Search found 789 matches

by siwilson
Sat 02 Jan, 2016 08:35
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Wheel Opinion
Replies: 13
Views: 5654

Re: Wheel Opinion

I think 19s always look too big on the Z3, regardless of the style. 17s or 18s with a bit of drop work best IMO
by siwilson
Sun 20 Dec, 2015 17:17
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Sad news - JR
Replies: 15
Views: 9301

Re: Sad news - JR

R.I.P John. it was a privilege to know you.

Thoughts with Jean and the rest of the family at this sad time.
by siwilson
Thu 29 Oct, 2015 10:05
Forum: Z4M roadster and Z4m coupé
Topic: S54 engine
Replies: 8
Views: 7604

Re: S54 engine

siwilson, sorry for my ignorance, but what is the issue for not letting the engine idle for a long period? I have done (5-10mins) before driving off on a shortish journey during the winter months in the belief that it helps the engine reach it's operating temp sooner. The BMW instruction is to star...
by siwilson
Wed 28 Oct, 2015 07:26
Forum: Z4M roadster and Z4m coupé
Topic: S54 engine
Replies: 8
Views: 7604

Re: S54 engine

Nothing is infallible, but if you look after it you should be OK. By look after it I mean regular oil changes and most importantly keep the revs under 4k until the old temp is up. It also not a good idea to let a cold engine idle too long, so get in a drive it away to keep the revs between 2k and 4k...
by siwilson
Sun 25 Oct, 2015 08:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Lazy screen wash on one side.
Replies: 14
Views: 2922

Re: Lazy screen wash on one side.

The washer pipe can be squashed when the bonnet is closed. This would be my bet as well. The washer hose is routed around the bonnet hinge and protected by what looks lie a cable management tube. This protection tube became deformed on my car causing the same symptoms you describe. So I would check...
by siwilson
Sat 24 Oct, 2015 07:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Speed Pulse Connection
Replies: 7
Views: 1351

Re: Speed Pulse Connection

There is a speed signal on pin 10 of the radio connector. It is called the GAL signal and it is how the standard BMW radio gets louder when you go faster. Pin 10 is not usually populated in the BMW to ISO adapter, so you will have to connect it directly. The best way would be to add a pin to to your...
by siwilson
Fri 16 Oct, 2015 07:49
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: deni2s Z3
Replies: 111
Views: 55674

Re: deni2s Z3

Still need the rear lights :)
by siwilson
Wed 07 Oct, 2015 12:58
Forum: Boyz Toyz
Topic: Z3 Hi Fi Speaker System (option 676)
Replies: 9
Views: 7610

Re: Z3 Hi Fi Speaker System (option 676)

Yep, Hi-Fi and Harmon Kardon systems both have extra amps in the boot as opposed to that nasty little amp on the back of the speaker. Less hassle for an upgrade IMO. I have seen two types of ISO adapter used. The normal one that connects the speakers outputs and another that patches the RCAs form th...
by siwilson
Thu 17 Sep, 2015 10:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: A pillar water leaks
Replies: 1
Views: 1002

A pillar water leaks

I just stumbled across this insanely useful tip over at Bimmerfest. Hope its useful.
by siwilson
Sat 12 Sep, 2015 18:13
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Handbrake Shoe
Replies: 2
Views: 1158

Re: Handbrake Shoe

Possibly. The other side looked more normal. They have probably been in there since the car was built in 2001 so not bad really.

Both sides all nice and new now £17 from ECP :)
by siwilson
Sat 12 Sep, 2015 16:03
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Handbrake Shoe
Replies: 2
Views: 1158

Handbrake Shoe

I wondered why my handbrake only seemed to hold on one side. Now I know!

Image
by siwilson
Tue 08 Sep, 2015 17:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: TCS Coming on for no reason
Replies: 25
Views: 4835

Re: TCS Coming on for no reason

Rears which havent changed tyres are 245/40/17 And Fronts which tyres have changed but are the size they used to be are 225/45/17 Standard wheels and i think standard tyre sizes.. Just a point on this. 225/45/17 and 245/40/17 is a standard staggered setup on the Z3 so should be OK. However, the sam...
by siwilson
Tue 08 Sep, 2015 09:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: TCS Coming on for no reason
Replies: 25
Views: 4835

Re: TCS Coming on for no reason

One thing that might have escaped people here is that this car does not have DSC fitted, only ASC+T. This means the only regulation is to reduce power and brake the rear when wheel spin is detected. It does this by sensing that the rear wheels are spinning faster than the fronts. If one rear wheel s...
by siwilson
Fri 04 Sep, 2015 10:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Reduced exhaust emissions using Shell V-Power
Replies: 12
Views: 5068

Re: Reduced exhaust emissions using Shell V-Power

I use it for two reasons. 1. Car just runs better on the super stuff and Shell is readily available where I live. 2. I do get notably better MPG on a long run. Certainly 10%-15% better. I actually managed to squeeze 280 miles out of a tank on the way back from Scotland. Would never have got near tha...
by siwilson
Fri 04 Sep, 2015 06:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Washer part
Replies: 7
Views: 1500

Re: Washer part

Without that non-return valve the washer fluid will gradually drain back into the reservoir. This means the next time you need the washer it will take a while to come through. The valve also allows the pump to build up some pressure before it opens so you get a good jet out of the nozzles. Worth rep...
by siwilson
Wed 02 Sep, 2015 07:19
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: 6 speed help!
Replies: 1
Views: 1217

Re: 6 speed help!

I don't recall anyone doing the 6 speed conversion on here. Have you looked on Bimmerfest or Bimmerforums? I have seen quite a few conversions done over there and no doubt 1 or 2 rebuilds as well. Alternatively you could look at a Euro E36 M3 board since that is where the transmission came for origi...
by siwilson
Wed 02 Sep, 2015 07:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Car cover or not?
Replies: 19
Views: 4280

Re: Car cover or not?

Just got home from work and found the cover half way off, since one of the straps wasnt secured enough :bawl: Been raining like hell here today. The top keeps the rain off, but there is a sealing that is leaking, right over the passenger seat. Known issue? Yes, common issue. Unfortunately the rubbe...
by siwilson
Fri 21 Aug, 2015 06:40
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rear Suspension and wheels and gaps and stuff
Replies: 18
Views: 4475

Re: Rear Suspension and wheels and gaps and stuff

You have a few options. 1. New wheels with a higher offset to bring the outer edge inboard. 2. Adjust the rear camber with an eccentric bush or a weld in adjuster so the top of the tyre tucks inside the arch. 3. Fit a narrower rear end (trailing arms and drive shafts from a 1.9 or an M to bring the ...
by siwilson
Mon 17 Aug, 2015 13:29
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Can You Program a Second Hand Key?
Replies: 16
Views: 3003

Re: Can You Program a Second Hand Key?

There are two bits of electronics in the remote key. The circuit board for the remote door locking and the chip for the immobiliser. The remote locking can be programmed using the method shown above. The chip for the immobiliser is much more tricky, so best not to mess with that. Just put your old c...
by siwilson
Fri 14 Aug, 2015 13:19
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Can You Program a Second Hand Key?
Replies: 16
Views: 3003

Re: Can You Program a Second Hand Key?

You now part of the fun of these forums is learning how to do the things that 'normal' people would not or could not normally do. Things like updating your key to one BMW never officially offered or performing diagnostics that prevent you getting shafted by a garage are two good examples. You can al...
by siwilson
Fri 14 Aug, 2015 10:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Can You Program a Second Hand Key?
Replies: 16
Views: 3003

Re: Can You Program a Second Hand Key?

Another good tip is to hold the key near the rear view mirror while you press the buttons. I found the programming sequence more reliable that way.
by siwilson
Fri 14 Aug, 2015 10:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Can You Program a Second Hand Key?
Replies: 16
Views: 3003

Re: Can You Program a Second Hand Key?

What i have actually got is an original remote key but missing its electronics but still with its transponder so it still opens car doors manually & can still start the car,what i want to know is if i bought a used key & put its electronics board into my old key will i be able to initialise...
by siwilson
Fri 14 Aug, 2015 07:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Can You Program a Second Hand Key?
Replies: 16
Views: 3003

Re: Can You Program a Second Hand Key?

Had the same issue my self, this guy is really good https://www.carkeyhelp.co.uk/, he will cut you a key from a digital photo and you can then fit your internals in it. Cost about £12. I have a second key from him which has the internals from a key I bought of ebay. It will unlock the car via remot...
by siwilson
Fri 14 Aug, 2015 07:31
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Can You Program a Second Hand Key?
Replies: 16
Views: 3003

Re: Can You Program a Second Hand Key?

You can program a second hand key yourself, but it won't allow you to start the car and obviously the key won't fit your locks. The best option if you don't want to fork out for one from a dealer is t go the eBay route I followed here. A local place cut the key for me.
by siwilson
Thu 13 Aug, 2015 13:23
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Which way are your discs fitted?
Replies: 26
Views: 5560

Re: Which way are your discs fitted?

Those ones Gazza has are Genuine BMW. I gave the to him some time ago, but they may not have been in the correct boxes then. I did have a look at another spare set I have and can't see a BMW part number. There was a number 7 on it and if positioned as a left hand disc the vanes were facing backwards...
by siwilson
Wed 12 Aug, 2015 16:48
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Which way are your discs fitted?
Replies: 26
Views: 5560

Re: Which way are your discs fitted?

Sorry, I must have looked at Gazza's post before he added the picture. I don't agree with him :(

Mine are fitted as per Zeckhausen with the fins pointing backwards.
by siwilson
Wed 12 Aug, 2015 15:37
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Which way are your discs fitted?
Replies: 26
Views: 5560

Re: Which way are your discs fitted?

Agreed method 'B'

See here
by siwilson
Fri 31 Jul, 2015 15:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What scanner/code reader?
Replies: 17
Views: 2561

Re: What scanner/code reader?

I have a Peake that says in the car, INPA and DIS at home. I have also been playing with the ELM327 readers recently. IMO the Peake is a really useful thing to have and paid for itself when a coil pack died a couple of years back. Peake read the code, new part from a local ECP and all better again. ...
by siwilson
Fri 31 Jul, 2015 15:16
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: Ashbandicoot, sad news.
Replies: 5
Views: 2354

Re: Ashbandicoot, sad news.

So sad. 24 is no age at all. Thoughts with his family. :(
by siwilson
Wed 08 Jul, 2015 18:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Track rods
Replies: 9
Views: 1328

Re: Track rods

Lemforder (the original OEM) are quite reasonable form Eurocarparts. I put these on my M. No sense paying BMW prices for the exact same part in a BMW box. £40 each or your car and that's before a discount code.
by siwilson
Wed 08 Jul, 2015 15:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Track rods
Replies: 9
Views: 1328

Re: Track rods

RealOEM says the rods are the same and shared with E36 3 series. In any case, they all seize after a while. Get your indy to to put some heat on it. That usually frees them.
by siwilson
Mon 06 Jul, 2015 10:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: a/c problem
Replies: 13
Views: 1817

Re: a/c problem

In that case your out of gas. There are no moving parts other than the compressor and fan. Could just be loss of gas over time or a bigger leak. The A/C in my M is not what it once was. Still working, but only just. I think that's probably due a recharge since the car is now 14 years old. Best of lu...
by siwilson
Mon 06 Jul, 2015 09:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: a/c problem
Replies: 13
Views: 1817

Re: a/c problem

Does the electric pusher fan come on?

When this fails the system will stop working even if the compressor is engaged. Happened on my E39
by siwilson
Thu 25 Jun, 2015 10:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Steering Wheel
Replies: 12
Views: 2813

Re: Steering Wheel

Sorry for the delay. Here are some pics of the re-finished wheel form Jack at Royal. This is stock M style with extra padding to give the same feel as an E39. Still VERY happy wit the result. http://www.siwilson.com/BMW/Images/Steering_Wheel_1.jpg http://www.siwilson.com/BMW/Images/Steering_Wheel_2....
by siwilson
Sat 20 Jun, 2015 11:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: help with rear suspension shocks
Replies: 19
Views: 3441

Re: help with rear suspension shocks

OK, so your setup will look almost identical the the KWv3 setup I have. 1. Undo the anti-roll bar mounts for the trailing arm. This will help you lower the trailing arm to get enough room to get the springs in and out. BE CAREFUL the drive shaft does not pop out of the diff. See how it looks before ...
by siwilson
Thu 18 Jun, 2015 10:50
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Steering Wheel
Replies: 12
Views: 2813

Re: Steering Wheel

I recently had my wheel re-trimmed by Jack at Royal. I went for new OEM look with extra padding to give the same feel as my old E39. Awesome job and awesome service by Jack. Do you have a pic of it? I'd probably go for the OEM look too, but most pics seem to have perforated leather, so would be goo...
by siwilson
Thu 18 Jun, 2015 09:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rattle from rear right area!?? Suspension top mount?
Replies: 11
Views: 2561

Re: Rattle from rear right area!?? Suspension top mount?

Rear aftermarket pads can also rattle in the caliper. Try bedding the prongs out a little on the piston side and a dob of copper grease on the back of the other pad.
by siwilson
Thu 18 Jun, 2015 08:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Steering Wheel
Replies: 12
Views: 2813

Re: Steering Wheel

You could look at a retrim of your wheel with thicker padding, if you just wanted a nicer feel to the wheel. Lots of people have used Royal Steering Wheels - it's certainly high on my wish list. http://royalsteeringwheels.com/ +1 I recently had my wheel re-trimmed by Jack at Royal. I went for new O...
by siwilson
Mon 15 Jun, 2015 13:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Key Upgrade
Replies: 40
Views: 13927

Re: Key Upgrade

janijoeli wrote:Very nice! :thumb: Just one question, did it come with the small BMW emblem to go in the middle of the key?
No, the emblems are available from other eBay sellers.
by siwilson
Sat 13 Jun, 2015 13:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Key Upgrade
Replies: 40
Views: 13927

Re: Key Upgrade

Yes, this was to replace the 'tombstone' style key with 3 buttons( Lock, unlock and interior light) with the newer style Diamond key. also with 3 buttons.
by siwilson
Sat 13 Jun, 2015 09:09
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 roll bar removal - Caps for holes left
Replies: 15
Views: 3386

Re: Z3 roll bar removal - Caps for holes left

Quite apart from losing some of the roll-over protection, this will remove the neat mesh wind blocker, which is something I would miss badly. Maybe it is a sign that the OP enjoys 'wind in the hair' or feels roll-over bars are 'not cool?' I'll tell you whats not cool. You Mr. Fishwick and your snid...
by siwilson
Fri 12 Jun, 2015 15:32
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Key Upgrade
Replies: 40
Views: 13927

Re: Key Upgrade

Just a little bump to add my own successful key upgrade. I purchased this little beauty off eBay for £9.99. It comes with the electronics and has the space for a transponder chip which was also supplied. I didn't bother to investigate coding the new transponder. I just used my old one from my tired ...
by siwilson
Fri 12 Jun, 2015 06:05
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 roll bar removal - Caps for holes left
Replies: 15
Views: 3386

Re: Z3 roll bar removal - Caps for holes left

Part 10 here on RealOEM
by siwilson
Tue 26 May, 2015 13:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: How much do you like your Z3
Replies: 103
Views: 82686

Re: How much do you like your Z3

What made you buy a Z3. I always liked the look of the Z3 from back when we lived in California. I almost got one then, but ended up in a Mustang (long story). When we came back to the UK a local Garage had an Oxford Green 2.0 for sale and having to walk past it every day was too tempting. Even thou...
by siwilson
Wed 13 May, 2015 12:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Steering wheel
Replies: 47
Views: 12720

Re: Steering wheel

Another recommendation for Jack at Royal Steering Wheels. I had my ///M wheel re-covered a couple of weeks ago. I went for the the stock look, but with extra padding so it feels like my old E39 did. First class service and workmanship. Its really nice to be able to wholeheartedly recommend a supplie...
by siwilson
Mon 04 May, 2015 16:53
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Steering Wheel Wanted
Replies: 5
Views: 1119

Re: Steering Wheel Wanted

Brian sorted me out :)
by siwilson
Fri 01 May, 2015 21:37
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Steering Wheel Wanted
Replies: 5
Views: 1119

Re: Steering Wheel Wanted

Replied :)
by siwilson
Fri 01 May, 2015 14:01
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Steering Wheel Wanted
Replies: 5
Views: 1119

Steering Wheel Wanted

Hi all,

Looking for a Z3 M-tech steering wheel. It's for refurb so the condition of the leather is not important and I don't want the airbag.

PM please.

Thanks

Si.
by siwilson
Fri 17 Apr, 2015 16:34
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: Alloy Repair/Refurbishment
Replies: 16
Views: 9300

Re: Alloy Repair/Refurbishment

Nice job and colour. I do see a slight issue though. They have painted the mating surface that goes against the hub and the seats for the bolts. Ideally you want these clear of paint like they were originally. The paint between wheel and hub can lead to wheel wobble and pain on the bolt seats can ca...