[Ranchroundel]

I don’t know if anyone else has noticed this but I just put my z4 m40 up on the lift for winter and noticed that on the passenger side next to the heat deflector for the exhaust there is a block of wood screwed into the chassis. This is just down from the front wheel. Anyone else notice this?

[tracer bullet]

You'd have to share a picture... Heat deflector nearish the seats? Or the rear bumper?

Did you drive over something and kick it up? Possibly leftover from shipping related tie-down?

[Ranchroundel]

I will post pictures tomorrow. The shipping block idea is a good idea though as there is a drilled one inch hole in the block of wood. Totally understand that my description was not the clearest.

[crz4]

Excuse me, but...

[mb67]

Oh wow, thanks for reminding me that I still have a deposit in for the new Morgan Plus Four that I need to cancel. I placed that deposit a year ago and there's still no word on when it will clear regulations in order to be sold here in the US.

[Ranchroundel]

Sorry for the delay. Here is the piece of “structural” wood in my g29.

[blue135]

Is the heat shield meant to keep the heat on the board? Looks like it was specifically fitted there. Will have to look.

[jimbojsb]

That looks like foam

[Ranchroundel]

It is actually a 2x4 with part of it having some sort of spray coating. I guess I would ask if anyone else has the wood issue particularly those with a 2025 m40 manual transmission. Thanks in advance.

[blue135]

Won't be around the Z4 for another week. Anybody get under theirs to see what is there??

[MisanoblueZ4]

Pretty crazy, the C5/C6 had balsa wood in the floorboards…

[Top Gon]

I just looked under mine. Rear passenger side. No euch thing. I just saw exhaust then heat shield then gas tank. 2023my

[Ranchroundel]

Sorry it is the front passenger side just aft of the front wheel. Thanks.

[tracer bullet]

Yeah, I was going to say it's in the front.

OK! I have one too. That's so strange! I can't imagine something that can absorb water and rot being left there on purpose. Interesting mystery.

This is my little mirror w/ a flashlight gizmo and I'm pretty sure I see woodgrain in the exact spot you mentioned.

It's just the one side? I haven't had time to try the other side or actually get the car in the air. You said it was bolted into place? Maybe when I change the oil eventually I'll see how it's attached or if it's removable (and to what effect, good or bad).

[tracer bullet]

It ain't just us, this is a pic of a Supra I found online.

A quick search for A90 Supra and "wood block" didn't give many results, none like we're asking about. I wonder if they've noticed?

[Ranchroundel]

Wow, now that I know it belongs there it is almost more concerning. As you said, whatever it is meant to do I definitely won’t do it for the life of the car.

[FrostyWinters]

Originally Posted by Ranchroundel

It is actually a 2x4 with part of it having some sort of spray coating. I guess I would ask if anyone else has the wood issue particularly those with a 2025 m40 manual transmission. Thanks in advance.

How do you know it's actually wood? Did you cut into it? To me it looks like metal with glue/sealant sprayed & brushed on it.

[Ranchroundel]

I can actually pick splinters off of it. Also see tracerbullets posts. Thanks.

[MisanoblueZ4]

This is insane. Yea that wood is going to rot away over time, this should be on Unsolved Mysteries.

[t0pless]

This isn’t wood. It’s body sealant. BMW has been using a shit ton of adhesive instead of welding areas. Makes it more rigid and dampens NVH.

Here’s another view.

[MisanoblueZ4]

Originally Posted by t0pless

This isn’t wood. It’s body sealant. BMW has been using a shit ton of adhesive instead of welding areas. Makes it more rigid and dampens NVH.

Here’s another view.

My wife’s QX80 has a ton of sealant around the body panels that become visible with doors open (near hinges) they have a similar color to the pictures posted here. Definitely helps NVH.
Agree that this is what is being seen on the Z4.
Question is if picking at that seal does it splinter like wood?

[tracer bullet]

Ranchroundel will have to confirm, if their car's up on a lift for the winter and easy to get to it. I could have time this weekend to check. Been stupid busy lately.

The original pic does look like spray on, and then one side wiped across. The Supra pic sure looks like wood LOL. It kind of can't be, though.