Greetings... and questions..

[StickMon]

It's a check valve in the clutch hydraulic line that lets fluid flow freely to the slave cylinder but slows the return journey.
This way you can disengage the clutch fast, but it will engage slowly(ish).
The object is to prevent warrantee claims against BMW if you tear the car in half doing a whole-shot.

Now see here.

[Swashplate]

Originally Posted by DrVolkl

What is this "CDV" I keep reading about and what does it have to do with shifting?

It is a restrictor in the hydraulic clutch line. Slows down clutch engagement. Not a good thing as it makes car a bit of a pill to drive.

[KevinC]

Doc, here's a link to just about every review ever written/recorded about the Z4M.. this could bog you down for days...

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=960839

[KevinM]

Welcome and congratulations. I agree with KevinC, the stock car is pretty sweet and will likely retain value better than heavily modded versions given the rarity. That said, cars are bad investments for the most part, so have at it!

I'm (as I'm sure you guessed) a stock kind of person, but a CDV delete and replacing the stock shift knob with a ZHP version (http://leatherz.com/category/Knobs.html) are sure bets. I still can't get over the difference these two simple and cheap mods make (not to mention that the stock knob is prone to coming off during spiriting driving).

Why do you feel you are taking a risk on the M coupe? Given that prices are currently if anything appreciating, you can flip it if not to your liking without much (if any) financial penalty.

[DrVolkl]

Originally Posted by KevinM

Welcome and congratulations. I agree with KevinC, the stock car is pretty sweet and will likely retain value better than heavily modded versions given the rarity. That said, cars are bad investments for the most part, so have at it!

I'm (as I'm sure you guessed) a stock kind of person, but a CDV delete and replacing the stock shift knob with a ZHP version (http://leatherz.com/category/Knobs.html) are sure bets. I still can't get over the difference these two simple and cheap mods make (not to mention that the stock knob is prone to coming off during spiriting driving).

Why do you feel you are taking a risk on the M coupe? Given that prices are currently if anything appreciating, you can flip it if not to your liking without much (if any) financial penalty.

Well I spoke with the owner and he did not do the CDV delete... so I'll have that to do when I get it home. The risk I was referring to was buying a car sight unseen... especially a new chassis/brand to me, so I really don't know what to look for. I think this car is worthwhile of taking that risk and the owner really impressed me with his knowledge and disclosure of the vehicle when I contacted him. I spoke with a few dealerships about other cars and left feeling uneasy at best.

Which shift knob do you suggest? The short shifter? Do they all light up? Does the stock one light up or something? I would definitely prefer if it didn't come off in my hand while driving lol.

Thanks again everyone... I spend my free time clicking on links and thinking about what I'll have to do to the car etc. At some point I should probably plan my route back.

[KevinM]

Originally Posted by DrVolkl

The risk I was referring to was buying a car sight unseen...

Which shift knob do you suggest? The short shifter? Do they all light up? Does the stock one light up or something? I would definitely prefer if it didn't come off in my hand while driving lol.

Ok, gotcha. Well, since you are picking the car up, you will be able to do the final inspection/drive before the papers are signed! Did you have a pre-purchase inspection done by a local BMW shop? For $100 - $150, good for piece of mind...

I purchased the illuminated ZHP knob (http://leatherz.com/product/IllumZHPShiftKnob.html). The OE knob does light up. If illumination doesn't matter to you, the ZHP non-illuminated knob is half the price ($70). I were buying one now I'd consider the F10 (http://leatherz.com/product/F10M5IllumKnob.html) as the illumination is more defined to the shift pattern. This was not available when I bought mine.

[bjbstewart]

Originally Posted by KevinC

Doc, here's a link to just about every review ever written/recorded about the Z4M.. this could bog you down for days...

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=960839

Oh the time I've wasted on that thread :-)

[pokeybritches]

For a car that there isn't "much out there"... I sure spent $20k+ pretty easily

Forced induction (G-Power, ESS, VF Engineering)

Exhaust (Arqray, Rogue, Eisenmann, Supersprint, Remus, Stromung, Euro headers, AA headers...)

Intake (AFE, RPI scoop, Evolve, Gruppe M)

Suspension (TC Kline, KW, Ground Control, Bilstein, H&R, AST...)

Wheels/tires, gearing swaps, cosmetic mods, and so on. Lots to do.

[Nate4641]

Originally Posted by DrVolkl

Which shift knob do you suggest? The short shifter? Do they all light up? Does the stock one light up or something? I would definitely prefer if it didn't come off in my hand while driving lol.

The F10 M5 shift knob is what I have. It's weighted so the feeling of shifting is a little better, and the lighting inside is improved from the stock Z4M knob. Its not too much brighter, but a lot more evenly lit. It will come with the boot for the M5 and you can either cut it off like I did, or use the shift boot ring from the Z4 and keep the M5 boot. It takes a little work to make it happen, but either way looks good. It's a simple mod to do too and looks and feels much better.

[DrVolkl]

I love simple little improvements to the interior. One of the first mods I did on my Cayenne was to swap out the steering wheel with a custom thicker alcantara/leather with red stitching and a red CF 12 o'clock ring to better match the interior. I'll definitely be messing with the Z4's knob and wheel.

Hit my first snag... the current owner didn't have the car's registration up to date because he's been traveling out of the country so much. My bank won't issue me a check until he goes and does this... and the earliest he can do it is next Wednesday since he's in D.C. right now. That's cutting it close since I'm supposed to fly out Friday!

Stress level rising.... lol

Heres a pic of my cayenne wheel

[XMetal]

Have you got your hands on the MC's steering wheels yet? I don't think there's much out there that's better to warrant a swap (unless you want to re-wrap it with other materials).

[DrVolkl]

Originally Posted by XMetal

Have you got your hands on the MC's steering wheels yet? I don't think there's much out there that's better to warrant a swap (unless you want to re-wrap it with other materials).

Nope I haven't! And if it ain't broke I'm not touching it.

[XMetal]

Got it...from your previous post, it sounded like you wanted to swap out the steering wheel on your new ride (MC)

[DrVolkl]

Originally Posted by XMetal

Got it...from your previous post, it sounded like you wanted to swap out the steering wheel on your new ride (MC)

Well I did make it sound like that... but if they're really nice I won't. If I see a chance to add some alcantara and stitching to match the interior than I may just do that... but it will be subtle. Porsche steering wheels are notoriously thin... I immediately wanted to thicken it up, plus it's a nice touch.

So.... looks like a white Z4M may not be in my future after all... however I think you will all be pleased on what I may be getting instead.

[bjbstewart]

And????

[DrVolkl]

Originally Posted by bjbstewart

And????

And I just finalized the deal for the space grey/Imola Z4M in the classifieds section.

I'm very excited.. just have to fly down and hand over the payment.

[bjbstewart]

I'm afraid to say "congrats" until you actually have the car... :-)

[DrVolkl]

Originally Posted by bjbstewart

I'm afraid to say "congrats" until you actually have the car... :-)

Lol... yeah, no kidding. Well, should be Saturday around 10am.. Excited to drive it back too, going to be a little adventure.

[DrVolkl]

Picked up the check today... now I just have to remember to bring it with me to Cali on Friday.

[mtrhed]

Congrats!

I think that is my favorite color for Z4s. I couldn't find one in decent shape when I was looking for mine so I got the second best color. Enjoy it in good health!

[bjbstewart]

If your drive takes you through NorCal bay area, stop by and say hi to us!

[DrVolkl]

Originally Posted by bjbstewart

If your drive takes you through NorCal bay area, stop by and say hi to us!

Lol, well I'm flying into San Jose... my sister lives in Sunnyvale and the soon to be previous owner is bringing the car up from Santa Barbra for me.

Once I get it, I gotta hit the road, I'd like to be back in Seattle for dinner.

I'm driving back Saturday... if that makes any difference.. probably around 11am.