Search found 2083 matches
- Tue 23 Apr, 2024 09:19
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Z3 2.0 exhaust lambda sensors.
- Replies: 2
- Views: 61
Re: Z3 2.0 exhaust lambda sensors.
Before buying new Lambda probes, check the rubber inlet coupling between the airflow sensor abd engine for air leaks due to splitting. This weakens the mixture, and so causes the ECU to richen the mixture - hence excess emissions.
- Wed 27 Mar, 2024 11:32
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: 1999 Z3 Strut Brace
- Replies: 2
- Views: 298
Re: 1999 Z3 Strut Brace
You will have to measure the distance between the centre of the strut mounts on both cars, but I bet they ae the same! 'Scuttle Shake' is a meaningless description, spread by media hacks whose opinions are uninformed but accepted by most people - Top Gear is a prime example! Their usual claim is tha...
- Tue 30 Jan, 2024 13:33
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Z3 with 328 headlights, hood, front fenders
- Replies: 1
- Views: 1367
Re: Z3 with 328 headlights, hood, front fenders
I have seen it done, I think, by the factory.
- Thu 24 Aug, 2023 07:47
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Warning Lights appear and disappear on restart?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 16670
Re: Warning Lights appear and disappear on restart?
I find this to be a common thing if the car has not been used for a while - particuarly with an oldish battery. I think that the Slip Control Module, which looks after ABS and ASR operation, is - as a safety system - very sensitive to battery voltage, so that after standing the warning lamps operate...
- Tue 01 Aug, 2023 12:22
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Difficulty Engaging First?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 17611
Re: Difficulty Engaging First?
a late reply is better than none! Clutch drag is usually caused by the clutch hydraulic hose having softened with age, and slightly expanding under pressure, so starving the cylinder of fluid. a new hose would be a stop-gap measure, a cure being the fitting of a braided hose, available from Earls Pe...
- Mon 31 Jul, 2023 09:47
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: So So Sad
- Replies: 15
- Views: 18688
Re: So So Sad
My articles are a mixture of touring, technical, and book reviews, so perhaps some form of Knowledgebase sub-index would be handy.
- Sun 30 Jul, 2023 17:39
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: So So Sad
- Replies: 15
- Views: 18688
Re: So So Sad
My photos may have been deleted by Photobucket, but they are alive and well in my computer! I also have lots of illustrated articles written for the BMWCC, so if anyone fancies adding them to the Knowledgebase please let me know.
- Wed 19 Jul, 2023 10:38
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: So So Sad
- Replies: 15
- Views: 18688
Re: So So Sad
I think that the lack of traffic here is a sign of people's preference for Facebook, Twitter, and other social media groups. This first took place when internet forums such as this began to replace technical queries in club magazines, and now we are seeing forums being replaced by specialist groups ...
- Tue 20 Jun, 2023 13:41
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: So So Sad
- Replies: 15
- Views: 18688
Re: So So Sad
It's not a problem which is peculiar to this forum - it is something common to most forums these days. I guess that today's owners are either shy of becoming involved with others, or prefer to 'meet' people on a Facebook group. If you are not a Facebook fan you are often left out. A typical example ...
- Tue 18 Apr, 2023 17:31
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Are All Z3 Headlights The Same?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 16848
Re: Are All Z3 Headlights The Same?
There are aome small differences -
The original headlights of my 1998 2.8 had parking lights inside.
When I bought new LHD lights, I found that 2000-onwards (non-facelift) units did not have parking lamp provision, and also use H7 dip bulbs, rather than the earlier HB4 type.
The original headlights of my 1998 2.8 had parking lights inside.
When I bought new LHD lights, I found that 2000-onwards (non-facelift) units did not have parking lamp provision, and also use H7 dip bulbs, rather than the earlier HB4 type.
- Mon 13 Mar, 2023 12:24
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Viscous fan coming on almost instantly
- Replies: 5
- Views: 2609
Re: Viscous fan coming on almost instantly
Don't blame the viscous coupling - it is trying to tell you that it is past its sell-by date! You do not tell us how many miles your car has covered, ut 70,000 miles is an average life for a viscous coupling, after which it makes a lot of noise and can possibly break up, throwing a blade through the...
- Sun 12 Jun, 2022 12:04
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Chrome gearshift surround
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2629
Re: Chrome gearshift surround
The window switches look to be in the same positions as on the older cars, so it may be worth a try - how much would you want? I have a friend visiting me from Penzance in a week or so, so postage woud not be a problem - let me know by a pm please.
- Sat 11 Jun, 2022 09:37
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Chrome gearshift surround
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2629
Re: Chrome gearshift surround
I missed the boat when these were available - Does anyone know where a chrome surround can be found, for a pre-facelift model?
- Sat 02 Apr, 2022 14:27
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Strong-strut - putting the feelers out.
- Replies: 2
- Views: 2570
Re: Strong-strut - putting the feelers out.
It would help if you told us the type of Strong Strut you have! We are not clairvoyant . . .
Is it a Butt Strut, Body Brace, or Strut Brace? If a strut brace, what type of finish does it have?
Is it a Butt Strut, Body Brace, or Strut Brace? If a strut brace, what type of finish does it have?
- Tue 15 Mar, 2022 09:24
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Windscreen washers variable output?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 6314
Re: Windscreen washers variable output?
Try heating the pipes with a hair dryer - once they become soft they should pull off easily.
- Fri 11 Mar, 2022 12:28
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Windscreen washers variable output?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 6314
Re: Windscreen washers variable output?
Take the nozzles off and leave them overnight in a solution of hot water and a dishwasher tablet. While this is going on, make sure that the pipes do not have non-return valves or filters fitted, and also check that the pump is delivering plenty of water when the pipes are partially covered with a f...
- Wed 23 Feb, 2022 08:45
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Has to be Hyperwhite or HID
- Replies: 7
- Views: 4923
Re: Has to be Hyperwhite or HID
Do not just replace the dip bulbs, as although you use dipped beams more than the main beams, you may as well change all the headlamp bulbs, and enjoy decent lights, and carry the old bulbs as the spares you should carry anyway. With quota-hungry policemen a full set of bulbs is worth having. So man...
- Tue 22 Feb, 2022 13:47
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Has to be Hyperwhite or HID
- Replies: 7
- Views: 4923
Re: Has to be Hyperwhite or HID
I presume thet by 'yellow' you men that the headlamps are no longer white. Assumint this is the case, the first step is to check the voltage at the filaments, or better still the voltage drop between the jump start connection behind the RH strut mount, and each of the filaments. Also check the volta...
- Fri 03 Sep, 2021 12:59
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: workshop manual 2.0 litre
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1887
Re: workshop manual 2.0 litre
I doubt if such a thing exists! You could buy a Bentley manual, which is based on the pre-Sept 1998 M52-engined cars, there not being many real differences except for the double VANOS cam drives, inlet, and exhaust systems - but frankly I would not bother! Look at what you REALLY need, and buy theHa...
- Wed 25 Aug, 2021 08:44
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: E10 Petrol
- Replies: 1
- Views: 1541
Re: E10 Petrol
The government would not tell us that many older cars will be disadvantaged by use of E10, would they? BMW have stated that all their post-1986 models will be 'satisfactory' on E10, in that they will start and run on it, but a loss of performance will occur. Alcohol is a good anti-knock additive, bu...
- Thu 22 Jul, 2021 10:45
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: How to identify engine size
- Replies: 2
- Views: 1478
Re: How to identify engine size
In Europe at least, the 2.2 M54 engine uses an inlet manifold with 'figure of eight' shaped inlet branches, and catalytic converters mounted on the exhaust port ends of the headers. The 2 litre M52tu models use a manifold with smaller circular inlets, and cats mounted in the exhaust pipes under the ...
- Sat 03 Jul, 2021 13:08
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Prices on the up
- Replies: 9
- Views: 5468
Crazy Money!
A friend recently had his 2 litre Ford-engined Morgan valued by a dealer for insurance purposes . . . at £35,000! Of course, it does have character-building features such as the Hood From Hell, a total lack of luggage space, sidescreens, and an enormous back-draught which will take one's hat off! Co...
- Thu 01 Jul, 2021 14:14
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Headlight lenses
- Replies: 3
- Views: 3324
Re: Headlight lenses
You seem to be confused and confusing! The prismatic 'Lenses' are made of glass so willl not become scratched, whereas the headlamp covers are made of moulded polycarbonate and will become scratched if care is not taken when cleaning them. The covers will become milky if cleaned with any hydrocarbon...
- Sat 26 Jun, 2021 12:24
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Lighting Failure
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1566
Re: Lighting Failure
You cannot fault-find on the internet! Make yourself a 21 watt test lamp and check the current tracks of the tail lamp unit for power. Then follow the side with no power until you find the answer . . .
- Wed 16 Jun, 2021 07:49
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: matching a Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 with an Asymmetric 3 (front tyres)
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1589
Re: matching a Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 with an Asymmetric 3 (front tyres)
I had to throw away a little-used Falken FK-453 245-40 X 17 to get through a French MoT, as to mix tyre types in this way on the same axle is an MoT failure here - and maybe the UK too?
- Sat 12 Jun, 2021 13:48
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: 17" wheels
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1956
Re: 17" wheels
According to Real OEM the 1.9 takes the same 8.5 inch wheel as all the other Z3 models! PErhaps the brake drum section does not protrude as much?
- Fri 11 Jun, 2021 10:51
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: 17" wheels
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1956
Re: 17" wheels
Don't go for ridicuously wide rims - keep to the factory optional widths of seven and a half front with eight and a half inches rear with an IS dimension (offset) of 41 mm. A set of decent BMW wheels will be fine. Avoid any 'Diamond Cut' wheels like the plague, as the salet-laden roads of the UK wil...
- Mon 07 Jun, 2021 07:11
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Vacuum on 2000 3.0i
- Replies: 1
- Views: 1217
Re: Vacuum on 2000 3.0i
I think the vacuum pipe going to the fuse box provides a signal proportional to throttle opening for the trip computer, to help calculate fuel consumption. Other pipes are for the DISA valve, air Injection control valve (if fitted) brake servo, and crankcase breather. All the pipes are there for a p...
- Thu 03 Jun, 2021 16:59
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Boot won't open
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1829
Re: Boot won't open
Have a look at the Z3 Knowledge base - it contains a link to someone who has the answer.
- Wed 02 Jun, 2021 14:05
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: German Z3 Treffen
- Replies: 0
- Views: 1769
German Z3 Treffen
There will be a gathering of German Z3 owners on 14 August (Covid permitting!) in the parking area of the Fahrstubchen Gernsheim restaurant. This is on the E back of the Rhine, W of Darmstadt, which is SW of Frankfurt. The restaurant is near the river bank, close to the ferry. For details see: https...
- Mon 24 May, 2021 10:42
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Prices on the up
- Replies: 9
- Views: 5468
Re: Prices on the up
In a world where rubbish such as Morgans can fetch crazy money, £8 to £15k for a good 2.8 is excellent value - try to find an equivalent car for the money. Perhaps people are now realising that there will never be another small sports car with the attributes of a Z3! Some honest road tests, in magaz...
- Tue 27 Apr, 2021 07:38
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: What parts do i need for engine swap
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1993
Re: What parts do i need for engine swap
Don't forget the gearbox too! Forget this project - it is one of those ideas which gain complexity and expense as they progress. It is possible, but not practicable for most budgets. Instead, have a good cylinder head job, with valve throats opened out, inlet manifold gas flowed and matched to the i...
- Tue 13 Apr, 2021 08:21
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Rough Idle, Runs Rich, Overheats a little
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2050
Re: Rough Idle, Runs Rich, Overheats a little
An inlet air leak usually causes the EML lamp to come on, and a fault code indicating 'Lambda Voltage Implausable' due to the associated weak mixture. You do not tell us why you feel the engine is running rich - a rough idle can just as easily be caused by overheated spark plugs, the high coolant te...
- Mon 05 Apr, 2021 10:04
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Z3 strange fuel mix(?) issue
- Replies: 4
- Views: 2022
Re: Z3 strange fuel mix(?) issue
Try unplugging the MAF and see what happens.
- Wed 17 Mar, 2021 21:49
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Driver side door handle not releasing door catch
- Replies: 6
- Views: 2568
Re: Driver side door handle not releasing door catch
Try leaning on the rear of the door, below the handle, and then pull the handle and see if the door opens. This will take the pressure of the door seals off the door catch, and may be the answer.
It is also a good idea to very lightly lubricate the door seals with silicone grease of even WD-40.
It is also a good idea to very lightly lubricate the door seals with silicone grease of even WD-40.
- Thu 11 Mar, 2021 21:33
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Luggage rack fitting
- Replies: 9
- Views: 3209
Re: Luggage rack fitting
Do not use aerolastics to secure anything outside a car! They will stretch to accommodate aerodynamic and weight loadings, possibly allowing whatever they are securing to fall off! Always use the woven ratchet straps sold in hiking shops, which are inexpensive, can be secured properly, and do not be...
- Thu 11 Mar, 2021 14:01
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: outside temp sensor and oil pressure or level light
- Replies: 1
- Views: 1503
Re: outside temp sensor and oil pressure or level light
The -40 reading is a sign of an open circuit (ie broken wire) in the wiring to the sensor, or a faulty sensor. You do not say if the sensor is new or used. Try unplugging the sensor and see what the reading is, then join the wires in the sensor plug together and see what happens. The orange oil ligh...
- Fri 05 Mar, 2021 09:42
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Luggage rack fitting
- Replies: 9
- Views: 3209
Re: Luggage rack fitting
I would hate to drive with the massive blind spot a rack-mounted case will produce, particularly in Europe. We used to go away camping for a month without needing a luggage rack - just use the amount of space avaiable in a Z3 - such as seven loo rolls inside the front bumper, and towels inside the r...
- Tue 02 Feb, 2021 14:41
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: whats the deal with these raid steering wheels?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 9095
Re: whats the deal with these raid steering wheels?
After about eight years I still enjoy my RAID steering wheel - even when the car is just sitting in the garage!
I wonder if there is another BMW group wheel which would fit, such as a MINI, or a modern Z4 - or perhaps an MX-5? A two-stage airbag should not be a problem to adapt.
I wonder if there is another BMW group wheel which would fit, such as a MINI, or a modern Z4 - or perhaps an MX-5? A two-stage airbag should not be a problem to adapt.
- Sat 14 Nov, 2020 14:35
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Head light bulb upgrades , any recommendations
- Replies: 13
- Views: 9677
Re: Head light bulb upgrades , any recommendations
'Strip the front end?' - you are dealing with an old design, so all it takes is to remove the air box and then follow your nose - and easy job. If you have a newer design like the Z4 then things are more involved, and a VW Golf handbook states that 'It is no longer possible to replace the headlamp b...
- Mon 19 Oct, 2020 08:38
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Z3 alarm module.
- Replies: 6
- Views: 2979
Re: Z3 alarm module.
Just use a piece of wire to reset the Service Indicator lights - the procedure is in the Knowledge base.
- Thu 15 Oct, 2020 10:28
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Head light bulb upgrades , any recommendations
- Replies: 13
- Views: 9677
Re: Head light bulb upgrades , any recommendations
If you want bulbs which are in the top league by the best from either Osram or Philips. Other brands seem to have caught up with them (they probably re-badge Osram or Philips products) but charge more. I bet PIAA are in this category, as they do not make bulbs, and used to be notorious for producing...
- Mon 12 Oct, 2020 14:10
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Replacement of rear sub frame bushes
- Replies: 5
- Views: 2796
Re: Replacement of rear sub frame bushes
You could try making some pieces of 100 mm sewer pipe to fit intothe spaces on each side of the bush - this can make a surprising difference. Also make sure that the crossmember is not touching the body or the stiffening backet.
- Sat 15 Aug, 2020 07:46
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: I am considering selling :( Need advice
- Replies: 8
- Views: 4156
Re: I am considering selling :( Need advice
Condition is more important than goodies - particularly the underside, which really tells potential buyers how the car has been looked after. What do you mean by Factory Aerodynamic Kit? All the UK-market 3 litre cars had the 'Sports' equipment, which included a small spoiler lip befow the front apr...
- Fri 14 Aug, 2020 09:33
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: I am considering selling :( Need advice
- Replies: 8
- Views: 4156
Re: I am considering selling :( Need advice
If you have space, keep it - a Z3 will never be worth less than it is now.
- Sun 26 Jul, 2020 13:05
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Engine outline warning lamp?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 6698
Re: Engine outline warning lamp?
Yes - it could be caused by lots of things, but the most common causes are air leaks due to torn inlet bellows, and problems with the crankcase breather system hoses around the cyclone oil/air seperator. Try the simple things first.
- Fri 24 Jul, 2020 18:54
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Emergency Spare Wheel
- Replies: 10
- Views: 3977
Re: Emergency Spare Wheel
I really cannot understand the reasoning for removing the spare - it does no harm, and can do a lot of good when it is needed. Even if your driving is local, you can still get a puncture. OK - the 'dead' wheel has to be carried in its plastic bag on the passenger's knees, but that is at least better...
- Fri 24 Jul, 2020 13:03
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Emergency Spare Wheel
- Replies: 10
- Views: 3977
Re: Emergency Spare Wheel
When the day of judement arrives you will be grateful for the skinny spare! A tin of goo is not a long-lasting answer in comparison. I once had a rear tyre comprehensively wrecked just outside Boulogne on a Saturday morning. Trying to quickly get hold of a 245-40 X 17 tyre in France is not easy, and...
- Wed 15 Jul, 2020 14:21
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Punctures
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1965
Re: Punctures
Remember that in France everything closes from Saturday lunchtime to Monday lunchtime! Mobile phone coverage can be very patchy in the countryside. It is worth carrying a good footpump in case of slow punctures, making sure that your tyres have lots of tread depth, and perhaps having the tytres trea...
- Sun 12 Jul, 2020 12:23
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: 2.8 Z3; fitted with LSD?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 11532
Re: 2.8 Z3; fitted with LSD?
The short answer is 'Yes,' as UK-market cars were fitted with an LSD. Get a printout of your cars's build spec and see if it states 'Sperredifferential 25%.' This blanket description is actually meaningless, as from September 1998 (at least) the diff was of the Torsen type (TORque SENsing) which doe...