Search found 2082 matches

by Mike Fishwick
Tue 04 Aug, 2015 07:36
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Are these the best factory-fit alloys on a Z3 ever!?
Replies: 7
Views: 2351

Re: Are these the best factory-fit alloys on a Z3 ever!?

I would have thought that the 7 Series wheels would not only have an unsuitable offset, but also have a different wheel bolt pitch and spigot diameter - like the 5 Series wheels, which require adaptors to fit a Z3.
by Mike Fishwick
Mon 03 Aug, 2015 17:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Are these the best factory-fit alloys on a Z3 ever!?
Replies: 7
Views: 2351

Re: Are these the best factory-fit alloys on a Z3 ever!?

Sorry - 19 inch then - but the same comments apply . . .

I will now be told that this is the optimum size for a Z3, etc etc etc!
by Mike Fishwick
Mon 03 Aug, 2015 14:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Are these the best factory-fit alloys on a Z3 ever!?
Replies: 7
Views: 2351

Re: Are these the best factory-fit alloys on a Z3 ever!?

Even in 2003 21 inch whels were very few and far between, and were not an optional extra on the Z3. I do not think the advertiser means factory-fitted options, but wheels an owner has fitted in the quest to be at the forefront of fashion! I would have thought that 21 inch wheels with rubber band-typ...
by Mike Fishwick
Mon 03 Aug, 2015 12:33
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Vacuum brake bleeding
Replies: 10
Views: 1149

Re: Vacuum brake bleeding

I see that the Sealey pressure bleeder is currently £39 from Amazon.
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 01 Aug, 2015 07:42
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What scanner/code reader?
Replies: 17
Views: 2561

Re: What scanner/code reader?

I have found the Gunsons to be fine - after twenty years it still works for me, using an old spare tyre as an air supply. I bleed the brakes annually, and for fluid changes (I do this every couple of years) I use a litre of ATE yellow or blue fluid, the colour change enabling me to see when each lin...
by Mike Fishwick
Fri 31 Jul, 2015 10:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What scanner/code reader?
Replies: 17
Views: 2561

Re: What scanner/code reader?

A pressure bleeder is necessary for bleeding dual-circuit brakes - it forces brake fluid into the systems by air pressure. In the old days an assistant used to press the brake pedal to do so, which was a tiresome method for both peole, but with the advent of dual-circuit brakes it became impossible ...
by Mike Fishwick
Fri 31 Jul, 2015 09:34
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What scanner/code reader?
Replies: 17
Views: 2561

Re: What scanner/code reader?

Yes, I do all my own maintenance, including items not included in the minimalist BMW schedule, and ignore the service indicator lights, resetting them with a piece of wire. A lot of people think that a fault code will tell you exactly what is wrong, but they need to be interpreted - in the worst cas...
by Mike Fishwick
Thu 30 Jul, 2015 17:01
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What scanner/code reader?
Replies: 17
Views: 2561

Re: What scanner/code reader?

Unless you have a problem you do not need a code reader - it is not a necessary part of maintenance routines. I have never needed one in fifteen years of ownership and 130,000 miles. Spend your money on tools instead.
by Mike Fishwick
Wed 29 Jul, 2015 13:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Continental adjustment of headlights
Replies: 3
Views: 872

Re: Continental adjustment of headlights

You can wiggle the lights around as much as you like, but nothing will change them from being made for the UK LH dipping specification, unless you can find some RH dip lenses. Otherwise it means new headlamps, but the various projector lights sold on EBAY are a lot cheaper than BMW originals - mine ...
by Mike Fishwick
Wed 29 Jul, 2015 12:01
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Is it safe to plug a battery conditioner in cigar socket?
Replies: 3
Views: 1236

Re: Is it safe to plug a battery conditioner in cigar socket

Any constant voltage or 'automatic' charger will be fine - just because the maker calls a small automatic charger a 'conditioner' and tells the gullible public that it will do all manner of things which any current-limited constant voltage charger will do does not make it particularly wonderful. The...
by Mike Fishwick
Mon 27 Jul, 2015 15:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Help with rear tyres
Replies: 11
Views: 1732

Re: Help with rear tyres

Perhaps your next project will be to fit 8.5 inch rims, and you will then fit rear trailing arms from a 2.8,which brings all manner of interesting additions in its wake! What offset do you r current wheels have? Perhaps you should think about replacing the original rear wings, sell the car, and buy ...
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 25 Jul, 2015 10:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: M50 manifold
Replies: 3
Views: 857

Re: M50 manifold

If you had read most of this thread you would have found that it depends on whether you have a single or double-VANOS engine - which you do not specify.

Single VANOS = M50 manifold with perhaps S52 cams. Double VANOS = M54 (3 litre) manifold with perhaps M54 cams.
by Mike Fishwick
Fri 24 Jul, 2015 14:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheap Ebay Short Shifter
Replies: 10
Views: 1897

Re: Cheap Ebay Short Shifter

Why don't you just modify your existing lever, as I did? It is cheap and easy to do, and gives a sensible height to the gear lever.
by Mike Fishwick
Fri 24 Jul, 2015 08:19
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New 1998 2.8 Z3 price?
Replies: 11
Views: 2194

Re: New 1998 2.8 Z3 price?

Yes, mine also has roll over bars and velour mats - I thought these were standard, along with interior chrome etc. On the subject of options, I have seen an absolutely standard 1.9, with 15 inch steel wheels, blanked off foglamp holes, and cloth seats. Apparently the salesman tried hard to sell opti...
by Mike Fishwick
Thu 23 Jul, 2015 15:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New 1998 2.8 Z3 price?
Replies: 11
Views: 2194

Re: New 1998 2.8 Z3 price?

At least the standard equipement on a 2.8 was a lot better than a Porche Boxster of the period, where leater trim, centre console, 17 inch wheels, traction control, trip computer etc were all extras - and at higher prices too! For an equivalent level of fit - leather trim, air con and metallic paint...
by Mike Fishwick
Thu 23 Jul, 2015 09:52
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: wood trim
Replies: 38
Views: 6330

Re: wood trim

Do I see a handle for an adjustable steering wheel near the ignition lock?
by Mike Fishwick
Thu 23 Jul, 2015 09:50
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New 1998 2.8 Z3 price?
Replies: 11
Views: 2194

Re: New 1998 2.8 Z3 price?

With the usual options - air con, 17 inch wheels, wind blocker, passenger airbag, and radio, the OTR price of my October 1998 twin-VANOS car was just over £32,000.
by Mike Fishwick
Wed 22 Jul, 2015 15:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Interesting Z3 2.8 litre sale/bid on Ebay
Replies: 3
Views: 956

Re: Interesting Z3 2.8 litre sale/bid on Ebay

A twin VANOS model too, and it looks quite good. All it needs are seats with some lights hung on, and you could have a new fashion!
by Mike Fishwick
Mon 13 Jul, 2015 09:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: braking
Replies: 8
Views: 2324

Re: braking

It could also be due to glazed brake pads, which can easily be cured by giving the brakes some serious work to do, with suitable intervals for cooling. This is often due to using a high speed pad material but driving slowly around town or cruising on a motorway with light braking.
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 11 Jul, 2015 11:42
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: a/c problem
Replies: 13
Views: 1817

Re: a/c problem

I bet he did not change the filter/drier element either - by the time you add that - and recharging the gas yet again, it makes a BMW dealer A/C service start to look very reasonable!
by Mike Fishwick
Fri 10 Jul, 2015 13:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Adjust speedo for significantly larger wheels/tyre combo
Replies: 27
Views: 3711

Re: Adjust speedo for significantly larger wheels/tyre combo

The pitures of the mother board donot show any thing which looks like a calibration pot, but how about the speedometer itself? This seems to plug intothe mother board, and probably carries the digital to analogue converter which drives the instrument itself, and may be worth a good looking at.
by Mike Fishwick
Fri 10 Jul, 2015 08:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Adjust speedo for significantly larger wheels/tyre combo
Replies: 27
Views: 3711

Re: Adjust speedo for significantly larger wheels/tyre combo

Have you looked at the speedometer printed circuit board? I would expect to see some form of calibration adjuster on it, as the sensor pulses at a rate of 4712hz per km - not a usual rate for a divider circuit.
by Mike Fishwick
Tue 07 Jul, 2015 10:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Adjust speedo for significantly larger wheels/tyre combo
Replies: 27
Views: 3711

Re: Adjust speedo for significantly larger wheels/tyre combo

Ah - I missed that bit! Are you using wire wheels too?
by Mike Fishwick
Tue 07 Jul, 2015 09:55
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Adjust speedo for significantly larger wheels/tyre combo
Replies: 27
Views: 3711

Re: Adjust speedo for significantly larger wheels/tyre combo

Why do this in the first place? Do tell us all . . .
by Mike Fishwick
Sun 05 Jul, 2015 18:03
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Anyone tried borbets A
Replies: 7
Views: 1852

Re: Anyone tried borbets A

Protruding wheels may be fashionable to some, but they will gradually flay the paint off the wings, and are also illegal - is it worth the potential trouble just to be fashionable?
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 04 Jul, 2015 15:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: a/c problem
Replies: 13
Views: 1817

Re: a/c problem

Try looking at the compressor - does it rotate? Perhaps the clutch is slipping and not transmitting the drive from the pulley. Is the tensioner pulley bearing worn out, which would leave the belt slack, and failing to drive correctly? Are the steel pipes rusted badly, and perhaps leaking? 'Replaced ...
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 20 Jun, 2015 15:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: help with rear suspension shocks
Replies: 19
Views: 3441

Re: help with rear suspension shocks

OK - I now see what the adjuster is - I did not realise it was in two pieces! It is necessary to hold one piece while turning the other, but the more it is extended the less rigid it will be against the body. Frakly, I think this design looks pretty awful, as the top of the spring changes its angle ...
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 20 Jun, 2015 10:08
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: help with rear suspension shocks
Replies: 19
Views: 3441

Re: help with rear suspension shocks

What make are your springs and dampers, and where did you buy them, and did the kit not have any form of instructions? The blue threaded ring is an adjuster of the type used with coilovers, where it would fit around a threaded area of the damper/strut - which in your case you do not have. In spite o...
by Mike Fishwick
Fri 19 Jun, 2015 07:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: bugger
Replies: 30
Views: 5899

Re: bugger

Maybe it depends on the company - it would be worthwhile finding their policy before claiming, as a new Z3 screen is not that expensive.
by Mike Fishwick
Fri 19 Jun, 2015 06:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: bugger
Replies: 30
Views: 5899

Re: bugger

Your NCB will be OK - unless you change companies! We found this loophole when we moved to France, and a new winsdscreen on the Golf was suddenly remembered, and transformed into a claim.
by Mike Fishwick
Tue 16 Jun, 2015 10:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Name that part!
Replies: 15
Views: 3885

Re: Name that part!

Why not just buy some suitable-sized foam pipe lagging, or cover the existing lagging with aluminium heat reflective tape?
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 13 Jun, 2015 10:01
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

Snide? Moi? Never - as with other things, snideness is in the eye of the beholder! Lots of Z3 owners do things which they consider to be 'cool,' so it seemed a fair comment. If you take issue with that, please try to remember that this is a discussion forum, where all members' views are supposed to ...
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 13 Jun, 2015 08:14
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?'
by Mike Fishwick
Fri 12 Jun, 2015 11:05
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: This is why you change gearbox oil
Replies: 25
Views: 5795

Re: This is why you change gearbox oil

If your car has a Torsen LSD the old test of turning a wheel does not tell you anything - get a printout of your car's spcification frm any dealer - it's free in return for the last seven digits of the VIN code, such as LE 71381.
by Mike Fishwick
Tue 09 Jun, 2015 13:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: spare set of our wheels has just gone on ebay
Replies: 5
Views: 1554

Re: spare set of our wheels has just gone on ebay

Some people just lose contact with reality when they see an AC Schnitzer badge, even when they know that most such items are not made by ACS . . .
by Mike Fishwick
Tue 09 Jun, 2015 09:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Starting Issues 2.8
Replies: 7
Views: 2000

Re: Starting Issues 2.8

Frankly, it could be anything! Replacing units such as the starter motor may work, but cannot be guaranteed - in fact, this does not usually solve any problem. For example, the problem may lie in the starter relay, or even the ignition switch. Buy a cheap multimeter and learn to use it - about half ...
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 06 Jun, 2015 10:33
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: OIL TEMPERATURE GAUGE RETRO-FIT
Replies: 18
Views: 4477

Re: OIL TEMPERATURE GAUGE RETRO-FIT

Although replacing the sump plug with an M12 sensor is simple and attractive, it has a problem in that the sensor is positioned in the outer area of oil, adjacent to the sump and therefore cooler than that being fed to the bearings. As this cooler oil has a higher viscosity it tends to cling to the ...
by Mike Fishwick
Tue 02 Jun, 2015 09:52
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: This is why you change gearbox oil
Replies: 25
Views: 5795

Re: This is why you change gearbox oil

One of the largest problems with old oil is the growth of bacteria, which eat the oil and produce hydrochloric acid. A modicum of water makes the problem worse, the associated corrosion having been the cause of problems in ships bilges and storage tanks, and can only be prevented by regular oil chan...
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 30 May, 2015 08:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Hartge - 1.9 conversion
Replies: 4
Views: 1564

Re: Hartge - 1.9 conversion

For road use a pair of Kent 312R cams and a good cylinder head job will put out about 175/180 bhp, with surprising economy too. We had a 1.8 Corrado with such an engine, and it was a real flier.
by Mike Fishwick
Fri 29 May, 2015 12:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rear upper brace for the Z3 and Z3M roadster.
Replies: 10
Views: 2419

Re: Rear upper brace for the Z3 and Z3M roadster.

It looks good, but all it can do is brace the body between the upper damper mounts, which have no influence rear wheel alignment or handling. I cannot even think that stiffening this area will affect body rigidity between the rear cross member mounting studs. Sorry, but I'm not convinced - I'll keep...
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 23 May, 2015 09:55
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Tyre pressures
Replies: 7
Views: 1753

Re: Tyre pressures

Don't forget that DSC is a different system from a basic traction control system - it also looks for unwanted lateral accelleration, such as is caused by a slippery road. With a low tyre pressure it willl react to that tyre's loss of grip, and see a lateral motion which does not marry up to the road...
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 23 May, 2015 09:45
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Service light reset.
Replies: 6
Views: 1373

Re: Service light reset.

You can rest the SI lights at any time - I usually reset mine at evenry 'two and a half' lights - they are just a nuisance anyway, signifying the minimum level of oil changes. At the rate many Z3 owners drive five green lights could last for about three years - even if BMW state that an annual chang...
by Mike Fishwick
Thu 21 May, 2015 12:59
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Anyone recognise this?
Replies: 11
Views: 3595

Re: Anyone recognise this?

It is certainly not 'original,' if it has a six-speed gearbox - the all-black grilles look pretty awful too. The vendor also should make up his mind if it has 'Front fog lamps,' not to metion 321 or 316 (?) bhp. The rear apron has a large gap between the exhaust pipes, which makes it look as if it c...
by Mike Fishwick
Mon 18 May, 2015 07:33
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Sun visor extenders
Replies: 35
Views: 7400

Re: Sun visor extenders

The OEM mesh wind blocker is very good, and gives a large reduction in buffeting. Being mesh, it allows a proportion of air to pass throughit, so 'filling' the cockpit area and increasing tis effect. You could get a nice lady to make one to fit your after-market bars. Of course, if you have shiny ba...
by Mike Fishwick
Sun 17 May, 2015 10:59
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: REAR LIGHTS.....
Replies: 4
Views: 999

Re: REAR LIGHTS.....

It may look 'smart' but I would love to see some standards enforced on modification of lights - you see so many cars where fashion-concious drivers have almost sacrificed the idea of having lights in favour of a pathetic attempt to look 'cool.'
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 16 May, 2015 09:40
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Radiator drain plug
Replies: 10
Views: 2792

Re: Radiator drain plug

'Would a new rubber gasket be all that is required? or a new expansion tank?' It depends on where the leak is coming from - a leaking seal or a split header tank. We do not have second sight! Sooner or later you have to look closely and use your judgement, as fault diagnosis by internet forum is at...
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 16 May, 2015 07:55
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Tyre pressures
Replies: 7
Views: 1753

Re: Tyre pressures

With a totally wrecked (no air in it) rear tyre neither the ABS or ASC lights came on - even with total deflation the tyre still does the same rpm at any given speed as when inflated, so there is no slip to be detected - as the wheel rotates (unless the tyre bead is slipping around the wheel rim) th...
by Mike Fishwick
Mon 11 May, 2015 14:42
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine won't start - and it's not the battery!
Replies: 27
Views: 6106

Re: Engine won't start - and it's not the battery!

It could also be poor connections at the battery terminals and / or the earth strap's connection tothe body. Do all the lights dim when this problem occurs, or does the oil pressure light go out ? Fault diagnosis by internet forum is usually a waste of time - you should buy a voltmeter and learn how...
by Mike Fishwick
Mon 11 May, 2015 10:23
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Start up "whirring"
Replies: 14
Views: 2781

Re: Start up "whirring"

The 'feet off' at 25 mph in top gear is simply due tothe higher idle speed wheh the engine is cold - 1000 rpm, which on the usual gearing gives . . . 25 mph. The flap in the exhaust tailpipe has nothing to do with emissions, and in any case is not fitted to the M engine. It is there to make more noi...
by Mike Fishwick
Mon 11 May, 2015 07:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Fuel Cap Stop
Replies: 22
Views: 3843

Re: Fuel Cap Stop

The rubber stop fits on the flap, not the wing! They always come loose and fall off, so I glued mine in with Evo-Stick, and it has been fine for about 12 years since then.