99 z3 2.8l roadster

[Sijray21]

Update:

Installed Koni Sport Shocks (Front and Rear set to 180* from full firm at the moment), H&R Sport Springs, Front refresh (lcas, lca bushings, sway end links, and tie rods), front strut reinforcement plates, and added front camber plates

I bought a bunch of proper tools to get the job done, so if anyone needs to use the lollipop bushing removal/install tool or a nicer set of spring compressors (the ones that have the horse shoe plates) let me know. I also had to get a flat 32mm and 16mm spanner wrench for the tie rods and end links.

Whoever worked on the tie rods last installed the tie rods backwards and the front passenger tower was mushrooming a bit. I'm glad I put the plates in there as well as the camber kit since that spreads the load on the top a bit. The camber kit was also needed as I'm planning on adding a larger/wider wheel tire setup in a couple months; I didn't want to rub.

With the reinforcement plates in-place I tested the camber kit before install and realized I needed to trim a fair portion of the down lip of the plate as it interfered with the camber plate travel. This was irritating with my old dremel that didn't want to keep a metal cutting wheel in-place for long. I also forgot to order 2 thinking they came in sets of two (2 week delay in getting it done).

I also removed the spare tire support hanger. This left a few holes in the trunk metal, so i used a dremel to take out the plugs from the support hanger and plugged the holes. I'm just using a fix-a-flat kit and leaving that in the trunk with a small compressor. The spare tire doesn't hold air and getting them replaced is surprisingly expensive.

Inital ride is nice. Steering is MUCH tighter as the tie rods were very worn and the ball joints for the outers as well as the lcas had a lot of play. The drivers side also seemed to have some material between the inner and outer tie rods and felt partially seized (took a LOT to separate them).

Next up:
- Alignment (hoping this weekend or next)
- Looking at upgraded wheels/tires at the moment
- Making sure there are no more oil or coolant leaks


Long Term:
- Vanos Rebuild (showing signs of cold-start surging)
- Fix the passenger door
- Engine Mounts (want to check for any oil pan leaks, because if there are any those mounts are getting replaced when/if the pan gasket gets done)

Mushrooming on the Passenger Side - the hat was pretty warped as i had to lightly hammer the old strut assembly out.


Almost all the ball joint boots looked like this


new bits...mmm


cutting the reinforcement plate lip for the camber kit (i just liked seeing the sparks).


Front quarter shot (i'll get the door fixed eventually)


Profile Shot. Happy with the drop, but we'll see if the rear settles at all.

[Senor_Taylor]

Looking great! Our cars are twins right now with the work we've both done.

FYI, the BMW fan clutch tool kit comes with the perfect wrench for tie rods. Good idea on the on the tool for the end links. I should invest in one some day as well. I've just used locking pliers and hoped for the best.

https://www.amazon.com/AlphaMoto-Clutch-...B004NUZ50I

New sway bar bushings should probably be on your list.

[Sijray21]

You know, I didn't think about that; I have a fan clutch tool that Chris Procopio gave me. I think I may have bought the 32mm wrench after, but luckily it wasn't that much.

[.RJ]

Jayray, making progress! Looking good man. We'll have to trade roundels for a day soon.

[Apoc]

 We'll have to trade roundels for a day soon.

[ScottyB]

^^ LOL

looks great Jay. i forgot how sexy those cars are with just a slight drop, M or not. looks like timing will be perfect between the suspension and new shoes to really enjoy it now as the warm weather gets ready to come in over the next couple months.

[.RJ]

^^ LOL

looks great Jay.  i forgot how sexy those cars are with just a slight drop, M or not.  looks like timing will be perfect between the suspension and new shoes to really go pick up some dudes as the warm weather gets ready to come in over the next couple months.

that's the trap

[Jake]

Looking so heckin' good Jayray. I have such a soft spot for these cars.

We should bump roundels before I give the Zoupe back. Would make for some good photos.

[.RJ]

wait when did you get a zcoupe?!?!?!!!

[Sijray21]

When are you giving it back? And yes, what or how did you have the z3coupe?

[.RJ]

I am very intrigue by this thing

[JPolen01]

Spoiler:

It's not Jake's.

[Sijray21]

If RJ was on groupme he'd already know by now.

[.RJ]

damn kids with your group me

[JPolen01]

damn kids with your group me

Just join instagram. Fuck that groupme bullshit.

[Sijray21]

damn kids with your group me

Just join instagram. Fuck that groupme bullshit.

Which IG account?

[JPolen01]

Which IG account?

Jake posted on his story that he was car sitting the Z3. That's how I knew. And I didn't have to deal with all the chatter of groupme!

[.RJ]

Dammit, I dont use that either. Or twitter.

[Jake]

I'm car-sitting for the rest of the week.

Let's do some sicc burnies.

[Sijray21]

I had time to clean her up a bit since I'm at home with a toddler who spiked a fever yesterday and is completely fine after a visit to the docs today...

I also found out what the clunk sound was. I did the rear springs/struts a while ago then dropped the rears to get more room to do the fronts, but I never torqued down the lugbolts.... Oops... A quick spin around the block afterwards was nice.... I should get to drive her to work tomorrow.