5 Cheap & Easy Mods You Should Do To Your BMW Z4!

[@itsjoel]

Carly's Black Friday Sale is on until NOV 30! It's now 25% off the reader & the subscription too! Go through the link below, and use code BLACK25 www.mycarly.com/?ref=joelwignall&AffiliateUK&

[@offgrid8445]

Good info.

[@kolcasek]

I heard that LSD is a good modification.. so I took acid and had the best ride of my life !! Z4 is totalled, but it definitely worth it ✌😎

[@itsjoel]

Funniest comment I've seen in a while 😂

[@stanislavcoros]

kolcasek no. I dont think so. Every lsd system i saw on this car is just wobbeling. If its not proper build in system its garbage.

[@Krezo200]

Stanislav Coros lol

[@droptopdame514]

Yeah you funny asf😂

[@coolinmac]

Are you 12?

[@Explocify]

Change the antenna to a short one looks way better

[@itsjoel]

I attempted this, but broke the base, as you can see 😂

[@prontopac]

Your mods and advise is spot on in my opinion. One thing I modified early on was replacing my air filter with a cold air filter from aFe. It is a simple, but more expensive modification, but the sound it makes as you accelerate is equal to the exhaust sound as far as pure enjoyment. You could almost see the cyclone vortex as the air is sucked into the throttle body. The added benefit is that you might pick up an extra HP or two and you will never have to buy another paper air filter again. I love your videos. Cheers.

[@ool3062]

I just got my E89 Z4 sDrive30i and I love it! I might buy a new exhaust for it since I think it is a little too quiet... When you are not up in 4000+ RPM it is more quiet than my 320d haha, but when you put your foot down everything changes especially with the roof down! It feels like a go kart in the corners, this car is the best car I've ever had.

[@nicklovell1982]

CDV (Clutch Delay Valve) is a must in my opinion. Transforms the 1st-2nd and pull away feel. Stubby aerial, makes the back end look a lot better. Depending on model, foam removal from the sound generator. Pipes glorious induction sound into the cabin. Mine is ear splitting loud but soooooooo nice. ZHP gear knob is the stubby version of what you have. A must have in my opinion. Dash cam (hard wired) - A must for any car. Saved me a lot of hassle and ££££ when someone ran a red light and wrote off my previous z4. Top video as usual.

[@ianedmonds9191]

This was done to my E85 before I bought it. It's definitely a god thing as long as you're sympathetic to the drive train. If you dump the clutch or change gear without matching revs it's going to hurt your drive train. It could twist your driveshaft and end up messing up your diff. The answer is to always match revs when you change gear. Blip the throttle with the clutch down when changing down and leave a short pause as you change up. If you do that the car will thank you with clutch mileage to die for. The engine will be happier too. You're Driveshaft will last a lot longer. Overall it's a great mod if you are a careful driver. Disastrous if you don't' care. Luv and Peace.

[@davemcgrath9329]

Clear 3rd brake light and turn signals,spoiler,aero side skirts,white interior bulbs,number plate bulbs in hid 6000,arm rest from leather z for in between seats,short stubby antenna,led orange bulbs for the back indicators,hid conversion to 6000 low beams,front splitter,this is a few I've done to my own😊 lower it 30mm

[@daverose1533]

+1 for the aero side skirts. I can’t believe BMW discontinued them for the Z4 😢

[@davemcgrath9329]

Serious mod,they make some difference and look great,think you can get them in Germany if you really search for them on the net

[@itsjoel]

Some amazing suggestions there! Tried doing the snubby aerial a while back, but didn't exactly go well... haha. 😂

[@russellyaxley9794]

@@itsjoel you can gets Peugeot/Citroen stubby very cheap on fleebay that fits well. Just don't tell anyone where you got it from 🤫😂

[@yellowwducky]

Beautiful 3.0 is all I can say....just nice to see one out and about. I have the coupe but the soft top is quite nice as well.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Great video! A cup holder would be number one on my list though

[@RandySoWavvy]

High Peak Autos they have cup holders under the vents and the cup holders adjust despite what most people think.

[@ianedmonds9191]

Mine has cupholders. They are shit.

[@djgerard82]

You do love a good cupholder, Matt! 😉

[@hawkeyepalooka7832]

@@RandySoWavvy my only problem with them is I’m a taller guy so I always hit my knee on the cup holder

[@davidhollier9327]

All good advice. CDV delete was my number 1. Found out by accident that my key had been coded for the activation of the roof. Bonus. Also sound generator mod. Great for cabin noise whilst not upsetting the neighbour's at 05:00 in the morning.

[@drivemyexotic5274]

Totally agree on the shift knob. Installed a short M knob and it's terrific. Next mod - clutch delay delete. Supposed to be quite easy and make shifts/clutch much more precise.

[@victoriaedwards2762]

MOST IMPRESSIVE!!! I PUT BLING AROUND THE TOP CIRCLE LIKE EDGE OF MY GEAR SHIFT AND I CUT AND TAPED A TINY FLAG TO MY REAR ANTENNA AND PUT SOME BLING ON IT TOO....OH I ALSO ADDED A GRAPHITE SUN VISOR STRIP TO THE TOP OF MY WINDSHIELD....AND YOU KNOW I PAINTED MY BRAKE BMW BLUE, JUST FOR THAT BAM!!!...CHI-CHI-WOW-WOW!!!

[@AZWorm41]

I put on Michelin Pilot Sport 4's they ride nice, made the car handle much better and quieted the ride significantly.

[@professorputricide7115]

Joel, i'd like to say the intro to this video is fantastic, all the way to you jumping off that gate in perfect timing with the music. bravo chap. My favorite mods i've done so far is either my bilstein b12 pro kit coil overs or my new Spyder auto headlights i just got yesterday

[@stanislavcoros]

From all modifications i made on mine (front, back lights, wheels, alcantara etc...). I have to say the best what I would ever recomend is to change front hood - bonnet for M version. It is just so beautifull I cant get over it every day i get in car.

[@jackthenipperbennett7213]

Like the video mate, but personally mod number 1 should have been a sound generator mod. It's the first thing i did to mine, i done it as soon as i got home from picking it up. It's free, it's easy and makes a MASSIVE difference

[@itsjoel]

Jack 'The Nipper' Bennett very good shout. It’s one of the first mods I did to my Z4 too. The reason I didn’t mention it in this video is because I’m saving it for the next video I do on mods!

[@kenjohnson6365]

I just received my Carly adapter and have coded lots of great options on my 2003 Z4 including the ability to open and close my top and windows with the key fob. And yes, I used the Joel20 code on checkout and saved 20%. Thanks a lot Joel.

[@itsjoel]

Amazing, I’m glad you’re enjoying it sir!

[@alunrees3056]

Top video Joel! More than happy with the noise with the foams removed from the resonator duct on mine(done before I bough it but not sure if these are there to filter any air sucked into the engine from behind the dashboard, anybody?), and the X8R DISA valve upgrade certainly offers piece of mind. Eibach springs reduce the ride height of the 3.0 by 15mm (30mm on the non 3.0 pre 2006), though more supple than the standard springs, mine is too low to get out of my sloped driveway without scraping the pavement with 2 people on board.

[@alexjd407]

“Rolled out of the factory in...” Spartanburg, South Carolina!😁 Good vid though.

[@itsjoel]

Haha, oh yes. Good point!

[@knh5954]

I thought both early models x5 and z4 were Greer, SC?

[@nitrorory]

The standard gear knob is waaaaay too light you’re right. I had the same problem in a 335. Heavier knob is a must.

[@jakeyjakey101]

My knob is the heaviest

[@AIMInvestorJournal]

@@jakeyjakey101 Careful not to knock yourself out when pulling on it!

[@YZFMANIAC08]

Get your diff welded 😂 0:10

[@youngcalimigga]

😂😂😂

[@SuperHeliboy]

I got a flat tire the first weekend with my Z4. New tires but used the original valve stems. Good idea to replace them every few years.

[@ThaHammieJaassee]

Back box delete is awesome :) haha I have a 3.0i z3 and I straight pipe the car it spits fire and screams haha I love it

[@Turbopig78]

The first thing I've done to my Z4 is getting some clips for my wiper mechanism after it decided to just give up in the middle of a thunderstorm. Brilliant. Aux port is next, and new rims never hurt anybody ^^ (except your wallet maybe)

[@AlphaAussies]

I just bought a 2004 z4 just like yours! Love the car so far and I will definitely be doing all you talked about in this video 😍 thanks!

[@FelixIsMyName]

I can confirm Joel's Z4 system, was much louder than my Z4M's quad pipes! Tyres are a must have mod, the Z4M's use normal tyres and it's one of the areas that the Z4M improved on the normal Z4's from factory.

[@itsjoel]

Haha thanks Dan! Agree about the Tyres.

[@inductionnoise]

Here's a thought.... has anyone ever tried installing the M's hydraulic power steering on a non-M Z4? That with the run-flats should make it pretty epic...

[@Zeus_A_Palooza]

Good editing and camera work, specially for a newer channel. I'm following the channel.

[@itsjoel]

Thank you sir. Appreciate you watching!

[@BartoszXIV]

I hope you sorted your headlights by now. I would also paint the rims in black

[@tacbear]

The Aero front splitter is a Must Have!!

[@bryanr.5764]

Always quality content from Joel 👌🏻

[@itsjoel]

Always quality comments from Bryan. Thank you.

[@TheAndrewRock87]

Your videos are nice to watch! :) Very simple telling and practical thing to tell bro!! :) Im from Finland and just bought Jag XF 2010, but think after 2 years buy too a z4, because its good money for car value!! And you have conformed it :)

[@itsjoel]

Thank you so much buddy!

[@garyfraser6523]

Great show, any info about how to get Bluetooth on the standard stereo Joel ?

[@hampshirephoto]

All about a nice weighted knob

[@itsjoel]

hampshirephoto you love a weighted knob don’t you!

[@waynehobbs5175]

Mate, with the delete of the runflat tyres put in a can of pressurised repair gunk. A good bandaid compared to the option of leaving car where the tyre went flat and having it stripped.about $40

[@itsjoel]

Thanks for the tip dude

[@posniknelb6114]

Ditching my runflats completely transformed my zed 3,0i.

[@nitrorory]

I have an extra strut brace in the front and helps totally eliminate scuttle shake

[@elhuapo2524]

Hey Joel, Just watched your video here and noticed that when you first accelerated away there was a lot of smoke out the exhaust. Mine did the same when I got it (part of why it was affordable for me). I got the repair kit for the CCV system and put it in, smoke all gone. It took me (I'm not a pro mechanic) about 3 or 4 hours and takes no special tools. Cost was about $60. Good luck and thanks for this video.

[@Reggiewade04]

Joel! I bought a Z4 yesterday! And I ABSOLUTELY love it!!

[@itsjoel]

That’s amazing, congrats!

[@Reggiewade04]

It's Joel , thanks. Although these have always been one of my dream cars your videos have encouraged me to keep working harder to get one myself. Now I own one of my dream cars at 18 😳😂

[@Reggiewade04]

Oh and it came with cup holders so kinda a win win 😂

[@Reggiewade04]

Jay Grainge don’t got one of those so gotta have the holder 😂

[@reecerodrigues1127]

Joel is my hero. Coming back to SA anytime brother?

[@itsjoel]

No plans just yet to come back, however I will definitely visit again as soon as the opportunity comes up!

[@iskillcorn1]

Excellent video as usual, I have done the gear knob,and the run flat tyres, I’m keeping my silver grill as it’s specific for the 3.0L and the black is for the smaller engine cars, I’m also worried about doing the back box delete in case I don’t like it and have to put it back, instead iv done the sound generator mod which is really simple and should have been on your list 😉

[@itsjoel]

Thank you! Yes I didn't include it in the video but you're right, the 3.0L is the only one with the silver grills. I just love the gloss black grills with my black paint. There's no way you won't like it if you do the backbox delete, it just might start to get irritating on longer journeys. Sound generator mod is a good one and wasn't on my list, because I'm saving it for the next one ;) #KZbinStrategy

[@iskillcorn1]

Is the MX5 video dropping any time soon? 🤩🤞🏼

[@Jonflame1]

So my brother and I each have 2005 Z4's and both of us have the feature where the top can be let down and up using the key. We didnt need to code it into the keys, both cars just came that way. Could there be some difference between the vehicles oversees?

[@itsjoel]

Potentially there’s a difference, or the previous owners coded it themselves

[@ThunderRoadDreams]

DONT TWIST, just pull straight up, twisting will break the plastic tab in the top re the gear knob

[@quatofficial294]

1st main mode - make your Z4 not to "eat" oil with the big clouds from exhaust!

[@davidviner4932]

Don't forget the near side headlight mod, you can make it shiny again, loads of youtube videos show you how

[@aquddus1907]

Awesome . Been watching your vids for a while and finally purchased the car. The 20% discount code was a bonus!! thanks Joe.

[@93DL_CJH]

K&N panel filter (£30-£50 eBay) Cup holders (£50-£70) Wax the paint, I’ve found my paint on my Z4 is super soft with marks and bird..dirt.

[@LuisRodriguez-ny2qb]

Love ur car I found one for sale $5000 I’m trying to get it soooo bad I love it soo much but I just hope I can get it before someone else does I’m not really close at all I only have like $500 😅 but I think #1 should be headlights bc they change EVERYTHING 😍

[@Aluzcz]

LSD not easy and cheap but it will prevent that one wheel fire which we have seen in the intro....

[@itsjoel]

😂

[@aly7914]

Blue bus for blue tooth adaptation for old bmws. There’s a video on here if you search blue bus and z4

[@topgear931]

You’re spot on with getting the run flats changed. They tramline like a bitch!

[@lelisamohamed4355]

good job man love the car 👍

[@BG-fn6eb]

I sold my Z4 and got an E46 m3 ........but I do miss my Z so so much

[@perniciousgreg]

Drifting the milford roundabout tut tut, is easy in the z4m tho ;) all about the LSD!

[@itsjoel]

Milford roundabouts is where I’ve learned 😂 spent many nights with an LSD MX-5 there!

[@perniciousgreg]

@@itsjoel Nice man, me too lol. I crashed my 323ci on the northbound roundabout many years ago :( weight transfer caused a quick snap back and lack of experience meant it could not be saved. I was going to ask if you fancied featuring the z4mr before it gets sold but I see you've had that all covered. Nice vids man, keep up the good work!

[@itsjoel]

Carly's Black Friday Sale is on until NOV 30! It's now 25% off the reader & the subscription too! Go through the link below, and use code BLACK25 www.mycarly.com/?ref=joelwignall&AffiliateUK&

[@kenjohnson6365]

Thanks for the tip on Carly app to code my key to control the top.

[@itsjoel]

Pleasure!

[@FlightSimX007]

You deserve more subs.

[@itsjoel]

Thanks dude, I appreciate it. I’m gonna keep working for it!

[@FlightSimX007]

It's Joel 👍🏻

[@PeteWizzle]

I put non-rft tyres on my 2007 E85 (18"), it still handled like crap. The handling was twitchy and it tramlined. My 2011 E89 is fitted with 19" rft tyres and it handles brilliantly...

[@rangerbill9409]

That's a lot of smoke off the line!! I think you need new rings!

[@drpscotland3677]

Back box delete sounds terrible. All it does is make any any long drive a headache due to the volume of the constant drone. Al the z4 cars were made in USA...not Germany Other mods I agree with ...black grilles are now available for under £30 if you're comfortable with a tiny bit of modification to make them fit just nice. But you missed one of the best mods ...remove some foam from the pipe that goes down near the passenger footwell.....it's only in the 3.0 models though and will give some awesome induction sound in the cabin

[@rossandrews119]

Does the back box delete get through an mot?

[@bertiewooster3326]

Not in my garage .....FAIL.

[@nitrorory]

I have some wheel spacers which make the stance so much better

[@drivemyexotic5274]

Which car do you have and what spacers? I'd like to do this to make tires even with flares. Did you get longer wheel bolts?

[@nitrorory]

@@drivemyexotic5274 Its a 2005 3.0i. I bought the car with spacers but I think they are about 10mm. Sorry I cant be more exact what size they are! But they make the tyres even with arches and look great.

[@adamwoodford7629]

Just fitted spacers to my 4. 12mm front, 15mm rear. Search Bimecc on eBay. Supplied with extended bolts..

[@drivemyexotic5274]

@@adamwoodford7629 great, thanks!

[@adamwoodford7629]

@@drivemyexotic5274 I can email pics of the stance if you want.

[@Selene_M3]

DISA unit upgrade should be 1st mod.

[@Kai-lh7wt]

Brilliant video, keep it up

[@itsjoel]

Thanks so much Kai

[@heynowjerry]

Great video. What radio did you replace the factory unit with? I’m looking to upgrade the sound.

[@snowboardscooba]

When are you hitting a trackday lad?

[@karamastik]

In my personal opinion ; one of the best cheapest mod for Z is full circle brake light mod.

[@stevevermillion3303]

Just discovered your channel and look forward to viewing your videos on the Z4 and first gen Cayenne. For now can you tell me where the alarm switch is located on a 2003 E85 Z4?

[@allisonliggett4722]

Hi Joel, I did the modification and had the backbox removed from my Z4 3Li. Now it's too loud and drones like a boy racers car. Not the nice sporty sound I expected. Fortunately, It only cost $120 to have the job done. I'm now thinking of having a redline muffler fitted which will cost me a further $300. I'm hoping that will reduce the drone. Cheers, Mike Liggett. NZ Aotearoa.

[@youngcalimigga]

Did u get the redline

[@Z4loorit]

Hi Joel it's Tim, new subscriber. Had my 05 2.5 2 weeks now. Videos very helpful but in reply to you asking for questions on more mod suggestions, have u removed your CDV? Doing back box ASAP once found local garage.

[@itsjoel]

Timothy day hi Tim, welcome to the channel! I’m glad you like the vids. I haven’t done the CDV mod myself, but I can say that you’ll love the backbox delete mod!

[@Z4loorit]

Changed my standard air filter today mate for a sports filter. Mine being a Jetex blue filter as their local to me and can definitely feel the difference. Much smoother and pulls better. Just a normal sports panel filter which fits into the standard air box.

[@jfjajfja8676]

Good, I'm Portuguese and I apologize for my terrible English now .... if you could help me thank you, I have a BMW like yours a little while ago, I would appreciate it if you tell me how you can clean the rear window internally ... Thanks

[@jfjajfja8676]

Sorry..my car is z4 e89 2010 23.i

[@robertp7709]

If only they made that wheel design in 18 inch size. best design for Z4

[@nathangregory_]

Yep, those tires are the worst. I replaced mine with the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus. Dream tires for any car. Could you suggest a GOOD AUX port that I can add to my car so I don't need to keep changing one CD at a time and rather go with my iTunes player?? Thank You.

[@danieljennings7548]

CDV delete? Any Z owner who has done this knows its the first thing they should do. Maybe not available on the MK1 Z? Stubby arial? Debadge was the first thing I did. Much cleaner.

[@itsjoel]

Yes CDV delete is a mod you can do on all Z4s, didn’t speak about it in this video as I haven’t done it myself

[@danieljennings7548]

@@itsjoel you should do it then mate - well worth it. Enjoyed the rest of your mods BTW. Think I've already done them all though. 😉

[@OGGarrettsGarage]

Nice photography. I've done all the mods but the remote top.

[@itsjoel]

Thanks mate.

[@lightblackbess]

I have a ?... How to have a soft closing door? and what are those two silver tabs on the wheel?

[@lanceflanagan]

Im on the look out for one. Anything i should look out for, like common faults?

[@itsjoel]

DISA valve and roof motor :)

[@richardbettridge6745]

Awesome video

[@itsjoel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@itsjoel]

Make sure to comment below your favourite Z4 mod. 200 likes on this video, and I’ll make another 5 mods video!

[@JamesAHall101]

Love the video as always, back box is best mod. Where are the link and code for the OBD reader?

[@itsjoel]

Thank you James! Well spotted, I forgot to put it in, should be there now!

[@davemcgrath9329]

Joel just quick one on the Carly adapter,you purchase that and then you have to pay another 50 odd quid sign up for the premium pack to be able to code the car?is that correct?I bought adapter and then went to code car and it said I needed to buy premium functions to proceed with the coding after paying for adapter?I didn't know there was a sign up after purchasing the adapter in order to be able to use it!might be worth mentioning to others who purchase adapters.

[@johnylbc4277]

David Mcgrath that is also what I dislike, and why I have not bought it. Why pay every year 60 , crazy...

[@johnylbc4277]

Hey Joel, I think that the best mod and also the cheapest one is the sound generator mod. I put out only 1 of 2 foams and it is fantastic!

[@abdulb9015]

Loving your Z4 vids as I'm in the market for one. Can you do one on why a manual Z4 is better than the auto? Mrs wants an auto... *facepalm*

[@tedmulholland5967]

The MicroSwitch is something as well as mine is currently broken for the roof.

[@nz06lh]

Did your Z4 come with DSP? If so, how did you get the aftermarket radio to work?

[@monolife7771]

I came across your videos as I am buying a coupe tomorrow. I have a funny feeling you used to be on STG. Correct me if I am wrong of course ha.

[@itsjoel]

Hey mate, yes we’ll remembered! I was Sam’s assistant in 2017

[@monolife7771]

@@itsjoel I bloody knew it! How come that never lasted? I am assuming there was some exchange work for business help to launch your channel etc?

[@itsjoel]

Matt Col haha no not at all actually, I was just brought in to help Sam our with filming, social media & the podcast on a temporary basis. The work with Sam actually had nothing to do with me starting my own channel

[@monolife7771]

@@itsjoel Ahh. Well, I am glad I came across your channel. I have bought a coupe today. :)

[@sodalines]

my 07 hardtop coupe was the best 10k i ever spent.

[@BabyImAcodPlaya]

Is it possible to put in a bluetooth option in the z4?

[@DennisCudd]

Very nice videos. I just bought my first Z4, 2.5 2003 with 55,000. It's loads of fun, I should have bought it years ago. I have a couple of questions: I can't seem to find your link for the tailpipe modification, love your sound, can you resend? What tires did you replace with when you got rid of the run-flats? How easy or hard is it to replace a cup holders in the dash? My passengers is fine with the drivers got a little crack in it. Keep the videos coming good work. you should certainly try to get a job as an intern on top gear or Grand tour

[@itsjoel]

Thanks buddy. I went on to Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3s when I ditched the runflats. Cup holders are pretty easy to do, I actually did it myself and made a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/anrUmpSDoLSFeqs

[@rupertsmedley4210]

Cool - any other mods?

[@Cowandhenvintage]

What year is you z4?

[@adamdent911]

I want to upgrade the intake system. Any suggestions for a decent system that isn't too expensive

[@Ma6icMushr00m]

The best mod i did was reupholstering my steeting wheel with royalsteeringwheels.co.uk cost £150 and makes the steering wheel super nice to handle!

[@davemcgrath9329]

Will be doing mine soon with royalsteeringwheels there work is quality👌

[@itsjoel]

I love the idea of this!

[@johneadie400]

Hi Joel, great videos - thank you. With the back box exhaust mod, is there not noise level restrictions? In New Zealand we have boy racer issues which have led to new noise level limits. Your comments would be appreciated.

[@youfelixx]

I love this car

[@andybowie8590]

Does your car have a limited slip diff? I'm looking at z3s and z4s just now, cheap ones, and i prefer the look of the z4 but read that they don't have an lsd, only the 2.8 z3 plus the m models had it but yours looks like it slides pretty easy and thats what I'm after, had an mx5 with a lsd and went sideways everywhere, im looking for the same kind of thing just with more power and better noise from the 6cyl.

[@JaeggerS-op9xf]

Change the wheels go with some glossy black rims

[@nitrorory]

I enjoy my zed but not the ride. Not sure if I should replace dampers. It bounces its way down country roads , you could go quicker in a 1.0 fiesta

[@CharlieAmst]

If it has runflats, lose them. Putting normal tyres on transformed my car

[@nitrorory]

CharlieAmst no runflats on it. It has the 18” split rims so biggest standard wheel.

[@gazzabrownhigh8891]

Got to be careful if you are twisting and pulling your knob off !!!!

[@itsjoel]

😂😂😂

[@kieronjonesanotheredenband8496]

1st mod should be to sound deaden the bean tin doors

[@PhilGood7199]

Thanks for video, always something to catch! QUESTION: I’m looking for the way to play my music phone (iPhone) in the car, is there a good mod for that??

[@MrSillypoptart]

WELD THE DIFF!! hahaha

[@rrrabit1342]

My knob is very stiff and despite some really hard pulling and tugging I still can't get it to come off.

[@adamwoodford7629]

Do you need to purchase the full version of the app to be able to code the roof to the key..?

[@r.vanhouten3270]

sadly yes. And it's a yearly subscription