Ideas for upgrades

[Qplate]

Ours is a pre facelift 2.8. We have had it for almost 2 years and other than normal servicing, tyres, etc, its as it left the factory I assume.

As far as I know, 3 things need doing before the spring arrives.
1. it tramlines so Im guessing polybushes are the answer.
2. A wind noise from the tops of the A pillers at anything above 30mph suggests a fix is required to a seal or two.
3. ABS light on dash so the sensors will get cleaned first to rule that out.

Now, In September, we will be taking the Z into Europe for a couple of weeks and Id like better handling than standard and better brakes than standard. I don't want to have problems on the mountain passes in the Alps.

The question is, with regards to brake pads, handling, cold air intake improvement, what do you guys suggest?

Is there a preferred route for these type of upgrades?

 

[GazHyde]

Not sure if you saw my progress thread which covered the rear sub frame and drive train refresh? Worth a read from this point onwards - https://zroadster.org/threads/gazhy...pasblau-metallic-rosie.3229/page-2#post-75587.

We replaced the rear beam bushes, drop links, prop shaft rubber bush, rear shocks, top mounts using parts sourced from GSF (the concession to this was the diff mount which we used Powerflex as it's easier to press in). The car has been transformed without the need to poly bush everything - it no longer sags or wallows on corners. It's tight enough, and I would hate to ruin the ride more by fitting stiffer components.

Once I've changed the front shocks next, I plan for a free flowing exhaust, fogged air box and possibly a remap (had a discussion about possibly improving the braking capacity too).

Finally 'tramlining' has been reported to be caused by rubbish/old tyres and incorrect tyre pressures too.

 

[t-tony]

New tyres on mine cured tram lining.

Tony.

 

[Qplate]

We had new front tyres last summer. The tramlining thing was definitely better but its still there.

Not sure where I read it, but im sure I recall the bushes at the rear of the front wishbones being a problem.

 

[miller1098]

ARB bushes worked for me the standard ones have voids power flex are solid as are M/// ones .either make a diffrence

 

[Qplate]

GazHyde, That's a great write up you did. Thanks for the link. That's given me a load of ideas and solutions.

I think I need to get under the car and see what's actually worn out first, as you did.

Does anyone have any preference for better than OE brake pads? I've used red stuff on various cars over the years but I was wondering if anything specific was used on the Z's

 

[zedonist]

Red Stuff pads are excellent on the Z3.

Tramlining depends on what is worn, which is why there are different solutions, but the key wear points are as follows:

Shock top mounts
ARB bushes
Wishbone middle and outer ball joints
Wishbone lollipop bush
Drop link
Wheel bearings
Tyres
Tracking

For CAI use a Pipercross cone filter, I used to use K&N until recently and the change was noticeable.

Hope that helps

 

[Qplate]

Great info guys!

Thank you.

 

[billz]

We had new front tyres last summer. The tramlining thing was definitely better but its still there.

Not sure where I read it, but im sure I recall the bushes at the rear of the front wishbones being a problem.

What tyres did you have fitted ?
What size wheels are you running and tyres ?
Our z3 was terrible for tramlining when we had just upgraded to 18" wheels and put new tyres on, we then decided to change the type of wheels as we decided we did not like them but this time we put on continental contact tyres and the tramlining totally went. Now we wont fit anything else

 

[g8jka]

1 - most likely to be tyres, have you got 4 matching ones all round?

2 - try a product called gummi pflege which will refresh the seals and hopefully allow them to expand slightly. This may provide a better seal and stop the wind noise.

3 - most likely dirty sensors so give them a clean but if this doesn't work you are better off getting it hooked up to a diagnostic test which will show you exactly the problem.

 

[Qplate]

To be honest, I don't remember the tyre brand. I'd need to go and look.

The wheels are 17's and the backs are wider than the fronts. I think they are standard BMW ones.

 

[billz]

You may just find that its the tyres thats causing the tramlining. They do make a big difference

 

[Lee]

On my last zed the rear wishbone bushe had too much movement allowing the front wheels to wonder. I've had this problem on both my zeds and now fixed.

As to brakes on my M I have fitted black diamond disc and pads all round which I picked up from demon tweaks. So far great brakes and don't fade out.

Lee