JOURNAL - Z3 Individual - Sold!

Post pictures of your car and discuss it here. One car per thread, and keep it on-topic, please!
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yalden
Joined: Sun 30 Mar, 2008 18:03
Posts: 1232

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

myredzed wrote:You don't do anything by halves do you Chris! I knew you were considering a refurb of your wheels - I didn't think that it would be a rebuild though :shock: Looking forward to pics of them on the car :D

I don't suppose you fancy bringing your zed to Santa Pod in September do you? http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20767
Thanks... I do tend to get a little carried away at times... I convinced myself the original dishes were beyond repair :wink:

I'm hoping to make Santa Pod, but I really can't commit to anything as I'm still needing to build the wheels, purchase tyres/coilovers, paint/fit rear bumper and repaint the front bumper... I'll check out the thread and see how things go!
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c_w
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  M roadster S50

Post by c_w »

yalden wrote:
c_w wrote:Should look good with these wheels - are you going to have to go for a fair bit of tyre stretch to keep them within the arches? The 10.5 rear is going to sit out almost 45mm more that the stock 8.5J!!
I did a few sums and came up with 38mm when compared to the Schnitzers in their current state... This'll protrude the arch by circa 8mm so a moderate stretch should take care of any problems.

Yea could do - at least the factory 17x8.5 sit very "conservatively" in the arch so there is plenty of offset/width space spare.
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yalden
Joined: Sun 30 Mar, 2008 18:03
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

Exterior - Part 18b
Tools, Stickers and Trials - 07/08/2009

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After looking into the simplistics of splitting my wheels I came to realise that the bolts used by Oz Racing to secure the wheels are custom 10-spline, as opposed to regular 12-spline.

A little digging soon unveiled that two custom sockets (8mm/10mm) would set me back £100, thankfully a fellow member on www.wheel-whores.com had already forked out for such tools and was now loaning them out for a small fee... ideal! Needless to say, they were on the door mat within a couple days.

Click to enlarge

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On the same day as the sockets arrived, I also received my original OZ Racing lip decals from Germany, to be located opposite the tyre valves on the outer edge of the dish - the lips would've had these fitted prior to polishing through the clearcoat.

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Whilst splitting the rims, I thought it'd only be right to have a quick trial fit on the rear... Got Camber?

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The centres are being shipped to www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk next week for the final touch, a refurb in their exclusive Hi-Power Silver coating. I'm hoping to have them all back next weekend... fingers crossed!

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Last edited by yalden on Fri 28 Aug, 2009 10:46, edited 1 time in total.
shantybeater
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  Porsche
Location: UK

Post by shantybeater »

I want those wheels 8-)
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3.0 Lakes Lee
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Kendal

Post by 3.0 Lakes Lee »

What tyres are you putting on Chris? Finally I get to see the gold bolts fitted....they look great.

Just remember when you buil up your 3 piece rims, let the sealer when and truly go off before fitting your tyres otherwise you may end up with leaks.....I speak from experience.

Patience is a virtue.............looking forward to seeing if the stretched look suits the car

Cheers Lee

ps garage roof is on..............few more weeks and my z will have a home all of its own!! :)
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Ian_C
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Lytham St Annes

Post by Ian_C »

Looks promising yalden. Definitely complements the individual nature of your zed 8-)

Where did you get the Oz Racing decals from? (I'd like to get a set of these back on to my wheels when I get them refurbed during the winter)
Current...1998 ///M Coupe
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3.0 Lakes Lee
Joined: Wed 01 Apr, 2009 08:34
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Kendal

Post by 3.0 Lakes Lee »

myredzed wrote:Looks promising yalden. Definitely complements the individual nature of your zed 8-)

Where did you get the Oz Racing decals from? (I'd like to get a set of these back on to my wheels when I get them refurbed during the winter)
You can get vinyl graphics (stickers) pretty much from most sign writing companies, if you have an image of what you want they can replicate it. E Bay has loads if you are prepared to search through them all. One here

http://cgi.ebay.com.my/OZ-Racing-Wheel- ... 0305719274

Lee
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Ian_C
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Lytham St Annes

Post by Ian_C »

3.0 Lakes Lee wrote:
myredzed wrote:Looks promising yalden. Definitely complements the individual nature of your zed 8-)

Where did you get the Oz Racing decals from? (I'd like to get a set of these back on to my wheels when I get them refurbed during the winter)
You can get vinyl graphics (stickers) pretty much from most sign writing companies, if you have an image of what you want they can replicate it. E Bay has loads if you are prepared to search through them all. One here

http://cgi.ebay.com.my/OZ-Racing-Wheel- ... 0305719274

Lee
Thanks Lee, I'll start hunting around on eBay then (I also need 1 AC Schnitzer decal for a wheel centre)
Current...1998 ///M Coupe
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Vixi
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  Z3 roadster 1.9i
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Post by Vixi »

hi yalden

Your car looks fab , I will keep my eye out for you , I am from St Germans , back to see my Mum & Dad the end of the month , and bound to pop into Saltash for bits and bobs

So If I see you I will give you a big WAVE :lol:
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yalden
Joined: Sun 30 Mar, 2008 18:03
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

3.0 Lakes Lee wrote:What tyres are you putting on Chris? Finally I get to see the gold bolts fitted....they look great.

Just remember when you buil up your 3 piece rims, let the sealer when and truly go off before fitting your tyres otherwise you may end up with leaks.....I speak from experience.

Patience is a virtue.............looking forward to seeing if the stretched look suits the car

Cheers Lee

ps garage roof is on..............few more weeks and my z will have a home all of its own!! :)
Cheers Lee,

Glad to hear the garage is almost complete, then you can start throwing more money on little bits and pieces for the Z :wink: *cough* Z3M Mirrors *cough*

As for the sealent, I'll be sure to leave them long enough, I re-built my previous hartge's on the E36 without any troubles; although I absolutely caked them in sealant. I plan to take it a little easier on these, I've got a much better idea of how to do things second time round 8-)

Oh and tyres... well I'm expecting the negative camber to chew throw the inner tread pretty quickly, so no high-end brands. Likewise, I don't want budget rubber, so I'm going to stick with what I know and fit a set of Falken 452's 8-)
myredzed wrote:Looks promising yalden. Definitely complements the individual nature of your zed 8-)

Where did you get the Oz Racing decals from? (I'd like to get a set of these back on to my wheels when I get them refurbed during the winter)
The Oz Racing decals came from the supplier of my other wheel parts (Claus @ Felgen-garage.de); as said though, any decent place can (or do) make them... Just be sure the text is slightly curved :idea:
Vixi wrote:hi yalden

Your car looks fab , I will keep my eye out for you , I am from St Germans , back to see my Mum & Dad the end of the month , and bound to pop into Saltash for bits and bobs

So If I see you I will give you a big WAVE :lol:
Definately, I'll keep my eyes peeled :o
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yalden
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

Exterior - Part 17b
More AerOEM+ - 12/08/2009

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I left work early today to ensure I got chance to collect my rear bumper from the bodyshop before they lock their doors.

The plan was to wait till the weekend before fitting, just to ensure I didn't run out of daylight. As is often the case, things didn't go as planned... I began trying to remove the original bumper around 7pm. Considering I had no idea how it came off, and tried removing all the boot trim to locate the rear bumper shock mounts I later realised that it had to be removed from behind (i.e. underneath the car).

Anyhow, two hours later and the light has gone, but the bumper is on... fitment is 90% of the way there, two of the mounting points along the upper edge are different to the original bumper and with no new fixings I'm a little stuck. Likewise, the lower mounting to the arch liner doesn't align, it looks like I need a longer fixing bolt with a spring retainer - something I can knock up on the weekend.

The darkness has hindered the photos, but here are a few tasters...

Original/Aerodynamic comparison:-

Click to enlarge

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Quick and dirty fitted shots:-

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Last edited by yalden on Fri 28 Aug, 2009 10:47, edited 1 time in total.
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3.0 Lakes Lee
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Kendal

Post by 3.0 Lakes Lee »

looking good Chris

I can confirm that the arch liner does connect by a long bolt, I know cos I recently changed my off side arch liner, Im sure if you went to stealer parts they could show you on their parts system.

Dont remember seeing a spring retainer though, it was just a threadlock nut on the end.

Lee
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yalden
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

Thanks Lee,

I'll have a look on realoem in a bit, I also found that the new bumper has a single fixing hole on each top-side edge. On the original bumper there were two, which had a notch. The single hole on the aero bumper doesn't work with the original fixings so I need to work this one out also!

Whilst I'm talking to you; part of the fitting kit for my aero rear spoiler was a 3rd brake light cable extension. This extension and some of the spoiler fixings had to come through the centre of the boot skin and are visible from the inside when I open the boot. Is this the same for you?

Cheers

Chris
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3.0 Lakes Lee
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Kendal

Post by 3.0 Lakes Lee »

I will have a look for you Chris, car is at mum in laws at mo while buliders are here doing garage.

Im fairly certain that the cable to the rear brake light is visible on the underside of the boot but will check

If I can get some pics I will

Cheers
Lee
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yalden
Joined: Sun 30 Mar, 2008 18:03
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

That'd be appreciated, thanks!

As for the bumper fixings, my initial suspiscions are right - I should've received a full fitting kit and instruction manual with the apron.

I purchased the apron from BMINIPARTS.com whom I would normally recommend, but it seems they've failed to supply me with the full kit this time round. I've sent them an email but I'm not getting my hopes up!

Thankfully most of the original fixings were compatible but with the few missing it seems that I'll need to improvise and rely on a DIY effort.

BMW Westerley informed me that the fixing kit can't be sold separately, I'm sure I can easily find a fixing for the arch liner, but the top edges might be a little more awkward!
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3.0 Lakes Lee
Joined: Wed 01 Apr, 2009 08:34
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Kendal

Post by 3.0 Lakes Lee »

By arch liner fixing Im presuming you mean the inner plastic arch connecting to the rear bumber.

This is just a long bolt with a metal sleeve/tube used as a spacer, without it you would end up pulling the liner up too far.

I think I may be able to just get under the car and take a pic for you. If I can get the lengths I will.

Will be in touch.
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yalden
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

Exterior - Part 18c
Centre of the Schnitz - 28/08/2009

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Albeit that the centres of my wheels weren't in awful condition, they were showing some light marks/scratches/chips and general discolouring. Originally I was going to get my bodyshop to respray them, but I had concerns over the durability of the finish and the overall coverage within each split rim bolt-recess.

I did a little bit of digging, which was later reinforced by a few recommendations and decided to send the centres via courier to the Leeds based shop of The Wheel Specialists.

I opted for the Hi-Power silver powdercoated finish; and have no regrets!

Click to enlarge

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They were also asked to smooth the centre caps however I'm not 100% satisfied with the overall finish (there appears to be a slight imprint of bubblewrap texture embedded into the paint - assuming they wrapped them before the paint had fullly cured). Rather than send them back I'll probably just get my local shop to repaint them.

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Althulas
Joined: Fri 13 Feb, 2009 00:55
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  M roadster S50

Post by Althulas »

Those wheels are going to look the business when you've assembled them. Did you get any joy whith getting a fitting kit back?
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yalden
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

Not as of yet, although BMWMINIParts claimed to be amid discussions with their supplier... :?

Seems to be taking some time, I've already chased it up once so don't want to come across impatient (even if I am...)
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yalden
Joined: Sun 30 Mar, 2008 18:03
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

Exterior - Part 18d
It's Schnitzer Time - 28/08/2009

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I purchased my AC Schnitzer Type 1's 60 weeks ago to the day, although they came second hand and were probably built circa '97, around 12 years ago. It's fair to say, they hadn't aged particularly well - but tonight they underwent a well deserved facelift.

I got the relevant parts together and began by using a mixture of saturated aliphatic and alicyclic C7 to C12 hydrocarbons with a maximum content of 25% of C7 to C12 alkyl aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. white spirit) to ensure a clean/degreased surface for the sealant to take to).

Click to enlarge

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A narrow bead of sealant was laid around the perimeter of the barrel, once complete, the wheel sections were laid into place and secured by quarterly bolts.

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Once secure, the remaining bolts were inserted, dabbed with a single component thixotropic chemical called dimethacrylate ester (e.g. Loctite 243 / Threadlock) and torqued to 22.7 ft/lbs.

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A final bead of sealant was applied to the outer edge, where the lip and barrel meet. Although my efforts might not have been as 'neat' as some, I'm confident there'll be no air-leaks on my watch.

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The fronts remain 2-piece, so none of the sticky stuff necessary. Ideal - a quick and easy bolt on affair (with the aforementioned threadlock/torque settings).

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And hey-presto...

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Just valves, centre caps and tyres to go...

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Last edited by yalden on Sat 29 Aug, 2009 11:32, edited 2 times in total.
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Ian_C
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Lytham St Annes

Post by Ian_C »

Looking good yalden and well worth the effort. 8-)
Current...1998 ///M Coupe
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Naeem.m
Joined: Wed 19 Aug, 2009 21:57
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  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Leicester

Post by Naeem.m »

60weeks is a long time but im sure it was worth the wait by the look of them..cant wait to see them on!.:-).any ideas of where i can get the aerodynamic sideskirts from?..your Z really is looking cool esp now with the rear bumper!the ACS pipes work really well with it
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yalden
Joined: Sun 30 Mar, 2008 18:03
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

Cheers guys!

With regard to the skirts - I purchased them direct from BMW, iirc they cost me around £160 all in... so not too bad! 8-)

The rear bumper I managed to find for about the same price delivered (£160), albeit that it didn't come with a fitting kit :roll: I've managed to mount it perfectly and find workable fixings myself, although I still need some for the lower arch liner mounting points! I think you'll struggle to find the rear anywhere but BMW now, and I think it's around £250ish.
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Ian_C
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Lytham St Annes

Post by Ian_C »

Do you have any pictures with the OZ Racing logos in place?
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yalden
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

Exterior - Part 18e
OZ Racing - 29/08/2009

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Something I wasn't happy doing whilst building the wheels was fitting the OZ Racing sticker; I had no reference material so was worried I'd place them incorrectly.

I've tried to ensure that the wheels are built as originally intended, the minor detail is to ensure that the valve is located central between two spokes, with the OZ Racing sticker directly opposite. Needless to say, this is now done.

Click to enlarge

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3.0 Lakes Lee
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Kendal

Post by 3.0 Lakes Lee »

Wheres the pics of everything fitted Chris? Been checking the site for a week or so!

Lee........
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yalden
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

3.0 Lakes Lee wrote:Wheres the pics of everything fitted Chris? Been checking the site for a week or so!

Lee........
Sorry to dissappoint, the wheels aren't going to go on for some time yet! Sadly my car is a daily driver, and what with the coastal roads around here and particularly generous gritters in the Winter I'm worried that the bare polished alloy dishes will tarnish over the coming months. As a result, the wheels will sit up boxed until next year now!

In the meantime I'll be purchasing the front splitter, coilovers and a few other bits and pieces!
shantybeater
Joined: Wed 12 Mar, 2008 14:33
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  Porsche
Location: UK

Post by shantybeater »

Hey mate quick question regarding your wheels, if you fit larger dishes does it change the et?? i ask because I want more dish but the et is high 30's on ac's so on the M i will loose girth?
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TREGZY
Joined: Fri 31 Mar, 2006 09:58
Posts: 91

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Plymouth

Post by TREGZY »

yalden yalden yalden....

I thought you couldnt get any more anal than your e36?!!!

Class job mate.

However, after the expense you have paid, i would have just bought an M/// roadster and spent the rest on sunglasses, but i know you love your projects...

8-)
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Titan
Joined: Fri 01 Apr, 2005 20:20
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  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: North Yorkshire

Post by Titan »

TREGZY wrote:yalden yalden yalden....
However, after the expense you have paid, i would have just bought an M/// roadster
Ohhh - don't let Marmite hear you say that :!:
But you could drop an ///m engine in just for fun next winter :twisted:
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BBZ149
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  Z1 roadster
Location: Planet Mars :-)
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Post by BBZ149 »

I must say, I’m not too keen on the Z3 but this is a very fine looking one and one I would be proud to own. One day I hope to get a set of those rims on my Z1 :D
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yalden
Joined: Sun 30 Mar, 2008 18:03
Posts: 1232

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

Performance/ Engine Cosmetics - Part 3
Magpie - 05/12/2009

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Being over a year since I last purchased any engine-'tart', I decided to take the plunge and relieve a fellow forum member (Adonis @ BMW Owner) of the Mirage Stainless Steel covers which he'd removed from his previous E36:

Mirage Stainless oil filler cap cover
Mirage Stainless power steering reservoir cover
Mirage Stainless power steering reservoir cap cover
Mirage Stainless oil puralator cover
Mirage Stainless oil puralator cap cover
Mirage Stainless fuse box lid cover

Later in the month I got sucked in again; I spotted a rare Strong Strut Competition Light Alloy 'Black Textured' front strut brace with the Strong Strut small-accessory installation kit.

These braces are only available from the US (albeit through a UK distributer such as CA-A) and for that reason they demand a premium. I managed to save a bit of cash by purchasing second hand but ultimately these braces carry the title of the best brace for any model of Z3 and for that reason they're never going to be cheap.

Click to enlarge

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At the same time as fitting the strut brace, it made sense to also fit the Jamex coilover set up I'd managed to get at a bargain price from a fellow Z3 member. The set up offered the one thing I wanted, adjustable front ride height - as the front sat just too high in comparison to the rear!

Click to enlarge

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Last edited by yalden on Sat 20 Mar, 2010 22:12, edited 1 time in total.
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Jonttt
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  M roadster S54
Location: Liverpool

Post by Jonttt »

Chrome bits look great on the black engine bay :wink:

I looked at these for the oil filter cover as they OEM finish looks aweful IMHO. They are expensive but are they worth it ie how good a fit are they ?

The strong struts are the "nuts" aren't they, quality feel, finish and fit. You have exactly the same version as mine and sad as it might be I find myself opening the bonnet just to look at it :roll: (looks like you picked up one in great condition).
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yalden
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

Exterior - Part 18f
Custom ACS Centre Caps - 27/02/2010

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Being that I had chosen to fit gold plated split rim bolts during my wheel build, I decided it'd be a great touch to have a set of customised centre caps with gold detailing.

Initially I was going to run the original caps and carefully detail the ACS logo with a fine brush; then I realised the better solution would be to cut a vinyl logo and flush the caps. After a playing around with a couple ideas, I decided to go a step further - I had the caps flushed/smoothed and sprayed ready to apply a graphic. I then started working on Photoshop to design something a little different, I wanted to incorporate the AC Schnitzer leaf rosette as seen on the ACS Mini's or any Anniversary press material.

After finalised a custom logo, I visited my local sticker store (Mr Sticker, Saltash) and discussed the options. Due to the fine detail within the logo, they decided to use a gold leaf ribbon and print the design to a clear transparancy, this was then applied to the wheel and a second layer of transparancy added again to protect the print.

Click to enlarge

Image Image Image

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yalden
Joined: Sun 30 Mar, 2008 18:03
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

Jonttt wrote:Chrome bits look great on the black engine bay :wink:

I looked at these for the oil filter cover as they OEM finish looks aweful IMHO. They are expensive but are they worth it ie how good a fit are they ?

The strong struts are the "nuts" aren't they, quality feel, finish and fit. You have exactly the same version as mine and sad as it might be I find myself opening the bonnet just to look at it :roll: (looks like you picked up one in great condition).
Jon,

Thanks for the compliments - the Mirage stainless covers are faultless, they consistantly fit nice and snug! I'm definitely going to purchase more products from Martin, perhaps we should run a forum order and try to haggle a discount! 8-)

Anyway, I've got more updates to post up... :lol:
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yalden
Joined: Sun 30 Mar, 2008 18:03
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

Miscellaneous
Full Valet - 06/03/2010

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over the last month or so I've been accumulating a whole load of new valetting products, I've even gone through the efforts of purchasing some storage containers to keep things tidy!

I've been using Monza Car Care, owner Eamon has been a tremendous help with selecting the right products and offering advice whenever needed. I can't recommend them enough so be sure to visit their website and place an order 8-)

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The car started off looking pretty sorry for itself, although nothing in comparison to Jonttt's dirty Imola M!

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I decided to give it a fairly extensive detail, ensuring the paint was thoroughly rinsed off prior to washing with Zymol Auto Wash whilst making good use of my new 25l bucket with grit guard (more on this later).

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Once washed, I dried the car using a series of Meguiars water magnet towels (I have three - one for the roof, one for body and one for wheels :oops: ).

I then broke out my Dodo Juice Born Slippy clay lube and my Meguiars Professional Mild Detailing Clay; using the Born Slippy to provide lubrication I ran the clay bar over each panel, removing lots of dark-tar bonded contaminents.

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After an extensive clay session, I diluted the remaining lube residue by rinsing the car down again and re-drying. The next stage was to prepare the paint for wax, for this I used Meguiars Stage 2 Deep Crystal Polish - applied using a foam application pad, removed using microfibres.

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With the whole car polished, it was time to apply my latest purchase - Dodo Juice's Purple Haze soft carnuba wax. I had seen a few testimonials on the Detailing World forum which highly commended this wax when used on dark paints and I can certainly see the appeal! I applied the wax sparingly with a cotton applicator before allowing to cure and then buffing with a microfibre.

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The final touches included tyre dressing (using my new Meguiars tyre gel applicator), glass polish (buffed using blue engineering paper), exhaust polish (applied using blue engineering paper and buffed using microfibres) and a very quick interior wipe over.

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The photos really don't do the car justice, partly due to my photography and mostly to do with the somewhat overcast weather and deminishing sunlight!

In reality, the paint looks to have a permanent glaze which really adds a new depth to the cosmos paintwork.

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Going back to the aforementioned Grit Guard, I'd highly recommend this product to anyone... after washing my car I decided to photograph the amount of grit deposits that had settled beneath the guard... better here than on the surface of the sponge :nerd:

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yalden
Joined: Sun 30 Mar, 2008 18:03
Posts: 1232

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

Maintenance
Oil Service - 09/03/2010

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I had the car booked in to BMG (Borringdon Manor Garage, Plympton, Plymouth) for an oil service.

They conducted with excellent service, fitting me in at last minute and hanging the keys back in no time at all. They carried out customary level checks and topped up anything where needed etc. Top guys and a good service at a reasonable price!

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Last edited by yalden on Sun 21 Mar, 2010 08:16, edited 1 time in total.
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TitanTim
Joined: Mon 23 Jun, 2008 18:56
Posts: 5488

  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Stafford

Post by TitanTim »

yalden wrote:Exterior - Part 18f
Custom ACS Centre Caps - 27/02/2010

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Being that I had chosen to fit gold plated split rim bolts during my wheel build, I decided it'd be a great touch to have a set of customised centre caps with gold detailing.

Initially I was going to run the original caps and carefully detail the ACS logo with a fine brush; then I realised the better solution would be to cut a vinyl logo and flush the caps. After a playing around with a couple ideas, I decided to go a step further - I had the caps flushed/smoothed and sprayed ready to apply a graphic. I then started working on Photoshop to design something a little different, I wanted to incorporate the AC Schnitzer leaf rosette as seen on the ACS Mini's or any Anniversary press material.

After finalised a custom logo, I visited my local sticker store (Mr Sticker, Saltash) and discussed the options. Due to the fine detail within the logo, they decided to use a gold leaf ribbon and print the design to a clear transparancy, this was then applied to the wheel and a second layer of transparancy added again to protect the print.

Click to enlarge

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Love the centre cap logo for the alloys :thumb: that really works, looks fantastic :) Can't wait to see them on the Zed 8-)

Tim.
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2001 Z3 1.9 Roadster Sport - 2012 Z4 sDrive 2.0 M Sport
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Jonttt
Z Register member
Joined: Sun 28 Dec, 2008 16:32
Posts: 6554

  M roadster S54
Location: Liverpool

Post by Jonttt »

yalden wrote:........ perhaps we should run a forum order and try to haggle a discount! 8-)
Now thats a great idea, sounds like we have a volunteer, I would definately be in for a few bits n bobs.

Perhaps he could quote a price list for each item for the Z3? ie £x 1to 5 items ordered, £Y 5 to 10 etc.... We could pay him direct by a set date and he supplies based on orders received at that date, just an idea. That way you are guaranteed your order at a certain price with the chance of getting it cheaper. Given the value of these items would not be fair for one person to take on the whole financial risk (ie non payers etc....)

Would have to check which are generic to all Z models but I assume its actually e36 parts he supplies so limited to those, a quick RealOEM check should confirm for each Z3 model.

Wheels are looking awesome, attention to detail as always. Looking forward to finally seeing them on the car soon ? I saw Lee's in the flesh on our Lakes trip a few weeks ago and they do look awesome :wink:

Glad you finally learned how to wash a car as well :D
Happiness is not around the corner........happiness is the corner
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yalden
Joined: Sun 30 Mar, 2008 18:03
Posts: 1232

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

Exterior - Part 18g
Finishing Touches - 20/03/2010

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Having spent far too much money on the wheel build to date, it seemed daft to fit the wheels using the original OEM bolts and lockers - especially as these were discoloured and worn.

I decided to browse eBay and see what I could pick up; I noted a seller 'dvt1967' who ran an online store (Dave's Alloy Wheels and Accessories) that sold chrome wheel bolts, locking wheel bolts (with steel caps to make them look like regular bolts) and stainless tyre valves.

As I needed all three I managed to negotiate a deal, knocking off about 35% from the total price - bargain!

Click to enlarge

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yalden
Joined: Sun 30 Mar, 2008 18:03
Posts: 1232

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Devon

Post by yalden »

Exterior - Part 18h
Stretched Rubber - 20/03/2010

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This may be the divide amongst purists and those with a taste for 'euro' fashion.

Clearly my 10.5J wheels aren't going to run on my car with well fitted 265/275 tyres; the only way to get them to fit would be to stretch the rubber to provide additional clearance within the arch.

I'm a big fan of the whole euro style and ran stretched tyres on my previous Hartge's. Despite popular belief, I've never heard of any tyre related problem caused as a result of running stretched tyres...

So, with that out the way - I ordered a set of Falken 452 tyres from http://www.camskill.co.uk. I opted to run 215/35/18's on the 9J fronts and 245/35/18's on the 10.5J out back.

Camskill offered incredible prices compared to other tyre suppliers (mytyres etc) and being that the tyres arrived in less than 24hrs from placing an order, it's safe to say that the service is second to none.

So, finallyyyyyyy... after all this time, the wheels have been fitted!

I must first say that with a passenger, when passing over bumps I can hear the tyres just catching the inner edge of the arch - but these are being rolled tomorrow morning. Furthermore, the fronts were catching on the coilover struts so I had to raise the front end about 8mm. I'll be purchasing a set of 3-6mm spacers in the week so that I can bring the front back down. But until then, the car will look like this (excuse the dull tyres, it seemed pointless adding any shine whilst the roads were wet).

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You'll also note the custom gold ACS decal on the tailgate, this was cut from vinyl to fit within the rear edge of the Aero spoiler - I think it adds a nice touch and compliments the gold detailing on the wheels 8-)

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Last edited by yalden on Sun 21 Mar, 2010 14:43, edited 2 times in total.
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3.0 Lakes Lee
Joined: Wed 01 Apr, 2009 08:34
Posts: 258

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Kendal

Post by 3.0 Lakes Lee »

I like the look Chris, the car looks very "clean" if you know what I mean, it has great lines now with the aerodynamic pack and rims fitted.

:thumb:
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Jonttt
Z Register member
Joined: Sun 28 Dec, 2008 16:32
Posts: 6554

  M roadster S54
Location: Liverpool

Post by Jonttt »

Awesome Chris, watch those curbs though !

Will be interesting to see the difference with the rolled arches.

You planning to put the finished pics up on Bimmerforums (be "interesting" to see what Pangster has to say :roll: )

Your making me wanna go out and buy my forth wheel :D
Happiness is not around the corner........happiness is the corner
Image Video or Journal Garage: 2015 FFRR Black Edition, Porsche Boxster GTS, 1997 Porsche Carrara C4S, Ex 2001 BMW S54 Z3m Roadster
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TitanTim
Joined: Mon 23 Jun, 2008 18:56
Posts: 5488

  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Stafford

Post by TitanTim »

Wow Chris, looks fantastic, I still love those alloys 8-) superb, only thing I would say is your a braver Zedder than I :lol: When I checked the Falken website I was worrying about fitting 225s on an 8.5" rim, but 215 on a 9" rim :shock: :lol: :D

Tim.
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2001 Z3 1.9 Roadster Sport - 2012 Z4 sDrive 2.0 M Sport
shantybeater
Joined: Wed 12 Mar, 2008 14:33
Posts: 1967

  Porsche
Location: UK

Post by shantybeater »

Holy shitbag that looks good! :shock:

Absolutely spot on and a bit of stretch adds to the look imo

Those wheels are something special as well, you are making me regret not getting some!!

That rear end looks so aggressive! dare I say it better than an M!
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Titan
Joined: Fri 01 Apr, 2005 20:20
Posts: 4002

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: North Yorkshire

Post by Titan »

Chris you've done some great work and I really admire your photographic skills as well.
Have you considered losing the orange side lights and repeaters or deliberately kept then for contrast?
Either way it looks good :thumb:
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TREGZY
Joined: Fri 31 Mar, 2006 09:58
Posts: 91

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Plymouth

Post by TREGZY »

I thought i saw a spec of dust in the forth photo, but it was just an epithelial cell floating over my cornea - you car is VERY clean and typically yalden.
E102, E104, E110 and E37
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dennisedlin
Joined: Sat 24 Oct, 2009 06:39
Posts: 140

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Nottingham

Post by dennisedlin »

That really does look very good. Watch out for the speed humps though.
Z3 2.2 Sport, everyone loves a Z3

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Dolfan
Joined: Tue 09 Jun, 2009 12:19
Posts: 197

  M roadster S50
Location: Milton Keynes

Post by Dolfan »

I agree with shanty that rear is beautiful, stuuning Zed!! 8-)
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3.0 Lakes Lee
Joined: Wed 01 Apr, 2009 08:34
Posts: 258

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Kendal

Post by 3.0 Lakes Lee »

and no-ones commented on your "modded" filler cap yet!!!! :thumb:
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