stupid question

moldmcdohl · Post by **moldmcdohl** » Sat 07 Feb, 2009 15:33

just bought a z3 but HOW ON EARTH DO I OPEN THE BONNET!!!! I CANT FIND THE CATCH ANYWHERE!!!

Post by **Robert T** » Sat 07 Feb, 2009 15:37

Two catches. First pull the lever in the drivers footwell and then slide your fingers under the the right-hand side of the "nose" of the bonnet and there is a second catch there that stops the bonnet lifting on its own should it come open whilst you are driving.

Cheers R.

moldmcdohl · Post by **moldmcdohl** » Sat 07 Feb, 2009 15:46

thanks im in....

useless at cars but i want to check the water and oil is ok where can i find them? i guess the 5l white tub on the front left is water but mine is empty should i fill it up?

badboyblue · Post by **badboyblue** » Sat 07 Feb, 2009 16:46

That's the screen wash bottle - the cooling water is the turny roundy cap next to the hotty hotty thingy right in the middle at the fronty end of the brmm brmm area.

HTH
BBB

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Sat 07 Feb, 2009 16:47

Hi moldmcdohl and welcome to the forum

moldmcdohl wrote:useless at cars but i want to check the water and oil is ok where can i find them? i guess the 5l white tub on the front left is water but mine is empty should i fill it up?

I'm not familiar with the layout of the 1.9 engine but I think what you are describing is the windscreen washer reservoir.

The radiator and engine coolant water is usually topped up via an expansion tank. However be careful - this should NOT be opened if the engine is hot.
To check the oil level you need to pull the dipstick out when the car is on level ground.
I suggest that you either read the manual (if you've got one

) or ask someone who isn't useless

to point out the relevant bits.
It's not difficult really - except by correspondence on an interent forum

Regards
Titan

estocks · Post by **estocks** » Sat 07 Feb, 2009 19:43

badboyblue wrote:That's the screen wash bottle - the cooling water is the turny roundy cap next to the hotty hotty thingy right in the middle at the fronty end of the brmm brmm area.

HTH
BBB

Definite case of RTFM for moldmcdohl.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun 08 Feb, 2009 13:36

IF you know so little about cars in general, and the Z3 in particular, why don't you read about it in the Owner's Handbook? It is filled with useful information, and even if your car does not have one, they do not cost the earth to buy from any dealer.

You may already have one, stored in a black wallet, along with the service record etc.

estocks · Post by **estocks** » Sun 08 Feb, 2009 15:22

Mike Fishwick wrote:IF you know so little about cars in general, and the Z3 in particular, why don't you read about it in the Owner's Handbook? It is filled with useful information, and even if your car does not have one, they do not cost the earth to buy from any dealer.

You may already have one, stored in a black wallet, along with the service record etc.

Absolutely. A car is a machine that needs it's owner to know about it. There is no excuse for not learning the basic procedures for fluid maintainace.

Having a pair of t*ts is a oft cited excuse, and a dammed feeble one.

If you expect your expensive car not to seize up, then RTFM.

muppet · Post by **muppet** » Sun 08 Feb, 2009 17:48

moldmcdohl.. if you do not have an owners manual PM me your e.mail and I will send you a PDF of one

Zed_Steve · Post by **Zed_Steve** » Sun 08 Feb, 2009 20:45

estocks wrote:
Mike Fishwick wrote:IF you know so little about cars in general, and the Z3 in particular, why don't you read about it in the Owner's Handbook? It is filled with useful information, and even if your car does not have one, they do not cost the earth to buy from any dealer.

You may already have one, stored in a black wallet, along with the service record etc.
Absolutely. A car is a machine that needs it's owner to know about it. There is no excuse for not learning the basic procedures for fluid maintainace.

Having a pair of t*ts is a oft cited excuse, and a dammed feeble one.

If you expect your expensive car not to seize up, then RTFM.

Ho hum, we have some headmasters in the place! Place him/her in detention at once for not having an owners manual!

whiteminks · Post by **whiteminks** » Sun 08 Feb, 2009 21:25

estocks wrote: Having a pair of t*ts is a oft cited excuse, and a dammed feeble one.

If you expect your expensive car not to seize up, then RTFM.

Come on Estocks there's nowt wrong with a decent pair.

I've just poured you a drink Mike to bring your blood pressure off the boil.

Welcome to the forum Moldmcdohl and enjoy your bedtime reading.

Gazza · Post by **Gazza** » Sun 08 Feb, 2009 21:48

estocks wrote: A car is a machine that needs it's owner to know about it. There is no excuse for not learning the basic procedures for fluid maintainace.

RTFM.

Nice one Ed

Normal helpful attitude as usual.

moldmcdohl is attempting to get to know his car and is asking questions of people he trusts to give him the correct answers as this is a BMW Z Roadster Forum. He asked a general question and gets your standard unhelpful reply of RTFM

Dav · Post by **Dav** » Sun 08 Feb, 2009 22:07

garythefish wrote:
estocks wrote: A car is a machine that needs it's owner to know about it. There is no excuse for not learning the basic procedures for fluid maintainace.

RTFM.
Nice one Ed

Normal helpful attitude as usual.

moldmcdohl is attempting to get to know his car and is asking questions of people he trusts to give him the correct answers considering this is a BMW Z Roadster Forum. He asked a general question and gets your standard unhelpful reply of RTFM

Gazza,
I notice you refer to moldmcdohl as 'he'. How do you know he hasn't got a pair of t*ts as it was so eloquently expressed

Zed Carer · Post by **Zed Carer** » Sun 08 Feb, 2009 22:17

Hi moldmcdohl and welcome to the mad house!

Not such a daft question really from someone who regularly hires cars - now learnt to check these things out before I drive off. Also a few years ago I pulled into a service station to fill up the washer bottle and after 5 minutes got out to help the driver in front to identify their washer bottle - it was hire car with just a discrete filler cap and a hidden bottle!

Seriously the manual is very useful and if you haven't got one PM muppet and take up his offer.

Lastly enjoy the Zed.

Gazza · Post by **Gazza** » Sun 08 Feb, 2009 23:17

Dav wrote:
garythefish wrote:
estocks wrote: A car is a machine that needs it's owner to know about it. There is no excuse for not learning the basic procedures for fluid maintainace.

RTFM.
Nice one Ed

Normal helpful attitude as usual.

moldmcdohl is attempting to get to know his car and is asking questions of people he trusts to give him the correct answers as this is a BMW Z Roadster Forum. He asked a general question and gets your standard unhelpful reply of RTFM
Gazza,
I notice you refer to moldmcdohl as 'he'. How do you know he hasn't got a pair of t*ts as it was so eloquently expressed

He may have 'Man Boobs'

Kiwi · Post by **Kiwi** » Sun 08 Feb, 2009 23:27

badboyblue wrote:That's the screen wash bottle - the cooling water is the turny roundy cap next to the hotty hotty thingy right in the middle at the fronty end of the brmm brmm area.

HTH
BBB

Anyway, I'd offer to email you the manual but Muppet has taken care of that so have fun coming up to speed with the basic stuff and lots of help here on the forum for trickier stuff.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 10:48

I WAS being helpful - the Owners Handbook is the best way to answer these questions, and the others which wil doubtless follow.

The trouble is that so many people these days - particularly young males - are unable to read anything more than a paragraph long which is not on a screen! They therefore ignore the obvious source of such information, and rely on asking others on forums such as this.

I bet he/she does not even know how to remove the spare wheel, and has certainly never tried to fit it!

Of course, many peple will claim that athere is no point in knowing, as all one needs in today's world is a mobile phone and a credit card . . . .

I hope these people never break down in the middle of France on a Satuday afternoon, when help will not usually be available until Monday afternoon!

calbens · Post by **calbens** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 11:36

Welcome to the forum moldmcdohl

Don't be put off from sticking around by the odd (grumpy) comment thats been made.
Most of us don't really care if you are male or female nor with or without boobs, all though I think we may raise a brow if you are a bit of both

Just as long as you look after your zed you'll be welcome around here

Enjoy

Jonttt · Post by **Jonttt** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 11:43

Whats a spare wheel

Roadmonster · Post by **Roadmonster** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 13:01

moldmcdohl wrote:just bought a z3 but HOW ON EARTH DO I OPEN THE BONNET!!!! I CANT FIND THE CATCH ANYWHERE!!!

Don't worry mate, the numpty salesman that sold me mine couldn't find it either. You'll soon be up to speed and in love with your Zed.
And, as previously mentioned, don't be put off hanging around (even if you have got tits/manboobs

)

ajones13 · Post by **ajones13** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 13:08

We all have to start somewhere, give the guy a break. At least he's bothering to even check, more than most motorists these days who are more concerned about which iPod stereo to fit or what size of alloys they can squeeze under the arches.

Welcome to the forum moldmcdohl. Assuming you have a 1.9L from around 1996 to 1999 then the image below shows the engine layout:

The white bottle at the front left in the pic is your screen washer bottle.

The cap at the front right just infront of the bonnet catch hole (slighty rusty in this pic) is the cap for the expansion tank. If you look at the white bottle this cap is attached to, you will see some markings for the coolant. Check these markings when the engine is cold. from memory one of them says cold. The coolant should be level with this.

If you follow a line back from the coolant cap, to the back of the engine you will see the red ring for the dip stick. This allows you to check the oil level in the sump. Again with the engine cold and not running, pull this out, it may require a bit of force, so watch you don't scuff your knuckles on the engine. (been there done that lol). Give this a wipe and reinsert so that it goes back in fully. Pull this out again and look at where the oil is. It should be between the two notches on the dipstick. If it's below then top up the oil a little at a time checking the level each time. oil can be topped up by removing the oil filler cap (black square cap just in front of the BMW lettering on the engine in this picture) It should not go above the upper notch on the dipstick as this is just as damaging as having too little oil.

Hope this helps you out a bit.

PS Enjoy the car.

Andrew

SpunkyM · Post by **SpunkyM** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 13:31

I hope these people never break down in the middle of France on a Saturday afternoon, when help will not usually be available until Monday afternoon!

Is there any post that Mike can't get a reference to France in!!

ajones13 · Post by **ajones13** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 13:35

SpunkyM wrote:
I hope these people never break down in the middle of France on a Saturday afternoon, when help will not usually be available until Monday afternoon!

Is there any post that Mike can't get a reference to France in!!

LOL it sounds rubbish though, no service on a Saturday afternoon lol

I'm just waiting for a reference to a technical guide lol

estocks · Post by **estocks** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 14:06

garythefish wrote:
estocks wrote: A car is a machine that needs it's owner to know about it. There is no excuse for not learning the basic procedures for fluid maintainace.

RTFM.
Nice one Ed

Normal helpful attitude as usual.

Actually I can be very helpful, but I don't suffer fools.

Checking the fluids now forms part of the driving test.

OK with you Gary?

ajones13 · Post by **ajones13** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 14:16

estocks wrote:
garythefish wrote:
estocks wrote: A car is a machine that needs it's owner to know about it. There is no excuse for not learning the basic procedures for fluid maintainace.

RTFM.
Nice one Ed

Normal helpful attitude as usual.
Actually I can be very helpful, but I don't suffer fools.

Checking the fluids now forms part of the driving test.

OK with you Gary?

The guy came on the forum to seek some advice and from what I can see has been treated to uncalled for patronising behaviour. I think if people don't have something useful to say, then they should act in an adult manor and say nothing. Not everyone has the same skill set.

I would be surprised if we see the guy back here again which is a real shame. What an introduction to a 'friendly' forum.

smartypants · Post by **smartypants** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 14:44

badboyblue wrote:That's the screen wash bottle - the cooling water is the turny roundy cap next to the hotty hotty thingy right in the middle at the fronty end of the brmm brmm area.

HTH
BBB

I just spat my tea out

whiteminks · Post by **whiteminks** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 14:45

smartypants wrote:
badboyblue wrote:That's the screen wash bottle - the cooling water is the turny roundy cap next to the hotty hotty thingy right in the middle at the fronty end of the brmm brmm area.

HTH
BBB
I just spat my tea out

What's the big block thing with BMW written on it then?

Post by **Robert T** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 14:46

whiteminks wrote:What's the big block thing with BMW written on it then?

I think that's called an X5.

Cheers R.

smartypants · Post by **smartypants** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 14:48

whiteminks wrote:
smartypants wrote:
badboyblue wrote:That's the screen wash bottle - the cooling water is the turny roundy cap next to the hotty hotty thingy right in the middle at the fronty end of the brmm brmm area.

HTH
BBB
I just spat my tea out
What's the big block thing with BMW written on it then?

smartypants · Post by **smartypants** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 14:52

Robert T wrote:
whiteminks wrote:What's the big block thing with BMW written on it then?
I think that's called an X5.

Cheers R.

Gazza · Post by **Gazza** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 14:54

estocks wrote:
garythefish wrote:
estocks wrote: A car is a machine that needs it's owner to know about it. There is no excuse for not learning the basic procedures for fluid maintainace.

RTFM.
Nice one Ed

Normal helpful attitude as usual.
Actually I can be very helpful, but I don't suffer fools.

Checking the fluids now forms part of the driving test.

OK with you Gary?

I agree that sometimes You can be helpful, like here http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... ht=#183809 but it isn't fair or necessary to take your frustrations out on New members, we are all 'Fools' in certain subjects.

whiteminks · Post by **whiteminks** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 15:04

This is quite a good 'spotting' game.

Perhaps Giles should donate a ZR calendar to the first ZR member to correctly identify and label the parts in that engine and post up the pic?

P.S Mike F isn't allowed.

Jonttt · Post by **Jonttt** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 16:12

Does anyone know where I put my manual

so I can enter the competition

smartypants · Post by **smartypants** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 17:26

Mine's in my boot, but I can't work out how to open it

Zed_Steve · Post by **Zed_Steve** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 18:32

Does anyone know where the dipstick is on the Z4? Except for the one in the drivers seat!

whiteminks · Post by **whiteminks** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 18:57

Zed_Steve wrote:Does anyone know where the dipstick is on the Z4? Except for the one in the drivers seat!

That's a classic Steve.

Zed Carer · Post by **Zed Carer** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 19:22

Zed_Steve wrote

Does anyone know where the dipstick is on the Z4? Except for the one in the drivers seat!

The other question is "How many salesmen does it take to find the dipstick on a Z4? The answer is 5.

Seriously when we picked up the Z4 and they were doing the handover bit I innocently asked "Where's the dipstick?" 20 minutes later 5 of them round the car - I had found the handbook and the answer to Zed_Steve's question is that the 2.0 does not have a dipstick!

I actually find it a bit of a pain - when driving you press a button and the display and comes up "OK". Then 50 miles later it comes up with "1 Litre of OIL" - BMW's explanation is that customers then know that exactly 1 litre is required! I'm sorry but before I set put on a longish run I would like to be able to check the oil. OK rant over.

Jonttt · Post by **Jonttt** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 19:30

Well you learn something every day, I new I would find this thread useful

ajones13 · Post by **ajones13** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 20:33

whiteminks wrote:This is quite a good 'spotting' game.

Perhaps Giles should donate a ZR calendar to the first ZR member to correctly identify and label the parts in that engine and post up the pic?

P.S Mike F isn't allowed.

It certainly is a good spotting game, we could play spot the arogant prats who judge someones merits on their ability to check the oil level, plenty here.

smartypants · Post by **smartypants** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 21:02

henrycrun · Post by **henrycrun** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 23:18

BTW in the previous photo, whats under the square padded cover to the left of the fuse box ? Just curious as to what I'm missing !

Zed_Steve · Post by **Zed_Steve** » Mon 09 Feb, 2009 23:37

Zed Carer wrote:Zed_Steve wrote
Does anyone know where the dipstick is on the Z4? Except for the one in the drivers seat!
I had found the handbook and the answer to Zed_Steve's question is that the 2.0 does not have a dipstick!

Correct! Though i did know this, was just being silly

But i was searching around the engine bay for 20 minutes just after i bought it, before realising that you actually press a button on the dash to check the oil level.

First car ive had that doesnt have a dipstick!

Torres09 · Post by **Torres09** » Tue 10 Feb, 2009 06:38

Note to self.... Ensure I know everything about a car before asking a question

Welcome mold and dont be put off

ajones13 · Post by **ajones13** » Tue 10 Feb, 2009 08:50

henrycrun wrote:BTW in the previous photo, whats under the square padded cover to the left of the fuse box ? Just curious as to what I'm missing !

Hi Henry,

That's the Battery under there, on alot of the 4 cylinder cars the battery is under the bonnet as opposed to being in the boot.

Andrew

ajones13 · Post by **ajones13** » Tue 10 Feb, 2009 08:53

Double Post

saltcoatsbhoy · Post by **saltcoatsbhoy** » Thu 19 Feb, 2009 21:02

I'm with ajones13 on this, moldmcdohl didn't ask "Where do I put the fluids?" If memory serves me right, after one of my first posts, albeit in a poor attempt at humour, Estocks told me to "wind my neck in, don't have a go at a well respected poster, etc etc. Cheers Estocks!

321bhp · Post by **321bhp** » Fri 20 Feb, 2009 00:59

call me stupid,thick or just plain essex boy,ive had my m for nearly 5 years and dont know where the fluid pot is for the power steering ,and ideas and pic would be good,its always done when i have a sewrcive ,am i just not looking properly or what???????????

321bhp · Post by **321bhp** » Fri 20 Feb, 2009 00:59

321bhp wrote:call me stupid,thick or just plain essex boy,ive had my m for nearly 5 years and dont know where the fluid pot is for the power steering ,and ideas and pic would be good,its always done when i have a service,am i just not looking properly or what???????????

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