Newbie Report

Taylorguy74 · 02-23-2014, 06:25 PM

I picked up my Z4MR Imola red/black carbon fiber interior the 23rd of December. Lucky me I left the next day for a 2 week holiday vacation and couldn't stop thinking about the car on my days away.

So far, I bought 2 stock front wheels with zero rash/marks to replace the one front that had a bit of curb rash on it. After that, replaced the stock antenna with a BMW shorty, bought an LED license plate upgrade and interior LED upgrade followed by factory alarm that I installed myself. Once that was done, picked up an ebay sourced OBID cord and software program for coding and changing factory settings - changed the DRL settings, activated factory alarm, auto windows up/down as well as the locking/unlocking features on the car. Also grabbed a copy of the latest 2013 maps DVD for the navigation, but I have really yet to use it. Did the Raggtop cleaner and sealant treatment in the last few weeks as it was above 70 here. Have looked at the optional british made top up/down control module as well, but don't think it would be of much use for me. Installed a pre-cut 3M hood, headlight, mirror and bumper clear cover - took my time and I am very happy with the install. Just got the underseat first aid boxes and brackets ready to install, and am waiting for the Roadster Solutions acrylic windblocker to arrive any day now. Excited!

This weekend - just changed the stock air filter for a K&N filter and then did the CDV delete modification. Couldn't be happier with either of these changes. CDV is a must - made me feel like a chump having it installed trying to drive this car like it should be. Also added matching leather padded door arm rests from Leather Z. Looks wonderful. Luckily the previous owner upgraded the shifter to the weighted ZHP one - feels great right off the bat.

Wish there were more 'new to me' threads out there - would love to talk more!

Still thinking of new exhaust, intake and headers, but am on the fence as this is my tool around on club drives and weekend fun to drive car with my significant other. I have no intention to track or cross the car, but always thinking of where it could go!

Enjoy and I hope this helps any other 'new to me' owners!

wolfman1807 · 02-23-2014, 07:07 PM

Where did you get the 3M hood, headlight, mirror and bumper clear cover?

Taylorguy74 · 02-23-2014, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfman1807

Where did you get the 3M hood, headlight, mirror and bumper clear cover?

Cleardefender.com

I had previously also got my Cobra front end cover from them as well. I will continue to buy from them in the future. Good stuff.

SD ///M4 · 02-23-2014, 08:56 PM

Congrats! And welcome to ZPost!

In a perfect world I would have an Imola Red/Black Nappa Leather/Carbon Leather Trim roadster and a Interlagos Blue coupe.

I've done many of the same mods as your. If you;re interested in an exhaust system I'd highly recommend Stromung. It completely changed the way my car sounds and I love it!

Enjoy!

Taylorguy74 · 02-23-2014, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SD Z4MR

Congrats! And welcome to ZPost!

In a perfect world I would have an Imola Red/Black Nappa Leather/Carbon Leather Trim roadster and a Interlagos Blue coupe.

I've done many of the same mods as your. If you;re interested in an exhaust system I'd highly recommend Stromung. It completely changed the way my car sounds and I love it!

Enjoy!

Thanks! I will look into the exhaust! My lady is also from San Diego! SDSU! Small world!

SD ///M4 · 02-23-2014, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taylorguy74

Thanks! I will look into the exhaust! My lady is also from San Diego! SDSU! Small world!

My wife also graduated from SDSU!

VinnieAces · 02-24-2014, 12:00 AM

Congrats!

Where did you get the LED upgrades?

Finnegan · 02-24-2014, 01:25 AM

Congratulations!

It's great to see new owners experiencing that first joy of ownership! 4 years in and it's still just as good as when I got her.

I totally agree about the CDV--so much better when gone.

Stromung, Remus sport, and Supersprint Powerloops are all a way to kick up the exhaust a notch without going to a lot of drone or getting too far from stock. Any of these sound pretty much in line with the volume/grow level of my friend's 1M in stock form. The Z4M is just a bit too quiet IMO. (It's a bit louder with Euro headers and I think the exhaust, while still a bit quieter than modern M cars, was tuned with the Euro system in mind.). Stromung is by far the most reasonably priced.

If you haven't seen it, this thread is a good resource. Used systems come up for sale from time to time if you keep an eye out.

Taylorguy74 · 02-24-2014, 07:46 AM

This guy on eBay - got a 29.99 10 piece kit. Arrived quick as he is in Georgia.
http://www.ebay.com/usr/led_speaker_...84.m1439.l2754

Vanne · 02-24-2014, 08:57 AM

Welcome to the gang

great little cars mate. How about a few pics

ANUSTART · 02-24-2014, 09:51 AM

Congrats on the new to you Z4M! Sounds like you've hit all the proper mods to get the most out of it. I still need to get around to the CDV delete. Once Chicago thaws I'll get under there and do it. I'm actually originally from the DFW area. Born and raised in North Richland Hills.

Taylorguy74 · 02-24-2014, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ANUSTART

Congrats on the new to you Z4M! Sounds like you've hit all the proper mods to get the most out of it. I still need to get around to the CDV delete. Once Chicago thaws I'll get under there and do it. I'm actually originally from the DFW area. Born and raised in North Richland Hills.

That's cool! Just moved here a year ago from Austin myself.

I agree with everyone's response on the CDV delete. It's an amazing feel now. Until I read up on the forums about it I was bucking the car every other take off from a stop. Makes me wonder what the previous owner thought of my shifting skills when I was test driving it with him riding along.

Finnegan · 02-24-2014, 02:45 PM

That pretty much describes the test drive experience for 90% of folks here.

I think that's dropped off over time, as many owners have removed the CDV. It's possible to get used of the CDV over time, and learn to live with it, but it's still going to end up increasing the clutch wear, and decreasing the feel.

I know that not everyone agrees with this particular opinion, but, it probably represents the majority of folks who have removed it. No one ever says "Gee, I think I'll put the CDV back in ".

02-23-2014, 06:25 PM	#1
Taylorguy74 Enthusiast 16 Rep 245 Posts Drives: 2016 550i M-Sport Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Texas iTrader: (1)	Newbie Report I picked up my Z4MR Imola red/black carbon fiber interior the 23rd of December. Lucky me I left the next day for a 2 week holiday vacation and couldn't stop thinking about the car on my days away. So far, I bought 2 stock front wheels with zero rash/marks to replace the one front that had a bit of curb rash on it. After that, replaced the stock antenna with a BMW shorty, bought an LED license plate upgrade and interior LED upgrade followed by factory alarm that I installed myself. Once that was done, picked up an ebay sourced OBID cord and software program for coding and changing factory settings - changed the DRL settings, activated factory alarm, auto windows up/down as well as the locking/unlocking features on the car. Also grabbed a copy of the latest 2013 maps DVD for the navigation, but I have really yet to use it. Did the Raggtop cleaner and sealant treatment in the last few weeks as it was above 70 here. Have looked at the optional british made top up/down control module as well, but don't think it would be of much use for me. Installed a pre-cut 3M hood, headlight, mirror and bumper clear cover - took my time and I am very happy with the install. Just got the underseat first aid boxes and brackets ready to install, and am waiting for the Roadster Solutions acrylic windblocker to arrive any day now. Excited! This weekend - just changed the stock air filter for a K&N filter and then did the CDV delete modification. Couldn't be happier with either of these changes. CDV is a must - made me feel like a chump having it installed trying to drive this car like it should be. Also added matching leather padded door arm rests from Leather Z. Looks wonderful. Luckily the previous owner upgraded the shifter to the weighted ZHP one - feels great right off the bat. Wish there were more 'new to me' threads out there - would love to talk more! Still thinking of new exhaust, intake and headers, but am on the fence as this is my tool around on club drives and weekend fun to drive car with my significant other. I have no intention to track or cross the car, but always thinking of where it could go! Enjoy and I hope this helps any other 'new to me' owners! __________________ 2016 550i M-Sport 2008 328i M-Sport (Sold) 2007 Z4M Roadster (Sold) Last edited by Taylorguy74; 02-23-2014 at 06:37 PM..
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02-23-2014, 07:07 PM	#2
wolfman1807 Clueless 1 Rep 116 Posts Drives: 2003 Z4 3.0i SMG sport/premium Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: North Dakota iTrader: (0)	Where did you get the 3M hood, headlight, mirror and bumper clear cover?
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02-23-2014, 08:56 PM	#4
SD ///M4 ///Multiple 2992 Rep 4,243 Posts Drives: M4 Coupe \| M3 \| Z4M Roadster Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster [8.81] 2016 BMW M4 Coupe ( ... [10.00] 2018 BMW M3 (Euro D ... [0.00] 2011 BMW 335is Coup ... [10.00]	Congrats! And welcome to ZPost! In a perfect world I would have an Imola Red/Black Nappa Leather/Carbon Leather Trim roadster and a Interlagos Blue coupe. I've done many of the same mods as your. If you;re interested in an exhaust system I'd highly recommend Stromung. It completely changed the way my car sounds and I love it! Enjoy! __________________ The Coupe: 2016 M4 \| Sakhir Orange \| Black Full Merino Leather \| CF Trim \| M-DCT \| More \| ED 5/13/16 The Sedan: 2018 M3 \| San Marino Blue \| Black Full Merino Leather \| CF Trim \| M-DCT \| ZCP \| ED 7/18/18 The Roadster: 2006 Z4 \| Interlagos Blue \| Black Extended Nappa Leather \| Carbon Leather Trim \| Purchased 7/19/12
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02-24-2014, 12:00 AM	#7
VinnieAces Lieutenant Colonel 92 Rep 1,603 Posts Drives: Imola Red Z4MC Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ontario, Can iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 Z4 M Coupe [8.00]	Congrats! Where did you get the LED upgrades? __________________ ///M - Some Mods 'N Stuff
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02-24-2014, 01:25 AM	#8
Finnegan Dog Listener 701 Rep 7,850 Posts Drives: Z4M/. Z3M, E36/46 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Teaching the dog to slalom iTrader: (22)	Congratulations! It's great to see new owners experiencing that first joy of ownership! 4 years in and it's still just as good as when I got her. I totally agree about the CDV--so much better when gone. Stromung, Remus sport, and Supersprint Powerloops are all a way to kick up the exhaust a notch without going to a lot of drone or getting too far from stock. Any of these sound pretty much in line with the volume/grow level of my friend's 1M in stock form. The Z4M is just a bit too quiet IMO. (It's a bit louder with Euro headers and I think the exhaust, while still a bit quieter than modern M cars, was tuned with the Euro system in mind.). Stromung is by far the most reasonably priced. If you haven't seen it, this thread is a good resource. Used systems come up for sale from time to time if you keep an eye out. Last edited by Finnegan; 02-24-2014 at 02:45 PM..
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02-24-2014, 07:46 AM	#9
Taylorguy74 Enthusiast 16 Rep 245 Posts Drives: 2016 550i M-Sport Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Texas iTrader: (1)	This guy on eBay - got a 29.99 10 piece kit. Arrived quick as he is in Georgia. http://www.ebay.com/usr/led_speaker_...84.m1439.l2754 __________________ 2016 550i M-Sport 2008 328i M-Sport (Sold) 2007 Z4M Roadster (Sold)
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02-24-2014, 08:57 AM	#10
Vanne Down Under!! 1621 Rep 4,294 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MC Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Dubai iTrader: (4)	Welcome to the gang great little cars mate. How about a few pics __________________ 2007 EuroSpec Z4///MC - Building/Developing Z4 GT3 Powered by
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02-24-2014, 09:51 AM	#11
ANUSTART Captain 35 Rep 956 Posts Drives: Z4 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: IL iTrader: (0)	Congrats on the new to you Z4M! Sounds like you've hit all the proper mods to get the most out of it. I still need to get around to the CDV delete. Once Chicago thaws I'll get under there and do it. I'm actually originally from the DFW area. Born and raised in North Richland Hills.
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02-24-2014, 02:45 PM	#13
Finnegan Dog Listener 701 Rep 7,850 Posts Drives: Z4M/. Z3M, E36/46 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Teaching the dog to slalom iTrader: (22)	That pretty much describes the test drive experience for 90% of folks here. I think that's dropped off over time, as many owners have removed the CDV. It's possible to get used of the CDV over time, and learn to live with it, but it's still going to end up increasing the clutch wear, and decreasing the feel. I know that not everyone agrees with this particular opinion, but, it probably represents the majority of folks who have removed it. No one ever says "Gee, I think I'll put the CDV back in ".
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