer "trying it on" last year ?
ps it means I must have lined my lights up correctly as well
Edit: picked the car up and asked the indy about the advisories from the last MOT and he said rubbish. He showed me that there was no play
ps Always nice when they say how nice the car looks and comment on never having seen an imola one before
When I picked it up it was parked between a CSL and pristine pheonix e46 cabriolet
All set for a summers fun now
Last edited by Jonttt on Mon 08 Mar, 2010 20:47, edited 1 time in total.
- 3.0 Lakes Lee
- Joined: Wed 01 Apr, 2009 08:34
- Posts: 258
- Location: Kendal
Good news, always nice when they pass. Spotted this after we were chatting by Ullswater
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AC-SCHNITZER-STEE ... 20afd9ac99
and this, black acs handbrake
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Genuine-AC-Schnit ... 1c10289e63
Ordered a new brake light from Batemans today, tad expensive!!!!
Lee
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AC-SCHNITZER-STEE ... 20afd9ac99
and this, black acs handbrake
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Genuine-AC-Schnit ... 1c10289e63
Ordered a new brake light from Batemans today, tad expensive!!!!
Lee
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Cheers Lee but I already have one of those badges. The problem is they are metal backed and so there is a danger of them flying off into your face on deployment of the airbag so it was removed. I need a "soft"option.
Rossiters were my backup source for the black series handbrake handle when/if I order the front wheel I require but......I've managed to source a new one from Germany for £50
Rossiters were my backup source for the black series handbrake handle when/if I order the front wheel I require but......I've managed to source a new one from Germany for £50