ZPOST
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   ZPOST > BMW Z4 Technical Talk > Cosmetics Modification (Exterior/Interior) Discussions
  TireRack

SUPPORT ZPOST BY DOING YOUR TIRERACK SHOPPING FROM THIS BANNER, THANKS!
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-13-2018, 08:03 PM   #1
mainsoda
Private First Class
mainsoda's Avatar
United_States
171
Rep
150
Posts

Drives: 2006 BMW Z4M coupe
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Milwaukee WI

iTrader: (0)

Brand New Steering Wheel

I've been putting it off for a while because the new Z4M steering wheels are outrageously expensive.
But two weeks ago I just bit the bullet and paid the staggering 800 bucks for a brand new Nappa leather genuine BMW part.

Earlier this week I got my ECS Tuning wheel and my first impressions looking at it were extremely good.
I never realized how slick that grey paint on the buttons looked when they were new.

Then I put it on... and I have to say... it's worth it.

I've always realized that the touch points on a car are important, but this new wheel is pure heaven.
I think I actually drive better, it makes that much difference in the experience.

Never again will I drive with the slightest dirt on my hands.

I love this thing.

Appreciate 3
3GFX722.50
DJKapeesh310.50
      06-13-2018, 11:29 PM   #2
XMetal
Colonel
XMetal's Avatar
United_States
1097
Rep
2,846
Posts

Drives: Anything
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2008 Z4M Coupe  [10.00]
2018 Audi S3  [0.00]
2004 X5  [8.50]
Nice! Now you have to do the shift knob to match
Appreciate 2
mainsoda170.50
FD3S69.50
      06-14-2018, 07:09 PM   #3
RossBMWZseries
Major
United_States
224
Rep
1,130
Posts

Drives: '11 E92 328i LCI & '06 Z4MR
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: San Juan TX

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
This is something I’ve been putting off for years now too for the same exact reason as you. Now I’m undecided whether I wanna go with this OE wheel (I love it), or this wheel wrappped in carbon fiber
Appreciate 0
      06-15-2018, 08:13 AM   #4
tominizer
Lieutenant
tominizer's Avatar
Canada
97
Rep
498
Posts

Drives: 2007 Z4M Roadster
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (1)

That's pure wow.

Driving gloves brother !!
Appreciate 1
mainsoda170.50
      06-15-2018, 11:10 AM   #5
mainsoda
Private First Class
mainsoda's Avatar
United_States
171
Rep
150
Posts

Drives: 2006 BMW Z4M coupe
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Milwaukee WI

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by XMetal View Post
Nice! Now you have to do the shift knob to match
I know! My only major hang up is I love the light up shift knob. If somebody made a weighted aftermarket knob that retained the lights I'd be all over it.

It looks like I am going to have to make one myself.
Appreciate 0
      06-15-2018, 12:48 PM   #6
Mtxzptlk
Driving Dog
Mtxzptlk's Avatar
871
Rep
1,218
Posts

Drives: 635/1815, X3M Comp
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: That somewhere over the rainbow

iTrader: (10)

Are Z4M steering wheels still available or sold out? I recall thread not too long ago saying there were only a handful of stock available.
Appreciate 0
      06-15-2018, 01:57 PM   #7
RossBMWZseries
Major
United_States
224
Rep
1,130
Posts

Drives: '11 E92 328i LCI & '06 Z4MR
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: San Juan TX

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by mainsoda View Post
I know! My only major hang up is I love the light up shift knob. If somebody made a weighted aftermarket knob that retained the lights I'd be all over it.

It looks like I am going to have to make one myself.
Roadster solutions had this option of the weighted short shift knob from the ZHP and could modify the top of the knob to display the lighting.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mtxzptlk View Post
Are Z4M steering wheels still available or sold out? I recall thread not too long ago saying there were only a handful of stock available.
ECS tuning has always had it in stock.
__________________
2014 BMW X5 Sdrive35i F15
2011 BMW 328i E92 LCI
2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster E85
2013 BMW S1000RR K46 R.I.P.
1998 BMW Z3 Roadster 1.9L E36 SOLD
Appreciate 1
      06-15-2018, 03:26 PM   #8
StickMon
My other car is on Mars
StickMon's Avatar
United_States
635
Rep
3,124
Posts

Drives: 2006 MR
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lo-Cal

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mainsoda View Post
I know! My only major hang up is I love the light up shift knob. If somebody made a weighted aftermarket knob that retained the lights I'd be all over it.

It looks like I am going to have to make one myself.
Don't like this?
__________________
Warning: May contain traces of nuts.
Appreciate 0
      06-18-2018, 02:03 PM   #9
mainsoda
Private First Class
mainsoda's Avatar
United_States
171
Rep
150
Posts

Drives: 2006 BMW Z4M coupe
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Milwaukee WI

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by StickMon View Post
Don't like this?
That looks nice, I'll have to check that out. I admit though I was sort of looking for a heavy old school ball. I'll sus it out and post my results.
Appreciate 0
      06-23-2018, 09:18 PM   #10
mainsoda
Private First Class
mainsoda's Avatar
United_States
171
Rep
150
Posts

Drives: 2006 BMW Z4M coupe
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Milwaukee WI

iTrader: (0)

OK so I guess I'm highjacking my own thread here

I found a cool heavy ball and set it up today in the beautiful summer weather.

I haven't gotten the whole lighted shift knob thing figured out yet, but step one is complete. I have a big heavy ball shifter and let me tell you, it's amazing.

I didn't want to drill into or modify the stock shift mount in any way (one day may want to return to stock) so what I did was got some 5/8th inch brass hollow tube stock and cut it to length. I started out taller, but went down to this height which feels perfect to me. I got a bolt that was too big to fit into the brass tube and carved it down until it fit like a vanos assembly and then added two other nuts to give it side to side stability. The nuts were also perfectly fitted into the tube. Then I tapped the whole assembly in and was going to epoxy it together, but it was so tight I didn't need to.

I used some of that Flex tape to fill in the narrow gap between the brass tube and the shift stalk and it held great and will cure more by tomorrow. Then I bought 10 washers and put those in the hollow space under the ball making the whole assembly very heavy.

The shifts feel like glass now with all that weight and I love the feel of the smooth ball under my hand. What do you guys think?







Appreciate 0
      06-25-2018, 04:36 PM   #11
paulromi
Private
Canada
33
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: 2006 Z4 E85, 2011 328xi E90
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Calgary

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mainsoda View Post
I've been putting it off for a while because the new Z4M steering wheels are outrageously expensive.
But two weeks ago I just bit the bullet and paid the staggering 800 bucks for a brand new Nappa leather genuine BMW part.

Earlier this week I got my ECS Tuning wheel and my first impressions looking at it were extremely good.
I never realized how slick that grey paint on the buttons looked when they were new.

Then I put it on... and I have to say... it's worth it.

I've always realized that the touch points on a car are important, but this new wheel is pure heaven.
I think I actually drive better, it makes that much difference in the experience.

Never again will I drive with the slightest dirt on my hands.

I love this thing.

I just did the same thing...I've noticed my Z4 is faster now...lol. All kidding aside it is worth the money to upgrade the wheel.
Appreciate 0
      06-26-2018, 04:45 PM   #12
paulromi
Private
Canada
33
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: 2006 Z4 E85, 2011 328xi E90
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Calgary

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mtxzptlk View Post
Are Z4M steering wheels still available or sold out? I recall thread not too long ago saying there were only a handful of stock available.
When I ordered mine- it had to come from Germany- took a few weeks.
Appreciate 0
      06-28-2018, 09:55 AM   #13
Yapakanichi
Monkey Marshall
Yapakanichi's Avatar
621
Rep
218
Posts

Drives: 2005 Z4 3.0i
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

Few questions...

A: is that DashCommand? What dashboard are you running? I have some similar set up, but it's a magnet on the dash and the phone sits on top of the alum dash trim piece.

B: where is your power for your phone running? Mine is going into the cigarette lighter and I don't like it, thinking of redoing it.

C: I see metal trim around a lot of your interior pieces. I see the DSC, seat heater, hazard buttons, and window buttons trim. Where is that available?

Edit: Looks really good. I really like it.
Appreciate 1
mainsoda170.50
      06-29-2018, 03:16 PM   #14
mainsoda
Private First Class
mainsoda's Avatar
United_States
171
Rep
150
Posts

Drives: 2006 BMW Z4M coupe
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Milwaukee WI

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by knowthebattle View Post
Few questions...

A: is that DashCommand? What dashboard are you running? I have some similar set up, but it's a magnet on the dash and the phone sits on top of the alum dash trim piece.

I am just using the app that came with my OBDLink MX. It's hugely editable and I tried to make the gauges look as much like stock dash as possible. The app is here https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...ations.OBDLink

B: where is your power for your phone running? Mine is going into the cigarette lighter and I don't like it, thinking of redoing it.

I ran the power from the fusebox at F2, it is switched with the ignition and the cell phone switches on and off all by itself along with my dash cam and old school almost useless radar detector (so period)

C: I see metal trim around a lot of your interior pieces. I see the DSC, seat heater, hazard buttons, and window buttons trim. Where is that available?

I thought they were all like this? I can't say as this was how the car was when I bought it.

Edit: Looks really good. I really like it.
Thanks man! I'm loving all the touch points right now.
Appreciate 0
      07-02-2018, 01:25 PM   #15
mainsoda
Private First Class
mainsoda's Avatar
United_States
171
Rep
150
Posts

Drives: 2006 BMW Z4M coupe
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Milwaukee WI

iTrader: (0)

Turns out I don't really need a light up shift knob as the orange interior lights make the ball all but glow.

Appreciate 1
      07-02-2018, 02:14 PM   #16
Yapakanichi
Monkey Marshall
Yapakanichi's Avatar
621
Rep
218
Posts

Drives: 2005 Z4 3.0i
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

B: where is your power for your phone running? Mine is going into the cigarette lighter and I don't like it, thinking of redoing it.

I ran the power from the fusebox at F2, it is switched with the ignition and the cell phone switches on and off all by itself along with my dash cam and old school almost useless radar detector (so period)


IN REGARD TO THIS...

How did you tap into the car's power in the fusebox? Did you get a special cable?
Appreciate 0
      07-02-2018, 09:11 PM   #17
mainsoda
Private First Class
mainsoda's Avatar
United_States
171
Rep
150
Posts

Drives: 2006 BMW Z4M coupe
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Milwaukee WI

iTrader: (0)

I used one of these and ran the wires through the dash. There is a fairly large panel that just pops off under the radio.

Appreciate 0
      07-11-2018, 08:16 PM   #18
sclui56
Private First Class
88
Rep
140
Posts

Drives: E86, IS-F, G42, G87
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: CA

iTrader: (0)

Have to agree the M steering is one of the best mods. Did that to my daughter's coupe 5 years ago.

https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh...light=steering

The feel on this wheel was better and slightly chunkier than my stock M2's. I ended up getting the hybrid leather/Alcantara for the M2 to get more meat, but I am not a fan of Alcantara.
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2018, 06:51 PM   #19
racerbruce
Brigadier General
racerbruce's Avatar
3849
Rep
3,004
Posts

Drives: 21 X3 & 13 335is E93
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (1)

YAY!
The new OEM steering wheel looks absolutely awesome.
__________________
Racerbruce
Appreciate 1
mainsoda170.50
      12-13-2018, 12:03 AM   #20
fryh1n
Private
fryh1n's Avatar
United_States
4
Rep
67
Posts

Drives: 2007 Z4M Coupe
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Bay Area, California

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2020 BMW X3MC  [0.00]
2008 BMW Z4MC  [0.00]
what's the difference between this and the steering wheel from a Z4M? just newer?

what brand are those pedals? those are nice
Appreciate 0
      12-13-2018, 09:47 AM   #21
mainsoda
Private First Class
mainsoda's Avatar
United_States
171
Rep
150
Posts

Drives: 2006 BMW Z4M coupe
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Milwaukee WI

iTrader: (0)

This is just a stock Z4M steering wheel, nothing different, just new. The one that came with my car was horribly cracked and worn.

The pedals are AC Schnitzer. Thanks, I like them too.
Appreciate 0
      12-19-2018, 08:14 AM   #22
DJKapeesh
Lieutenant
DJKapeesh's Avatar
311
Rep
469
Posts

Drives: 11' 135i, 13' 911 C2S, 10' X5D
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Atlanta

iTrader: (1)

I told u go with this
Mechunik Amber LED Illuminated Shift Knob
Can illuminate and still a big chunk of metal

__________________

Current: 13' C2S 911 / 11' 135i / 05' Xrunner/ 10' X5D (Youtube: Peepshit Studios)
Past: 1991 325ix Coupe Turbo / AP2 05' S2K / 981 Boxster/ 2007 Z4MC/ S13 240SX/ 2002 S2000/ 2004 350Z/ E39 1999 528i/ E46 2004 SC 325CI/ E30 1989 325i Vert/ 1987 E24 635CSI/ 2012 135I
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:52 AM.




zpost
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST