Search found 213 matches

by bowei001
Fri 28 Apr, 2023 13:52
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Space saver wheel
Replies: 4
Views: 16790

Space saver wheel

For those who have checked their space saver and found that it has fallen apart or that the tyre is so old that it is a liability, I tried to sort out possible combinations of wheels and available tyres as replacements. BMW didn't make it easy with the plastic carrier and limited space but there are...
by bowei001
Sat 27 Feb, 2021 23:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Fitting Low coolant level warning lamp
Replies: 0
Views: 2545

Fitting Low coolant level warning lamp

I recently replaced the entire cooling system of our 1999 2.0 which included the expansion tank. The latest tank (17107514964) is also for some X5s and has the magnetic float inside it for the coolant level sensor (the original Z3 tank doesn’t have this float). I decided to try to fit a low coolant ...
by bowei001
Sun 14 Feb, 2021 13:08
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Falken ZIEX ZE310 Ecorun tyres
Replies: 4
Views: 1917

Re: Falken ZIEX ZE310 Ecorun tyres

Thanks, it sounds like they are best avoided. I'll keep looking locally for the standard versions (225 50 16 are not kept in stock by many places round here, they keep wanting to supply me with 205 55 16).
by bowei001
Sun 14 Feb, 2021 11:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Falken ZIEX ZE310 Ecorun tyres
Replies: 4
Views: 1917

Re: Falken ZIEX ZE310 Ecorun tyres

Thanks LaRy,
I'll look at the availability & prices of those. It seems that they have the advantage of being runflats (at least, some do) which could be useful considering the stupidly small size of the spare wheel carrier.
by bowei001
Tue 09 Feb, 2021 11:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Falken ZIEX ZE310 Ecorun tyres
Replies: 4
Views: 1917

Falken ZIEX ZE310 Ecorun tyres

Being retired & in lockdown I got rather bored so I decided to work on the Z (1999 2.0). I’ve replaced all the front & rear bushes, brakes, steering components, shock absorbers and cooling system so the car should be pretty much up to original spec in handling. The tyres (225 50 16) need rep...
by bowei001
Wed 06 Jan, 2021 10:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Third Brake Light Plug
Replies: 4
Views: 2232

Re: Third Brake Light Plug

I've just looked on RealOEM at the 3rd brake light and it shows a diagram of the light without a cable attached, suggesting that a cable plugs into the light. However, when I went onto ebay to look at lights for sale, most are shown with a cable attached and a 3 pole plug at the far end of the cable...
by bowei001
Thu 07 May, 2020 08:50
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Front Brake Caliper Refurb
Replies: 8
Views: 3047

Re: Front Brake Caliper Refurb

A second vote for Bigg Red. I refurbished mine by having the units sand blasted (with the old pistons & seals in place and taped over & an old nipple in place & the brake line hole sealed with a spare union with a crimped & soldered length of pipe). When they came back I blew out the...
by bowei001
Fri 27 Mar, 2020 08:00
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Aerosol Paint
Replies: 7
Views: 2994

Re: Aerosol Paint

In Kent we had several automotive paint supply shops that would mix paint to order and put it in a spray can. I suspect that most paint suppliers will although finding one open and willing to do it at the moment might be difficult. Have you tried Halfords? They do Titan Silver which is spot on so th...
by bowei001
Thu 21 Nov, 2019 20:19
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Electric radiator cooling fans
Replies: 0
Views: 6479

Electric radiator cooling fans

Can anyone please tell me whether the electric radiator cooling fan & shroud (not the air con fan) from a 4 cylinder car will fit the locating slots & holes in a 6 cylinder radiator? I need to change my viscous fan clutch and I'm thinking that an electric fan might be a better way to go (I h...
by bowei001
Mon 29 Apr, 2019 12:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Exhaust!
Replies: 6
Views: 3388

Re: Exhaust!

On our 2.0 (1999), the 2 rear sensors are difficult to see as they are nearly horizontal between the pipes and all the wiring and connectors are clipped up behind the heat shield between the pipes and the body. They should be there if the system is original (and as you have the vacuum valve in the b...
by bowei001
Fri 25 Aug, 2017 10:43
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Shock absorber top spring plate.
Replies: 0
Views: 1932

Shock absorber top spring plate.

Does anyone need a couple of s/h top spring plates (part number 31331135580)? I was rebuilding my front suspension and forgot to send them for sandblasting & spraying so I had to buy 2 new ones to get the job done on time. They are in good condition, just need cleaning up and are free, just pay ...
by bowei001
Fri 14 Jul, 2017 21:34
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: ABS/DSC Problem?
Replies: 14
Views: 6587

Re: ABS/DSC Problem?

If the allen screw does come out OK I suggest that you replace it with a high tensile one (12.9 grade is good) so that if it ever becomes seized in the future you can lean on it a bit without it snapping. If it does snap off you can mill it out with a tiny end mill but it takes a long time and is a ...
by bowei001
Tue 13 Jun, 2017 17:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Sump gasket
Replies: 2
Views: 1643

Re: Sump gasket

Thanks.
by bowei001
Tue 13 Jun, 2017 14:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Sump gasket
Replies: 2
Views: 1643

Sump gasket

I'm about to replace my front suspension & crossmember and thought it would be a good idea to drop the sump, give it a clean out and check the oil pump drive whilst I was down there. I've bought a new (genuine) sump gasket and it seems to have a thin rubber seal bonded onto it. I'm assuming that...
by bowei001
Wed 11 Jan, 2017 17:40
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Headlights.
Replies: 8
Views: 2539

Re: Headlights.

Although some earlier facelift cars have orange indicators (mine is July 1999 and has them).
by bowei001
Thu 15 Dec, 2016 10:32
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Stalls when warms up....occasionally.
Replies: 27
Views: 6429

Re: Stalls when warms up....occasionally.

It does have Vanos. It should be the M52TU engine which has Vanos on both inlet & exhaust. (Ours is a 1999 2.0)
by bowei001
Tue 13 Dec, 2016 23:33
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Meyle Front Wishbones and other parts
Replies: 23
Views: 5841

Re: Meyle Front Wishbones and other parts

Yes, the one I've unwrapped is marked MEYLE Germany 0976 and all the inserted bushes have the same stamped on them.
by bowei001
Tue 13 Dec, 2016 19:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Meyle Front Wishbones and other parts
Replies: 23
Views: 5841

Re: Meyle Front Wishbones and other parts

I've just bought a set from johnyboy-1 at £169. They seem to be genuine and were sent very quickly by courier and were well packed. I haven't fitted them yet but I have no complaints so far.
by bowei001
Mon 12 Dec, 2016 20:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Top mounts & engine mounts
Replies: 3
Views: 1393

Re: Top mounts & engine mounts

Thanks for the advice, the complete suspension does look like a big, heavy lump. I'll look at GSF and their offers, I only seem to get EuroCar Part offers by email on a daily basis!
by bowei001
Mon 12 Dec, 2016 10:01
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Top mounts & engine mounts
Replies: 3
Views: 1393

Top mounts & engine mounts

This winter I want to refurbish the whole of the front suspension (crossmember, suspension arms, shocks etc). I intend to fit Sachs shock absorbers and new top mounts. BMW wants £63 per top mount. Knowing the mark up they have from previous experience, has anyone had experience with good-brand after...
by bowei001
Fri 04 Nov, 2016 19:37
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Removing front subframe
Replies: 6
Views: 2332

Re: Removing front subframe

Thanks for the link, Del. I'm thinking that it will be an engine hoist and a balancing beam job as although an engine support beam would be easier, there isn't really a bodywork wing channel to support a beam as there is on a saloon car. From pictures on the internet, it seems the rather flimsy fron...
by bowei001
Fri 04 Nov, 2016 10:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Removing front subframe
Replies: 6
Views: 2332

Removing front subframe

Over the winter I would like to refurbish my front subframe and suspension. I know that the engine has to be supported to remove the subframe but where is the best place to support the ehgine from above? At the front there is what appears to be a lifting eye but it is flimsy and attached to the vano...
by bowei001
Thu 25 Aug, 2016 20:42
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: F/S - Centre Console Bits (Z3M gauge harness, leather etc)
Replies: 11
Views: 4537

Re: F/S - Centre Console Bits (Z3M gauge harness, leather et

Hi,
Do you still have the gauge wiring harness?
by bowei001
Tue 14 Jun, 2016 06:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: M gauges retrofitting
Replies: 14
Views: 3340

Re: M gauges retrofitting

That should work but before cutting the old pressure switch connector off, I'd run a wire from the connector (push a thin wire into the spade terminal in the connector) to the 2nd terminal on the pressure sender and check that the warning light on the dash comes on when the ignition is on but the en...
by bowei001
Mon 13 Jun, 2016 20:11
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: M gauges retrofitting
Replies: 14
Views: 3340

Re: M gauges retrofitting

When I fitted an oil temperature gauge I originally used a distribution block similar to the one you are using but I found that although it was OK for the oil pressure, the temperature sender was in a "backwater" and really didn't give an accurate oil temperature and took a long time to wa...
by bowei001
Sat 02 Apr, 2016 14:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Spare wheel cover
Replies: 2
Views: 1077

Re: Spare wheel cover

I use a black plastic sack & duck tape. Seems to work and can easily be removed if the spare is needed.
by bowei001
Wed 25 Nov, 2015 19:32
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Gear stick
Replies: 10
Views: 3027

Re: Gear stick

by bowei001
Wed 25 Nov, 2015 11:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Isolating Door Mirrors/Heated Washers
Replies: 2
Views: 854

Re: Isolating Door Mirrors/Heated Washers

I don't know about the heated mirrors but on ours (1999 2.0) the plug for the heated washers is under the bonnet, just back from the driver's side indicator. It is a black, push in & click plug which is tied up to the small wiring loom that runs up the edge of the engine bay on the driver's side...
by bowei001
Mon 23 Nov, 2015 09:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Front ABS Front Sensors
Replies: 5
Views: 1335

Re: Front ABS Front Sensors

Our July 2000 2.0 (with ABS and not DSC) has the same sensor each side. They look handed because the sensing part has a slight cut-away on one side but the metal strips are visible on both sides. I fitted after market ones 5 years ago and they worked fine but you have to be careful as some vendors a...
by bowei001
Tue 30 Jun, 2015 18:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: radio service mode
Replies: 3
Views: 1355

Re: radio service mode

To get into service mode with the RDS Business cassette radio, you need to switch the radio on and immediately press the TP button (top right) and hold it down for about 8 seconds. The radio serial number should come up in the display. Then you can release the button and scroll through the menu with...
by bowei001
Thu 25 Jun, 2015 13:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cruise control retrofit
Replies: 45
Views: 11317

Re: Cruise control retrofit

I have already shared my insights in the previous posts above. The PM was my advice as to what I would do if I were in Erko's place. nothing more.
by bowei001
Thu 25 Jun, 2015 11:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cruise control retrofit
Replies: 45
Views: 11317

Re: Cruise control retrofit

You have a PM
by bowei001
Thu 25 Jun, 2015 11:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cruise control retrofit
Replies: 45
Views: 11317

Re: Cruise control retrofit

I don't think that RealOEM distinguishes between M52 & M52TU or even recognises that there was a TU. Our car was built 7/99 and is a TU although when I put the chassis number into RealOEM it comes up as M52. If Erko's car was built 11/99 it should be a TU.
by bowei001
Thu 25 Jun, 2015 07:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cruise control retrofit
Replies: 45
Views: 11317

Re: Cruise control retrofit

Hi Erko, Here are a couple of pictures of our M52TU. There is only a single cable going down to the the throttle. If your set-up is like this then you only need the 2 parts I said before. If you have 2 cables, more or less side-by-side then you have an M52 and you need all the bits in RealOEM's list...
by bowei001
Wed 10 Jun, 2015 19:09
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cruise control retrofit
Replies: 45
Views: 11317

Re: Cruise control retrofit

That looks like the part. If you look up this post: http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=8000 there are some pictures of the switch and interface along with some photos I took when I did our retro-fit. The TU just stands for "technical upgrade", The pre-upgrade is the M5...
by bowei001
Wed 10 Jun, 2015 18:22
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cruise control retrofit
Replies: 45
Views: 11317

Re: Cruise control retrofit

Hi Erko, Looking at your picture of your (single) throttle cable, you have a "semi-fly by wire" set up (the same as mine). This is fitted to the TU engines, which you say you have. All you need to fit cruise control operated from a stalk on the steering column are 2 items: 1. The switch/st...
by bowei001
Thu 04 Jun, 2015 16:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: OIL TEMPERATURE GAUGE RETRO-FIT
Replies: 18
Views: 4477

Re: OIL TEMPERATURE GAUGE RETRO-FIT

Just to bring my post up to date: The adapter block that I purchased from the USA to fit an oil temperature and pressure sender to the boss on the oil cooler housing where the pressure switch goes wasn't really much good for the temperature as the sender sits in a "backwater", away from th...
by bowei001
Fri 01 May, 2015 08:52
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: DISA repair kits for M52TU
Replies: 13
Views: 3752

Re: DISA repair kits for M52TU

The supplier I found for an M52TU DISA valve (seems to be called a Control Valve, Air Intake by VAICO) was on line - http://www.sparepartstore24.co.uk (tel 020 3608 0191). They were quoting £98.98. I haven't bought one yet as I'm going to have a close look at mine and may go down an aluminium repair...
by bowei001
Thu 30 Apr, 2015 15:55
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: DISA repair kits for M52TU
Replies: 13
Views: 3752

Re: DISA repair kits for M52TU

Thanks for the link Barry. Following it up it seems possible to get a Vaico one for under £100 (although the price range goes from £98 to nearly £250 depending upon the distributor - for exactly the same item!
by bowei001
Wed 29 Apr, 2015 21:28
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: DISA repair kits for M52TU
Replies: 13
Views: 3752

DISA repair kits for M52TU

There seems to be a good supply of DISA repair kits for the M54 from places like germanautosolutions & i6automotive, and at reasonable prices. I can only find one place selling kits for the M52TU and that is vanos-bmwcom in Moscow (via eBay). The price is a bit high and there is the strong possi...
by bowei001
Wed 24 Dec, 2014 09:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Breakdown Cover
Replies: 15
Views: 5337

Re: Breakdown Cover

We are in the RAC with family cover too. The year before last we had a price increase and when I telephoned them I negotiated a better deal. Their representative actually suggested that when cover came around the next time, I should contact them and negotiated again. This I did in September and got ...
by bowei001
Thu 28 Aug, 2014 07:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Dreaded airbag light, 2000 facelift 2.0 manual
Replies: 9
Views: 1401

Re: Dreaded airbag light, 2000 facelift 2.0 manual

It could well be the plug on the loom under the seat. Moving the seat back & forth sometimes wiggles the plug enough to break contact for a second and puts the light on (was always happening to me after the MoT as the tester was very tall and moved the seat right back). Try pulling the plug apar...
by bowei001
Fri 01 Aug, 2014 18:50
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: OIL TEMPERATURE GAUGE RETRO-FIT
Replies: 18
Views: 4477

Re: OIL TEMPERATURE GAUGE RETRO-FIT

It is certainly possible to fit two gauges into a post facelift car depending upon how many switches you have in the centre console. There are two spare places for switches at the back of the console so if you only have two switches to relocate, they can go there simply by elongating the wires and r...
by bowei001
Sun 27 Jul, 2014 06:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Dodgy door lock / hello
Replies: 19
Views: 2465

Re: Dodgy door lock / hello

I've tried WD40 on stuff with electrical contacts before and didn't find it as good as contact cleaner. WD40 does remove water but doesn't seem to clean the contacts as well. It wouldn't do any harm but might not be as long lasting if it is dirty contacts rather than general muck making things stick...
by bowei001
Sat 26 Jul, 2014 20:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Dodgy door lock / hello
Replies: 19
Views: 2465

Re: Dodgy door lock / hello

Our passenger door started to play up in the same intermittent way. I took the actuator out and absolutely flooded it with a spray contact cleaner (and I mean flooded it- the cleaner was running out of everywhere). I let it dry and put it back and it has been as good as gold ever since. It might hav...
by bowei001
Thu 08 May, 2014 08:11
Forum: Performance
Topic: Oil temp sensor retro fit...
Replies: 1
Views: 1191

Re: Oil temp sensor retro fit...

You have PM
by bowei001
Sat 12 Oct, 2013 20:10
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted, chrome bezel
Replies: 0
Views: 677

Wanted, chrome bezel

Does anyone have an old, broken, Z3M centre console gauge with a good chrome bezel. If so, can you please PM me? Thanks, Ian
by bowei001
Tue 24 Sep, 2013 17:50
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Quick question re boot light
Replies: 23
Views: 4600

Re: Quick question re boot light

Thanks for the info about fitting an interior light in the boot. I think I'll go on ebay and give it a try.
by bowei001
Tue 24 Sep, 2013 12:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Quick question re boot light
Replies: 23
Views: 4600

Re: Quick question re boot light

Is the interior light that Southernboy showed a direct replacement in the hole or does the hole have to be enlarged for it to fit? If a direct fit it seems a very quick and useful mod.