Search found 61 matches

by srichards
Sun 23 Jul, 2017 14:06
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: HELP Advice on selling
Replies: 17
Views: 9316

Re: HELP Advice on selling

If it's any help I sold my Z3 and ended up replacing it with a 325i convertible tin top automatic. Only thing I don't like are the leather seats as they're very sweaty. The z3 seats were much better in that respect. It's a 3 litre but not the 330 so they're overlooked. It's a bit of a fat oaf but it...
by srichards
Sun 31 Jul, 2016 13:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Putting a Z3 into storage?
Replies: 16
Views: 4325

Re: Putting a Z3 into storage?

Unpleasant jobs usually involve paying someone else to do them :)
by srichards
Sun 31 Jul, 2016 11:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Putting a Z3 into storage?
Replies: 16
Views: 4325

Re: Putting a Z3 into storage?

Fortunately it's reasonably well ventilated as there are gaps under both doors so there is a good draught. There are also ventilation bricks high up as well.

If I store it more permanently I think I'd take it out and get it serviced and waxoyled before putting it back.
by srichards
Sun 31 Jul, 2016 09:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 2.8 misfiring..
Replies: 21
Views: 5280

Re: 2.8 misfiring..

Is the misfire occurring about 2750 rpm? I have that now on mine every so often. Another late 98 build 2.8.
by srichards
Sun 31 Jul, 2016 09:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Better handling- where to start?
Replies: 29
Views: 6927

Re: Better handling- where to start?

They were criticised when new for how they handled. On bumpy roads they weren't much good. I started with the front and it made little difference. I think if starting again I'd do all the rear bushes and rear suspension. The rear can't be adjusted properly so whatever bushes you use it sets up how t...
by srichards
Sun 31 Jul, 2016 08:57
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Putting a Z3 into storage?
Replies: 16
Views: 4325

Re: Putting a Z3 into storage?

I haven't got a plan yet. It's not somewhere easily accessed so starting it up and moving it isn't simple. I would have preferred to have changed the oil but it may only be in there until next Spring. Otherwise it might be years if I decide I can't be bothered with sorting it out. Battery on it is a...
by srichards
Sat 30 Jul, 2016 12:55
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Putting a Z3 into storage?
Replies: 16
Views: 4325

Putting a Z3 into storage?

I've decided to put my Z3 into a dryish garage until I decide what to do with it. I was planning on putting it in there as is but disconnecting the battery. Left in neutral, handbrake off and chocked wheels. Tyres will be pumped up to a higher than normal amount to discourage flat spotting. I have l...
by srichards
Fri 27 May, 2016 23:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Petrol Cap Stuck On
Replies: 7
Views: 3080

Re: Petrol Cap Stuck On

Mine stuck when I first had the car. It's the same with the free flap but you need the key for the locking cap. I just rotated the key in the lock back and forth and rotated the cap til it gave in and opened. I actually wonder whether it was unlocked and I locked it and that's why it wouldn't come o...
by srichards
Tue 26 Apr, 2016 13:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What is parts availability like for the Alpina cars?
Replies: 5
Views: 2056

Re: What is parts availability like for the Alpina cars?

Phil wrote:Modern Alpinas have 2 vin numbers so using the BMW one will not, necessarily, tell you what is on the car.
Ah.
by srichards
Tue 26 Apr, 2016 07:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What is parts availability like for the Alpina cars?
Replies: 5
Views: 2056

Re: What is parts availability like for the Alpina cars?

From what I have found out so far Sytner BMW have exclusive rights to Alpina so I'd think they're the ones to contact for Alpina specific bits. Everything else is normal BMW and the BMW vin on the car will tell you what exactly is on the car. Lack of info from the reg in ECP is a bit frustrating tho...
by srichards
Mon 25 Apr, 2016 13:11
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What is parts availability like for the Alpina cars?
Replies: 5
Views: 2056

What is parts availability like for the Alpina cars?

I'm considering changing the Z for a 3 series Alpina convertible of the E46 era. I have no idea whether parts for these are harder or easier to get hold of?? Does anyone know? If they're impossible to get bits for then it's not going to be a good idea. One I'm looking at seems to be a low owner reas...
by srichards
Fri 22 Apr, 2016 16:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Problem with Z3 running
Replies: 11
Views: 3098

Re: Problem with Z3 running

Fuel pump relay on the fritz is also another source of odd behaviour.
by srichards
Sat 09 Apr, 2016 14:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Semi permanently fixing on a hard top?
Replies: 4
Views: 970

Re: Semi permanently fixing on a hard top?

Sounds easy enough. I'm sure I can find something to go over the window to protect it a bit. It's useful that one can be left on :)
by srichards
Sat 09 Apr, 2016 10:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Semi permanently fixing on a hard top?
Replies: 4
Views: 970

Semi permanently fixing on a hard top?

If you leave the hard top on does it cause problems to the hood as it is folded away and potentially getting damp in the cavity of the car and not being stretched back into place? I'm considering getting a hard top and just leaving it on all year round as I'm finding I don't really want the roof dow...
by srichards
Tue 05 Apr, 2016 07:40
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cleaning green mould off soft top and rubber components
Replies: 24
Views: 9271

Re: Cleaning green mould off soft top and rubber components

The meguiars hood cleaner seems to be much better than the autoglym. You work it in with a nail brush or similar. Then wash it off. It seems to remove more of the green. Then I treat it with either autoglym hood treater or the meguiars version. If it is still green then hood dye is the best bet. I j...
by srichards
Mon 04 Apr, 2016 13:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Seats / backache
Replies: 19
Views: 4719

Re: Seats / backache

Looks like you can't alter the rake of the steering wheel. I can't find it in my handbook. I find that really poor! I've never had a car where you couldn't apart from a 1960s triumph. It's unbelievable that a car made in the last 20 odd years doesn't have full steering wheel rake adjustment.
by srichards
Thu 31 Mar, 2016 14:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Seats / backache
Replies: 19
Views: 4719

Re: Seats / backache

There's nothing worse than uncomfortable seats. Personally I find the Z ok as I prefer to sit lower in a car and that lets me do just that. The fully adjustable electric recaros with lumbar support are the best seats I've found for comfort and range of adjustability. Is the steering wheel at relaxed...
by srichards
Mon 14 Mar, 2016 09:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

Is there any way of tossing the original suspension and replacing it with a multi link rear for example? A rough potholed bumpy sunken mess suspension set up is what is needed to be honest. There is no smooth tarmac anywhere near. It's all sunken or patched or painted on. None of which the Z3 can de...
by srichards
Sun 13 Mar, 2016 10:33
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

I thought the individuals were just customer driven specific orders and not a distinct group as such and the special editions were a distinct factory driven group? Do you have an 'individual' plate under the bonnet?
by srichards
Sat 12 Mar, 2016 12:36
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

If you can't tell when the bushes are worn until you change them then it's a bit annoying really as I like to know I've got my money's worth out of each component :) Are there any Z3 friendly purchasing car dealers in Cheshire/Staffs/Derbys area? I think it might be time to admit defeat that it isn'...
by srichards
Fri 11 Mar, 2016 13:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

Has anyone fitted these to their 2.8? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-Rear-B ... SwhcJWKncs

Do they actually improve handling significantly?
by srichards
Thu 25 Feb, 2016 13:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Washers keep failing to work.
Replies: 12
Views: 1679

Re: Washers keep failing to work.

Seems so :) Wipers now squeaking like a stuck pig so will have to change those next :roll:
by srichards
Thu 25 Feb, 2016 13:08
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Washers keep failing to work.
Replies: 12
Views: 1679

Re: Washers keep failing to work.

The pipe itself was falling to bits and has been replaced. It wasn't blocked up in any way at all. Driver's door also wasn't shutting properly. Again. Had that adjusted yet again.
by srichards
Mon 22 Feb, 2016 17:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Washers keep failing to work.
Replies: 12
Views: 1679

Re: Washers keep failing to work.

It's definitely pumping water.. it's pouring it out of the engine bay onto the ground ;)
by srichards
Sun 21 Feb, 2016 15:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Washers keep failing to work.
Replies: 12
Views: 1679

Re: Washers keep failing to work.

Washer tank is fairly clean. The fluid is pouring out somewhere but not where it's supposed to go. It's definitely making its way out of the bottle and part way down the pipes. I don't think it is making it as far as under the bonnet as I couldn't see water pouring out from under the bonnet cover. I...
by srichards
Sun 21 Feb, 2016 10:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Washers keep failing to work.
Replies: 12
Views: 1679

Washers keep failing to work.

For some reason the washers keep failing in such a way as you can hear the pump working but no actual washer fluid gets onto the screen. It's pumping it god knows where else. At one point a pipe was getting trapped in the bonnet somewhere but it isn't trapped where it was before. I deliberately have...
by srichards
Sat 20 Feb, 2016 10:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

Rear beam bushes etc and rear shocks are on the list. It's reasonable at the moment so I'm not fiddling with it any more for now.
by srichards
Sun 14 Feb, 2016 13:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: idle control valve
Replies: 8
Views: 1564

Re: idle control valve

Can you hear the fuel pump running when you turn the ignition on? Fuel pump relays being dicky can cause all sorts of bother.
by srichards
Fri 12 Feb, 2016 14:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: HELP needed total loss of power
Replies: 36
Views: 6587

Re: HELP needed total loss of power

If it won't rev in neutral or with DSC/ASC turned off then I doubt if it is anything to do with that. It's an old system so the ASC etc would be off off when turned off. Things like faulty sensors, idle control system etc are more likely. I think it's probably time to get out the code reader or find...
by srichards
Fri 12 Feb, 2016 11:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: HELP needed total loss of power
Replies: 36
Views: 6587

Re: HELP needed total loss of power

Is there a button to turn the DSC off? I'd try doing that to confirm symptoms go away.

Does it fail to rev when you are in neutral too? If it's idling funny then I'd think that wasn't the DSC at work and there is something else wrong instead.
by srichards
Thu 04 Feb, 2016 14:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

Rainsports are my favourite tyres. I didn't know whether it would like them. Well it's been aligned and it's better. Rear bushes are fine. Front toe has been increased, negative camber reduced. Not sure about caster angle. I notice the steering doesn't feel heavy like it did. It's tramlining a lot l...
by srichards
Thu 04 Feb, 2016 08:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

I was quite fancying michelin cross climates as next tyres. I thought being all season they'd be relatively squishy as well as able to cope with any kind of weather. Don't seem to be able to get them in 225/50 on a 16 yet. They do seem to do them in the 205/55 R16 which is mentioned in the book for ...
by srichards
Wed 03 Feb, 2016 11:03
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

It has had front shocks already but the wheel yanking out of the hand behaviour hasn't changed with changing those.
by srichards
Tue 02 Feb, 2016 17:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

The faster you drive the worse it gets. It seems to be fairly ok at 30mph. Once you are over 40 it's noticeably more unstable. By the time you are at 50-60 it's impossible to predict on rougher roads. As far as I can tell it's the deeper but smaller potholes that get it. If a sunken grid is wider th...
by srichards
Mon 01 Feb, 2016 11:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

I think all the bushes were checked. All fine apart from the wishbone ones which I've already replaced. I can ask them to check them again and make sure the wheels aren't in the air. I don't know whether they were last time. The thing about the wheels being off the ground is that the suspension is ...
by srichards
Sun 31 Jan, 2016 17:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

I think all the bushes were checked. All fine apart from the wishbone ones which I've already replaced. I can ask them to check them again and make sure the wheels aren't in the air. I don't know whether they were last time.
by srichards
Sat 30 Jan, 2016 12:11
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

New rear shocks are likely to be changed soon. I didn't want to do everything at once as then you don't find out what individual changes do. Plus it's had enough spent on it. Rear beam bushes and rear shocks sound something sensible to do together. I'll probably try more positive caster first to see...
by srichards
Sat 30 Jan, 2016 00:53
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

3.0 has the M sport suspension I think. That's a different kettle of fish entirely. It could be just a sub set of the 2.8s are like this. Mine was built October 98. It seems a bit of a cross over time. Ultimate question does remain as to exactly what to change on geometry to reduce tramlining. Mcphe...
by srichards
Fri 29 Jan, 2016 14:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

Current tyres were pretty new and decent so I left them on not thinking that they could honestly be that bad. Other things I've done were things that were worn out. I've not really had cars that are massively bothered by what tyres go on them. I usually just stick uniroyal rainsports or Falken Ze on...
by srichards
Fri 29 Jan, 2016 13:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

I've had new wishbone bushes (poly ones) and they made no significant difference to that aspect of it. I'm thinking of seeing if you can apply the M Sport spec geometry instead some how. If you could tame the tramlining and leave everything else the same then it would be a decent performer. As you c...
by srichards
Fri 29 Jan, 2016 09:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

The other soft top I had wasn't this bad. It was slightly hoppy over bumps until I replaced some rear bushes then it ignored them completely. Cutting the roof off is no excuse. The rest of the car is stiffened to compensate. BMW must know that. So if the M sport ones don't behave this badly how do y...
by srichards
Fri 29 Jan, 2016 00:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

I don't know whether it is tramlining or it is all just under the 'squiggly' and 'squirmy' over uneven surfaces. I can't tell which end starts it to be honest. I just know it feels wrong and it isn't that good to drive. It's meant to be a regular handy sized fun run about but I don't want to use it....
by srichards
Thu 28 Jan, 2016 18:01
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

What tyres do you have on yours?

I think the Z4 handling wise is a lot better.

My previous car did a little tramlining and that was similar suspension design. It was nothing compared to this though.
by srichards
Thu 28 Jan, 2016 15:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13823

So it's still not handling how I'd want...

I'm now at a loss as to what to do. My 2.8 has had 4 wheel alignment, new coil springs all round (Eibach) and new standard front shocks. It's also had ball joints and wish bone bushes. Frankly it still handles weird. The changes made have made it a little better, particularly the new shocks/springs....
by srichards
Thu 31 Dec, 2015 10:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Water....
Replies: 6
Views: 2599

Re: Water....

Worth looking in the boot under the battery as well. I thought mine was ok until I found I had a swimming pool in there. Rest of the boot was dry so I had no idea. I gave the roof a good soaking with hood treatment. Next stop is the seal around the rear light.
by srichards
Wed 23 Dec, 2015 12:53
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: sound conundrum
Replies: 12
Views: 3236

Re: sound conundrum

Does the sound disappear on other sources eg radio or mp3 etc? If it is just CD then the disc itself might be the problem. I gave up on CDs in cars as the condensation meant quite often they wouldn't play properly when the weather got cooler.
by srichards
Thu 26 Nov, 2015 14:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Bounce or crash?
Replies: 3
Views: 971

Re: Bounce or crash?

I think replacing with standard all round might be the best idea then.
by srichards
Thu 26 Nov, 2015 14:19
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 gear change?
Replies: 25
Views: 6068

Re: Z3 gear change?

The usual cause is clutch drag, caused by either a worn-out clutch or (more likely) the need for re-greasing of the splines on the gearbox input shaft and the clutch hub. Bleeding the clutch slave cylinder and changing the oil also help. Think I will start with clutch slave cylinder bleed rather th...
by srichards
Thu 26 Nov, 2015 13:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Bounce or crash?
Replies: 3
Views: 971

Bounce or crash?

The springs on mine are a bit shot. One is new but I have no idea what make/model it is, one is newish and the other two are probably ancient. I'm assuming shocks are original and at 80k they must be fairly knackered by now. I don't really want to lower the car as it is fairly ground skimming as it ...
by srichards
Thu 26 Nov, 2015 12:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 gear change?
Replies: 25
Views: 6068

Re: Z3 gear change?

Had a look at the ac and the V1. Don't like the look of either of them much.