It is unfortunate that the traffic to this amazing site has deteriorated to such a low level.
Please ensure that down the line the wealth of information is not lost.
Search found 1225 matches
- Fri 09 Jun, 2023 11:08
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: So So Sad
- Replies: 15
- Views: 18683
- Fri 26 Aug, 2022 07:20
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
- Replies: 29
- Views: 19690
Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
For completion it seems that there is an additional phenomena with the fuel gauge. Filled tank partially and with the “shimmed” gauge arm - it all worked fine. Filled it up to the top and so far in the first 25km of driving the gauge is jumping from correct reading to open circuit (gauge completely ...
- Tue 23 Aug, 2022 08:03
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
- Replies: 29
- Views: 19690
Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Well - the latest one (and it seems the exact same problem as the previous one) was not due to bad contact due to dirt on the PCB or it being damaged in some way etc - rather it seems to be due to excessive play at the pivot point between the arm and it’s sleeve - the mechanism outlined above by Sou...
- Sat 16 Jul, 2022 18:28
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
- Replies: 29
- Views: 19690
Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Southernboy, My 3rd one has now gone. 431,000 km (perhaps the most mileage globally for a Z3 :shock: ) It is same failure mechanism of bad contact (erratic). I don't suspect mechanical damage as I have a vac release fuel cap and I secured the arm in place with screws. I'll try to get my hands on a D...
- Sat 20 Feb, 2021 18:26
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Wing mirror vibration
- Replies: 23
- Views: 7047
Re: Wing mirror vibration
My mirror finally could not be revived with additional epoxy. So finally bit the bullet and got an x8R plastic mount: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/For-BMW-Z3-E36-Outside-Wing-Door-Mirror-Spindle-Repair-Fix-LHD-Drivers-Side/221889658560?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 Did...
- Tue 12 Jan, 2021 09:48
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
- Replies: 29
- Views: 19690
Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Anyway, Got the vented petrol cap and so far no engine warning light.
So - saved a future fuel gauge mess up and a bonus of no need for a key to fill up the tank.
Mission accomplished after 13 years of ownership....
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265001483390
So - saved a future fuel gauge mess up and a bonus of no need for a key to fill up the tank.
Mission accomplished after 13 years of ownership....
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265001483390
- Wed 02 Dec, 2020 15:37
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
- Replies: 29
- Views: 19690
Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Not only was there erratic contact at full tank - the readings were a bit incorrect as the tank emptied. Removed the unit and the problem was bad contact between the contacts and the Ceramic at full tank position (and presumably error prone readings the whole range) . Anyway, I took an arm and a Cer...
- Mon 16 Nov, 2020 06:48
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Before you blame the Sender..
- Replies: 7
- Views: 4943
Re: Before you blame the Sender..
In any case, crap design and poor disclosure by BMW. I’ve seen the following failures: - bad contact on the ceramic plate due to mediocre fuel (often fixed by quality fuel & solvents) - poor contact due to wear in plastic lever sleeve - float lever displaced - broken ceramic plate - torn gauge w...
- Sun 15 Nov, 2020 22:35
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Before you blame the Sender..
- Replies: 7
- Views: 4943
Re: Before you blame the Sender..
This makes a lot of sense - but why would you be getting flat zero reading? If there was contact and the arm was getting stuck - wouldn’t you be getting a stable wrong reading as opposed to an “no contact / open circuit” reading?
- Sun 15 Nov, 2020 17:07
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
- Replies: 29
- Views: 19690
Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
I know I put in place properly - with the two clamps you mentioned. I’ll see when I open up again whether it unclipped. But my bet is on a bad electrical contact between one of the spring loaded contacts and the ceramic plate. I cleaned the plate - but I should have also cleaned the 2 contacts. As I...
- Sun 15 Nov, 2020 16:07
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
- Replies: 29
- Views: 19690
Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
What now? I opened the tank and found the ceramic plate in tact - but the lever arm in its plastic housing was out of place. I cleaned the ceramic plate the bent the arm to be in its correct position and put the lever and housing into place. When turning the switch it read correctly, "almost em...
- Fri 13 Nov, 2020 05:24
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
- Replies: 29
- Views: 19690
Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
I can confirm that the cause of my collapsed tank was a failed release valve.
For now I opened the pipe going to the activated charcoal filter from the tank and no light has come on (so far). So hoping the vented cap will work.
For now I opened the pipe going to the activated charcoal filter from the tank and no light has come on (so far). So hoping the vented cap will work.
- Wed 11 Nov, 2020 18:45
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
- Replies: 29
- Views: 19690
Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Perhaps not, if they get vented fuel caps
- Wed 11 Nov, 2020 18:28
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
- Replies: 29
- Views: 19690
Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
There will be a new batch in January
- Wed 11 Nov, 2020 16:41
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
- Replies: 29
- Views: 19690
Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
The Dutch guy seems to be out of stock. Wanted a spare in case....
- Wed 11 Nov, 2020 16:31
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
- Replies: 29
- Views: 19690
Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Quoting you:
"Fit a new ceramic card...."
Are there any still about for sale?
"Fit a new ceramic card...."
Are there any still about for sale?
- Wed 11 Nov, 2020 14:12
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
- Replies: 29
- Views: 19690
Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
But without the one-way-valve there will be a smell of fumes. Especially in hot climates. I ordered the part linked above. I'm also fed up with taking the key to fill up. Hope it fits - only $18 shipped :) Shame so many thousands of gauges have gone over the years - pissed I did not figure this our ...
- Wed 11 Nov, 2020 13:51
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
- Replies: 29
- Views: 19690
Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
How goes friend? We'll keep this site alive as it has so much info. Anyway I finally figured out - cuz my second one failed after 6 years.... The failure is the fuel breather valve. It creates vacuum in the tank which collapses the wall of the tank on the sender unit. This explains the scratches on ...
- Wed 11 Nov, 2020 12:18
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Tale of a Z3 fuel sender unit gauge (300k km)
- Replies: 4
- Views: 5229
Re: Tale of a Z3 fuel sender unit (300k km)
OK - it failed again (Z3 FUEL GAUGE) and this time after a bit more research I now understand what is going on. The failure is in the fuel breather valve. It creates vacuum in the tank which collapses the wall of the tank on the sender unit. This explains the scratches on the inside rear wall of the...
- Wed 11 Nov, 2020 11:03
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
- Replies: 29
- Views: 19690
Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
The mechanism of the collapsed tank breaking the ceramic plate discussed in detail:
https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/1997 ... 422/page-3
https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/1997 ... 422/page-3
- Mon 26 Oct, 2020 17:19
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: No Instrument Lights or Warning Buzzer
- Replies: 19
- Views: 4590
Re: No Instrument Lights or Warning Buzzer
Thanks - this saved hours of anxiety. I did spend 30 minutes trying to figure wtf went wrong (checking fuses etc)
It seems that in the process of changing covers of my console I left the lighter wires free to short which fried the rheostat (there is no protection in the wiring).
It seems that in the process of changing covers of my console I left the lighter wires free to short which fried the rheostat (there is no protection in the wiring).
- Sat 11 Jul, 2020 18:48
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Seat belt guide
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1636
Re: Seat belt guide
The Z parts that fix the guide externally are cute and save a major job
Southernboy sells them
Southernboy sells them
- Thu 19 Dec, 2019 20:27
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Steering wheel squeak
- Replies: 5
- Views: 2919
- Thu 19 Dec, 2019 17:51
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: 400,000 & going strong
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2848
- Mon 16 Dec, 2019 16:48
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Condensation on rear screen?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 3405
Re: Condensation on rear screen?
The repositioning probably mitigated the entrance of water into the vehicle. Make an effort to find the leak into the car (eg looking in the boot while spraying water on the rear roof seal).
I'll bet you have pool of water in the battery area or in the corners behind the rear wheels.
I'll bet you have pool of water in the battery area or in the corners behind the rear wheels.
- Thu 19 Sep, 2019 19:49
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Z3 steering wheel squeaking
- Replies: 3
- Views: 3220
- Fri 23 Aug, 2019 15:00
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Z3 steering wheel squeaking
- Replies: 3
- Views: 3220
Re: Z3 steering wheel squeaking - SORTED
Added a hand fabricated spacer behind the metal grommet behind the steering wheel.
A nice little satisfying job.
A nice little satisfying job.
- Fri 23 Aug, 2019 06:44
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Z3 steering wheel squeaking
- Replies: 3
- Views: 3220
Z3 steering wheel squeaking
For a couple of days it was driving me nuts and getting worse. Three suspects - rubbing of steering wheel on cowling (which showed visible vibration coinciding with the noise); friction around slip ring and finally the U joints on the other side of the firewall. Decided to start with the easiest - b...
- Sat 20 Jul, 2019 20:13
- Forum: Stock exchange
- Topic: 1997 2.8 for sale
- Replies: 2
- Views: 2993
Re: 1997 2.8 for sale
You've done a great job looking after this gem.
Here it'd be worth 12k
Here it'd be worth 12k
- Sun 30 Jun, 2019 10:29
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Improve BMW z3 a/c - service / clean evaporator
- Replies: 1
- Views: 2675
Improve BMW z3 a/c - service / clean evaporator
My A/C did not come close to my wife's 8 year old CIVIC. I tried everything from new compressor, drier and cleaning the condenser with mild caustic and water rinse. The biggest difference was cleaning out the evaporator. Getting in there is the same procedure as to access the resistor pack. It takes...
- Tue 07 May, 2019 19:55
- Forum: Stock exchange
- Topic: Parts for Z3 available
- Replies: 8
- Views: 5677
Re: Parts for Z3 available
Mike - nice to hear from you.
Look after yourself!
Look after yourself!
- Fri 22 Mar, 2019 12:19
- Forum: Stock exchange
- Topic: Wanted exhaust for my Z3 1.9 Twin Cam
- Replies: 14
- Views: 6006
Re: Wanted exhaust for my Z3 1.9 Twin Cam
That sounds crazy
Wouldn't have been simpler to just tow the car away and strip it??
Wouldn't have been simpler to just tow the car away and strip it??
- Mon 10 Dec, 2018 21:26
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Heat at idle
- Replies: 9
- Views: 4397
Re: Heat at idle
Indeed it’s quite tight there - but “douze points” for trying.
- Mon 10 Dec, 2018 19:53
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Heat at idle
- Replies: 9
- Views: 4397
Re: Heat at idle
So in the UK the driver footwell is cooler than ours?? :sunny
- Sun 09 Dec, 2018 17:35
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Heat at idle
- Replies: 9
- Views: 4397
Re: Heat at idle
Will look at a backflush (as thermostat is fine)
- Sun 09 Dec, 2018 13:43
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Heat at idle
- Replies: 9
- Views: 4397
Re: Heat at idle
Colb - all the 3 items you listed have been checked. The air is not cold - it's quite warm but noticeably cooler that the really hot air when raising the revs. (My first thought was a partially blocked heater core valve - but checked that as well)
- Sun 09 Dec, 2018 09:27
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Heat at idle
- Replies: 9
- Views: 4397
Heat at idle
Has anyone observed that the heat from the hot air blower when idling (eg red light) is not boiling as when driving? I know my valve is clean. If it's not like that for all - the only thing I suspect is a partially blocked core.
Any insights?
Any insights?
- Mon 08 Oct, 2018 10:34
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Before you blame the Sender..
- Replies: 7
- Views: 4943
Re: Before you blame the Sender..
If you look carefully at the tank you may find that it deformed over time and the plastic wall is interfering with the arm. I saw scratches on the inner side of my tank done over the years by the arm.
- Wed 12 Sep, 2018 12:26
- Forum: Stock exchange
- Topic: 2000 Z3 2.0 manual, Topaz blue, blue leather & hood, £1600
- Replies: 30
- Views: 11674
Re: 2000 Z3 2.0 manual, Topaz blue, blue leather & hood, £1900
Heaps of miles....I’m at 375kkm
- Wed 12 Sep, 2018 09:52
- Forum: Stock exchange
- Topic: 2000 Z3 2.0 manual, Topaz blue, blue leather & hood, £1600
- Replies: 30
- Views: 11674
Re: 2000 Z3 2.0 manual, Topaz blue, blue leather & hood, £1900
Makes absolutely no sense.
Here it would go for ~11,000 quid
Here it would go for ~11,000 quid
- Wed 13 Jun, 2018 11:14
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Z3 1.9 Pre facelift M44 Engine. Lambada probe
- Replies: 7
- Views: 3467
Re: Z3 1.9 Pre facelift M44 Engine. Lambada probe
I assume your Cat Conveter itself may be knackered.
- Tue 05 Jun, 2018 05:00
- Forum: Stock exchange
- Topic: FS: 1999 Steel Grey 2.8
- Replies: 6
- Views: 3098
Re: 1999 Steel Grey 2.8
Seems like you part with your beloved Zs and keep on coming back for more.
Can't say I blame you
Can't say I blame you
- Thu 17 May, 2018 05:12
- Forum: Stock exchange
- Topic: 2001(Y) Z3 3.0 for sale (80,000 miles)
- Replies: 6
- Views: 3071
Re: 2001(Y) Z3 3.0 for sale (80,000 miles)
What is the rationale for the reserve being "secret"?
- Thu 05 Apr, 2018 09:32
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Rain Water Ingress - I'm out of ideas
- Replies: 12
- Views: 5729
Re: Rain Water Ingress - I'm out of ideas
I'm not sure Gummi is hydrophobic. I've had success on the top of the window by using a hydrophobic spray used for waterproofing canvas (roofs and/or tents). In small/tight areas I apply it with my finger after spraying into the can cap. There are many vendors - just a couple of examples: https://ww...
- Tue 27 Mar, 2018 15:05
- Forum: Stock exchange
- Topic: 3 piece Z3 Boot spoiler
- Replies: 2
- Views: 2195
Re: 3 piece Z3 Boot spoiler
Is it so distasteful to you that it's worth having to put right all the holes it will leave in the boot?
- Thu 22 Mar, 2018 15:24
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Lowest point in the world
- Replies: 2
- Views: 2081
Lowest point in the world
The board seems to be in hibernation.
Just a pic to cheer everyone up.
Tagged along to the Holyland 2018 rally - Holyland1000tour.org
How about a couple in the snow?
Just a pic to cheer everyone up.
Tagged along to the Holyland 2018 rally - Holyland1000tour.org
How about a couple in the snow?
- Mon 05 Mar, 2018 16:18
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Brown mayo in rad
- Replies: 4
- Views: 2406
Re: Brown guuk in rad
Indeed the transmission oil is air cooled - so that obviously was not the cause of the oil leak into the coolant reservoir. As there is no water in the oil the diagnosis of my INDY was that there is corrosion in the rear timing plate. (pic below). He says he's seen it once before on a E46. It seems ...
- Mon 05 Mar, 2018 07:28
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Brown mayo in rad
- Replies: 4
- Views: 2406
Re: Brown guuk in rad
The car in a M44 auto - if the transmission oil is cooled by water it could be the failure of the heat exchanger.
I see in realoem the transmission oil has an air cooled radiator. Will need to go to my Indy - perhaps somehow there is also a water interface??
I see in realoem the transmission oil has an air cooled radiator. Will need to go to my Indy - perhaps somehow there is also a water interface??
- Sun 04 Mar, 2018 20:11
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Brown mayo in rad
- Replies: 4
- Views: 2406
Re: Brown guuk in rad
I agree - hoping it’s just the gasket
- Sun 04 Mar, 2018 19:23
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Free 3rd party Image Hosting
- Replies: 9
- Views: 4834
Re: Free 3rd party Image Hosting
Did IMGUR stop providing a link that opens automatically in the site (as opposed to a clickable link)?