Search found 2082 matches
- Tue 30 Jun, 2020 11:31
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Is it OK to jack under the differential?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 4278
Re: Is it OK to jack under the differential?
For a reliable and safe means of supporting the car, why not use the ends of the cross-member, below its rubber mounts?
- Tue 30 Jun, 2020 09:33
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: E10 is coming
- Replies: 8
- Views: 6273
Farmers
Yes - I have heard about American farmers being more interested in producing ethanol rather than food, as is promoted by oil companies in third-world countries which have a starvation problem! An identical situation concerns the US overproduction of corn, which rather than donate it free to starving...
- Tue 30 Jun, 2020 09:33
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: E10 is coming
- Replies: 8
- Views: 6273
Re: E10 is coming
Assuming that you can get to France this summer, you will often find a bewildering array of pump fuel available. These days we are all used to unleaded petrol in 98 octane, as well as 95 and 95 e10 varieties. Remember that ‘e10’ fuels should not be used in BMW engines built before 1986, or poor fuel...
- Thu 25 Jun, 2020 13:56
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Is it OK to jack under the differential?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 4278
Re: Is it OK to jack under the differential?
Yes - you CAN place the jack under the diff, but it is pretty poor practice! Just because some nameless person has placed something on the internet does not mean that it is automatically the best option - it is just like believing all the garbage written about the Z3 which you can read in the media ...
- Sun 24 May, 2020 11:22
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Different Greases
- Replies: 4
- Views: 2452
Re: Different Greases
Do not become confused with silicone brake fluid and silicone grease! They are different compounds with different properties, and it is not wise to mix them. I always lubricate the caliper piston/seal area with brake fuid, which is entirely safe. Contrary to popular wisdom, the grease often provided...
- Mon 18 May, 2020 21:13
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Z3 2.8 Roadster alternator
- Replies: 6
- Views: 2477
Re: Z3 2.8 Roadster alternator
My air con belt tensioner got quite noisey at about 130,000 miles too. Replacement of both tensioners would seem to be a good idea at this kind of mileage.
- Mon 18 May, 2020 08:09
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Z3 2.8 Roadster alternator
- Replies: 6
- Views: 2477
Re: Z3 2.8 Roadster alternator
I doubt if you would notice any difference, as the alternator - like most Z3 bits - is a standard type, used on many E36 models.
Are you sure that the noise is due to the alternator bearings? The belt tensioner bearings usually become noisey first.
Are you sure that the noise is due to the alternator bearings? The belt tensioner bearings usually become noisey first.
- Thu 07 May, 2020 16:56
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Pre facelift to post face lift conversion.
- Replies: 6
- Views: 3125
Re: Pre facelift to post face lift conversion.
Why bother? The pre-facelit wings look better anyway, unless you fit wider wheels and tyres, which may not improve the handling as much as people may tell you. The 1.9 is probably the best-handling of all Z3s, with 50 pounds less engine weight than the sixes, and everything behind the axle line You ...
- Thu 07 May, 2020 16:42
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Thermostat Advice please!
- Replies: 2
- Views: 1448
Re: Thermostat Advice please!
Buying from Ebay is fraught with risk! Try your local German & Swedish - their prices are not much different from Ebay, and you will not be stung for postage.
- Thu 07 May, 2020 16:38
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Front Brake Caliper Refurb
- Replies: 8
- Views: 3120
Re: Front Brake Caliper Refurb
I used exchange Girling calipers from a local motor factor - I cannot recall the price now, but they were not expensive, and of course had been cleaned and replated, with all new seals etc. With a few coats of bronze Hammerite and stainless nipples they looked great, and still do.
- Wed 18 Mar, 2020 11:45
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: 2000 Z3 DSC 178 error Preload Pump Actuation Error
- Replies: 5
- Views: 3291
Re: 2000 Z3 DSC 178 error Preload Pump Actuation Error
That's the price of so-called 'Progress!' Faults on old DSC systems are certainly not unknown, and are always expensive - just more over-complex junk which you do not need. Could you remove the entire DSC system and still pass an MoT? As DSC was not mandatory when the car was built, I would have tho...
- Fri 13 Mar, 2020 11:37
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: E10 is coming
- Replies: 8
- Views: 6273
Re: E10 is coming
Yes - here in France we have had E10 available for several years, but we also have E5 95 octane, mainly at auroroute serviuce areas, as an addition to E5 95 voctane fuel. More importantly, We also have really good 98 octane widely available - I find that on a steady speed autoroute journey, using ou...
- Thu 12 Mar, 2020 08:49
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: E10 is coming
- Replies: 8
- Views: 6273
Re: E10 is coming
According to BMW all car manufactured since 1986 are compatable. This was about the time that E10 type fuel became the norm in the US, so compatability was required. I have heard of older BMW cars which had to be recovered to the UK with a strange failure to start, which was quickly traced to the us...
- Thu 20 Feb, 2020 09:31
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Rear spring removal
- Replies: 13
- Views: 5326
Re: Rear spring removal
Another factor in spring life is the growth of potholes in UK roads! I forgot to mention that, as the French do decent surfacing, which does not melt in summer, or fall to pieces in winter - with extreme temperatures of minus 10 to plus 40 in my area.
- Wed 19 Feb, 2020 13:37
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Oil selection.
- Replies: 10
- Views: 5793
Re: Oil selection.
I would avoid 'Longlife' oils, as they are invariably very thin at the cold end of their viscosity range - such as the popular 0W - 30 SAE type. In an old engine, or a badly-run in engine they can produce high oil consumption (such as the BMW 3 litre engine) and only have a benefit for those who lac...
- Tue 18 Feb, 2020 10:13
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Rear spring removal
- Replies: 13
- Views: 5326
Re: Rear spring removal
The current rate of spring fractures is probably due to the use of poor-quality and badly heat treated material, and the craze in the UK for speed bumps. Many springs which are supplied with dampers are of really poor quality, and will split along the coil for 2 to 3 inches, broken springs now being...
- Mon 17 Feb, 2020 08:53
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Rear spring removal
- Replies: 13
- Views: 5326
Re: Rear spring removal
Yes, the compressors are a tight fit, and will only do the job if fitted in the correct positions, but it is preferable to straining the inner CV joint by using lots of force on a crowbar, which is really butchery! I supported the trailing arm at it maximum drop angle to avoid strain on the CV joint...
- Sun 16 Feb, 2020 08:47
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Rear spring removal
- Replies: 13
- Views: 5326
Re: Rear spring removal
I have used spring compressors, which make the job a lot easier than forcing things with a crowbar, but even then you must get the compressors into the correct position.
- Fri 07 Feb, 2020 17:30
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Torchlight?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 4461
Re: Torchlight?
Perhaps a torch WAS supplied for certain markets, but not for the Z3 in the UK. An example of this selective specification is the case of a LSD, which was fitted for some markets (ie the UK) but not for others, such as Japan. If you get a copy of the build/equipment spec - from any dealer, free, if ...
- Wed 05 Feb, 2020 14:31
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Torchlight?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 4461
Re: Torchlight?
I have never seen a torch supplied with a Z3, although other models such as the E39 Five Series of the same period were.
- Sun 26 Jan, 2020 12:35
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Basic information for home maintenance ?
- Replies: 9
- Views: 4895
Re: Basic information for home maintenance ?
Like most BMW cars, the Z3 is not particular about its fluids, but some work better than others. Remember that the current infatuation with 0-30 engine oils is intended for those who insist on driving hard with a cold engine, but their use can often result in high oil consumption, particuarly in the...
- Sat 25 Jan, 2020 14:17
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: How much do you like your Z3
- Replies: 103
- Views: 84511
Re: How much do you like your Z3
Try lifting the bonnet . . .
- Sat 25 Jan, 2020 12:39
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Basic information for home maintenance ?
- Replies: 9
- Views: 4895
Re: Basic information for home maintenance ?
Have you had a look in the Z3 Knowledgebase? It holds lots of maintenance information. I agree that the TIS disc is the best, but it assumes a certain level of background. The Bentley manual is a waste of money, being based on the pre-September 1998 models, which were superceded by the M54TU engine ...
- Thu 16 Jan, 2020 13:21
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Headlight problem
- Replies: 3
- Views: 3212
Re: Headlight problem
Isn't it nice being able to buy down to component level?
- Wed 14 Aug, 2019 14:01
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Is this a valid statement?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 5617
Re: Is this a valid statement?
In the case of cars made by mass-market companies such as BMW 'rare' means that they could not sell many! It does not make them better cars than those which people would actually buy - quite the opposite. Another reason for rarety is that they were rust boxes - look at the 6 and 3 series BMW from th...
- Thu 25 Jul, 2019 12:27
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Is this a valid statement?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 5617
Re: Is this a valid statement?
A lot of vendors try to make out that their car is something special - I have seen people claiming that their facelifted car has superior aerodynamics than the older type! As soon as you see the word 'Rare' you know that someone is trying to 'talk up' the value of their car.
- Tue 07 May, 2019 08:41
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Z3 overheating.
- Replies: 18
- Views: 9376
Re: Z3 overheating.
You have not mentioned replacing the thermostat - are you confusing it with the thermo switch for the electric fan? Even if the electric fan (assuming that you have air conditioning) is not operating, the viscous-coupled fan is capable to keeping the engine at a decent temperature. I would look for ...
- Mon 29 Apr, 2019 13:59
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Exhaust!
- Replies: 6
- Views: 3426
Re: Exhaust!
If you have an originality fetish, and wish to replace the rear silencer, BMW sell a seperate silencer and an suitable sleeve with suitable clamps to attach it. It would probably be cheaper to have a stainless cat-back system made up, unless you think that the droning exhaust note is worth listening...
- Sun 28 Apr, 2019 18:22
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Exhaust!
- Replies: 6
- Views: 3426
Re: Exhaust!
Yes - the 2 litre used the same exhaust system as the September 1998-on 2.8. The system is in one welded piece from the three-bolt flanges near the engine, without a central joint, so perhaps your system is not the original. The earlier 2.8 used a single cat with a joint after it, but this was not u...
- Sat 27 Apr, 2019 14:32
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Z3 3.0i boot light
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2037
Re: Z3 3.0i boot light
The Z3 boot is small enough to eliminate the risk of having anything lost within its confines! I took the bulb out of my boot light for this very reason about twenty years ago, and have never missed it! Alternatively, you could leave a window slightly lowered, and connect the charger via the cigar l...
- Mon 01 Apr, 2019 15:32
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Inlet Camshaft Sensor M54 engine
- Replies: 9
- Views: 3959
Re: Inlet Camshaft Sensor M54 engine
Try cleaning the sensor of any ferrous particles stuck to the magnet side before spending money! These sensors act like magnetic drain plugs, and attract any small particles worn from the timing chain and sprockets. My old 2.8 has a cable throttle, and I used to have the problem of stalling in rever...
- Sat 16 Mar, 2019 15:11
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Chassis dimesions data
- Replies: 6
- Views: 2782
Re: Chassis dimesions data
Why don't you simply have a full geometry check at a good tyre dealer? That will show up any problems such as bent trailing arms or rear cross member, not to mention distortion of the front cross member, chassis rails, or wishbone mountings.
- Mon 25 Feb, 2019 09:46
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: My nearside light cluster has water in it.
- Replies: 7
- Views: 2615
Re: My nearside light cluster has water in it.
Take the light cluster off and use your powers of deduction! I think you will find that the lens is glued to the body, so look for an area showing signs of algie etc. Perhaps you will be able to dribble a bit of Araldite onto the back of the faulty area through the bulb hole.
- Sat 26 Jan, 2019 12:33
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Oil level sensor
- Replies: 4
- Views: 2306
Re: Oil level sensor
The sensor operates by heating a small amount of oil around its body, and then reading the incerease in temperature further up the sensor body. Your problem may therefore be as simple as an accumulation of sludge on the sensor body, acting as a heat insulator, so it is worth removing the sensor and ...
- Fri 23 Nov, 2018 12:36
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Battery Life
- Replies: 5
- Views: 3522
Battery Life
I have just replaced the second battery on my twenty-year-old 2.8 Z3. The original American battery lasted twelve years, and the replacement Varta Silver eight years - what kind of life do others experience? Like our other vehicles - cars, motorcycles and lawnmower - the batteries have always been c...
- Sat 03 Nov, 2018 12:21
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Steering grating noise and slipring
- Replies: 8
- Views: 4070
Re: Steering grating noise and slipring
I'm puzzled - why do you think your 'slipring' is grating and the replacement needs to be lubricated? The horn push and airbag are connected by a flexible connection strip similar to a watchspring. It therefore does not need lubrication, and cannot make a 'grating' noise. I would bet that the noise ...
- Thu 02 Aug, 2018 09:22
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: French Speed Limits
- Replies: 8
- Views: 4061
Re: French Speed Limits
At least the French do not view ordinary speeding as being a baby killer etc etc. If the speed limit is more than 50 kph, and you are not breaking it by more than 20 kph, the fine is 65 euros (reduced to 45 for payment within a fortnight) and one point off your licence, which is returned after a yea...
- Wed 01 Aug, 2018 15:18
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: French Speed Limits
- Replies: 8
- Views: 4061
Re: French Speed Limits
I guess I am a bit of a recluse, as I do not watch French TV - it is ghastly - or read newspapers - not even the English-language ones! I think I had better start taking more notice of what is going on! They (and most other EU states) can still fine you at home via DVLA, and the French can take away...
- Tue 31 Jul, 2018 08:43
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: French Speed Limits
- Replies: 8
- Views: 4061
Re: French Speed Limits
Has anyone ever heard of a Brit being prosecuted under this agreement? I would think it would merit a banner headline in the Daily Mail, to the effect that the government have allowed those awful foriegners to persecute British who are merely enjoying their holidays!
- Mon 30 Jul, 2018 16:03
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: French Speed Limits
- Replies: 8
- Views: 4061
French Speed Limits
I live in France, yet was unaware that the 90 kph speed limit on single-carraigeway roads has, from 1 July, been reduced to 80 kph! On my return from the UK last week I noticed that some of the 90 kph signs have been replaced by 80 kph, but do not assume that all 90 kph signs mean what they say! Wit...
- Sun 29 Jul, 2018 12:06
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Fog light woes
- Replies: 7
- Views: 3167
Re: Fog light woes
I wonder if the pre-October 1998 foglamp lenses - the prismatic type - are more prone to being broken that the later clear type? After twenty years my October 1998 car is still on its original foglamps . . .
- Sun 29 Jul, 2018 07:42
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: What makes a screen wash pump fail?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 3874
Re: What makes a screen wash pump fail?
You do not give us the full story - did the motor fail, or did it run but not pump anything?
Older washer pumps (up to the early 2000's or so) have a habit of the impeller coming loose on the shaft.
Older washer pumps (up to the early 2000's or so) have a habit of the impeller coming loose on the shaft.
- Tue 10 Jul, 2018 14:59
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: ABS & DSC lights again!
- Replies: 9
- Views: 3540
Re: ABS & DSC lights again!
The Slip Control Module is voltage-sensitive, so if the car has been standing for a while without being trickle charged the lights will come on, and after a decent run they will go out when the battery is fully charged. It is also sensitive to having rear tyres which are unevenly worn. Having said t...
- Fri 06 Jul, 2018 07:37
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Fog light woes
- Replies: 7
- Views: 3167
Re: Fog light woes
Yes - I am spoilt by French roads - Even those which have not been resurfaced for thirty years are better than a lot of UK roads. I am not looking forward to dodging potholes on motorways etc when I visit next week! We do have one local road which was resurfaced suspiciously quickly , and is now fal...
- Fri 06 Jul, 2018 07:31
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: 3.0i gearing
- Replies: 9
- Views: 3233
Re: 3.0i gearing
A friend fitted a six-speed gearbox from a 3 litre Z4, which gives about a 10% higher top gear. He is very pleased with it, and found that the only thing which needed modification was the front section of the prop shaft, which had to be shortened by 40 mm, a job which most prop shaft specialists can...
- Thu 05 Jul, 2018 09:15
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Fog light woes
- Replies: 7
- Views: 3167
Re: Fog light woes
Yes - given the the Z3 headlamps have a sharp cut-off anyway, fog lamps are pretty useless - apart from to the people who insist on using them as running lamps in the belief that it looks 'cool.' In 19 years of Z3 use I have yet to have a broken fog lamp lens, so assuming that you are not travelling...
- Wed 04 Jul, 2018 09:39
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: European Environmental Protection Zones
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2438
European Environmental Protection Zones
Environmental Protection Zones are spreading like wildfire over Europe, and following in the footsteps of Germany and France, Austria and Denmark have now introduced their own Environmental Protection Zones, with an assortment of windscreen stickers to match. These regulations also apply all to vehi...
- Tue 26 Jun, 2018 14:51
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Headlight wiring query
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1990
Re: Headlight wiring query
They are sockets for the headlamp height adjustment motors, with black, brown, and yellow wires.
- Tue 19 Jun, 2018 09:34
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: BMW Z3 1.9 M44 - Induction System - Suction Pipe
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1881
Re: BMW Z3 1.9 M44 - Induction System - Suction Pipe
Can you make a replacement from PVC drainpipe and fittings? I know, it's not the same thing, but I made a better air intake for my 2.8 from 70 mm rain water pipe, and after spraying it matt black is could be original. It may be possible to make a pipe which picks up air frm a better place than the o...
- Fri 08 Jun, 2018 13:14
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: MOT failure
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2540
Re: MOT failure
Yes John - my first reaction was that the OP had been drivng around with the fog lamps on, but he says that he does not do so. One presumes that he would notice if the fog lights were on, but they are pretty feeble things, and could become 'lost' in the dipped beams. If he is not driving on the fogs...