Z8 Individual by Classic BMW Plano, Texas

[ZAchterbahn]

Last night I took second delivery of the Z8 I acquired in January of this year.

At the time the car had 26k miles on the clock, was mechanically well maintained by Classic BMW in Plano but needed some cosmetic attention. First order was to install the performance package and to replace the temperamental tail lights.

After a thorough interior cleaning process that included removal of the seats and everything I was able to unscrew inside the cabin it was time to call for the first annual Texas Hill Country Stampede which resulted in a great gathering of 10 couples in their silver Z8s in early March.

That is where my troubles began. I kept walking up to the wrong car at least once a day embarrassing myself. They all looked so beautifully silver and with my red Z8 on my mind I was unable to distinguish one from the other. Besides, I am rather impatient when it comes to getting behind the wheel and making a go of it.

My mission was clear. Visual differentiation is a must. Fast forward to the Techno Classica Show in Essen, Germany, in April. One of the car dealers there displayed an original BMW-Individual creation, silver with ivory accents. I took lots of pictures in order to replicate the design and color lines.

My trusted professionals at Classic BMW in Plano were easily motivated to take on this project. Patrick Arnold, Performance, Restoration and Z8 Specialist at Classic kept me up to speed on every step they made with photos, text and mails. In addition to the paint job the following work was done:

Replacement of the soft top which had been damaged by improper hard top installation. Installation of Alpina springs and shock absorbers at the rear end. Installation of the Z8 Forum edition Meisterschaft Racing exhaust.

The work was performed by Classic's body shop and Z8 specialist Tristan Owens who appears to have the time of his life maintaining, repairing and modifying Z8s from across the region. Last night there were no less than 9 Z8s in Classic's facilities, not counting Dennis' and Charles' who came to help me take delivery of mine along with Paul who picked up his.

Special thanks to John Kobell, Classic BMW's General Manager, who agreed to let his paint shop digress into custom design work, to Pat Arnold, whose Z8 knowledge and passion for all things BMW have earned him my trust over all these years, and to Tristan Owens for being a stickler for perfection.

Christian.

[macfly]

Great project, what fun!

Got to ask why did you only do Alpina struts & springs at the back?

[jawz]

Christian - Wow! Beautiful color combo! I love it! Congrats on taking final delivery your latest Z8.

[Z-acht]

You won't get into the wrong car again Christian! Great story!

[ZAchterbahn]

Andrew, I only did the rear because I had (mis)understood that the front set up of the Alpina is the same as that of the standard Z8. I guess this only goes for the front springs but not for the shocks. Since we had the top off I wanted to get the rear end done in one sweep. My first impression across our lousy concrete patched Texas roads is that the stock set up was kinder to my spine. However, the car's rear end feels more competent now. It seems to handle these bumps with less drama or swaying and that I like. I need some time to evaluate the ride improvement in general.

[macfly]

The EU front is different springs and shocks, the US Alpina's shared springs with the Z8 because the EU Alpina ones mad it sit 1/4" too low for some headlight requirement, but for the better handling and ride you want the full EU Alpina set up.

[Z8Mania]

Congratulations! What fun!

[EDEZ8]

Like a lot of things in life, it's always better the second time around! Congratulations on completing the individual painting scheme on your Z8.

[Z8Mania]

Christian, Id recommend going with the EU front setup as well and also stiffer sway bars and the Dinan caster plates up front. The upshot of all of this will be an even better ride and also more sporty handling- quite a trick to pull off, but it does pull it off.

[ZAchterbahn]

Thank all of you for your kind words and recommendations. Let me get more familiar with the current set up and take the next step. Frankly, I have been waiting too long to get behind the wheel of this car. Now is driving time!

[///M Blitz]

Congrats Christian; well-done. I guess this is the first and only U.S. Shamu Z8.

Having a red Z8, I have to ask "The other red?"

[ZAchterbahn]

Hi Dan, there is no substitute for my beloved red Z8 and the 12 years of wonderful memories and fabulous drives with our Z8 group it stands for. It continues to be my West Coast ride, standing by for me in the SFO area. So when I bought the silver one earlier this year to sooth my Z8 cravings here in Texas - and only you would understand this - it was just that, silver. Gorgeous to behold from all angles, spectacular classic looking, but not passionately red. So I "shamued" it and now it is my one of a kind other red.

[Z8Mania]

Fantastic. I love the driving time attitude!

[KenZ8]

Beautiful! I can't wait to see her in person. Enjoy!

[ZAchterbahn]

Ken, I have already started planting the seeds for a September drive with our North Texas friends. How about we get together for a West Arkansas Ouachita Natural Forest drive to historic Tulsa?

[Musta10000]

Ken, I have already started planting the seeds for a September drive with our North Texas friends. How about we get together for a West Arkansas Ouachita Natural Forest drive to historic Tulsa?

Any interest in making a Tulsa, Hot Springs, and Branson loop? I could drop down from Des Moines to Tulsa and join the party. I also have some hotel connections at all three cities that could possibly be helpful. This may be more than you thought, but it is an idea...

[ZAchterbahn]

Skip, I just started a thread in the Trips/Drives/Events section. We are looking to do something in early October, depending on everybody's schedules. Your help will be appreciated. Looking forward to meeting you!