This weekend I kicked off my Z4 upgrades and maintenance.
My Z doesn’t have adaptive suspension so the upgrade path is easy. I chose Bilstein B4 which is supposed to have a similar ride quality to stock. I thought about B8’s but my wife already complains about the “bumpy ride”, and here in Michigan we are known as the pothole state. That’s why I’ve stayed with 18” wheels and dumped the run-flats shortly after buying the car.
I did opt for the Eibach sport springs which lowers the front and rear slightly. The new spring install on the rear was by far the most difficult job. Shocks were super easy to swap out. I will install the struts next weekend. All the bits and pieces are new except for the nuts that hold the top shock mount in place. I neglected to order those but no harm done.
I also bought a replacement drivers side seat belt and will install it this week. Why? The current belt is frayed along one edge and the seat belt mechanism would not retract consistently. It may be extended for a week, then all of a sudden it would work as it should. A few years ago my local indie shop quoted about $585 for parts and labor. FCP Euro had the seat belt for $150.
I will say this… A mid-rise scissor car lift is on my shopping list. I haven’t broached that subject with my wife yet.
