Z1 Clear Rear Lights

senna · Post by **senna** » Fri 24 Feb, 2006 11:47

Hi I wanted to talk about the rear lights on the Z1.
Would any body be interested in lights that were red but had clear indicators and reverse lights. Rather like the E36 M3.

I have heard that Hella are prepared to make these but need a minimum of 100 orders.

I am in for 2 pairs. Can we get more names.

Horke (in Germany)is the man to talk to.

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Fri 24 Feb, 2006 12:30

If i remember correctly this subject came up before and didnt go down well, as there was talk of similarities to the "Hot Hatch Hoodie Gang".

Interesting idea though Senna, would that be LED?

One thing I have noticed over the years is most UK owners are less "adventurous" when it comes to deviating from the basics of the Z1. Wheels, audio and Exhaust seems to be the limit. Anything off-specification never seems to take off, not sure why........

Unlike our european counterparts, they are into everything, tricks, mods, upgrades, resprays, spoilers and full support for cruises!

senna · Post by **senna** » Fri 24 Feb, 2006 13:20

We are trying to get them to produce clear (orange) lenses not LEDs.
I know the Z1 scene here is a bit backwards.

Mine is lowered and looking for a good M50 2.8 Lump to transplant into it.
In Germany the norm is to have a strut brace, lowered on Konis, twin rear box, E30 M3 bushes and LSD (+/- a 2.7 lump).

I don't really mind if the engine transplant is not agreed with, if one uses the car alot then the deficiencies soon become apparent.

I think modding is ok as long as it is reversible. (even 18 inch replica Alpinas if that is what you like).

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Fri 24 Feb, 2006 14:39

senna wrote: I think modding is ok as long as it is reversible. (even 18 inch replica Alpinas if that is what you like).

uh-oh, im in trouble! what Ive got in mind is permanent .....

Senna, im curious: How did you come to be in a position where you are replacing axle parts and stuff on a Z1? You have a history of these cars?

Zed One · Post by **Zed One** » Fri 24 Feb, 2006 17:05

Hi Senna,

I'd certainly be up for a set....I've always hated the orange rear lenses (I've already made my front ones clear and this made a HUGE difference visually!!) The current rear light set-up is what dates the car the most!

I'd only want ones that look OEM (I.e. identical to the current ones, but with the amber lens in clear) not the 'lexus' style crystal ones - I think these would look tacky on our lovely Z1's!!

I'm with you on the 'alterations' side of things - I'm happy to 'adjust' my car to suit MY needs and desires - not just keep it standard for the sake of pleasing others!

I too wouldn't do anything TOO permanent, but have already got the strut brace (Wiesmann) twin rear box (4 pipes) again wiesmann and also the clear front lenses (DIY job!)

I'm looking into a CAT replacement pipe......I'd looked at it a few years ago but the company kept messing me around! I need to get that one going again! Also looking to design a stainless dash surround to go around the dials. I know you can get these in Germany, but want to design and make my own - along with a few other subtle stainless parts to brighten some of the interior without going OTT

I'd love to lower mine a little (not much - just around 20/25mm) because I think it would suit it more.....what kit would you recommend for this?

Induction is another thing I was going to look into, but might see what happens with your M50 transplant! After looking at 2.7 cranks and uprated head/cam (aka alpina/hartge style) I'd be very interested to see how the different engine route goes?? Please keep us up to date on this??

I'm not afraid to alter motors a little....over the last year I have turned this:

My weekend camping machine....and turned it into this:

Still for camping & off roading, but a lot more fun!! V8 engine next on the cards instead of the 2.5td lump!

Back on topic - you can see why I'd be interested in palying with the Zed a little more (maybe not as much as my Mitsubishi!!) and would be interested to hear what other projects you have planned etc....

Thanks for the offer of the rear lights - that's 3 sets....only 97 left to go!

Regards,

Bruce.

senna · Post by **senna** » Sat 25 Feb, 2006 16:21

Hi Jet,
yes I have a long history with Z1's I bought my first one in (1997) from Berlin when it was 3.3Dm to the pound, it was a good use of my student loan. It is a green one with a green hardtop and a motorsport sticker on the back.
Next was my red one from Weisbarden ALO4040 that was stolen from my drive. This is the one that I dismantled the transaxle on to replace the posterior U.J on and the door belts (Simple job)
My Blue one ALO7786 was standard, as is my current Z1.

Regarding the rear lights Horke (a Z1 God) in Germany needs 100 guaranteed orders before Hella will produce them.

Can you tell me how to load images as i am thick, and I can then show the engine change in progress.

Well done ZedOne on your mods.
To lower the car at the front by 10 mm then use Bonrath Strut Caps (i have a spare set that I removed as I wanted the car to be lower).

If you want to get the car down at the front by 25-30 mm, as I have done, then you need BMW E30 60 mm lowering springs for a 325i

Believe me it took a lot of time and effort to work that out.

This is a good look, but I am not going to go down lower as U.K roads are S..T

A friend in Germany used 60 mm springs and 10 mm Bonrath Caps. But they do not have as many stupid speed bumps there.

Regarding a de-cat exhaust, I looked into a system which was around £700 hand made. But for that you can get a good 24 valve engine, hence you can see my thinking.

The M20 engine was excellent in E21's in 1977, but it's a bit old now.

pierrez1 · Post by **pierrez1** » Sat 25 Feb, 2006 17:06

Count me in for rear lights too.

I hope that they make them by 100 orders I also read in the german forum we have to order at least 200. The rearlight is not so easy to make it seems

About lowering:
My first traumschwarz Z1 AL0201 had the eibach lowering springs which brought it 30mm nearer to the ground. You can use them untill 09.90!

Now on my fungelb I wanted it lower at the front and ordered a H&R adjustable suspension which was custom made for me

About the engine:
I am happy with the 2.7 (Schnitzer) engine with about 200 bhp and a 3.91 diff to compensate the 18 inch wheels. When another engine I would take the S52. I read that more then 240 bhp don't to the Zettie any good.

About the exhaust:
I have a Supersprint muffler and a Binoder double rear exhaust.
There is a pipebending firm nearby who offered to make an cat replacement for 300 euro but I have a little doubt about it, I heard that the sound is not very nice especially with the original exhaust a little hollow sound. But I think I try it out this summer.

Zed One · Post by **Zed One** » Sat 25 Feb, 2006 17:42

senna wrote:Regarding the rear lights Horke (a Z1 God) in Germany needs 100 guaranteed orders before Hella will produce them.

Hi Senna,

I'm certainly up for a set - but have you been quoted any kind of target price? I'm not trying to sound tight - but it just makes for less surprises when the 'bill' comes through!

If you can get a price - I'll be able to give 100% commitment

Like the sound of dropping the 'spension a little - but what have you done about the rear?? Not too sure I want anything as extreme as Pierre's custom set-up (well - not yet anyway!!

)

Thanks again for the info....if you could email me some photos of the engine swap - are you in the middle of this, nearly finished or about to start??

Also - where are you based?

Regards for now,

Bruce.

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Sat 25 Feb, 2006 19:08

Senna,

Add the picture as a "File", NOT as "attachment".

rgds

horke · Post by **horke** » Sat 25 Feb, 2006 19:10

Hey ... I'm not a god

And I'm not able to produce them ... I just told Chris/senna that there's a Z1-Driver from germany who has close contacts to Hella - and if they would have an order of about 100 pieces the could do them in red/(clear)white.
They would not be LEDs - they would be the same shape and material as the original ones - exept from clear inidcators instead of red ones.

pierrez1 · Post by **pierrez1** » Sat 25 Feb, 2006 19:13

With the French, German and English we should be able to get close.
I wil put an add on the Dutch forum too.

greetingz,

Pierre

PS when the price is OK I will order two sets to get close to the 100, I HATE orange lights

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Sat 25 Feb, 2006 19:24

Count me in!

Senna/Horke - have you asked the French and German owners? As you are unlikely to meet the 100 quota you need in the UK alone.

FinerZ1 · Post by **FinerZ1** » Mon 27 Feb, 2006 08:29

Count me in for the indicators too!!

I would also be very interested in your engine swap Senna as I'm seriously thinking about beefing up my Z1 in the near future.

Cheers

Paul

Racing Tortoise · Post by **Racing Tortoise** » Mon 27 Feb, 2006 08:58

Yup I'd be up for a pair of clear/red rear lights (non-LED) if thye weren't massively spenny.

Cheers.

Zed One · Post by **Zed One** » Mon 27 Feb, 2006 09:14

Well I make that 8 sets on this forum alone so far!!

Senna x2 (something your not telling us??

)

Pierre x2 (something you're not telling us either??

)

Jet x1

Paul (FinerZ1) x1

Racing Teatray x1

Bruce (Zed One) x1

If the German & French forums are anything like I imagine (a LOT more Zed's than us Brits - Pierre excepted!) then there shouldn't be too much trouble raising the bread to make this a goer!

Thanks for the info Horke/Senna....

Regards,

Bruce.

SCORPION · Post by **SCORPION** » Mon 27 Feb, 2006 10:41

The Dutch club like to modify - most seem to have the clear front lenses.
They have an enthusiastic and very active club. The Technical meeting in May 2004 had more than 100 Z1's over 2 days.
http://www.bmwz1.nl/

pierrez1 · Post by **pierrez1** » Mon 27 Feb, 2006 12:43

cnharris wrote:The Dutch club like to modify - most seem to have the clear front lenses.
They have an enthusiastic and very active club. The Technical meeting in May 2004 had more than 100 Z1's over 2 days.
http://www.bmwz1.nl/

The germans more

Last technical meeting there where four cars with other wheels and lowered, one of them was mine and the other's all germans. There was even an german car with a M3 S50 engine.
Most Dutch change the radio, the exhaust and the front lenses.
So I think there will be a market for the back lights to if not to expensive.

horke · Post by **horke** » Mon 27 Feb, 2006 18:08

cnharris wrote:The Dutch club like to modify - most seem to have the clear front lenses.
They have an enthusiastic and very active club. The Technical meeting in May 2004 had more than 100 Z1's over 2 days.
http://www.bmwz1.nl/

If you would have some info in english (or german) maybe there would be more Z1s coming ...

pierrez1 · Post by **pierrez1** » Mon 27 Feb, 2006 20:30

Not much Inspiration I would say.
Must Dutch are Originalo's, not like me more a lover of a Low and Wide Individualized car

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Mon 27 Feb, 2006 20:44

Hey Pierre,

Are you suggesting the Dutch have no imagination?

SCORPION · Post by **SCORPION** » Tue 28 Feb, 2006 20:09

Hi Horke
For information abot the Technical days keep watching the web site http://www.bmwz1.nl/ under Evenementem. They will post more details when all is confirmed.
I use http://www.freetranslation.com/ to translate Dutch to English. There are probably other sites that will do Dutch to German.

senna · Post by **senna** » Tue 28 Mar, 2006 16:49

Just started the M3 conversion for the Z1, using a 3.0l lump from a complete car. Photos will be posted (not the first thing on my mind). Does any body have a wiring diagram for the Z1 and the E36 M3.
Cheers.
please e-mail me with the answers I am confused

senna · Post by **senna** » Sat 15 Apr, 2006 08:58

Difficult but worth it!

spokey · Post by **spokey** » Sat 15 Apr, 2006 12:24

senna wrote:Difficult but worth it!

Nutter!

Do let us know how you get along...

FinerZ1 · Post by **FinerZ1** » Sat 15 Apr, 2006 16:32

Cool!!

The mind boggles thinking what this will be like to drive!

Where did you source the M3 engine from and was it expensive?

Cheers

Paul

senna · Post by **senna** » Sat 15 Apr, 2006 21:28

Hi the engine was actually very cheap, once I sold the rest of the car for parts, minus the other bits i need

pierrez1 · Post by **pierrez1** » Wed 29 Nov, 2006 19:11

Jet where are you

Stoertie · Post by **Stoertie** » Wed 29 Nov, 2006 19:32

...Jet is sleeping very well!

Ok, then I wiill try to explain. We ( "Z1-Nordlichter" ) from germany are planning a small serie of red/white taillights for the Z1.

We do not make a complete new light, just changing the orange blinker and the white reverse galss. The reverse glass only to avoid an optical difference between the new and the old white glass. The price for this modification will be 305 Euro plus shippment. We also have an cheep offer of a BMW-dealer for original backup taillights (460 Euro / pair)

At a faked pic this modification looks like this:

If someone is interested in a set of taillights please contact me by PM or over the Z1-Nordlichter link in the signature.

You also can ask "Jet" but be carefull, don't wake him up!

Best regards
Michael

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Wed 29 Nov, 2006 21:47

!!HERE!!

Nothing wrong with your english guys, and that picture says more than words.
Save a set of clear lights for me please, count me in!!

Stunning picture, I would love to own a blue Z1 one of these days.

Stoertie · Post by **Stoertie** » Thu 30 Nov, 2006 06:23

Good Morning "Jet"!

Ok, you are counted!

here are some more faked pics for the other colors:

...have a nice Day
Michael

bluejay · Post by **bluejay** » Mon 01 Jan, 2007 02:54

How about dark lenses, I seen a few of those can some one do a chop for a red zed?

Stoertie · Post by **Stoertie** » Mon 01 Jan, 2007 08:14

Happy new year to all of you!

dark taillights you paint by your own... there is a company called "foliatec" in germany, they have a transparent colour spray in black and red...

Look here: http://www.foliatec.de/index_en.php?

Best regards
Michael

BTW: For the clear rear lights modification we are complete, all of the 20 sets are sold!

xyobgyn · Post by **xyobgyn** » Mon 19 Mar, 2007 18:11

I know I represent a very rare group of Z1 owners....

But I'd buy one set of the rear lights...

I'll ask to see if anyone else I know is up for a set. We're not allowed to modify in the US, given that its a "show and display" car... but I think one would get away with this as it looks to be done properly.

ABLOriginalParts.com ..... I have a primordial green one!

Alex Lipowich

Stoertie · Post by **Stoertie** » Mon 19 Mar, 2007 19:48

Hi Alex,

I'm so sorry, but there is no set left... We just make 20 sets and they are sold out already. I' afraid no one will give his set away, because there are only 20 sets in a very special limited edition.

There is only 1 set for Great Britain, 1 for Austria, 4 for Netherlands and the rest is for Germany...

In Germany officialy we are also not allowed to make such modification too.
We all will NEVER drive with our cars on public streets, when the modified light are mounted!

Best regards
Michael

Stoertie · Post by **Stoertie** » Fri 23 Mar, 2007 18:14

Hello, it's me again,

for all of you, who has not ordert the clear rear lights at the end of last year...

The first samples arrived and I'd like to show you, which opportunity you have missed (these pictures are no fake-pics!):

and here at the car:

Can you see the difference?

The result is really better then I ever expected and everybody who has ordered a set of these rear lights will have something very special!

Best regards
Michael

BBZ149 · Post by **BBZ149** » Fri 23 Mar, 2007 19:28

Wow they look very cool. Did Jet get a set? as I remember him talking about it.

Pat Slade · Post by **Pat Slade** » Sat 24 Mar, 2007 15:49

Bu**er. They look terrific!

Pat

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Sun 25 Mar, 2007 13:25

Yea, I was looking for a partner in crime in case I screwed up

Racing Tortoise · Post by **Racing Tortoise** » Sun 25 Mar, 2007 17:04

They do look great, as I knew they would. But it was too complicated to do while I am away in Russia, which is why I passed on the opportunity. Would have needed to buy a second set of lights, making the cost just not economic in the grand scheme of things.

Oh well. Anytime anyone gets bored of theirs, let me know!

Stoertie · Post by **Stoertie** » Sun 25 Mar, 2007 17:58

RacingTeatray wrote:They do look great, as I knew they would. But it was too complicated to do while I am away in Russia, which is why I passed on the opportunity. Would have needed to buy a second set of lights, making the cost just not economic in the grand scheme of things.

Oh well. Anytime anyone gets bored of theirs, let me know!

... e-c-o-n-o-m-i-c ???

Economic and BMW Z1 really doesn't go together, or am I wrong???

Best regards
Michael

fluoman · Post by **fluoman** » Mon 26 Mar, 2007 22:06

Hi all,

Another alternative, try this ones ...

All clear

@++ fluo

Maxaluna · Post by **Maxaluna** » Thu 29 Mar, 2007 09:19

Can you email me on machirado@yahoo.com

I am interested in buyin these lights for my Z1

thanks

G

Bruno · Post by **Bruno** » Wed 26 Mar, 2008 15:47

Hi,

Z1 Clear Rear Lights

- What's up ??
- Are they available or Not yet ??
- Can we remake its or Not ??
- if yes when can we have its ??

Z1 Clear Front Lights

How do you make that ?

Stoertie · Post by **Stoertie** » Wed 26 Mar, 2008 16:15

Bruno wrote:

- Are they available or Not yet ??
- Can we remake its or Not ??

Hi Bruno,

from the "Limited White Edition" (red/white rear lights) we only made an preordered and prepayed quantity. And we decided to make NO second serie of these lights, because the price will be too high. - That's it.

Bruno wrote:

Z1 Clear Front Lights
How do you make that ?

You just take "Degreaser65" from "Kontakt-Chemie" ( http://www.crcind.com/csp/web/ProdDisp. ... &brand=KOC )
and wash out the orange colour. Then you take an orange bulb (for example the "Philips Silver Vision"), file off one of the small pins at the socked and fit it to the bulb holder.

That's all...

Best regards
Michael

Avo86 · Post by **Avo86** » Thu 27 Mar, 2008 01:13

What is expensive?

I think people here would pay a lot for one of those sets. At least I would. Considering the huge improvement they make on the Z1

Stoertie · Post by **Stoertie** » Thu 27 Mar, 2008 05:07

Expencive is, when I have to make minimum 15 aditional sets for ~ 1500 Euro and less then 15 Z1-owners will buy this toy...

A lot of people ask me for a 2nd edition, but everybody was shocked when I told them the price.

Best regards
Michael

Bruno · Post by **Bruno** » Thu 27 Mar, 2008 08:55

Hi,

Sorry but I don't understand, how is it for each one ??
May be if there are many owners want to buy its, we could have a good price, don't you think ??
And if it's quite expensive I'm agree with our friend from Miami
"people here would pay a lot for one of those sets"
So please thinking many owners would be very intrested even if there is so much delay, we have much more patience...

Magic1 · Post by **Magic1** » Thu 27 Mar, 2008 10:26

i would be interested in both the front and rear lights in clear, are they still available and how do I get them and what price are they.

Thankzzzzzzzzzz

Stoertie · Post by **Stoertie** » Thu 27 Mar, 2008 11:05

Hi Bruno,

the price of approx. 1500,- Euro is calculated for one set (left and right rear light).

But my decision is fixed. I will not make a 2nd serie of the "Limited White Edition".

Best regards
Michael

Bruno · Post by **Bruno** » Fri 28 Mar, 2008 08:43

Hi Michael,

What's pity !!! Raally it was very well done !! when I looked at your photos, I'd like to have the same thing.
For the Rear Lights, Do you think that we can make the same thing like "Front Lights" with "Degreaser65" ??
Can we wash out the orange colour mysellf ?

And for Front & Rear witch "orange bulb" we can take ?

Bye

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