2008 Z4M Roadster

Katanator · Aug 5, 2026

gavsadler said:
Congrats on the new wheels. I remember meeting Pete years ago, and this was tempting back then. You bought a good car and have also levelled up in so many small but noticeable areas.

Keep up the good work.

Thanks, the car offers a nice base to work from and is a pleasure to drive.

Katanator · Aug 5, 2026

Im undecided on the front belly plate.
1. Get new OEM
2. Manufacture oem like one from 2mm stainless
3. Plastic weld and patch up

Also got this little nice thing from Fruugo for R500-600 to make oil pressure testing much easier than having to access the port behind the oil filter housing.

FiRi@Rennzport · Aug 5, 2026

Great work on a making a good example great

Sent from my MBH-N49 using Tapatalk

Peter@AEW · Aug 5, 2026

Stainless gets my vote

Katanator · Aug 6, 2026

Contraption is a bit leaky but pressures looks awesome. 1 bar hot idle and up to 4 bar at 2500 rpm.

Katanator · Aug 6, 2026

Peter@AEW · Aug 8, 2026

If nothing else it verifies bearing clearances and oil pump.

Katanator · Aug 8, 2026

Peter@AEW said:
If nothing else it verifies bearing clearances and oil pump.

Yep, just some peace of mind. I always like to know if the heart operates as should.

Katanator · Aug 24, 2026

Figured to give some plastic welding a go. Didn't feel like spending R6k on something that is just going to scratch again. Reinforced the inside with stainless mesh.

Katanator · Aug 24, 2026

Before.

Katanator · Aug 24, 2026

In process:

Katanator · Aug 24, 2026

After with a nice coat of spray:

Benji · Aug 25, 2026

You must be high off those plastic fumes, but that looks almost as good as new and is functionally perfect

Sure beats spending 6k

Katanator · Aug 30, 2026

Getting to know the car and listening for noises I noticed something that I would like to attend to when removing the valve cover.

If any of the s54 owners or specialists could advise maybe @Clint@MMS AUTO @Benji @Peter@AEW

The engin makes a brief crackle/rattling sound for 1 or 2 milliseconds when revs are climbing or dropping fast, sound is around 1800 RPM briefly then gone. Happens when stationary as well.

Dont know if the vanos maybe actuates around this rpm range.

Fordkoppie · Aug 31, 2026

Katanator said:
Getting to know the car and listening for noises I noticed something that I would like to attend to when removing the valve cover.

If any of the s54 owners or specialists could advise maybe @Clint@MMS AUTO @Benji @Peter@AEW

The engin makes a brief crackle/rattling sound for 1 or 2 milliseconds when revs are climbing or dropping fast, sound is around 1800 RPM briefly then gone. Happens when stationary as well.

Dont know if the vanos maybe actuates around this rpm range.

That sound is definitely emitting from the vanos.
Could either be the splien shafts, or a combination of that with the aux oil pump.
If you could just verify that the pump drive tabs havent broken off the hub, then its not a problem that needs attending immediately.

Katanator · Aug 31, 2026

Dont think they are broken since its not constant and only when vanos actuates. Had a chat with Peter as well and seems we all are in agreement its the spline shafts.

I did not order the rattle kit along with my new hub, seals and bolts

Fordkoppie said:
That sound is definitely emitting from the vanos.
Could either be the splien shafts, or a combination of that with the aux oil pump.
If you could just verify that the pump drive tabs havent broken off the hub, then its not a problem that needs attending immediately.

Katanator · Sep 16, 2026

Vanos goodies from the states arrived.

Costing an arm and a leg.

Bruce88 · 2026-10-26T10:56:02+0000

Katanator said:
Being on holiday is not good for opening or keeping a space open in the garage.

With a 6pot BMW petrol in manual on the bucket list going through options a lot of the roads kept coming back to a Z4M. S54 and s85 seems like a decent combo and some of the best BMW had to offer.

Hard to find a well taken care of sample at a decent price this one on the forum had my interest.

Link

Z4M Engine Essentials - 1

Wow well done on keeping the Z fresh. Looks fantastic. I like the CSL wheels :thumbs:

www.bmwfanatics.co.za

Currently just below 200k km on the clock.

Previous owner attended to most critical maintenance items, bearings, clearances, diff, clutch, shocks, gearbox oil so my work will mostly be cosmetic. Mostly done by forum members Clint and PeterAEW. All records kept

First off a front bumper spray, dent removal and rim refurbishment. I would like to refit the OEM rims once these tyres have tun their course.

Some plastic items to be ordered, the typical parts ive seen worn on every Z4M.

1. Windscreen wiper cowl

2. Windscreen rubber trim

3. Safety belt guide

4. Floormats

On the mechanical side I plan below

1. Fuel filter change

2. Upgrade exhaust cam hub with 5150 motorsport hub

3. Upgrade vanos hub bolts

4. Replace vanos seals

5. Valve cover gasket seems to be sweating/leaking too much for my liking.

6. Rear main seal leak

7. Leaky power steering

Any other suggestions to bullet proof this thing mechanically. Should I consider water pump and injectors?

View attachment 35176

Hi have a set of injectors for you - rebuilt (New) from australia

Katanator · 2026-10-26T11:23:18+0000

Bruce88 said:
Hi have a set of injectors for you - rebuilt (New) from australia

Thanks Bruce will PM you.

Small update, car still in for rear main seal and power steering leak.

Once back I will tackle the cam hub and vanos.

Apart from that a few new underbody panels and she is done.

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