POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
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.
Simon C.
Best to all for happy & safe motoring,
Simon C and ZEBEDEE
Simon C and ZEBEDEE
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
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.
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.
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
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.
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.
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
As these cars are non-turbo there is not a lot of easy tuning - a remap would squeeze an extra10 BHP or so.
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
It's 1.9.Jonttt wrote:You do not say what engone you have
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
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
1999 BMW 1.8 Z3
2003 BMW 2.5 Z4
1998 Honda Deauville NT650V
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
do you want it to go faster/corner better.... or look prettier?
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- Joined: Sun 06 Nov, 2016 16:52
- Posts: 87
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
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.
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.
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
I already wrote in previous posts - it's 1.9.Juvvajuvva wrote:If you have a 2.8
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
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.
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=42727&p=396011&hil ... ne#p396011
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=42727&p=396011&hil ... ne#p396011
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
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.
1. Spacers on rears
2. Paint the expanded metal mesh inside the gills silver.
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
...or you can completely change the gills to arctic silver (chrome is not for me).
Whatever tickles your fancy.
Whatever tickles your fancy.
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- Joined: Fri 26 Jul, 2013 09:28
- Posts: 1733
- Location: Manchester
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
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
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
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
Your the man when it comes to interior upgrades Bertie!
2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Titanium Silver Roadster with too many mods to list
Click For 2.0 Progress Journal
Click For 2.8 Progress Journal
Click For 2.0 Progress Journal
Click For 2.8 Progress Journal
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- Joined: Fri 26 Jul, 2013 09:28
- Posts: 1733
- Location: Manchester
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
... the inspiration came from others.... (sorry I should have also mentioned Southernboy!!!)g8jka wrote:Your the man when it comes to interior upgrades Bertie!
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
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:
And after:
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.
Before:
And after:
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.
- BladeRunner919
- Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
- Posts: 2225
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
That's interesting. Is there a thread about it, or can you share some details?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.
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
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.
Hope that helps,
Boosh.
- BladeRunner919
- Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
- Posts: 2225
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
Thanks! Was it a BMW mirror, or from a different car?
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
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.
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.
Re: POPULAR MODIFICATIONS for Z3
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
Simon C and ZEBEDEE