Search found 4016 matches

by c_w
Thu 23 Jul, 2015 17:56
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Z3M Roadster - New purchase!
Replies: 32
Views: 8175

Re: Z3M Roadster - New purchase!

When you put the subframe back on, replace those allen bolts on the sideplates with some normal boltheads, much more reliable, and grease the threads/area of course.
by c_w
Mon 13 Jul, 2015 18:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 3.0i differential unit.
Replies: 10
Views: 3528

Re: Z3 3.0i differential unit.

How the car is driven makes a big difference too, especially clutch control in first 2 or 3 gears.
by c_w
Sun 12 Jul, 2015 18:40
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 3.0i differential unit.
Replies: 10
Views: 3528

Re: Z3 3.0i differential unit.

It's tru they are prone to it. You will be disappointed when you spend your money - also not many people[companies] can rebuild these diffs despite what they may tell you and you may end up with a unit worse/with a short life. In my experience the Torsen diff is slightly more clunkier than the other...
by c_w
Sat 11 Jul, 2015 14:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 3.0i differential unit.
Replies: 10
Views: 3528

Re: Z3 3.0i differential unit.

Why are you attempting to rebuild it? The 3.0 diff will be a Torsen LSD, so very rare in this diff as BMW didn't use this style LSD in anything else AFAIK. So no friction plates in them etc. You can have the bearings changed (but not a quick job as it takes some setting up by a professional to do it...
by c_w
Thu 09 Jul, 2015 19:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Adjust speedo for significantly larger wheels/tyre combo
Replies: 27
Views: 3710

Re: Adjust speedo for significantly larger wheels/tyre combo

Probably going to be easier to recalibrate on the actual speedo dial then as mentioned before?
by c_w
Thu 09 Jul, 2015 19:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Track rods
Replies: 9
Views: 1327

Re: Track rods

TRW also make these and look beefier when compared to the Lemforder. Whether that makes them stronger I'm not sure!
by c_w
Wed 08 Jul, 2015 15:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Track rods
Replies: 9
Views: 1327

Re: Track rods

A stupid split in the design means they always sieze unless cake in grease at the locknut.
by c_w
Thu 02 Jul, 2015 13:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.8 gearbox
Replies: 7
Views: 1656

Re: Z3 2.8 gearbox

6 speeds would probably suit the 2.8, or any of the big engines. The ratios 1-5 are the same as the 5speed gearbox so the 6th is a tall overdrive. Not sure if it's worth the effort though? I know a few on the M engines, but often it's fitted in conjunction with a lower final drive which means you ge...
by c_w
Wed 10 Jun, 2015 19:40
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Has anyone tried the new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
Replies: 16
Views: 4630

Re: Has anyone tried the new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2

Best road tyre by a wide margine is the Michelin Pilot Super Sport - a road tyre that people are now using on track. They aren't silly money either. I'd bo going with these if I was on the lookout for a high performance road tyre.
by c_w
Tue 09 Jun, 2015 21:03
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Has anyone tried the new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
Replies: 16
Views: 4630

Re: Has anyone tried the new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2

I prefer the originals, a really good tyre that handled nicely on track, with a markedly different outer edge tread pattern. For some reason the assy2 appears to be more a general tyre IMO.
by c_w
Wed 03 Jun, 2015 15:05
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rear upper brace for the Z3 and Z3M roadster.
Replies: 10
Views: 2419

Re: Rear upper brace for the Z3 and Z3M roadster.

I Agree C_W but on the butt strut the it stops the lower part of the chassis flexing. On the top, the mounts pivot on the chassis allowing the lower to flex. So having a strut on the top will have little effect. If I had time I would draw this up in a 3d model. I'm not sure it does much. For a star...
by c_w
Tue 02 Jun, 2015 20:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rear upper brace for the Z3 and Z3M roadster.
Replies: 10
Views: 2419

Re: Rear upper brace for the Z3 and Z3M roadster.

It looks good, but all it can do is brace the body between the upper damper mounts, which have no influence rear wheel alignment or handling. I cannot even think that stiffening this area will affect body rigidity between the rear cross member mounting studs. Sorry, but I'm not convinced - I'll kee...
by c_w
Tue 02 Jun, 2015 20:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rear upper brace for the Z3 and Z3M roadster.
Replies: 10
Views: 2419

Re: Rear upper brace for the Z3 and Z3M roadster.

I just ordered one of these off ebay! (Del address is a nursery..) didn't realise you were a member on here. I think any additional bracing helps, particularly if like me you run stiff dampers, stiffer mounts and bigger bump stops.
by c_w
Wed 27 May, 2015 19:33
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Wheel Size Advice
Replies: 16
Views: 3518

Re: Wheel Size Advice

I wouldn't take any material off the back of the wheel face, it's a set thickness regardless of the offset. The amount they're sticking out I wouldn't bother trying to make them fit, just sell them on. They are likely for a 5-series. And you standard wheels look better! even better if they were silv...
by c_w
Mon 27 Apr, 2015 19:43
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: No return for May without Clarkson but...
Replies: 16
Views: 4328

Re: No return for May without Clarkson but...

That sounds like a recipe for an obscure cable channel. :dunce:
by c_w
Sun 26 Apr, 2015 18:53
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: Spotted
Replies: 6
Views: 1947

Re: Spotted

I went up past Dovestones, heading towards Holmfirth but turned left on the tops towards Meltham. I saw in the distance a yellow car, possibly Dakar but was too far in front to see.
by c_w
Sun 26 Apr, 2015 18:03
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: Spotted
Replies: 6
Views: 1947

Re: Spotted

Hey that was me! Gave a beep but probably too late to hear :)
by c_w
Sun 26 Apr, 2015 18:03
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: No return for May without Clarkson but...
Replies: 16
Views: 4328

Re: No return for May without Clarkson but...

It's never going to happen, but what will happen, as suggested in the Times today, is the three will be back together - perhaps even on the BBC - doing something like Not Gear :lol: Even Andy Wilman has left so that is essentially Top Gear production over. Guy Martin as good as he is, is not a prese...
by c_w
Sat 25 Apr, 2015 15:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0 oil consumption
Replies: 31
Views: 8857

Re: 3.0 oil consumption

I would also suggest try using cheaper/simpler oil as already mentioned and when warmed up do some lower rpm full throttle acceleration runs and lift off. It may take a long time, a year or so but it may work and go back to fully sythentic.
by c_w
Sun 19 Apr, 2015 19:00
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: WTB - Rear Brake Callipers Rebuild - Sorted
Replies: 14
Views: 2607

Re: WTB - Rear Brake Callipers Rebuild - Updated

What's your brake pedal like after the refurb? I did mine last summer and I'm suffering from a soft pedal since doing them. Have bled it countless times, tried tapping the calipers, activating ABS unit etc when bleeding but still got a fair amount of travel before it starts stopping. Brakes work wel...
by c_w
Wed 01 Apr, 2015 18:51
Forum: Z4 roadster and Z4 Coupe
Topic: Z4 M Coupe
Replies: 3
Views: 4645

Re: Z4 M Coupe

Faster than a Z3MC and much more modern, I'd have one if I could. They seem to be cheaper than you'd expect over here too, probably not cheaper than non-Ms, but still seem to go unnoticed and have depreciated more than you'd expect for a rareish car.
by c_w
Wed 01 Apr, 2015 18:50
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: FS: Rare Rondell 0021 Alloy Wheels Z3m Fitment
Replies: 12
Views: 4844

Re: FS: Rare Rondell 0021 Alloy Wheels Z3m Fitment

Deano1712 wrote:Wonder if they would fit over my brakes?
That's one of the downsides of deepdish wheels; not as much clearance as most wheels due to the concave spokes. Granted these fronts aren't too dished, so might be ok, but probably need spacers.
by c_w
Thu 26 Mar, 2015 19:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: WARNING!
Replies: 11
Views: 1949

Re: WARNING!

DPD are very good in my experience.
by c_w
Thu 26 Mar, 2015 19:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0L =- what tyres?
Replies: 14
Views: 3754

Re: 3.0L =- what tyres?

The Z3 may have had a select few tyres fitted from the factory, but I doubt it was designed with any particular type of tyre in mind. The F1 GSD3 aren't great on the Z3 though, they are ok, but better on lighter cars. The Assy 1 is a great tyre though, really really good, had them on my Coupe for a ...
by c_w
Mon 23 Mar, 2015 13:31
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: lovers or haters?
Replies: 6
Views: 1131

Re: lovers or haters?

Couild probably cause a distracting reflection?
by c_w
Tue 17 Mar, 2015 14:11
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Lightweight flywheel & shift pins - w/ Feedback + Video
Replies: 48
Views: 12034

Re: Lightweight flywheel & shift pins - w/ Feedback

All sounds great (apart from the judder setting off, which may go in time with bedding?). It's always been on my maybe list of modifications, as I can't help but feel the engine feels a bit lazy sometimes.
by c_w
Thu 12 Mar, 2015 19:06
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: New Mazda MX5 - a stunner to look at
Replies: 10
Views: 2470

Re: New Mazda MX5 - a stunner to look at

I've seen it in pictures and it looked great, but I wasn't as impressed when I saw it on Top Gear. Still nice though but I think the amazing looking Z4 coupe/convertible is in a different class now.
by c_w
Thu 12 Mar, 2015 19:01
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Jeremy Clarkson suspended
Replies: 53
Views: 7675

Re: Jeremy Clarkson suspended

I believe it was a punch thrown over an argument about food..........sounds like Saturday night at my local kebab shop. As for Clarkson he's a prat, and knows nothing about cars, He is a moronic idiot who acts like a spoilt child. To be fair he probably knows a lot more than you do, and he is one o...
by c_w
Tue 03 Mar, 2015 21:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Brake Upgrade - Help Required
Replies: 5
Views: 1279

Re: Brake Upgrade - Help Required

I don't think I've seen anyone think about it in this detail, most people put the BBK on and find it fine!

One easy way to alter bias is to run different grade brake pads front and rear. Pagid or Carbone Lorraine run different grades with different friction ratings which allow you to do this.
by c_w
Tue 24 Feb, 2015 21:18
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Z3M Spacers
Replies: 4
Views: 1944

Re: Z3M Spacers

10mm all round can look good, doesn't sound much but just 10mm makes a nice visual difference without being too pokey. But as above you can go bigger spacers on the back but 10mm is a nice change without going to thick. Hubcentric of course with longer bolts. But bear in mind (in my experience) they...
by c_w
Wed 18 Feb, 2015 21:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Wow...how low can you go!
Replies: 16
Views: 2327

Re: Wow...how low can you go!

Dino D wrote:I thought hydraulic suspension is a really old idea that came standard on really old Citreons?
I think it's more likely running or airbags that true hydraulic but could be wrong.
by c_w
Tue 17 Feb, 2015 21:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Wow...how low can you go!
Replies: 16
Views: 2327

Re: Wow...how low can you go!

It's riding on hydraulic suspension, so you wouldn't have to drive it at that height.
by c_w
Sun 15 Feb, 2015 19:25
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Lightweight flywheel & shift pins - w/ Feedback + Video
Replies: 48
Views: 12034

Re: Lightweight flywheel & shift pins

Was the diff wobbling on drive take up or with the clutch engaged as if driving? I replaced the clutch flywheel on my AUDI A3 TDI last year; all brand new SACHS stuff and put back together it juddered pretty badly. Setting off the car shook and you could feel it changing in to 2nd and even 3rd. Bad ...
by c_w
Sun 15 Feb, 2015 19:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: name that part!!
Replies: 10
Views: 1734

Re: name that part!!

It's an Ecotek valve, not see on of those for years! Akin to those £20 resistor chips on ebay!
by c_w
Sat 14 Feb, 2015 09:59
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: BMW Z3 race car
Replies: 25
Views: 5586

Re: BMW Z3 race car

I've found EBC Yellows to the better pad vs the Blue. I've done loads of trackdays in my coupe with the Yellows, no problems at all with fade and no judder. With the Bluestuff I found them great on the road, really strong and nice feel but on track I started suffering judder quite badly. I've curren...
by c_w
Sat 14 Feb, 2015 09:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 1.8 gone wide, need help for wheels
Replies: 33
Views: 6226

Re: Z3 1.8 gone wide, need help for wheels

I would avoid running spacers if possible.

Those Dare wheels could possible work, the rears should work well, the fronts might work depending ride height, camber and tyre choice. I run 8.5x17 ET13 on the front of mine. There is slight poke but not big issue, ET20 would be great on my car!
by c_w
Wed 11 Feb, 2015 12:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 1.8 gone wide, need help for wheels
Replies: 33
Views: 6226

Re: Z3 1.8 gone wide, need help for wheels

Yes one option is to get the wider axle off a 2.8/3.0 or get some Z3M wheels, the latter would probably be the most sought after option since they only fit M models usually. Many people try and fit them to non-Ms only for the rears to stick out and look a bit dodgy, but your setup now is perfect for...
by c_w
Mon 09 Feb, 2015 21:14
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3M Wheels Wanted
Replies: 5
Views: 1099

Re: Z3M Wheels Wanted

Be aware the Z3M rear wheel offset is markedly different to the 3.0, so they will stick out of the arches. The front will fit as normal though.
by c_w
Sat 31 Jan, 2015 21:19
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Z3M V8 Conversion
Replies: 420
Views: 175165

Re: Z3M V8 Conversion

Hamann diffusers fitted today. I love 'em :D http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g433/deano1712/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0647_zpsc0ax97j5.jpg I'm not normally keen on these but I think they really suit it - I think it's the big wide tyres make it work, but would look a bit "over dressed" on a...
by c_w
Wed 21 Jan, 2015 21:42
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Lightweight flywheel & shift pins - w/ Feedback + Video
Replies: 48
Views: 12034

Re: Lightweight flywheel & shift pins

I know you're not the first person to fit a light flywheel, but do you forsee any long term implications with respect to the lack of damping from the single mass flywheel? On the AUDI forums many are replacing their TDI engine's dual mass flywheel with a single mass flywheel but some are reporting p...
by c_w
Mon 19 Jan, 2015 21:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.0 ltr Diesel Auto.
Replies: 35
Views: 11597

Re: Z3 2.0 ltr Diesel Auto.

No point fitting a 2.0TD engine, unless it's a twin turbo - they feel quite breathless and whist refined in their original home the 6cyl diesels sound much nicer and the 35d engine is phenomenal.
by c_w
Fri 09 Jan, 2015 19:46
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: V8 coupe
Replies: 2
Views: 1257

Re: V8 coupe

Tony?
by c_w
Sun 21 Dec, 2014 22:07
Forum: Performance
Topic: 320 vs 340mm rid steering wheels
Replies: 4
Views: 2090

Re: 320 vs 340mm rid steering wheels

320mm is way too small, for both look and feel.
by c_w
Tue 14 Oct, 2014 18:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Will This Fit?
Replies: 8
Views: 2486

Re: Will This Fit?

You've already got a much better brace already fitted under the car, commonly called the X-brace that ties near the two wishbone lollipots to the engine subframe. I think only early 1.9s didn't have them. http://www.understeer.com/images/tech/xbrace-21.jpg That yellow brace will just bolt across nea...
by c_w
Sat 11 Oct, 2014 14:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0l z3 widebody or not
Replies: 16
Views: 3624

Re: 3.0l z3 widebody or not

Dual vanos 2,8 and the 3.0 are very quick for their time and not far off the M. With the M being heavier, a good 3.0 isn't that far off power to weight wise.

I had a 1999 2.8 dual vanos, a great engine, smooth and torquey but also not bad at the top end (compared with the earlier 2.8)
by c_w
Thu 09 Oct, 2014 20:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0l z3 widebody or not
Replies: 16
Views: 3624

Re: 3.0l z3 widebody or not

It is easier to say only the 1.8/1.9s 1996 to 04/1999 were "narrow" body. Everything else has the widerbody, pre or post facelift.
by c_w
Wed 08 Oct, 2014 19:00
Forum: Performance
Topic: Tyres - A post to accumulate members' experience
Replies: 50
Views: 19099

Re: Tyres - A post to accumulate members' experience

Ashton new road!
by c_w
Wed 01 Oct, 2014 11:34
Forum: Check your diary
Topic: BMWCCGB Donnington 2014
Replies: 33
Views: 11953

Re: BMWCCGB Donnington 2014

Thanks - yep, that is mine! :)
by c_w
Tue 30 Sep, 2014 20:42
Forum: Check your diary
Topic: BMWCCGB Donnington 2014
Replies: 33
Views: 11953

Re: BMWCCGB Donnington 2014

Cheers! Yes I would say the ACS rear spring is stiffer than the Eibach. I think Mike Fishwick fitted Eibachs and decided to refit just the stock rear spring as it sat too low and felt too soft. I must have gone through about 5 different rear springs before getting some ACS which have a thicker windi...
by c_w
Tue 30 Sep, 2014 15:18
Forum: Check your diary
Topic: BMWCCGB Donnington 2014
Replies: 33
Views: 11953

Re: BMWCCGB Donnington 2014

Great trackday and I'm glad I could use my kumho semi slicks as the rain held off all day until the very end. The Grp5 1970s CSL was amazing to see in the paddock and out on tracking with it's huge flaming side exit exhaust! The yellow 3.0 was going really well! When I was following you I couldn't h...