Search found 149 matches

by LaRy
Mon 26 Feb, 2024 12:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: P0340 Fault i cant get rid of!!
Replies: 3
Views: 508

Re: P0340 Fault i cant get rid of!!

With P0340 the crankshaft sensor is no 1 to change, not the inlet or outlet camshaft sensors. Those are no 2 to be changed. Another thing mentioned in the Swedish Z3-forum mentioned several times, you cannot by some cheap sensors, it does only exist 3 brands that will work for sure: BMW original, Bo...
by LaRy
Mon 19 Feb, 2024 16:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: P0340 Fault i cant get rid of!!
Replies: 3
Views: 508

Re: P0340 Fault i cant get rid of!!

Please tell us what kind of Z3 you have. What year, engine type, gear box......
But in most cases it is the camshaft position sensor
by LaRy
Mon 25 Dec, 2023 10:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 Central Locking Issue
Replies: 2
Views: 663

Re: Z3 Central Locking Issue

Question, do you have an anti-theft system from Alpine? That is connected to the doors, but not the trunk. Could be the reason. I would look for jamb switches at the doors, connected to this anti-theft system.
by LaRy
Tue 19 Dec, 2023 20:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 Hood replacement - are the BMW dealers having a laugh
Replies: 61
Views: 26719

Re: Z3 Hood replacement - are the BMW dealers having a laugh

I bought on the internet 10 years ago, still looking great, fitting like the origin. The most important thing is to check that you get the best fabriks, Twilfast, in Germany named Sonnenland. That is equal to best material keeping color and shape for many years. But I can tell you, when asking for p...
by LaRy
Sat 09 Dec, 2023 08:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 2001 Z3 2.2 litre Auto queries !
Replies: 3
Views: 682

Re: 2001 Z3 2.2 litre Auto queries !

If you need to retrofit a cruise control, see https://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtop ... 57#p326457

The steering column has never been adjustable in any Z3.
by LaRy
Tue 26 Sep, 2023 07:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Automatic Transmission Warning Light
Replies: 11
Views: 2485

Re: Automatic Transmission Warning Light

I had good contact with a BMW experienced technician, now retired. It happened sometimes that I discussed fault codes. His comment was that this is a car with very early CAN-bus communication. Different units from different manufactures has different protocols, and they tried to make it work as good...
by LaRy
Mon 25 Sep, 2023 15:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Dashboard and taillight problems
Replies: 2
Views: 872

Re: Dashboard and taillight problems

I've been digging into the electrical drawings in your case. Seems like fuse F33 and F37 are involved, but those are ok, I assume. The only thing in common, and physical also close together, is the the light switch. For Z3, 1997- 1998 the following information i valid. All measurements on the light ...
by LaRy
Thu 24 Aug, 2023 16:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Warning Lights appear and disappear on restart?
Replies: 5
Views: 16271

Re: Warning Lights appear and disappear on restart?

Mike, maybe we are both right. If the coil in the ABS relay just have poor insulation resulting in wrong resistance, this is of course more sensitive if the battery voltage is low. When I had this specifc problem I talked to a "whole life" experienced BMW technician. He told me that in cer...
by LaRy
Wed 23 Aug, 2023 13:55
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Warning Lights appear and disappear on restart?
Replies: 5
Views: 16271

Re: Warning Lights appear and disappear on restart?

What about the "clic" sound when turning ignition on?
by LaRy
Mon 21 Aug, 2023 10:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Warning Lights appear and disappear on restart?
Replies: 5
Views: 16271

Re: Warning Lights appear and disappear on restart?

Sounds familiar to me. Had the same, and it will get harder and harder, you have to do several restarts. In my case, the ABS relay in the relaybox became old and had to be changed. If it is the same as I had, you turn the ignition on, (no fan running, should be quet). When the relay is working, a re...
by LaRy
Sat 19 Aug, 2023 08:53
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 won't start
Replies: 1
Views: 16388

Re: Z3 won't start

First, read out the fault codes and write them down here. I noticed that the tacho is showing no rpm at all, even with just the starting motor, it should show 400- 500 rpm. So, preliminary you have an electric problem. Check fuses involved int the engine circuits. Often the relays are now giving up ...
by LaRy
Fri 07 Jul, 2023 10:53
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2001 engine undertray
Replies: 1
Views: 16081

Re: Z3 2001 engine undertray

Is this the one you are looking for, BMW part number 51-71-8-397-359 Add BMW and use the number for searching at the internet.
It still exist a a sparepart, or use the number for searching after used one.
by LaRy
Fri 07 Jul, 2023 10:45
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 82mm rear boot bage
Replies: 1
Views: 15976

Re: 82mm rear boot bage

Why not just buy i from a BMW dealer? Part number 51-14-8-132-375 , or use make a search in internet. You will find many companies selling it at different prices.
by LaRy
Thu 22 Jun, 2023 19:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: ABS light turns on during driving
Replies: 4
Views: 16402

Re: ABS light turns on during driving

The Z3 has some different solutions. In some cases, like in my car, the ABS electronics is placed behand the glove compartment. In some other Z3's in can be placed together with what I call the ABS Pump Unit. My guess is that the car can be used even if you remove the ABS electronics behind the glov...
by LaRy
Wed 21 Jun, 2023 17:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: ABS light turns on during driving
Replies: 4
Views: 16402

Re: ABS light turns on during driving

Hi, I had ABS problems some years ago and spend lot of time trying to fix it, and solved it. I was reading everything, and I know that BMW is sending the ABS boxes to Netherlands to a company fixing and repairing, but in your case I would send the first unit placed in the car, by reasons I will expl...
by LaRy
Tue 13 Jun, 2023 17:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So So Sad
Replies: 15
Views: 18122

Re: So So Sad

I have a new theory: Maybe younger owners of cars don't understand that a Z3 can be repaired by ordinary people without fault code readers. That is the advantage of the Z3 (compared to Z4), it is close to totaly free from bus communikation. Electrics are wires and relais, you can change a light bulb...
by LaRy
Sat 10 Jun, 2023 11:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So So Sad
Replies: 15
Views: 18122

Re: So So Sad

It is a pity, why? I've seen the same in the Swedish BMW forum. Almost dead, no technical questions, even as it is Z3 season. My guess is that younger persons use Facebook and Twitter, places where they maybe compare the colour of the car or nice rims. I have been working with cars as a hobby for 55...
by LaRy
Wed 19 Apr, 2023 10:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Are All Z3 Headlights The Same?
Replies: 4
Views: 16645

Re: Are All Z3 Headlights The Same?

Remember that the head lights are different for left hand traffic or right hand traffic.
by LaRy
Wed 12 Apr, 2023 11:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Very lumpy, tick over + dropped revs on starting...
Replies: 6
Views: 16789

Re: Very lumpy, tick over + dropped revs on starting...

Hi, I think this Youtube is better filmed and probably showing the same engine as you have, a M54.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVPV-XnmJyk
by LaRy
Wed 12 Apr, 2023 07:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Very lumpy, tick over + dropped revs on starting...
Replies: 6
Views: 16789

Re: Very lumpy, tick over + dropped revs on starting...

Look at this video. Your engine is not looking exactly the same, the video is showing what you have to do and how the valve is looking like. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i210k9a8l0g&t=199s I did not see the person disconnect the electric connection, bit it is one. My guess is that the magnt c...
by LaRy
Mon 10 Apr, 2023 18:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Very lumpy, tick over + dropped revs on starting...
Replies: 6
Views: 16789

Re: Very lumpy, tick over + dropped revs on starting...

I suggest that you check the idle speed valve. It can be clogged, especially as our cars are getting older. In most cases, you don't have to replace the valve, just remove it and clean it inside by using brake cleaner. If you loose the valve and shake it, it should be a clicking sound from the pisto...
by LaRy
Thu 23 Mar, 2023 11:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rear window beading.
Replies: 7
Views: 16742

Re: Rear window beading.

Thanks, now I understand your problem. I have now seen a Youtube how to change the rear window. In the video, the person is complaining about that some previous person has been using some sort of glue, making it hard for him to install the old hood in a proper way. I have replaced the complete softt...
by LaRy
Thu 23 Mar, 2023 08:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rear window beading.
Replies: 7
Views: 16742

Re: Rear window beading.

mich, I've been reading and reading, I just don't understand your probelm. Seems like no one else either. Please specify more, and maybe we can help you.
by LaRy
Wed 01 Feb, 2023 18:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Viscous fan coming on almost instantly
Replies: 5
Views: 2400

Re: Viscous fan coming on almost instantly

I have a 2.8l 1998 and I would say that I never hear any fan. Seems to be disconnected, rotating slowly all the time.
by LaRy
Fri 27 Jan, 2023 09:00
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: High Idle fix.
Replies: 3
Views: 1665

Re: High Idle fix.

I payed 62EUR for the BMW- valve, when buying it from Hubauer in Germany. + freight. You need also to buy new hoses, because you will not get it out without cutting those. Someone in a Swedish Z3- forum informed me that it is important to buy the original valve. Another reason is that it is very tig...
by LaRy
Tue 09 Aug, 2022 07:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine starting Issues. Help! :(
Replies: 9
Views: 4019

Re: Engine starting Issues. Help! :(

Great that it is working again. Could be a better battery, could also be that the idle control valve is not getting stocked because of sticky dirt. The reason I had to clean my valve was that the engine went up to almost 2000rpm at start, if the car had not been used for a couple of weeks. It could ...
by LaRy
Mon 01 Aug, 2022 16:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine starting Issues. Help! :(
Replies: 9
Views: 4019

Re: Engine starting Issues. Help! :(

Maybe your connector is looking more like the connector shown above my hand in the picture. In that case you just press the metallic clip down, at the same time as you pull out the connector.
by LaRy
Sun 31 Jul, 2022 17:33
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine starting Issues. Help! :(
Replies: 9
Views: 4019

Re: Engine starting Issues. Help! :(

RobertT wrote: MAF issues are known to cause starting problems and the simplest test is to just unplug the MAF. The car will then run on default values and should start and run. You don't have to be handy. Look at my picture showing a MAF unit. The unit itself is probably looking the same as in mine...
by LaRy
Sat 30 Jul, 2022 10:08
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine starting Issues. Help! :(
Replies: 9
Views: 4019

Re: Engine starting Issues. Help! :(

Someone else had problems. Starting and dying. It was the air mass flow sensor. No fault codes.
by LaRy
Sat 30 Jul, 2022 08:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine starting Issues. Help! :(
Replies: 9
Views: 4019

Re: Engine starting Issues. Help! :(

My guess is that you could have a problem with the idle air control valve. In idle and low speed, the intake air is using a totally different way at idle. It is really a bypass. This control valve is controlled by two electrical coils, in order to get a seamless control . It can be broken or just di...
by LaRy
Sun 12 Jun, 2022 18:57
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Fuel pump not getting voltage.
Replies: 1
Views: 2207

Re: Fuel pump not getting voltage.

Hi, is everything else working? 'm looking at a 1998 electric drawing. Do you have the feeling that the DME/ECM Engine module is alive? Remeber taht these cars are now so old that the relays get broken just by age. Anyway, if everything is ok, you have a relay called engine control moduel relay, pro...
by LaRy
Wed 27 Apr, 2022 13:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Randy Forbes Rear Diff Strengthening Kit
Replies: 8
Views: 6612

Re: Randy Forbes Rear Diff Strengthening Kit

z3pop.jpg
Hi, I just want to show how my replacement of broken spot weldings look like. As I say, has been working for 8 years, still checking every year for eventualy new broken spotweldings or lose bolts.
by LaRy
Tue 05 Apr, 2022 19:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Randy Forbes Rear Diff Strengthening Kit
Replies: 8
Views: 6612

Re: Randy Forbes Rear Diff Strengthening Kit

Number one, I had about 8 spot weldings that had cracket, but no deformation in the chassi. Number two, just 192HP engine. But after a discussion with an experienced BMW repair technicians, I change the partly cracked spot weldings for M8 bolts, good quality and used also washers. Has been working n...
by LaRy
Wed 23 Feb, 2022 12:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Brake Caliper and Pad Differences. Help Needed
Replies: 6
Views: 3043

Re: Brake Caliper and Pad Differences. Help Needed

I made some futher investigations. Your car has most probably 22mm vent rotors. Both types shown in your pictures will most probably fit. The one with the "fins", made by Brembo and the other type made by Bosch. Both made for ATE brake systems. I can also see that brake pads are made for t...
by LaRy
Wed 23 Feb, 2022 11:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Brake Caliper and Pad Differences. Help Needed
Replies: 6
Views: 3043

Re: Brake Caliper and Pad Differences. Help Needed

I have a guess after looking at a sparepart supplier Schmiedmann.se. He is selling the one with fins for unventilated 12 mm brake rotors and the other type shown in your photo is fitting 22mm ventilated rotors. I advice you to check the gap in the brake caliper between the piston and the opposite wa...
by LaRy
Sun 13 Feb, 2022 18:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Electric roof mechanism
Replies: 6
Views: 2787

Re: Electric roof mechanism

Actually, I have no problem to get the hardtop tight. Maybe leaking a little at the top front of the side windows. But it is plenty of adjusting possibilities. The micro switch is placed in the soft top frame, left side just above the side window. In the spot where the front part is bended upwards w...
by LaRy
Sun 13 Feb, 2022 15:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Electric roof mechanism
Replies: 6
Views: 2787

Re: Electric roof mechanism

Easier to give support if you mention what is not working. Motor totally silent and dead? Have you checked the fuse and so on.
One common problem is the microswitch at the softtop frame is broken, the one that checks if you have lifted the front end manually.
by LaRy
Sun 13 Feb, 2022 15:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Electric roof mechanism
Replies: 6
Views: 2787

Re: Electric roof mechanism

Easier to give support if you mention what is not working. Motor totally silent and dead? Have you checked the fuse and so on.
One common problem is the microswitch in he softtop is broken, the one that checks if you have lifted the front end manually.
by LaRy
Wed 24 Nov, 2021 18:37
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Front Grills
Replies: 5
Views: 2358

Re: Front Grills

Hi, once again i send a Youtube showing how you can open the bonnet. Hope it works for you. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCcJmSdH11I
by LaRy
Tue 16 Nov, 2021 20:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Front Grills
Replies: 5
Views: 2358

Re: Front Grills

Hi, the original standard one is the one with chrome outer oval and black fins. BMW part number 51138397503 left, and 51138397504 right. Price in Germany 137 EUR each for brand new original. But it does also exist a total chrome version in some later versions of the Z3, number 51138412949 left, and ...
by LaRy
Thu 11 Nov, 2021 19:59
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New owner, door locking issue, need help
Replies: 16
Views: 4414

Re: New owner, door locking issue, need help

When I bought mine, I changed ALL oil, auto gearbox, engine and the rear diff. I also have whining diff, especially att certain speed. No change during the last 10 years since I bought it. We have to accept that the Z3 has almost nothing of noise damping mats. You hear everything. But oil change is ...
by LaRy
Wed 10 Nov, 2021 17:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rear shock absorbers
Replies: 4
Views: 2225

Re: Rear shock absorbers

You can use this decoder: https://www.mdecoder.com/
Eventually you will find code S704 = M Sport suspension.

In that case, your car is approximately 30mm lower, the shock absorbers will be different (shorter).
by LaRy
Wed 10 Nov, 2021 08:13
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New owner, door locking issue, need help
Replies: 16
Views: 4414

Re: New owner, door locking issue, need help

New owner...... . I also have an automatic. An auto gearbox expert told me to change oil when I bought mine. BMW auto gearboxes needs fresh oil, maybe your oil is now 20 years old. If you have to change oil, it is not an easy procedure on the Z3, double oil pans, have to check oil temperature when r...
by LaRy
Tue 09 Nov, 2021 07:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New owner, door locking issue, need help
Replies: 16
Views: 4414

Re: New owner, door locking issue, need help

Here you can read the story explaining 2.3 and 2.5 l engines: https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/bmw ... ine-274344
by LaRy
Mon 08 Nov, 2021 20:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rear shock absorbers
Replies: 4
Views: 2225

Re: Rear shock absorbers

You have to figure out if you have a standard chassi or a sport chassi.
If you don't know, you can figure it out from the VIN coder, or just look at your car from behind. Sport chassi (M-chassi) is lower. The rear wheels will be tilting out slightly, maybe 1 inch.
by LaRy
Mon 08 Nov, 2021 20:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rear shock absorbers
Replies: 4
Views: 2225

Re: Rear shock absorbers

You have to figure out if you have a standard chassi or a sport chassi.
If you don't know, you can figure it out from the VIN coder, or just look at your car from behind. Sport chassi (M-chassi) is lower. The rear wheels will be tilting out slightly, maybe 1 inch.
by LaRy
Mon 08 Nov, 2021 07:57
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New owner, door locking issue, need help
Replies: 16
Views: 4414

Re: New owner, door locking issue, need help

i know where the switch is placed and hopefully the problem is in the switch. But at the same time, my advice is to clean and re-grease the door lock.
by LaRy
Tue 02 Nov, 2021 17:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New owner, door locking issue, need help
Replies: 16
Views: 4414

Re: New owner, door locking issue, need help

I would check the wires from the microswitch by a multimeter. check for contact when turning the key. How to get the mechanism out : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OUu2JFPLzo This video shows a E36M43, but when looking for used parts and instructions, a lot of parts are very similar with the 3 ser...
by LaRy
Tue 02 Nov, 2021 14:33
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New owner, door locking issue, need help
Replies: 16
Views: 4414

Re: New owner, door locking issue, need help

It sounds like the microswitch does not work. What I mean by one step ahead is the feeling that the microswitch is telling the central to unlock all doors and trunk, including the drivers door. You never feel that you actually are unlocking the door by pushing some rod when twisting the key. Is the ...
by LaRy
Tue 02 Nov, 2021 07:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New owner, door locking issue, need help
Replies: 16
Views: 4414

Re: New owner, door locking issue, need help

I have the feeling that the microswitch at the lock is working "one step ahead" of the mechanical connection to the door closing mechanism. Also the drivers door is locked/unlocked by the electrical actuator, not by you by turning the key. The rod between the lock and the door closing mech...