Search found 92 matches

by Wavesong
Wed 27 Feb, 2019 12:47
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 WANTED
Replies: 3
Views: 1581

Re: Z3 WANTED

Now suited thank you all. Enjoying my Z3 immensley 8-)
by Wavesong
Sun 17 Feb, 2019 17:17
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 WANTED
Replies: 3
Views: 1581

Re: Z3 WANTED

PM'd you.
by Wavesong
Thu 14 Feb, 2019 18:29
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 WANTED
Replies: 3
Views: 1581

Z3 WANTED

I am returning to the fold after a couple of years of being Zless and am looking for a four pot Z3. I live in East Sussex but will travel to see and buy the right car. Would prefer a well sorted car but definitely not looking for a project. Cash waiting for the right car. Please PM me if you can help?
by Wavesong
Wed 23 Nov, 2016 08:41
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Cars as investments
Replies: 18
Views: 9466

Re: Cars as investments

A bit like knowing the lottery numbers after the event. As they say, you have to be in it to win it.
by Wavesong
Tue 22 Nov, 2016 17:08
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Cars as investments
Replies: 18
Views: 9466

Re: Cars as investments

Yep but the M3 is definitely at least 3.5 times more collectable, certainly rarer and possibly 3.5 times more desirable than the 330. Market forces then dictate what these things are worth. Its also easy to see how the 330 could become an economic write-off - a point I was trying to make earlier. He...
by Wavesong
Tue 22 Nov, 2016 08:29
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Cars as investments
Replies: 18
Views: 9466

Re: Cars as investments

It tends to be specific models of car that are the "investment". Lots of us talk about the "Z3" being a potential investment. Look at the reality of the current "good investments"... Capri 2.8 Injection - not the Capri 1.6 Laser Escort RS2000 - not the Escort 1.3GL Ori...
by Wavesong
Mon 21 Nov, 2016 22:38
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Cars as investments
Replies: 18
Views: 9466

Re: Cars as investments

You need to look at different cars :wink: I have different cars, ranging from a year 2000 Z3 through 70's MGs and one early 60's Austin Healey Sprite. I also have classic bikes. None have made me any money in reality though that hasn't been tested as none are for sale. The cost of purchase, upkeep ...
by Wavesong
Mon 21 Nov, 2016 19:18
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Cars as investments
Replies: 18
Views: 9466

Re: Cars as investments

The problem today is that folk who enjoy their cars, are encouraged and even whipped up by the media to feel they are missing out on something if they are not making money from the "automotive investment". The reality is that very few investors truly make money out of collecting and keepin...
by Wavesong
Mon 21 Nov, 2016 12:52
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: Needless ritual?
Replies: 23
Views: 10034

Re: Needless ritual?

how many cars are on the road that do not do any of this at all, and they all seem to still be working fine... I think you are probably right. Next time I use my jallopy, I think I'll jump in, fling the door open so it bounces off the stop and closes by itself, start it up, rev the balls off it, sl...
by Wavesong
Mon 21 Nov, 2016 12:42
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Cars as investments
Replies: 18
Views: 9466

Re: Cars as investments

A sobering lesson in common sense versus allowing the heart to rule. My accountant always used to say that cars are a complete waste of money. However, we all need to get our fun somewhere. I know folk who have "put away" cars as investments. They tell me they have made money. They do not ...
by Wavesong
Mon 01 Aug, 2016 16:37
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Not sure what's going on
Replies: 4
Views: 1238

Re: Not sure what's going on

Having had a closer look at what I've got, one fuse map marked "E36 GB" does show that fuse 26 covers both the reversing lights and "Motronic" - which is BMW language for the ECU. Ah good, thank you, that answers why the engine stopped when I pulled No. 26. So the fuse is ok, th...
by Wavesong
Mon 01 Aug, 2016 14:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Not sure what's going on
Replies: 4
Views: 1238

Not sure what's going on

Hopefully someone out there can help with this conundrum? The reversing lights have stopped working on my year 2000, 2.0 six. As both don't work, I suspected the fuse. So, I removed the fuse box cover which helpfully gives an index of fuses, their purpose and amperage. The fuse related to reversing ...
by Wavesong
Sat 18 Jun, 2016 08:51
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: BMW Z3 3.0 W Reg £5750
Replies: 22
Views: 6111

Re: BMW Z3 3.0 W Reg £5750

I simply don't understand why the Z3 is still so undervalued when you look at the prices being asked for it's rivals. Great news if you are buying, not so good if selling. I briefly flirted with the idea of selling my 2.0 but, having seen what sort of money is being asked for comparative cars, can't...
by Wavesong
Tue 07 Jun, 2016 10:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine rattle oil pump?
Replies: 16
Views: 4208

Re: Engine rattle oil pump?

Had a really good rummage around underneath and found a lose heat shield that can't be seen from above or seen by looking under the car with the wheels on the ground but was found by sticking my arm up between the exhaust down pipe and drivers side footwell engine bay side wall. It is very loose and...
by Wavesong
Sun 05 Jun, 2016 09:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine rattle oil pump?
Replies: 16
Views: 4208

Re: Engine rattle oil pump?

Oh, I was afraid it might be vanos. I thought though that typically, this affected cold start, loss of low down power, hiccups in exceleration and a constant noise irrespective of engine temperature. However, I guess that this is worst case and mine is the beginnings of Vanos failure? There is a fir...
by Wavesong
Wed 01 Jun, 2016 09:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine rattle oil pump?
Replies: 16
Views: 4208

Re: Engine rattle oil pump?

A good question and I don't know as it was changed by my local garage! It seems to me my next step is to change the oil myself with a good quality one and see if that makes a difference? Any suggestions as to brand and viscosity?
by Wavesong
Wed 01 Jun, 2016 07:42
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine rattle oil pump?
Replies: 16
Views: 4208

Re: Engine rattle oil pump?

Oil used was 5/40 fully synthetic. I wish I knew what was in there before but the actual oil used by the previous on his last service, isn't recorded. I wonder if a change of grade would make a difference and if so, to what?
by Wavesong
Tue 31 May, 2016 15:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine rattle oil pump?
Replies: 16
Views: 4208

Re: Engine rattle oil pump?

Yes, I did suspect Vanos however, the symptoms are not the same as it is temperature and rev dependent, does not do it on tick over and completely disappears once the engine is completely warm and doesn't return until the engine is restarted from cold meaning it has to go through the critical temper...
by Wavesong
Tue 31 May, 2016 11:56
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine rattle oil pump?
Replies: 16
Views: 4208

Engine rattle oil pump?

I have previously posted on an engine rattle buzzing noise evident on my Z3 2.0 which only occurs at a specific temp and rev during warm up. I have replaced the DISA valve which it was hoped and thought, was causing the noise. It has improved the car but it has not had any effect on the noise. I hav...
by Wavesong
Sun 22 May, 2016 11:57
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Strange noise on warm up from cold
Replies: 11
Views: 2272

Re: Strange noise on warm up from cold - UPDATE

Thanks to all for the advice, from the descriptions of noise, I am fairly confident that this is the source of the noise on mine and in any event, given the mileage of 63k and age, sounds like it should be replaced anyway. UPDATE As of today (Friday) I have changed the DISA unit for a new OEM one. T...
by Wavesong
Sat 21 May, 2016 16:57
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Strange noise on warm up from cold
Replies: 11
Views: 2272

Re: Strange noise on warm up from cold

Well a saving of £125 doesn't justify the risk, for me. The symptoms reported on this forum seem to fit and, given my car is sixteen years old but with only 62k miles on the clock, is a prime candidate for DISA failure. Even if it doesn't cure the problem, its something that can be crossed off the l...
by Wavesong
Sat 21 May, 2016 13:52
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Strange noise on warm up from cold
Replies: 11
Views: 2272

Re: Strange noise on warm up from cold

Hugely helpful thanks. I have now read some horror stories about these if the spindle lets go and given the car's age at 16 years old and the symptoms described elsewhere, everything seems to point to the DISA unit. I gather a Vaico unit is half the price but not sure I want to risk an aftermarket u...
by Wavesong
Sat 21 May, 2016 11:37
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Strange noise on warm up from cold
Replies: 11
Views: 2272

Re: Strange noise on warm up from cold

Sounds like the DISA valve I googled that and I now know what it is in so far as I can identify the black box that houses it. I can see it has a rotor which I presume is rattling at a certain pitch. But, what does it do and is it linked to the warm up procedure/process? I wonder whether the rattle ...
by Wavesong
Sat 21 May, 2016 10:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Strange noise on warm up from cold
Replies: 11
Views: 2272

Strange noise on warm up from cold

Hi Guys. I have posted on this matter before but, now that I am able to pint point things, wonder whether anyone out there can shine some light on this for me? The car is a year 2000, 2.0 six. The car starts normally and sounds fine. Once the temperature reaches about halfway to normal operating tem...
by Wavesong
Sun 15 May, 2016 13:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: EML Help needed please
Replies: 12
Views: 2726

Re: EML Help needed please

I don't know if it has been lowered in the past but I doubt it. It sounds a relatively straightforward job to do though so will get a price for the springs and if reasonable, do it as a matter of course.
by Wavesong
Sat 14 May, 2016 11:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: EML Help needed please
Replies: 12
Views: 2726

Re: EML Help needed please

As an update, I have now completed a 2700 mile trek around Britain including the Scottish North Coast 500, John O' Groats to Land's End taking in North and South Wales, over ten days. I saw three other Z3's together on the NC500 and their enthusiasm for seeing another Z saw no bounds. They were clea...
by Wavesong
Mon 02 May, 2016 17:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: EML Help needed please
Replies: 12
Views: 2726

Re: EML Help needed please

No, don't have access to that and am reliant on my local garage code reading and clearing for me. I didn't know one could do this live and will have to ask if they can do that. However, its only going to show up on cold start under the circumstances I described. This morning, it was mild and damp, t...
by Wavesong
Mon 02 May, 2016 16:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: EML Help needed please
Replies: 12
Views: 2726

Re: EML Help needed please

Thing is, the issues are really only with cold starting and clearly a temperature sensor as the frost plus warm sunshine suggest a cold start temperature related issue. Is there a temperature sensor connected with cold start?
by Wavesong
Mon 02 May, 2016 16:36
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Are All Hardtops The Same?
Replies: 37
Views: 8451

Re: Are All Hardtops The Same?

You will definitely need the relay for post facelift cars and I can confirm that without it, the heated rear window won't work. As for fitting the hardtop after installing all the bracketry, its is a lengthy process of trial and error. My long suffering wife was thoroughly sick of helping me lift it...
by Wavesong
Mon 02 May, 2016 15:29
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: EML Help needed please
Replies: 12
Views: 2726

Re: EML Help needed please

Yes, whilst replacing the one rubber hose, I checked all the others minutely and couldn't find anything else. My feeling too is the MAF sensor. As you say, the codes and descriptions are usually best taken as a rough guide and can be very misleading. Would the MAF sensor cause this issue most partic...
by Wavesong
Mon 02 May, 2016 10:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: EML Help needed please
Replies: 12
Views: 2726

EML Help needed please

I have read much on here about EML woes but have not been able to cure mine so wonder if anyone can help please? The car is a year 2000, 2.0l The story so far is that I left the car outside overnight and there was a frost followed by warm sunshine. When I started the car, it was lumpy and wouldn't r...
by Wavesong
Mon 25 Apr, 2016 16:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Air Bag Reset Tool
Replies: 18
Views: 7236

Re: Air Bag Reset Tool

I have discovered several splits in the ribbed flexible hose coming of the air intake hose post MAF. This will explain the rough idle from cold and occasional EML light. Thanks to previous threads on this forum which inspired me to search this one out. I have no doubt, from what I have read, that th...
by Wavesong
Sun 24 Apr, 2016 17:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Air Bag Reset Tool
Replies: 18
Views: 7236

Re: Air Bag Reset Tool

Ah, that explains the seatbelt light then thank you. I have just managed to get my EML light to come on with the engine running. Switched off, fiddled with the wires underneath the passenger seat, restarted and, no EML light on. So, something amiss under the seat that seems to effect the EML. Defini...
by Wavesong
Sun 24 Apr, 2016 16:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Air Bag Reset Tool
Replies: 18
Views: 7236

Re: Air Bag Reset Tool

When it was last mot'd, the handbrake light didn't work. However, this was not a failure and wasn't even an advisory. They didn't notice the airbag light wasn't illuminating when the ignition was switched on. Was I lucky? So, it seems the seatbelt light does nothing but momentarily remind the driver...
by Wavesong
Sun 24 Apr, 2016 11:29
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Air Bag Reset Tool
Replies: 18
Views: 7236

Re: Air Bag Reset Tool

On the same theme. I had all the error codes cleared on my year 2000 2.00 six last week after the EML light came on. There were loads of airbag errors recorded. This was done so that if the EML light came on again (it hasn't yet) we would have a better chance of isolating the cause. In the meantime,...
by Wavesong
Mon 15 Feb, 2016 15:09
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted Pair of magnetic stoneguards.
Replies: 17
Views: 5740

Re: Wanted Pair of magnetic stoneguards.

Ian_C wrote:PMs sent to Jim, Mal, Ken and 33G :thumb:
Hi Ian, I could do with these too. Any chance of some info and pics please?
by Wavesong
Tue 27 Oct, 2015 17:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Easy MOT history check for any car
Replies: 27
Views: 4434

Re: Easy MOT history check for any car

Thank you, I didn't know that and for those equally unaware; Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is a new agency that has been formed by a merger of The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA). DSA used to be responsible for establishing standards fo...
by Wavesong
Tue 27 Oct, 2015 08:56
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rip off spare price's
Replies: 9
Views: 1805

Re: Rip off spare price's

Bought mine from a BMW main dealer and paid, I think, about £45. Vastly superior to anything available on ebay and evidently, cheaper. My first port of call is always the main dealer to get a feel for the maximum I should be paying and I invariably find I then go back to them and order when I see th...
by Wavesong
Tue 27 Oct, 2015 08:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Easy MOT history check for any car
Replies: 27
Views: 4434

Re: Easy MOT history check for any car

Hence why every niggle is now recorded even if your helpful tester then adjusts the lights (for example) and re-inputs. This is why I doubt any claims by a seller that the vehicle has no advisories as very few vehicles will now get through a test with none at all. My local testing station even has v...
by Wavesong
Mon 26 Oct, 2015 20:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Easy MOT history check for any car
Replies: 27
Views: 4434

Re: Easy MOT history check for any car

Don't wish to be pedantic but, its not the DVLA rules that affect mot's but VOSA. DVLA merely reports on the history. The plethora of advisories arrises from the target driven blame culture we now all live in. None of my cars or bikes have had an advisory free mot now for 2 or 3 years so, when I see...
by Wavesong
Sun 25 Oct, 2015 15:50
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Easy MOT history check for any car
Replies: 27
Views: 4434

Re: Easy MOT history check for any car

Hmm, I can only think that the plate changes on my cars are less than 12 months, The CRX was in May, the Z, in Dec last year so maybe it takes time for the system to get up to date. It doesn't recognise my Z3 at all. However, if I check the tax and mot status on line with DVLA, the Z3 comes up with ...
by Wavesong
Sun 25 Oct, 2015 11:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Easy MOT history check for any car
Replies: 27
Views: 4434

Re: Easy MOT history check for any car

My car is UK registered and doesn't come up at all. I have a Honda CRX (1997) that comes up with this year's mot only. I have a Mazda pick-up truck where the whole history comes up. The reason is that the Z3 and the Honda have both had private plates prior to my ownership whereas the Mazda hasn't. N...
by Wavesong
Sun 25 Oct, 2015 10:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: FOR SALE - Hardtop and Fitting kit - REDUCED PRICE
Replies: 14
Views: 2736

Re: FOR SALE - Hardtop and Fitting kit - REDUCED PRICE

Searched high and low for a Topaz blue one with fitting kit and bought in the summer. I paid £675 and on top of that, bought OE switch and relay from BMW so cost to me is £725. Your price is spot on just a matter of waiting for someone. Incidentely, I found mine on Gumtree. Topaz blue was the rarest...
by Wavesong
Fri 02 Oct, 2015 14:58
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: Mazda MX5Z3 Coupe
Replies: 2
Views: 2521

Re: Mazda MX5Z3 Coupe

I have to say, that is beautiful.
by Wavesong
Sun 20 Sep, 2015 11:08
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Nasty noise diagnosis
Replies: 12
Views: 2091

Re: Nasty noise diagnosis

Well I had my week away and clocked up the anticipated 900 miles. The noise came back just once as I was parking and, as I finished parking on a hill, it stopped and hasn't come back since. I think there is a link between the new front tyres which I suspect, owing to their new deep tread, are chucki...
by Wavesong
Sun 13 Sep, 2015 14:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Nasty noise diagnosis
Replies: 12
Views: 2091

Re: Nasty noise diagnosis

Yep good advice and I will check the fan blades carefully before setting off tomorrow however, I did find a self adhesive bar code label on the floor under the car :shock: This is all it would take to make the noise I had and, on stopping, probably fell down to the garage floor. May just be grasping...
by Wavesong
Sat 12 Sep, 2015 18:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New bloke wanting your kind help!
Replies: 18
Views: 2594

Re: New bloke wanting your kind help!

I may be biased but, don't rule out the 2.0 six. Its a fine car and a lovely engine the soundtrack of which, I never tire of. Good luck with the hunt. You will know the right car when you see it.
by Wavesong
Sat 12 Sep, 2015 17:55
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Nasty noise diagnosis
Replies: 12
Views: 2091

Re: Nasty noise diagnosis

I started this morning with changing the rear disc pads which all went well. Then, with heart in mouth and after a very careful inspection under the bonnet and under the car, started her up. No nasty noise. Left ticking over and warming up for ten minutes and then increased the revs gently. Still no...
by Wavesong
Fri 11 Sep, 2015 20:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Nasty noise diagnosis
Replies: 12
Views: 2091

Re: Nasty noise diagnosis

Well it does kind of sound like a bearing rattle kind of noise so the tensioner may be the cause of the problem which in turn may be causing the groaning sound which may be a result of the belt tension on the power steering pump. So, first job tomorrow after breakfast will be to remove the fan belt ...
by Wavesong
Fri 11 Sep, 2015 19:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Nasty noise diagnosis
Replies: 12
Views: 2091

Re: Nasty noise diagnosis

Yes it is a coincidence but, the noise is there when stationary and wasn't there on the way home. There has though been a strange groaning noise on pulling away, especially when turning, for the last few days which may be connected. I will take the fan belt of tomorrow and see if this cures the nois...