Best Upgrades for under $5000?

rgmcleod01 · 10-15-2007, 03:17 AM

New here, hope this area is ok for this question...

I have $5K available for upgrading my 2004 Z4 3.0i. I've alreaday decided to change out the runflats (I got the car used), so my budget is down about $1000 as I have the Michelin PS2s on order.

Ideas on the best performance upgrades with the rest of the cash?

Dammmittt · 10-15-2007, 05:49 AM

I'm not sure that there's much you can do straight line performance wise maybe some springs or koilovers.

shiyan · 10-15-2007, 06:23 AM

if you're going to track the car, brakes and suspension

EFXAD · 10-15-2007, 08:01 AM

If you're looking to spend here's the place...

http://www.dinancars.com/Series.asp?...=30&Chassis=32

rgmcleod01 · 10-15-2007, 12:26 PM

Ahhh, EFXAD, you've hit on my conundrum...I actually contacted and have a deposit in on the Dinan S1 package which includes the performance and suspension upgrades. Problem: with labor tossed in (and this would be done by a Dinan shop locally) that package ends up at around $6500.

At that price, I cannot get the tires, which are my first priority, so I'm going to cancel that package...

So now, what I'm really struggling with is whether to go for power upgrades, which Dinan (and others) offer, or suspension upgrades...

Sorry if I'm being a little dense here, still learning the terminology.

I'll say this: I'm leaning towards thinking that suspension upgrades should come before power increases. Does that make sense, given the budget?

Further thoughts from all are welcome!

Yal · 10-15-2007, 04:38 PM

even with my 2.5, i'd go suspension/tires/brakes before I went performance. But that's just me.

The HACK · 10-15-2007, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiyan

if you're going to track the car, brakes and suspension

If you're going to track the car, take 2 track schools with that money. Then afterwards determine if you still need brakes and suspension (most likely you will)

Unfortunately there are only a couple of organizations around that will allow convertibles. One being Driving Concepts Incorporated, which I instruct with:

http://www.drivingconcepts.com/

They'll allow 2-3 convertibles at a each event.

mister_roger · 10-15-2007, 05:04 PM

Well after purchasing tires, I think $4000 is a pretty decent budget. It really depends on how far you want to go in terms of performance.
Here are some of my suggestions on possible upgrades:

Suspension:
Eibach Springs + Koni shocks = $1500 (including labor and alignment)

H-Sport anti-roll bars = $400 (can install yourself, or add ~$220 for shop labor)

Front Strut Bar = ~$350 (OEM BMW brace, or Strong Strut seem to be the best)

Brakes:
Stoptech Stainless Steel Brake Lines w/ new fluid = $160

Stoptech Slotted brake rotors = ~$400

Axxis Ultimate Pads = ~$140

Installation labor = ~$400?

Power:
Helene Performance Air Filter = $60

Total = $3480

Add a little tax and misc. costs, and you'll be at roughly $4000. After doing these mods, you will have one sick handling little car that can stop on a dime. It'll be a huge difference. Now I didn't list too many Power mods because from I've read, alot of bolt on pieces such as exhaust don't seem to yield very high gains. If it is louder sound that you are looking for, then try pulling out the foam pieces in the sound generator ($free$).
Unless you plan on some serious engine tuning, I think you're better off investing in brakes and suspension.

rgmcleod01 · 10-15-2007, 07:15 PM

Great suggestions all.

Let me address the posting on driving school. That is in the plan, but not in this current time frame. I do think it worthwhile, however.

I am going to go with the tires, suspension, and brakes package...given what I really need (rather than want) I strongly suspect those upgrades will carry me a long way, before I jump to stuff like superchargers and the like.

Again, great comments, tremendously helpful. And perhaps this thread will be useful to others as well...so keep adding to it if y'all so choose!

albailey · 10-16-2007, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgmcleod01

Great suggestions all.
I am going to go with the tires, suspension, and brakes package...given what I really need (rather than want) I strongly suspect those upgrades will carry me a long way, before I jump to stuff like superchargers and the like...

while changing out the runflats is a given, dropping an additional 6-8 lbs per
corner by getting those new tires on a lighter set of wheels will result in better
acceleration/braking/cornering. get a wheel/tire set from tirerack or similar and
you can mount them yourself, saving a few bucks in the process.

oh, and a stubby antenna

Dammmittt · 10-16-2007, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by albailey

oh, and a stubby antenna

BOOO

albailey · 10-17-2007, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dammmittt

BOOO

you're a tad early for halloween

Dammmittt · 10-17-2007, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by albailey

you're a tad early for halloween

Stubby =

GP20 · 10-17-2007, 05:32 PM

If you're working on a $5K budget:

1) TC Kline coilovers - about $2K installed: You'll get much better ride comfort and handle MUCH better than stock susp. TCK is a reputable BMW tuner and makes just about the best suspensions south of $5k's for bimmers. TCK coilovers are also lighter than stock suspension - more unsprung weight saved!

2) 18" SSR COMP-H's - $2K: 19lbs per corner. You'll save about 24lbs of "unsprung weight". Slightly quicker in acceleration and huge improvement in handling & braking. The car will feel lighter and much more nimble. You'll feel the differences more than any CAI/exhaust/chip mods COMBINED you can do on the car.

3) Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 tires -$1k installed: One of the top 2 or 3 street performance tires. Very good gripping performance. They don't grip as well as the PS2's, but are much cheaper and last much longer, and have better tractions in the rain than the PS2's.

If you're not going to track your Z4, you don't really need to change your brakes. The important thing is to cut the unsprung weight from your wheels and suspensions which will improve the braking performance as well as handling.

pbdm4k · 10-24-2007, 10:12 AM

My vote is on getting coilovers.
I heard there are noise issues with the TCK coils in the rear so I would put my vote on H&R or Tein Coils.

Sway bars would also make a big difference. I've found the strong strut tower bar to make a drastic difference in handling for the car.

Brakes I would save that money until you kill off the stock ones unless as mentioned above, you plan on tracking the car. But even still, I found the stock brakes adequate for 30 min lapping runs on a short technical course.

If you want higher increase in horsepower, maybe consider Techniq or Superpsrint Headers (about $700-900 in parts depending on brand + installation). But keep in mind you lose the stock cats and would have to pick up some high flows if you plan on keeping it street legal. Good thing about headers is that if a supercharger is in the future plans, its a compatible mod.

GP20 · 10-24-2007, 12:04 PM

Only the TCK double-adjustable rear shocks have noise issues. The single-adjustables (by all means a VERY competent kit) don't. H&R's are one of the worst coilovers you can get - dont waste your money on them :-) Tein's are average for BMW's but are known to have rust problems.

pbdm4k · 10-24-2007, 12:36 PM

Does Koni build the shocks for TCK and are they stainless?

I was always considering the KW Inox SS Variant 3's for myself.

As for the Tein's rusting, I winter store my Z4, so I don't think rust would be that big a problem anytime soon.

I've had H&R Springs and sways on another one of my cars so I always assumed H&R made bang on products. Any reason why H&R is so horrible?

The HACK · 10-24-2007, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgmcleod01

Great suggestions all.

Let me address the posting on driving school. That is in the plan, but not in this current time frame. I do think it worthwhile, however.

It's not for everybody that's for certain.

Most organizations will allow you to ride with an experienced instructor at local events, maybe you just need that little "nudge" to actually go to a track school.

That's what got me hooked. Got a ride from an instructor that basically OPENED MY EYES on what little skills I have. He was driving a bone stock, 20 year old E30 325e around the track and chasing down drivers in E46 M3s and E36 M3s. Convinced me that 90% of what makes a car go fast, is the driver.

FloridaBoy · 10-24-2007, 09:46 PM

Hmmm, not sure if this will fit the $5K budget, but it's great for moving S.U.V's in heavy traffic...

epbrown · 10-24-2007, 10:06 PM

If I had a 3.0i, I'd get Goodyear F1 tires (actually, I've got those on my 2.5), the Kellener Motorsport upgrade (intake, cams, chip - $2500-$3000, takes the car to about 255bhp), and add a 3.46 differential. With the bit left over, I'd get brakes lines and better pads.

Dammmittt · 10-24-2007, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FloridaBoy

Hmmm, not sure if this will fit the $5K budget, but it's great for moving S.U.V's in heavy traffic...

MK-19s are fun as hell to play with...when they don't jam on you anyway.

10-15-2007, 03:17 AM	#1
rgmcleod01 Registered 1 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2004 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Pacifica, CA iTrader: (0)	Best Upgrades for under $5000? New here, hope this area is ok for this question... I have $5K available for upgrading my 2004 Z4 3.0i. I've alreaday decided to change out the runflats (I got the car used), so my budget is down about $1000 as I have the Michelin PS2s on order. Ideas on the best performance upgrades with the rest of the cash?
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10-15-2007, 05:49 AM	#2
Dammmittt My favorite sign. 169 Rep 4,338 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Der Autobahnen iTrader: (0)	I'm not sure that there's much you can do straight line performance wise maybe some springs or koilovers. __________________ 07 ///M Coupe (Premium Package) Black Saphire Ext. Imola Red Int. Best Website EVER!
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10-15-2007, 06:23 AM	#3
shiyan has no social skills 19 Rep 157 Posts Drives: 2003 Z4 3.0 Roadster Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Antwerp, Belgium iTrader: (0)	if you're going to track the car, brakes and suspension
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10-15-2007, 08:01 AM	#4
EFXAD New Member 2 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 04 Z4 3.0 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: In front... mostly iTrader: (0)	If you're looking to spend here's the place... http://www.dinancars.com/Series.asp?...=30&Chassis=32
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10-15-2007, 12:26 PM	#5
rgmcleod01 Registered 1 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2004 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Pacifica, CA iTrader: (0)	Ahhh, EFXAD, you've hit on my conundrum...I actually contacted and have a deposit in on the Dinan S1 package which includes the performance and suspension upgrades. Problem: with labor tossed in (and this would be done by a Dinan shop locally) that package ends up at around $6500. At that price, I cannot get the tires, which are my first priority, so I'm going to cancel that package... So now, what I'm really struggling with is whether to go for power upgrades, which Dinan (and others) offer, or suspension upgrades... Sorry if I'm being a little dense here, still learning the terminology. I'll say this: I'm leaning towards thinking that suspension upgrades should come before power increases. Does that make sense, given the budget? Further thoughts from all are welcome!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-15-2007, 04:38 PM	#6
Yal Lieutenant 10 Rep 490 Posts Drives: '03 Z4 2.5 Maldives Blue Join Date: May 2007 Location: Santa Cruz, CA iTrader: (0)	even with my 2.5, i'd go suspension/tires/brakes before I went performance. But that's just me. __________________
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10-15-2007, 05:04 PM	#8
mister_roger Private First Class 13 Rep 136 Posts Drives: 2003 Maldives Blue 2.5i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (0)	Well after purchasing tires, I think $4000 is a pretty decent budget. It really depends on how far you want to go in terms of performance. Here are some of my suggestions on possible upgrades: Suspension: Eibach Springs + Koni shocks = $1500 (including labor and alignment) H-Sport anti-roll bars = $400 (can install yourself, or add ~$220 for shop labor) Front Strut Bar = ~$350 (OEM BMW brace, or Strong Strut seem to be the best) Brakes: Stoptech Stainless Steel Brake Lines w/ new fluid = $160 Stoptech Slotted brake rotors = ~$400 Axxis Ultimate Pads = ~$140 Installation labor = ~$400? Power: Helene Performance Air Filter = $60 Total = $3480 Add a little tax and misc. costs, and you'll be at roughly $4000. After doing these mods, you will have one sick handling little car that can stop on a dime. It'll be a huge difference. Now I didn't list too many Power mods because from I've read, alot of bolt on pieces such as exhaust don't seem to yield very high gains. If it is louder sound that you are looking for, then try pulling out the foam pieces in the sound generator ($free$). Unless you plan on some serious engine tuning, I think you're better off investing in brakes and suspension. __________________ 2003 Maldives Blue 2.5i -- 18" M6 wheels, 12mm rear spacer, ///MZ4 front bumper conversion, Eibach lowering springs, Koni shocks, Hotchkis F/R anti-roll bars, Helene Performance air filter.
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10-15-2007, 07:15 PM	#9
rgmcleod01 Registered 1 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2004 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Pacifica, CA iTrader: (0)	Great suggestions all. Let me address the posting on driving school. That is in the plan, but not in this current time frame. I do think it worthwhile, however. I am going to go with the tires, suspension, and brakes package...given what I really need (rather than want) I strongly suspect those upgrades will carry me a long way, before I jump to stuff like superchargers and the like. Again, great comments, tremendously helpful. And perhaps this thread will be useful to others as well...so keep adding to it if y'all so choose!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-17-2007, 05:32 PM	#14
GP20 Major 99 Rep 1,269 Posts Drives: Z4M, F80 M3, 991.2 GTS Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (5)	If you're working on a $5K budget: 1) TC Kline coilovers - about $2K installed: You'll get much better ride comfort and handle MUCH better than stock susp. TCK is a reputable BMW tuner and makes just about the best suspensions south of $5k's for bimmers. TCK coilovers are also lighter than stock suspension - more unsprung weight saved! 2) 18" SSR COMP-H's - $2K: 19lbs per corner. You'll save about 24lbs of "unsprung weight". Slightly quicker in acceleration and huge improvement in handling & braking. The car will feel lighter and much more nimble. You'll feel the differences more than any CAI/exhaust/chip mods COMBINED you can do on the car. 3) Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 tires -$1k installed: One of the top 2 or 3 street performance tires. Very good gripping performance. They don't grip as well as the PS2's, but are much cheaper and last much longer, and have better tractions in the rain than the PS2's. If you're not going to track your Z4, you don't really need to change your brakes. The important thing is to cut the unsprung weight from your wheels and suspensions which will improve the braking performance as well as handling. __________________ 2019 Porsche 911 4 GTS 2016 BMW M3 2008 BMW Z4M coupe
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10-24-2007, 10:12 AM	#15
pbdm4k Lieutenant Colonel 73 Rep 1,689 Posts Drives: 2010 335d Join Date: May 2007 Location: North of the Border iTrader: (3)	My vote is on getting coilovers. I heard there are noise issues with the TCK coils in the rear so I would put my vote on H&R or Tein Coils. Sway bars would also make a big difference. I've found the strong strut tower bar to make a drastic difference in handling for the car. Brakes I would save that money until you kill off the stock ones unless as mentioned above, you plan on tracking the car. But even still, I found the stock brakes adequate for 30 min lapping runs on a short technical course. If you want higher increase in horsepower, maybe consider Techniq or Superpsrint Headers (about $700-900 in parts depending on brand + installation). But keep in mind you lose the stock cats and would have to pick up some high flows if you plan on keeping it street legal. Good thing about headers is that if a supercharger is in the future plans, its a compatible mod.
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10-24-2007, 12:04 PM	#16
GP20 Major 99 Rep 1,269 Posts Drives: Z4M, F80 M3, 991.2 GTS Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (5)	Only the TCK double-adjustable rear shocks have noise issues. The single-adjustables (by all means a VERY competent kit) don't. H&R's are one of the worst coilovers you can get - dont waste your money on them :-) Tein's are average for BMW's but are known to have rust problems. __________________ 2019 Porsche 911 4 GTS 2016 BMW M3 2008 BMW Z4M coupe
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10-24-2007, 12:36 PM	#17
pbdm4k Lieutenant Colonel 73 Rep 1,689 Posts Drives: 2010 335d Join Date: May 2007 Location: North of the Border iTrader: (3)	Does Koni build the shocks for TCK and are they stainless? I was always considering the KW Inox SS Variant 3's for myself. As for the Tein's rusting, I winter store my Z4, so I don't think rust would be that big a problem anytime soon. I've had H&R Springs and sways on another one of my cars so I always assumed H&R made bang on products. Any reason why H&R is so horrible?
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10-24-2007, 09:46 PM	#19
FloridaBoy First Lieutenant 19 Rep 376 Posts Drives: 2005 Z4 3.oi Join Date: May 2007 Location: Central Florida iTrader: (0)	Hmmm, not sure if this will fit the $5K budget, but it's great for moving S.U.V's in heavy traffic... __________________ 2005 3.0i, Black Sapphire, SMG, Navigation, Heated leather, iPod w/Dice, Carver Subs, Sport, Foamless SG, 3M Clear Bra, Sirius, 18 inch 107's
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10-24-2007, 10:06 PM	#20
epbrown Colonel 63 Rep 2,128 Posts Drives: BMW M Coupe, Porsche Boxster S Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	If I had a 3.0i, I'd get Goodyear F1 tires (actually, I've got those on my 2.5), the Kellener Motorsport upgrade (intake, cams, chip - $2500-$3000, takes the car to about 255bhp), and add a 3.46 differential. With the bit left over, I'd get brakes lines and better pads.
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