Hi, I was wondering what upgrades people have done and would recommend for a 3.0l z3. It sounds awesome as standard but I'm wondering how good it could sound and drive 
3.0l upgrades
- Thread starter Madtoady
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2011
- Points
- 226
- Location
- Langley Mill
- Model of Z
- Z4 3.0si Individual Ruby Black Last one produced in this colour combo
There is not a lot you can do to increase performance main upgrade would be to aid the handling such as Poly bushes and suspension upgrades. I would also consider upgrading the braking system also. Performance mods would be an Induction kit and Stainless cat back Exhaust system
Thanks for the info. I'm definitely looking to get an exhaust system fitted and I'm interested in an induction kit but I haven't seen many mentioned on here for a 3.0l engine. I'm also looking at getting a strut brace. Do you know if a manifold upgrade is as worthwhile on a 3.0l as it's it on other models?
Hello.
Exhaust modification is a good one. Induction kit could be too if you can get enough cool air to it. I run the standard air but with a K&N panel filter.
Regarding the strut brace, before you fit one I would recommend that you replace all the bushes and roll bar bushes. On the back the rear beam and others would need replacing too. I would stay stock oem apart from the rear diff hanager which is better in a purple polybush. Otherwise your ride would be harder. After you have replaced them, take her for a few good runs and decide if you need a strut brace.
Depending upon the age of your zed too I would suspect that the shocks would need looking at / replacing.
Brake upgrade, swap your oem disks for Brembo and your pads for Yellow Stuff. Makes a big difference.
Make sure the engine is running as she should be. Good servicing, oil and plugs. And the most important thing of all. Good quality fuel. I use Shell V-Power. Works as it should.
Happy driving.
Exhaust modification is a good one. Induction kit could be too if you can get enough cool air to it. I run the standard air but with a K&N panel filter.
Regarding the strut brace, before you fit one I would recommend that you replace all the bushes and roll bar bushes. On the back the rear beam and others would need replacing too. I would stay stock oem apart from the rear diff hanager which is better in a purple polybush. Otherwise your ride would be harder. After you have replaced them, take her for a few good runs and decide if you need a strut brace.
Depending upon the age of your zed too I would suspect that the shocks would need looking at / replacing.
Brake upgrade, swap your oem disks for Brembo and your pads for Yellow Stuff. Makes a big difference.
Make sure the engine is running as she should be. Good servicing, oil and plugs. And the most important thing of all. Good quality fuel. I use Shell V-Power. Works as it should.
Happy driving.
peteslag
Zorg Legend
The brakes are fine in standard form with good discs/pads/fluid. I found the handling to be a bit woolly, I fixed that with a set of eibach springs. I had it re-mapped as well. The power delivery was much better, you didn't need to thrash it as much to get the thing to take off. Not sure if I would bother with it again mind.
Have a look see at my progress thread, there is some good info about 3.0i upgrades. There is a link in my signature bar.
Have a look see at my progress thread, there is some good info about 3.0i upgrades. There is a link in my signature bar.
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2011
- Points
- 226
- Location
- Langley Mill
- Model of Z
- Z4 3.0si Individual Ruby Black Last one produced in this colour combo
I had my old 3.0 Z3 remapped and all you will notice is a better throttle response. The manifold swap is only for the 2.8 Z3. As for induction kit the pipe from the MAF is a different diameter to all the other models so do not get one where you have to put a reducing pipe on otherwise you are defeating the object of a mod as you will be reducing air not increasing it
I fitted a Simota induction kit from an e46 330ci to my 2.8 the filter housing needed a small mod but it's more than big enough runs a 90mm outlet
Guys, I have a 3.0i with the ///M lowered suspension and am in the market for replacement front struts and rear shocks. I am finding it hard to actually ensure I get the right items required for the replacement. Real OEM also says I don't need the ///M bump stop even though I have the upgraded suspension! Ahhh. Can someone that has actually done the replacement advise me what I need or should need? Part numbers for the replacement sach or bilteins or whatever please??? I do have a quote for sach part numbers 115690, 115689 however on Ebay it says these parts are not compatible with my model 
my VIN is LL33415
my VIN is LL33415
Does anyone know if this induction kit would fit and whether it would improve the car?
https://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/perf.../3-0/kn-filters-57i-performance-induction-kit
https://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/perf.../3-0/kn-filters-57i-performance-induction-kit
Yes, I have one on mine but I am still working out how to make a decent heat shield.
Hiya, do you have the same kit on a 3.0i? How was the fit and have you noticed any difference in anything? Thanks!
Hiya, do you have the same kit on a 3.0i? How was the fit and have you noticed any difference in anything? Thanks!
Yes, mine is a 3.0, the sound is better but the performance was pretty adequate anyway.
Thanks for your information, I'm new to the zed scene so learning lots
Well I've ordered it and looking forward to it arriving. How important is a heat shield? Are there downsides of not having one?
It works perfectly well without a heat shield but it would be more effective if you could insulate it from the engine heat and provide a cold air supply. The OEM intake does this but the air path is rather obstructed.