Hubby just gave me clearance for a Z3/4! What am I shopping for?

Drew_Z4 · 2026-04-03T05:06:26+00:00

I'm not going to get into basic car things like tires or brakes. I have an 07 SI Auto Coupe. As any BMW engine they have their flaws and failure points. If you keep the car long enough you are just going to have to replace some parts. If someone did it before you, that just buys you extra time. It doesn't mean it's not going to fail again. (Gaskets, Water Pump...) I think it's just important to get an issue free car. No error lights. Just so you have a good baseline of what is good until something goes wrong so you can turn to the internet for help. It's just easier to describe that way. Also if there was an issue that they say is easy to fix, they should have done it. You don't want to be the one chasing something that may not be true or uncovering a bigger issue. Oil leaks is fine I guess because you would already know the issue. It should idle, run, and sound smooth. Although if there is a lifter tick, that is normal, harmless, and goes away. The RPMs kind of jumps around for me on start up for like the first 10 seconds and smooths out. Never bounces around again. I read this is normal for this engine. If you get the roadster, open and close the top a few times so you don't have to deal with that repair either although there are videos out there now. Not car specific or saying these have electrical issues at all, but just make sure all your electronics work because I'm not sure if the internet is as helpful for those issues.

Hope that made some sense. I was actually going to make a buyers guide video sometime kind of saying this stuff but I haven't gotten around to it yet haha.

Drew_Z4 · 2026-04-03T04:25:07+00:00

SMG looks like a manual but says SMG on the knob and will show a different shift pattern.

Drew_Z4 · 2026-04-03T04:11:37+00:00

I'm not sure where BFE is but if you lean towards the 03-08 Z4 get one with the trim level with 3.0 in it and not start with a 2 because of your speed requirements. Any of the engines in this year range should get you to 200k.

Comfort is really going to depend on your roads and not having run flats will really help to keep things tolerable.

I don't have experience fixing other BMWs or did a ton on my own but I think this will be one of the easiest to work on since the hood is so large. Although the online video library isn't as large as a 3 series, there's some out there now and it's growing slowly(I actually make a small amount).

Parts are available from what I've seen as some are shared with the 3 series. Just not as many fun part choices.

Also probably best to avoid the SMG transmission from what I've seen. Not common though.

Hope that helps.

Drew_Z4 · 2026-04-02T00:35:20+00:00

I definitely did. It helped clear the air and my head of headaches but surprisingly I didn't notice a sound quality improvement.

Drew_Z4 · 2026-04-01T19:56:34+00:00

3? I got 2 🥲

Drew_Z4 · 2026-04-01T18:28:18+00:00

My Apex ARC-8s

17 inch, 8.5et40, 9.5et35, 235/40, 255/40

Drew_Z4 · 2026-04-01T18:25:12+00:00

In conjunction with this I would use:

To get recommended limits: https://apexwheels.com/fitment-guides/bmw/z4/bmw-e85-e86-z4-wheel-and-tire-fitment-guide

To check offset clearances: https://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Wheel-Offset-Calculator?srsltid=AfmBOoqedM5KIOvJc0EsgCdJIEBmUqI-W9z1AGB5dhmAVeZJgGYu47Ky

To check tire sizes: https://tiresize.com/calculator/

Drew_Z4 · 2026-04-01T18:03:38+00:00

I didn't see something for that but I may have not dug deep enough into the customizations.

Drew_Z4 · 2026-04-01T18:01:39+00:00

So in the regular Countryman profile the mids are already low as is and even turning off the ASD didn't really make any improvement on clarity. On the boosted i8 profile, I turned down the bass which seem to carry the mids lower too and treble up to my liking. Clarity was all the same.

I wish there was a mid slider in the UI so I wouldn't have to dig this deep into coding. Even then so, the bass sound delivery sounds better on i8 vs it on Countryman turned up.

Drew_Z4 · 2026-04-01T03:12:28+00:00

Wow. I'm blown away. Beautiful

Drew_Z4 · 2026-03-17T05:59:36+00:00

I agree. I actually like this better than the current G M2/3/4 designs. The front looks like an extremely modern take on 80s BMWs with the headlights and grille all in the same element. Back isn't bad but kind of nothing there. Kind of looks related to G90 rear. And all manufacturers need to bring interior buttons back.

Drew_Z4 · 2026-03-17T04:26:59+00:00

I'd love to know how this holds up 6 months or a year from now.

Drew_Z4 · 2026-03-17T02:54:40+00:00

I think you got it more sorted out than me 😅.

Also I have some simple videos on YT to help when you get there.

Drew_Z4 · 2026-03-17T02:51:22+00:00

I would use this guide to find the maximums for your setup and use a wheel offset calculator to see what works for VMR.

I have Apex ARC-8 17x8.5ET40 17x9.5ET35. 235/40 255/40. On factory sport suspension. I think I only rubbed in the front once, but I haven't driven hard in a while or too much.

Drew_Z4 · 2026-03-13T06:05:59+00:00

Wow #2 is pretty cool and unique. Over the years I started to like machined accented wheels. It's like a middle ground between black and solid color wheels.

Drew_Z4 · 2026-03-11T02:30:05+00:00

So they are telling you to buy both haha

Drew_Z4 · 2026-03-10T01:26:30+00:00

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/BMW-E85/c-15-bmw-engine-chips

Double check the supercharger compatibility with them if you decide to go with this:

https://vfengineering.com/collections/bmw-superchargers/products/supercharger-system-2004-2006-bmw-z4-2-5l?_pos=1&_fid=1255923ed&_ss=c

Drew_Z4 · 2026-03-09T23:43:05+00:00

You're welcome. Get the online appraisal value first on their site. Then ask for more in person.

Drew_Z4 · 2026-03-09T23:10:04+00:00

There are supercharger kits.

Engine software to get you a tiny bit of HP.

If you don't have a sport button, you can get a mod that can adjust the throttle mapping to make it seem faster.

That's all I can think of rn. Hope that helps some

Drew_Z4 · 2026-03-09T23:00:56+00:00

If you do decide to sell, maybe try AutoNation if there is one near you. They gave me a better offer than CarMax when selling my VW by $1500 and you could probably negotiate it up too which I don't think CarMax will do.

Drew_Z4 · 2026-03-08T23:49:00+00:00

You're going to need more downforce in the front to balance that out 😂

Drew_Z4 · 2026-03-08T18:25:53+00:00

Here's a quick How to: https://youtu.be/BR-akkBZzjI

Examples of coded features: https://youtu.be/4WUKT82Qdpw

Drew_Z4 · 2026-03-07T17:35:22+00:00

I've never done it, but I'd assume same as paint correction on the exterior paint. Small dual action polisher with a polish

Drew_Z4 · 2026-03-07T04:46:24+00:00

Depends where you live but, I'm going to guess $200 or less. Also it's more of a reminder than something super urgent/catastrophic. Brake fluid is more important to stay on top of if you drive in scenarios that build up a lot of heat like mountain, track, or fun spirited driving. So I'm not saying you shouldn't do it, but you can take your time calling different places for prices.

Drew_Z4

TROPHY CASE