Upgrade from 3.0si Roadster to Z4MR

[deemo319]

I was at this same juncture almost three years ago. If you are concerned about maintenance (scheduled and unscheduled) and not a DYI type person, stay with the 3.0si and have fun.

If you have resources and not overwhelmingly concerned about maintenance and labor rates, get the M Roadster and do not look back.

I have never met anyone that was not happy they spent the time to find and then subsequently the money to acquire an M Roadster.

The E85 M Roadster and E86 M Coupe were essentially the last analog BMW produced that had some rawness to it, and that legendary S54!

Read the threads about how some are struggling on exactly what to replace them with, there really isn't anything like them. The S54 went into the sunset in the ideal chassis'.

Frankly no manufacturer builds a car like either of them any longer, and yes this included BMW themselves.

The E86 Z4 3.0si Coupe was built in very small numbers.

A 2104 total were built for North American Market:
828 Manual
1276 Automatic

Just my worthless $0.02

[wdb]

I have two E86's. One 3.0si coupe w/sport suspension, one M coupe. I pretty much echo what others have said; the 3.0si is a lot of performance without a lot of maintenance drama. Put a LSD in it and call it a day. You can also add hydraulic steering, it's been done. But I'd be happy with the LSD I think.

All that said, I'm keeping the M and selling the si. For what I want the car for, the M is the better fit. But under other circumstances I would not hesitate to keep the si. Great car.

[Waoudi]

After driving the car again I've decided to keep the SI. I also finally installed the ZHP shifter and wholly crap it's a completely different car!

I'm trying to identify some tasteful mods. Any recommendations?

Do strut mounts help improve the steering or handling?

Which intake gives the best sound? GruppeM or AFE?

Any others?

Thanks!

[Huz-Z]

How about a nice set of CSL style rims? I have VMR 718 in hyper silver on mine and I really like them.

[Waoudi]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

How about a nice set of CSL style rims? I have VMR 718 in hyper silver on mine and I really like them.

Those are definitely on the list. I'm saving up for an F80 as well so don't want to spend $3k right now.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by Waoudi

Those are definitely on the list. I'm saving up for an F80 as well so don't want to spend $3k right now.

I think the VMR cost around $1000 for a staggered set of four in 18 inch.

[Waoudi]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

I think the VMR cost around $1000 for a staggered set of four in 18 inch.

Link?
I was looking at these:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...iABEgKN0_D_BwE

[Waoudi]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

I think the VMR cost around $1000 for a staggered set of four in 18 inch.

What's the fitment for the e85. Do you have pictures of your car?

[wdb]

Quaife LSD.

[Waoudi]

Originally Posted by wdb

Quaife LSD.

Tried looking online and the only place I can find it is in the UK. Is it possible to get in the US because shipping that part is probably really expensive?

Is it just better grip or is there also driving performance improvement?

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by Waoudi

What's the fitment for the e85. Do you have pictures of your car?

Here is VMR's site with pics of the rim: http://www.velocitymotoring.com/wheels/v718/

and here are pics of my car: http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1294464

VMR 718s in Hyper Silver. 18 inch rims with Michelin Pilot Super Sports: 225 40 ZR18 front and 255 35 ZR18 rear. Offsets are 35mm on the front and 45mm on the rear. The folks at VMR can confirm fitment for your specific car - just in case there are any differences from one model year to the next.

[Steeler]

Refreshing the suspension bushings transformed my non M handling wise.

[wdb]

Originally Posted by Waoudi

Tried looking online and the only place I can find it is in the UK. Is it possible to get in the US because shipping that part is probably really expensive?

Is it just better grip or is there also driving performance improvement?

I priced them at about $3K installed in the US. You might be able to find a used one and save some money.

Not sure what you mean by "just better grip". If you've ever tramped the gas coming out of a corner and had the engine revs jump up, it's because your inside rear tire is spinning away while your outside rear tire gets no torque at all. Or perhaps if you've jumped on the loud pedal in the wet and, again, the revs jump up but the car doesn't go faster -- one of the wheels is spinning while the other does jack squat for you.

LSD puts a stop to that nonsense. It makes the car more engaging to drive enthusiastically. If none of this has ever happened to you, spend your money elsewhere.

[KevsZ4]

Originally Posted by Waoudi

After driving the car again I've decided to keep the SI. I also finally installed the ZHP shifter and wholly crap it's a completely different car!

I'm trying to identify some tasteful mods. Any recommendations?

Do strut mounts help improve the steering or handling?

Which intake gives the best sound? GruppeM or AFE?

Any others?

Thanks!

Can you please enlighten me on the difference on upgrading to a ZHP shifter? Are you just talking about the shift knob? I'm not making a joke here- just want to know if I'm missing something. Just a smaller knob?

Thanks!
KG

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Waoudi

After driving the car again I've decided to keep the SI. I also finally installed the ZHP shifter and wholly crap it's a completely different car!

I'm trying to identify some tasteful mods. Any recommendations?

Do strut mounts help improve the steering or handling?

Which intake gives the best sound? GruppeM or AFE?

Any others?

Thanks!

LSD with 3.73 gears
Headers, MILV’s, BPC tune
Bilstein B12 kit & GC street camber plates
255 square tires

Game over!

Originally Posted by Waoudi

Tried looking online and the only place I can find it is in the UK. Is it possible to get in the US because shipping that part is probably really expensive?

Is it just better grip or is there also driving performance improvement?

MFactory offers a helical diff with lifetime warranty

[Waoudi]

Originally Posted by KevsZ4

Can you please enlighten me on the difference on upgrading to a ZHP shifter? Are you just talking about the shift knob? I'm not making a joke here- just want to know if I'm missing something. Just a smaller knob?

Thanks!
KG

Ha! Yes it's just the knob but it's weighted and shorter.

[Lucky1]

I have the N52 in my 128i. I know its a bit of a different animal in the Z4 but I think it makes a better DD engine in a different kind of chassi (3er, 1er, etc).

S54 by contrast is a raw little demon under the hood just waiting to be unleashed. Totally different nature and temperament and if you have the budget and stomach for a bit more additional maintenance it pays off in character and throttle response. Make no mistake the M is a raw, visceral sports car and not a cruiser like a four seater BMW non-M vert or the E89 Z4.

But its a pig on gas in case it matters and theoretically I've lost my car and license several times already just being unable to control myself with this mill's ready to kick ass attitude.