POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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GISPOT
Joined: Fri 29 May, 2015 16:30
Posts: 12

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: New Forest, Hampshire UK
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POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by GISPOT »

I have owned a 1997 Z3 with very low mileage for 3- years now & love it to bits especially on sunny days. I'm now reviewing what proven & stylish modifications can be done to such a model to add a little more "grunt factor" to her. Have already replaced the standard wheels for a cool set of alloys. So that one is done & she looks great. By the way, my standard wheels with very good tyres are now for sale. Very good price for a fellow zroadster.net member. Re: collection logistics, I'm based on the south coast of England. Photos available to anyone interested
Simon C.
Best to all for happy & safe motoring,
Simon C and ZEBEDEE
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Cloz
Joined: Fri 30 Jun, 2006 01:41
Posts: 740

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Boucherville

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by Cloz »

Hi Simon,
If I had to do all over again I would go for a strut brace first. For me it was the most impressive modification I ever made. :drive
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Jonttt
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Joined: Sun 28 Dec, 2008 16:32
Posts: 6554

  M roadster S54
Location: Liverpool

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by Jonttt »

You do not say what engone you have but in general you are better off sorting handling / feel than power unless you just want to get away from traffic lights quicker. The problem is most current cars would still beat you ;-)

If I could have only done one mod to my Z3's it would have been fit a smaller / thicker Raid steering wheel. It retains the airbag but totally transforms the driving enjoyment of the car. It will feel faster around bends believe me lol. nb that is assuming your suspension is OK.
Happiness is not around the corner........happiness is the corner
Image Video or Journal Garage: 2015 FFRR Black Edition, Porsche Boxster GTS, 1997 Porsche Carrara C4S, Ex 2001 BMW S54 Z3m Roadster
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by Del »

As these cars are non-turbo there is not a lot of easy tuning - a remap would squeeze an extra10 BHP or so.
deni2s
Joined: Mon 25 Mar, 2013 22:02
Posts: 761

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by deni2s »

Jonttt wrote:You do not say what engone you have
It's 1.9.
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colb
Joined: Sat 05 May, 2012 22:46
Posts: 690

  Z3 roadster 1.8 TU
Location: Newport South Wales UK

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by colb »

How about an air induction kit to make it breath better?
Colb
1999 BMW 1.8 Z3
2003 BMW 2.5 Z4
1998 Honda Deauville NT650V
4wheels
Joined: Sat 24 Sep, 2016 19:42
Posts: 83

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by 4wheels »

do you want it to go faster/corner better.... or look prettier?
Juvvajuvva
Joined: Sun 06 Nov, 2016 16:52
Posts: 87

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by Juvvajuvva »

If you have a 2.8

M50 2.5 manifold
Z3M exhaust
CDA or Simota intake
Remapped ECU
H&R sway bars
KW Varient coilovers + 4 wheel laser alignment
Front strut brace, Butt strutand body brace.
The list goes on when you start,lol.
deni2s
Joined: Mon 25 Mar, 2013 22:02
Posts: 761

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by deni2s »

Juvvajuvva wrote:If you have a 2.8
I already wrote in previous posts - it's 1.9.
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by Del »

You can get 152 BHP from a stage 1 remap for the 1.9 M44 engine. Similar power to the 2.0 6 cylinder but in a lighter, more nimble car with better weight distribution. Combined with refreshed suspension of your choice - a great drive. :D

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=42727&p=396011&hil ... ne#p396011
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BonBon
Joined: Tue 08 Jan, 2008 21:10
Posts: 1227

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by BonBon »

The two simplest mods that IMO would change the look of your 1.9 Montreal Blue would be:
1. Spacers on rears
2. Paint the expanded metal mesh inside the gills silver.
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BonBon
Joined: Tue 08 Jan, 2008 21:10
Posts: 1227

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by BonBon »

...or you can completely change the gills to arctic silver (chrome is not for me).
Whatever tickles your fancy.
bertiejaffa
Joined: Fri 26 Jul, 2013 09:28
Posts: 1733

  M roadster S50
Location: Manchester

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by bertiejaffa »

I cant comment on the engine BHP improvements more than has already been mentioned however for me the interior is always a winner....

stormwerks gear know and handbrake levers
new handbrake and gear gaiters
scuffmaster for the tired leather/interior
stubby aerial
new sounds
upgraded seats/dash
refurbished steering wheel

There's lots to do on the interior and lots of help on the knowledge base. You can also check out journals such as JONITT, GOOKAH, G8JKA, YALDEN (they are some of my faves)... usually look at the links under the signatures.... maybe you could even view my little attempts for inspiration :lol:
Here come the girls.....
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My //M Refurb
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g8jka
Z Register member
Joined: Sun 18 Apr, 2010 21:16
Posts: 1149

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Telford

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by g8jka »

Your the man when it comes to interior upgrades Bertie!
2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Titanium Silver Roadster with too many mods to list :-D :drive
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bertiejaffa
Joined: Fri 26 Jul, 2013 09:28
Posts: 1733

  M roadster S50
Location: Manchester

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by bertiejaffa »

g8jka wrote:Your the man when it comes to interior upgrades Bertie!
:cheers ... the inspiration came from others.... (sorry I should have also mentioned Southernboy!!!)
Here come the girls.....
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My //M Refurb
My First Zed Journal
Boosh
Joined: Sun 30 Nov, 2014 22:40
Posts: 324

  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by Boosh »

Totally agree with bertiejaffa, as those mods are for the most part easy to do, and easily reversible (apart from retro fitting extended leather, which is neither, I would think!). I would, if I may, also add repainting the tweeter grilles, and vinyl-wrapping the door trims, which I think can uplift a somewhat plain interior. Here's my attempt:

Before:Image

And after:
Image

I would, however, say that for me, the best mod was to fit a dimming rearview mirror, as other cars' headlights at night can be a right pain in the...eyes.

Boosh.
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BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
Posts: 2225

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by BladeRunner919 »

Boosh wrote:
I would, however, say that for me, the best mod was to fit a dimming rearview mirror, as other cars' headlights at night can be a right pain in the...eyes.

Boosh.
That's interesting. Is there a thread about it, or can you share some details?
Boosh
Joined: Sun 30 Nov, 2014 22:40
Posts: 324

  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by Boosh »

Well, it's been a couple of years, but I think it was this thread: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=42469
Hope that helps,

Boosh.
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BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
Posts: 2225

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by BladeRunner919 »

Thanks! Was it a BMW mirror, or from a different car?
Boosh
Joined: Sun 30 Nov, 2014 22:40
Posts: 324

  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by Boosh »

I'm ashamed to admit that it 'fell in my pocket' (though I did purchase other items). I think it was from an E46. It isn't the 'clown's nose' kind, and has exactly the same exterior aspect as z3's OE. At the time, some commented that many had tried, and many had given up, which didn't bode well. But I'm glad I did it. It's a bit of a hairy mod to do, as you need to disconnect and transplant the central locking receiver and mother board, then re-tune your key(s). My set-up is simplified, as I didn't get the electrical feed from the light switch, but from the central locking receiver IIRC. So my mirror is always live and can/does therefore operate when ignition is off! But it's been a couple of years, now, with no ill-effects on the battery. Took a bit of research, and some nerves, but we'll worth it.
On another note, another simple mod was to move the hood switch from between the seats to the dash board. Fiddly, but not exactly difficult.

Boosh.
GISPOT
Joined: Fri 29 May, 2015 16:30
Posts: 12

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: New Forest, Hampshire UK
Contact:

Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3

Post by GISPOT »

Thanks for all your responses last year on giving my 1997 Z3 some simple upgrades & mods. Sorry for long delay in replying but every man's nightmare grabbed me with the big C. So spent most of the last 10 months in a Lymphoma unit. However, out now & ready to play with my lovely Z. So to take on one of your recommendations, where is best source to buy wheel spacers for my back wheels? Alternatively, what rim & tyre sizes are safe to make the rear end look more grunty? Thx again to you all, Simon at GI SPOT
Best to all for happy & safe motoring,
Simon C and ZEBEDEE
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