Search found 689 matches

by colb
Wed 04 Oct, 2023 18:37
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Airbag light woes, please help!
Replies: 5
Views: 16201

Re: Airbag light woes, please help!

This may be of help for testing your tensioners
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZHpPVZKQ6k
The main module is in the tunnel behind the handbrake.
The Satellite modules left and right live behind the side panel behind the door B posts.
by colb
Wed 04 Oct, 2023 08:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Airbag light woes, please help!
Replies: 5
Views: 16201

Re: Airbag light woes, please help!

Since you have replaced wiring and tensioners as well as a occupancy sensor bypass have you checked out the passenger side satellite and central main modules for clean and good connections, if those modules were at fault then I would expect codes for them since your problem is both pointing to the p...
by colb
Fri 26 May, 2023 09:18
Forum: Z4 roadster and Z4 Coupe
Topic: 2.5 Exhaust Downpipe joint rusty bolts replaced
Replies: 0
Views: 16869

2.5 Exhaust Downpipe joint rusty bolts replaced

https://i.imgur.com/xVPfBNf.jpg The exhaust bolts on the downpipe joints had corroded away what was left of the two lower nuts were just about holding the joint together and of course the rust. The original bolts have blind splined heads that grip inside the upper joint holes and were seized in. Cu...
by colb
Sat 11 Feb, 2023 16:27
Forum: Z4M roadster and Z4m coupé
Topic: EMU emission sensors
Replies: 1
Views: 1932

Re: EMU emission sensors

Extreamly unlikely for all four to fail, I would want to put diagnostics on it to see what codes it has set then take a look at live data from the individual sensors to see what they are doing. Pre Cat should be showing up in graph form as a regular wave form as their voltage ranges up and down, if ...
by colb
Mon 18 Apr, 2022 07:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Temperature gauge position?
Replies: 3
Views: 2923

Re: Temperature gauge position?

12 o'clock is the normal position for a fully warmed up engine with the thermostat open. Maybe your thermostat is getting lazy and time for replacement, the lower reading you are getting maybe due to it not closing correctly allowing circulation to take place from a cold start thus taking longer to ...
by colb
Thu 13 May, 2021 09:03
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New convertible roof questions?
Replies: 15
Views: 4729

Re: New convertible roof questions?

Seems to me it all depends on where in the country you are and how far you are prepared to travel and pay for a replacement hood. Having followed numerous threads on replacement reccomendations it seems choices are North - The Soft Top Shop in Stockport South - Soft Tops in Croydon West and Wales - ...
by colb
Mon 12 Apr, 2021 07:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rough Idle, Runs Rich, Overheats a little
Replies: 3
Views: 1981

Re: Rough Idle, Runs Rich, Overheats a little

Rough idle on M44 known issue but if its bad and fuel trims are high this is usually down to holed or split rubbers after the Maf check out the inlet hoses to the throttle body and all vaccum lines across the engine for splits. A smoke test will reveal any you can't find visually. Disconnect the Maf...
by colb
Mon 05 Apr, 2021 17:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 strange fuel mix(?) issue
Replies: 4
Views: 1952

Re: Z3 strange fuel mix(?) issue

Good suggestion from Mike to disconnect the power lead on the Maf, doing so will make the car run on default settings, if it runs better like that then Maf will be the problem. Maf's don't always set fault codes them selves however when they do go wrong they affect other sensors which in turn will p...
by colb
Mon 29 Mar, 2021 19:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Generic Heated Seat Pad - Retrofit
Replies: 1
Views: 1457

Re: Generic Heated Seat Pad - Retrofit

If you are retro fitting the heated seat pads they will need connecting into the stock wiring you may have in your car tucked away in the centre console area. You will probably need to make up a connector to suit the aftermarket pads connections to fit the stock wiring. I think you will also need a ...
by colb
Thu 25 Feb, 2021 16:55
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Oil Leak
Replies: 6
Views: 2808

Re: Oil Leak

T reg so would think the mileage may be on the high side, if it is then it might well be prudent to have the timing chain and water pump renewed when its apart for the gasket renewal, would also change the gaskets where the oil filler unit bolts to the engine block, these are known issues when they ...
by colb
Thu 25 Feb, 2021 09:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cooling system rebuild + winter update (pics)
Replies: 2
Views: 1927

Re: Cooling system rebuild + winter update (pics)

Looks like your power steering cooling loop could do with a rub down and repaint, would have been easy whilst it was stripped down for the cooling job.
by colb
Fri 19 Feb, 2021 15:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Battery dead and won't charge?
Replies: 4
Views: 2238

Re: Battery dead and won't charge?

Sounds like your battery is really dead, at 6 years best replace as the others have said, once installed and started put a volt meter on the terminals and check what the alternator is putting into it, you should see 14.5volts at best with engine running. Handy thing to have is a volt meter that you ...
by colb
Sun 31 Jan, 2021 00:14
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Gazza - sad news
Replies: 21
Views: 9600

Re: Gazza - sad news

Very sorry to hear of Gary passing, my sincere condolences to all of his family, we will miss him on this forum.
by colb
Wed 06 Jan, 2021 12:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: bmwsupply.co.uk
Replies: 3
Views: 2660

Re: bmwsupply.co.uk

Just had a look at Real oem parts site for your car, oem fitment were either Bosch or Bremi brands both brands are available on Carparts4less here https://www.carparts4less.co.uk/ignition-coil Cross check with bmwsupply who you asked about shows they are expensive compared to Carparts4less for same ...
by colb
Tue 29 Dec, 2020 17:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine outline warning lamp?
Replies: 14
Views: 6561

Re: Engine outline warning lamp?

Thats the most common hose to go bad and the first one to check when you get an EML, high fuel trims will also be a pointer to an air leak somewhere in the system.
by colb
Wed 23 Dec, 2020 11:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Spare parts book
Replies: 4
Views: 1954

Re: Spare parts book

If you put the last seven letters and digits in the oem site it will fetch back the correct parts listing for your actual car with part numbers and parts diagrams.
by colb
Mon 14 Dec, 2020 12:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Exhaust emission values have deteriorated
Replies: 8
Views: 3930

Re: Exhaust emission values have deteriorated

Be interested to hear what codes it has set to get to the bottom of the fault(s) it has recorded when you get it scanned. I would hazard a guess its going to be an air leak either at the rubber inlet bellows after the Maf and before the throttle body which are the usual places. Leaks are the common ...
by colb
Wed 09 Dec, 2020 23:56
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Exhaust emission values have deteriorated
Replies: 8
Views: 3930

Re: Exhaust emission values have deteriorated

First thing to do is put a code reader on it to see what codes have been set, bound to be some as the dash light has come on. Reading the codes might lead you in the right direction to what is at fault. Also check all the rubber inlet pipes and vaccum syatem pipes for splits or holes. Extra unmetere...
by colb
Thu 24 Sep, 2020 09:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine warning light , Causes ,cures ??
Replies: 7
Views: 2950

Re: Engine warning light , Causes ,cures ??

Thats the usual cause for that code, fuel filler cap not tigtened enough to produce the seal it should have or the rubber gasket failed under the cap itself. This sort of fault crops up on other makes so not something special to BMW's. Best get yourself armed with some OBD2 scanning equipment as sug...
by colb
Mon 27 Jul, 2020 17:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine outline warning lamp?
Replies: 14
Views: 6561

Re: Engine outline warning lamp?

Glad you sussed the problem out @wonderloaf just shows us that it very easy to rely on code readers and end up throwing money on parts you don't need. Splits or holes in the vaccum pipes and bellows will not by themselves set fault codes, unmetered air entering that is to say the amount of air passi...
by colb
Mon 06 Jul, 2020 08:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine Mgt Light (2.2i)
Replies: 12
Views: 5452

Re: Engine Mgt Light (2.2i)

NZ003NZ's reply is very detailed on what you should be looking at to resolve this. Mates 2.2 had high fuel trims and EML lit up, smoke test I did on it revealed airleaks on the inlet side from rubber componants around the sucking jet pump, this was replaced with some hoses which buttoned that side u...
by colb
Sun 24 May, 2020 22:43
Forum: Z4 roadster and Z4 Coupe
Topic: 2.5 CCV Refresh
Replies: 0
Views: 5656

2.5 CCV Refresh

Set about replacing the CCV hoses and separator unit that lives under the inlet manifold, armed with my replacement kit purchased on ebay for £24 I set about stripping out the old hoses, what a pain those turned out to be getting them unclipped and pulled off. Managed to disconnect all the hoses top...
by colb
Thu 16 Apr, 2020 09:13
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 2001 Z 3 Key and radio problems
Replies: 14
Views: 7271

Re: 2001 Z 3 Key and radio problems

There are two methods to sync the keys here is a link to explain how to do both methods. Just remember you have to do both keys one after the other within a few seconds of each other to get them synced. Can't help with your radio problem. https://www.youcanic.com/vehicle/bmw/program-bmw-key-fob-2517...
by colb
Mon 10 Feb, 2020 09:45
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Eurocarparts
Replies: 6
Views: 4320

Re: Eurocarparts

Have known this for a number of years and posted about it on forums, always check between the two for prices when looking for parts and use the discount codes they show on their home page. If you sign up with both for an account you will get emails detailing the latest offers and codes to use. Posta...
by colb
Wed 08 Jan, 2020 10:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New Rear Window or Entire Roof
Replies: 8
Views: 5022

Re: New Rear Window or Entire Roof

You could try some glue under the material that tucks under the beading around the window to get it to seal. Very much a fiddle of a job to do but worth a try. A new zip in window isn't going to curethe problem with the material needing to be tucked under that beading. Alternative is a new sewn in w...
by colb
Thu 14 Nov, 2019 19:46
Forum: Z4 roadster and Z4 Coupe
Topic: Clock spring in E85
Replies: 1
Views: 6383

Re: Clock spring in E85

Few pictures of how to take it out and put it back after switch work on Pelican Parts site which may be of help
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticl ... cement.htm
by colb
Mon 04 Nov, 2019 18:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Help[! radio aerial removal Z3.
Replies: 9
Views: 4907

Re: Help[! radio aerial removal Z3.

What extending aerial did you fit to replace the stock amplified one, when I was looking at replacing mine I couldn't find a suitable replacement that sat at the required angle. Managed to fix the stock one but its still not great.
Any pictures of your replacement?
by colb
Mon 23 Sep, 2019 09:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Alterator Maintenance and replacement
Replies: 2
Views: 2570

Re: Alterator Maintenance and replacement

My alternator failed on me, the inbuilt regulator went duff only letting it give out 12v instead of the usual 14v, car was ok with day driving but use of headlights resulted in flat battery next day. Fitted a new alternator and decided to fit a volt meter to monitor the output for the future. First ...
by colb
Mon 05 Aug, 2019 07:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Diagnostic tools
Replies: 36
Views: 22226

Re: Diagnostic tools

Re BMW Scanner, I run it on Windows 7 Home
by colb
Sat 03 Aug, 2019 18:42
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Diagnostic tools
Replies: 36
Views: 22226

Re: Diagnostic tools

It will read the abs module and show codes set, should pinpoint which one is at fault.
by colb
Fri 02 Aug, 2019 20:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Diagnostic tools
Replies: 36
Views: 22226

Re: Diagnostic tools

Duplicated post
by colb
Fri 02 Aug, 2019 20:33
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Diagnostic tools
Replies: 36
Views: 22226

Re: Diagnostic tools

Yes no E36 listed in the description but it works, quite impressed with mine on my 1.9.
by colb
Fri 02 Aug, 2019 08:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Diagnostic tools
Replies: 36
Views: 22226

Re: Diagnostic tools

No one has mentioned BMW Scanner that is available on ebay, MrScalex on here reccomended it and I got one to try it out. It connects to the car and laptop using the round to 16pin cable and usb to laptop. So easy to use less faf than using INPA. Have used it on a few Z's and my mates 325i. Clears co...
by colb
Tue 23 Jul, 2019 20:13
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Original Build Data
Replies: 35
Views: 37051

Re: Original Build Data

All the links on here are now dead, found a working site here http://bimmer.work/
by colb
Thu 11 Jul, 2019 09:05
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Transmission warning light?
Replies: 3
Views: 4486

Re: Transmission warning light?

Get a code reader on it and check the gearbox module for codes that may be set to see if that shows up. INPA probably best diagnostics to use for this. ATF change and filter change always a good idea if you don’t know it’s history but expensive if it has to come out again to fix a fault with the box.
by colb
Mon 01 Jul, 2019 16:03
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: central locking not working
Replies: 20
Views: 15943

Re: central locking not working

My central locking gave up the other day, investigated the boot loom and stripped back the outer cover to find wires chaffed revealing bare copper on a few of the wires, blew the fuse as well. Area of damage in the region of where the loom is clipped to the side. None of mine were broken so insulate...
by colb
Thu 13 Jun, 2019 16:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Roof issues
Replies: 31
Views: 12911

Re: Roof issues

You would get a cheaper replacement hood at Jack Smith trimmers in Swansea, worth a couple of days away from Cornwall and he completes the job in a day whilst you sightsee Swansea. Quite a lot of Z owners have used his services and all have glowing reports on his work. Well worth phoning him for a q...
by colb
Fri 07 Jun, 2019 12:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Insurance
Replies: 3
Views: 2326

Re: Insurance

Mine is not an agreed value but comprehensive and wife on as named driver, I am 66 and pay £138 with Saga for my 1.9
by colb
Mon 03 Jun, 2019 08:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New rear window fitting?
Replies: 5
Views: 3573

Re: New rear window fitting?

Good guide in old post on here with pictures
viewtopic.php?t=32799
Not sure about the tape, job not for the feint hearted its all to do with lining up the zip at the start to get it in as it should go.
by colb
Tue 07 May, 2019 18:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 overheating.
Replies: 18
Views: 9195

Re: Z3 overheating.

Someine mentioned earlier to do a gas test on the radiator to see if there are exhaust gases getting into the water from a blown head gasket. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Combustion-leak-tester-head-gasket-30ml-fluid-15-tests-Free-P-P-1st-class/272498960992?epid=504540536&hash=item3f72342a60:g...
by colb
Tue 23 Apr, 2019 14:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Have I overpriced my car?
Replies: 8
Views: 3529

Re: Have I overpriced my car?

Steve its a buyers market, whats the year and mileage on your car then compare it with others of the same for sale to see what others are pricing their cars at. Loads are out there its a big market at this time of the year. I think we are likely to overprice our cars when it comes to sell them.
by colb
Wed 13 Mar, 2019 18:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 1.9 takes time for idle speed to reach correct point.
Replies: 4
Views: 3831

Re: Z3 1.9 takes time for idle speed to reach correct point.

Have a look at the butterfly in the throttle body and check its operation, it may need cleaning and a touch of lubrication to make it move correctly, it could be sticking open when the trottle is closed hence the irregular idle. Would be a good idea to whip the small idle control valve off and clean...
by colb
Tue 05 Mar, 2019 22:19
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Poor Idling when starting car.
Replies: 4
Views: 1943

Re: Poor Idling when starting car.

Agree check for air leaks on all rubber connections on the inlet side of the Maf, any splits in items then change them for new. If no air leaks found try cleaning the Idle Control Valve, take it off and clean the internals with carb spray cleaner, dry and refit.
by colb
Sun 16 Dec, 2018 12:55
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Interior Mirror
Replies: 1
Views: 1563

Re: Interior Mirror

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ring-Automot ... :rk:7:pf:0

Should be able to find them in your local Halfords
by colb
Thu 13 Dec, 2018 18:13
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Instrument Cluster
Replies: 6
Views: 3424

Re: Instrument Cluster

No need to remove the steering wheel, just undo the two screws then lift and pull forward, there is enough room to tilt the pod and get your hands in to get at the wiring plugs to disconnect them and lift the pod out for closer inspection of the sockets and solder connections. Had mine out a couple ...
by colb
Thu 13 Dec, 2018 12:29
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Instrument Cluster
Replies: 6
Views: 3424

Re: Instrument Cluster

Sounds like dodgy or dirty connections on the back of the cluster. Best would be to remove the instrument pod two screws and pull it forwards so you can see the wiring connections on the rear, inspect the connections for any that are loose. Pull the connectors off and replace them to ensure they are...
by colb
Sun 09 Dec, 2018 14:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Heat at idle
Replies: 9
Views: 4343

Re: Heat at idle

If you suspect the heater matrix core best way to check is to disconnect the heater hoses in the engine bay and run a hose pipe through it in both directions (backflush) and note the strength of flow it makes. If it runs as a full steady flow that will prove you have no blockages and rule the matrix...
by colb
Sun 09 Dec, 2018 13:09
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Heat at idle
Replies: 9
Views: 4343

Re: Heat at idle

Air lock that requires bleeding, bad thermostat or failing water pump would be my guess given what you are experiencing.
by colb
Sun 11 Nov, 2018 21:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 overheating.
Replies: 18
Views: 9195

Re: Z3 overheating.

Getting hot quick in slow traffic should be regulated by the fan cutting in, will come in dependant on water temp and outside temp will also be a factor. Hot day and slow traffic will cause the temp to rise until it triggers the fan to come on. As soon as temp reduces the fan will cut off until the ...
by colb
Sun 11 Nov, 2018 19:06
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 overheating.
Replies: 18
Views: 9195

Re: Z3 overheating.

Sounds like you have a leak when the system is hot and under pressure and loosing the coolant. Top the car up and run it up to temp then look at all rubber pipes and radiator for leaks. Check the footwell carpets to see if the heater matrix has sprung a leak. Your previous experience of overheating ...