Stuart Little (2007 E85 Z4 2.5si manual)

[MR_Y]

Full cat back system from Strada Performance fitted last week.
No performance tuning or other tweaks done. Keeping it simple.

First impressions:
- Nice grumbly noise on start up
- the exhaust is loud, but nothing that will make you deaf
- Exhaust sounds a bit better from inside the car than from outside
- on overrun, some crackles are heard. But very classy - not loud pops, just nice subtle crackles. Noted that the stock exhaust had crackles as well, but very mild
- at higher revs, she screams nicely. Not as good as my 981 Cayman 3.4 S with OEM sports exhaust, but definitely better than my 981 Boxster 2.7 with stock exhaust.
- the driving experience is definitely enhanced with this upgrade. Manual box and exhaust and that NA straight 6 all work well together.
- being a 2.5, it does not have the low end bass of a 3.0, but has a charm of its own.

Next up on the mods list is a carbon look wrap for the interior bits. Or another wrap. Not in a rush, so will research a bit more.

I did another leather deep clean and treatment, so no issues there and the leather is aging well with its patina coming through on the driver seat.

I am in two minds about upgrading the radio unit. Since I am using the car to work twice a week, I would like BT calling and streaming. But, with that exhaust on full song, I won't really hear anything... 🙉. Maybe BT earpods will work best.

The car was polished recently - white looks really good on an old car, since it hides all the imperfections well. There are some minor dings and scuffs. I am in no hurry to attend to these. If I keep her longer, will look into fixing that.

The soft top is performing well. Even after driving in rain, there are no leaks or drips. The soft top was serviced just after I bought the car and the roof pump and drain holes were cleaned. Since the car is garaged daily, I don't foresee issues with debris filling those roof drains. As a safety measure, extra holes were made to allow better drainage.

Fuel consumption is approaching 14 litres per 100km. However, after the exhaust was fitted, I have been driving it a bit harder than usual.

Eagle F1 tyres are brilliant on this car. Being non RFT, the ride is decent enough. Grip in the wet (driven carefully) and dry (driven harder) is very good. I am happy with this tyre and it is excellent value against Michelin PS4s.

Lastly, there are no oil leaks after the last check up.

 

[VinceM]

Nice updates and write up.

We must do a cabrio breakfast run soon!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[MR_Y]

Being used almost daily, especially given the sunny days we are having now.

Saw an old TT Mk1 in traffic of 2005 vintage. Had 2 red TT letters, so I assume it is the high output 1.8 T 165kw version. Was good seeing a car of similar age and a direct rival to the E85. Had a little TLGP before hitting traffic. I lost the TLGP, but it was still fun. My exhaust won the sound run

Fuel consumption has dropped to just over 12 litres per 100km.

From what I read, the N52 was the last NA motor from BMW. It is a shame that NA motors no longer exist in BMWs line up. The N52B25 sounds good, has decent low down torque and sings sweetly when driven hard. It also responds well for an NA motor. The induction noise is also pretty addictive. Fuel consumption will not match a small displacement turbo motor and emissions may be a bit higher, but these are not really issues for an enthusiast.

I see this motor being a sought after modern classic. Yes, there are some known (and fixable) issues, but nothing as catastrophic as some petrol turbos out there.

I feel that a true BMW fanatic needs to have driven at least one NA, 6 cylinder manual BMW car to get a feel for what BMWs of old represent.

 

[Benji]

Being used almost daily, especially given the sunny days we are having now.

Saw an old TT Mk1 in traffic of 2005 vintage. Had 2 red TT letters, so I assume it is the high output 1.8 T 165kw version. Was good seeing a car of similar age and a direct rival to the E85. Had a little TLGP before hitting traffic. I lost the TLGP, but it was still fun. My exhaust won the sound run

Fuel consumption has dropped to just over 12 litres per 100km.

From what I read, the N52 was the last NA motor from BMW. It is a shame that NA motors no longer exist in BMWs line up. The N52B25 sounds good, has decent low down torque and sings sweetly when driven hard. It also responds well for an NA motor. The induction noise is also pretty addictive. Fuel consumption will not match a small displacement turbo motor and emissions may be a bit higher, but these are not really issues for an enthusiast.

I see this motor being a sought after modern classic. Yes, there are some known (and fixable) issues, but nothing as catastrophic as some petrol turbos out there.

I feel that a true BMW fanatic needs to have driven at least one NA, 6 cylinder manual BMW car to get a feel for what BMWs of old represent.

I 100% agree with you on this, the older 6 cyl NA cars are what the BMW brand is built on. Not to hate on the modern cars, but they are very unemotional compared to the older cars.

It is nice when you meet a fellow older car enthusiast on the road and there is engagement. I recently saw a nice E39 540i M-sport on the road driven by an older gent. I gave him a quick hoot and wave, but was met with an unresponsive stare. Quite disappointing really. Maybe had something to do with my Frankenstein front end; I could positively hear him grumbling under his breath about these cars getting into the wrong hands

 

[modocrat]

As someone on the forum recently mentioned, the newer BMWs are PlayStation cars. Yes, they may be very quick but that's about it.

 

[TBP88]

Being used almost daily, especially given the sunny days we are having now.

Saw an old TT Mk1 in traffic of 2005 vintage. Had 2 red TT letters, so I assume it is the high output 1.8 T 165kw version. Was good seeing a car of similar age and a direct rival to the E85. Had a little TLGP before hitting traffic. I lost the TLGP, but it was still fun. My exhaust won the sound run

Fuel consumption has dropped to just over 12 litres per 100km.

From what I read, the N52 was the last NA motor from BMW. It is a shame that NA motors no longer exist in BMWs line up. The N52B25 sounds good, has decent low down torque and sings sweetly when driven hard. It also responds well for an NA motor. The induction noise is also pretty addictive. Fuel consumption will not match a small displacement turbo motor and emissions may be a bit higher, but these are not really issues for an enthusiast.

I see this motor being a sought after modern classic. Yes, there are some known (and fixable) issues, but nothing as catastrophic as some petrol turbos out there.

I feel that a true BMW fanatic needs to have driven at least one NA, 6 cylinder manual BMW car to get a feel for what BMWs of old represent.

The way you're talking I see a Z4M in your future...

 

[MR_Y]

I got a few flashes and hoots in Midrand and Rosebank this past week. I assume these are from fellow fanatics. Apologies for not flashing back - it takes the mind a while to register.

In Midrand, there is a green 4 series coupe that I see often who flashes. Anyone here?

 

[MR_Y]

Coding/cutting a key

After my key started acting up again (remote working intermittently), I went to Central Locksmiths in Corlett Drive today. Within 1 hour they cut/coded a new key (I wanted a new fob because the old one is pretty tatty) and fixed my old key. Excellent service at a reasonable price.

 

[modocrat]

I got a few flashes and hoots in Midrand and Rosebank this past week. I assume these are from fellow fanatics. Apologies for not flashing back - it takes the mind a while to register.

In Midrand, there is a green 4 series coupe that I see often who flashes. Anyone here?

Don't let the wife hear that....

 

[MR_Y]

Small updates...

Carbon warp on door pull handles, selected parts on steering wheel and gear console.

I did not want to wrap the dash panel because it would darken the cabin too much. However, may think about this again next year, when I have more funds.

The main reason for the wrap was to cover all the scratches.

It did not cost much to get this done, so for what I paid, it serves its purpose. The gloss look may not appeal to all, but I am not complaining.






Ceramic coating was also done. Hard to see the difference with this camera.



Next mod is a minor one.
I bought a Bluetooth Aux+FM Modulator for handsfree calls and music streaming. It is one of the more expensive units on Takealot and has good reviews. Will test it this weekend. Also heard good things about the Peachz brand from Toby Shapshak from Stuff Magazine.

Update on the FM modulator:
I see now that it has no Aux, so just using FM. Reception is excellent - no static. Bluetooth handsfree also works well. The unit has a mic that picks up your voice and has noise cancellation as well (so someone can hear me when my exhaust is barking ). It also has a nifty car battery voltage readout to let you check the status of your car battery. The fast charge port also works well. Only negative is that the E85 keeps the socket powered even when the car is switched off, so you have to pull put the device when parked. For R499, it is a bit pricey than other FM devices, but it works well.

 

[modocrat]

The carbon wrap complements the interior quite nicely.

Now we're waiting to hear that exhaust...

 

[KPM3_30]

That looks awesome, definitely need to do the dash panel to tie it all together. Nice choice.

 

[///M Individual]

Carbon looks good! Keen to hear the review on the Peachz modulator.

 

[MR_Y]

I saw the oil level on the computer has dropped by 1 bar, so 250ml I guess. The oil was last topped up just over 1,000km ago.

When I checked underneath, there is no dripping, but the oil sump gasket area and bolts look moist.

Will monitor it. I will place paper under the car while it is parked in the garage when I am on holiday.

From what I read up, it is quite a job to replace the sump gasket. The subframe has to be dropped. However, this is a common issue on these cars/motors, so one of those maintenance items to add to the to do list.

Anyway, not too phased. Will get the mech to look into it next year.

 

[MR_Y]

Update

There is a low speed clunking noise that occurs when you accelerate from stnadstill slowly or when you engage 2nd from 1st slowly. Feels like it is related to a change in inertia (maybe wrong term to use) at low speed.

Anyway, it appears to be a known issue on the E85 Here is the BMW bulletin on it. Will ask mechanic to check it out while it is gone in for the oil issue. My propshaft was serviced recently - not sure if that impacts this issue at all.

 

[MR_Y]

Update

So the car is leaking a bit more oil...

Seems like a new sump and gasket are required. Rear main seal will also need to be assessed. And while this major surgery is underway, I asked to also check the status of the clutch and flywheel as well.

Booked at 357 (they are open during December) for the necessary investigation and work.

The total maintenance so far is costing a bit more than what I had expected when I first bought the car - but I understand that these are the usual maintenance items that crop up with age (17 years). I will not recoup that back, but as long as the car is providing the necessary driving excitement, it is fine.

Anyway, looking forward to get her back in January.

 

[MR_Y]

Update

So the car is leaking a bit more oil...

Seems like a new sump and gasket are required. Rear main seal will also need to be assessed. And while this major surgery is underway, I asked to also check the status of the clutch and flywheel as well.

Booked at 357 (they are open during December) for the necessary investigation and work.

The total maintenance so far is costing a bit more than what I had expected when I first bought the car - but I understand that these are the usual maintenance items that crop up with age (17 years). I will not recoup that back, but as long as the car is providing the necessary driving excitement, it is fine.

Anyway, looking forward to get her back in January.

Update...
When they removed the sump, the clutch was also checked.
Looks like the clutch and flywheel are pretty worn after 17 years of use. In theory, these could last a bit before being replaced, but while the sump is being replaced and that labour is underway, it makes sense to attend to these items. I decided to get it done and take that hit now rather than defer that maintenance cost.

 

[YozTruly]

Update...
When they removed the sump, the clutch was also checked.
Looks like the clutch and flywheel are pretty worn after 17 years of use. In theory, these could last a bit before being replaced, but while the sump is being replaced and that labour is underway, it makes sense to attend to these items. I decided to get it done and take that hit now rather than defer that maintenance cost.

The person lucky enough to buy this off you will get a brand new car!

You are a great example of a fanatic @MR_Y

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

I agree. While you in there might as well bite the bullet and get the clutch kit replaced.

 

[MR_Y]

The person lucky enough to buy this off you will get a brand new car!

You are a great example of a fanatic @MR_Y

I decided to keep the car for a while longer than my other cars that I had in the past.
If I do sell it, it will be sold to a family member who has an eye on this car.