Search found 121 matches

by Martin
Thu 27 Oct, 2011 07:48
Forum: Z4 roadster and Z4 Coupe
Topic: Is The Z4 Better Looking Than A Z3. ??????
Replies: 46
Views: 9370

When I was a Z3 owner I have to say for a long time I never could quite "get" Z4s. Then one day it just sort of clicked and I had to have one and never looked back. The rear and side views did it for me. The nose took a bit longer to love. I agree the dashboard could look better though the...
by Martin
Thu 25 Mar, 2010 12:46
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Strong Strut Butt Brace
Replies: 13
Views: 1448

I had strong strut, butt strut and body brace fitted to my Z3 in one hit. It certainly sharpened up the handling, but made for a go kart ride quality and there were problems getting over some speed humps at anything in excess of snail pace with a passenger on board. (Car was on 18" wheels. That...
by Martin
Wed 25 Nov, 2009 01:19
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted 3.0 Se Z4
Replies: 7
Views: 809

Looks like a good find. Now assuming those Bridgestones are runflats ditch them for some Falken 452s and the grin on your face will get even bigger. :)
by Martin
Mon 23 Nov, 2009 08:09
Forum: Z4 roadster and Z4 Coupe
Topic: newbe - water in drivers footwell
Replies: 8
Views: 4086

If you haven't done so already, it might be worth a trawl through http://www.z4-forum.com/ It's a topic that gets discussed quite a lot.

I currently have the same problem on my driver's side. Think I will let the garage sort it out though.
by Martin
Mon 28 Sep, 2009 10:56
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: Refurbishing meshing on speakers in doors
Replies: 14
Views: 2316

When I purchased my Z3 I had this problem and use Back to Black with the Speaker Grilles in situ. Looked good right up until the time I sold the car.
by Martin
Tue 15 Sep, 2009 21:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Run Flats
Replies: 7
Views: 870

I think you will find that some Z4 owners are fairly comfortable about mixing non runflats with runflats on seperate axles. My front tyres are runflats on the limit but my rears also runflats have a way to go. Contemplating putting Falken 452s on the front only very soon.........
by Martin
Tue 04 Aug, 2009 07:32
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Tyre Inflator
Replies: 15
Views: 1620

Probably a silly question perhaps but........ I am likely to ditch my runflats in favour of Falkens in the near future. Given that the car has no spare wheel I guess I should follow advice and carry a can of tyre weld and a compressor just in case. Will a foot pump do the same job as a compressor wh...
by Martin
Wed 22 Jul, 2009 13:06
Forum: Z4 roadster and Z4 Coupe
Topic: Got my Z4. Servicing/Track Day Advice Please
Replies: 3
Views: 2474

Loads of discussion on http://www.z4-forum.com/ about this. I am still running on Bridgestone Runflats and considering what to do next. Everyone over there raves about Falken 452s as an alternative to Runflats
by Martin
Wed 22 Jul, 2009 12:57
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Norfolk
Replies: 14
Views: 1928

Make sure you have a trip out to Ringstead which is not far from Thornham and have lunch at the Gin Trap. A lovely village with a lovely pub.
by Martin
Thu 09 Jul, 2009 14:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Norfolk
Replies: 14
Views: 1928

Does anyone know of any quiet campsites in the area suitable for Z camping? Trying to avoid the larger sites with bar/nightclub/pool onsite Must have hot showers though ! Pinewoods at Wells Next The Sea is a largish caravan site but does have a small discreet area for camping. Shower/Loo block is c...
by Martin
Mon 08 Jun, 2009 22:45
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What's wrong with Falkens
Replies: 36
Views: 4476

Many Z4 owners seem to swear by Falkens 452 as an alternative to OEM Runflats.

I had Toyos on my Z3 and was very pleased with them in terms of handling noise and wear.
by Martin
Wed 20 May, 2009 06:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: A Cautionary Note for Potential Zed Owners
Replies: 51
Views: 17560

pingu wrote:The price of spares (& repairs if you pay for labour) are the same whether the car is brand new or 12 years old. If you buy a BMW, you have to pay BMW prices to keep it on the road.
Although discounts are available from participating main dealers on older cars.......
by Martin
Wed 06 May, 2009 13:01
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: wearing body brace from strong strut
Replies: 5
Views: 822

I had this problem when I had a Z3, particularly on steep humps and especially if I had a passenger. Have to confess I never looked underneath for damage but made a point of changing my routes and or making the passenger walk!! I took the view that when it grounded it was damaging the strut and not ...
by Martin
Sat 18 Apr, 2009 00:43
Forum: Z4 roadster and Z4 Coupe
Topic: Looking to buy
Replies: 4
Views: 1460

I would advise you to go for a 3.0. The economy difference is marginal (and better than my Z3 was) but the additional grunt makes it a pleasure to drive. Using the Z4 owners recommended insurer I am paying a lot less than I did with my Z3 too. As regards what to look out for, it is worth signing up ...
by Martin
Sat 04 Apr, 2009 08:13
Forum: Z4 roadster and Z4 Coupe
Topic: Swapping Z3 for Z4
Replies: 30
Views: 4983

If it's a second car why not go for a 3.0 litre. They are reasonably economical and a much better driving experience.
by Martin
Thu 02 Apr, 2009 20:50
Forum: Z4 roadster and Z4 Coupe
Topic: Swapping Z3 for Z4
Replies: 30
Views: 4983

smartypants wrote:Me neither - I've just bought a Golf :head:


Getting old and sensible sucks :D
Be a delinquent geriatric and grow old disgracefully............Blow the kid's inheritance. You know it makes sense :D
by Martin
Thu 02 Apr, 2009 08:12
Forum: Z4 roadster and Z4 Coupe
Topic: Swapping Z3 for Z4
Replies: 30
Views: 4983

I too recently went from a Z3 2.8 to a Z4 3.0 SE. I did it initially with much trepidation as I loved my Z3. I can confirm that I have not been disappointed in terms of handling, performance and comfort. I have no regrets with my purchase and am really enjoying my motoring right now and the car is v...
by Martin
Tue 24 Mar, 2009 22:21
Forum: Z4 roadster and Z4 Coupe
Topic: Starter Questions...
Replies: 6
Views: 2186

If you really want genuine sat nav update I guess you are going to have to go to BMW main dealer and expect to be shafted. I haven't looked on Ebay but I can't think that many people will be wishing to part with this year's updates. I was directed to another BMW forum and put in contact with a suppl...
by Martin
Tue 24 Mar, 2009 08:22
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted - Z4 Wind Deflector
Replies: 9
Views: 1660

A word of caution before you spend money. My Z4 is fitted with the standard windbreak that slots between the 2 roll hoops but I have to say I don't think it is as effective as the one that was fitted to my Z3. Noticed a bit of a draft around the neck although my hair isn't long enough to blow around...
by Martin
Mon 09 Mar, 2009 08:03
Forum: Z1 roadster
Topic: Falken FK-452 or Toyo PROXES T1-R
Replies: 7
Views: 1401

I had Toyo Proxes on my Z3 following recommendations from people on this site. Very pleased. Hard wearing good grip, particularly in wet so no complaints.

Falkens seem to be highly thought of in the Z4 community.
by Martin
Tue 24 Feb, 2009 08:28
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: A Nice Pair
Replies: 3
Views: 734

Nice pics 8-) Are they CSL reps on the z3? What size and where did you get them? They are 18" wheels and were on the car when I bought it from a 2nd hand car dealer. I'm not sure I have the original advert but I thought is said BBS or BBR alloys. (Wasn't that bothered really, just new they loo...
by Martin
Sun 22 Feb, 2009 23:39
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: A Nice Pair
Replies: 3
Views: 734

A Nice Pair

After 4 years of thoroughly enjoyable ownership my daily driver Z3, now with 109k on the clock has gone into semi retirement in the capable hands of my brother in law who will use her on high days and holidays. I will forward details of the forum in the hope that he will sign up. It was very sad to ...
by Martin
Tue 17 Feb, 2009 14:46
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: is the Z4 ment to be an upgrade to a z3 ?
Replies: 15
Views: 1621

I have just taken on a Z4 3.0 SE Manual which has been temporarily mothballed until my Z3 2.8 pre face lift goes to its new home (imminently I hope!) I have only driven the Z4 twice (test drive and 25 mile trip home) so its early days yet. Initial experience suggests Z4 feels much lighter and the ha...
by Martin
Wed 11 Feb, 2009 20:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: My Z3 3.0i Sport Auto Roadster for SALE
Replies: 6
Views: 978

Interesting that the price in the window says £9850!!

With Iananddebbie's Z4 being offered at under £9k it seems Z4 prices are in free fall which I guess is going to impact on Z3 residuals.

Its a buyers market at the moment.
by Martin
Sat 07 Feb, 2009 11:38
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Looking for Insurance for Z4
Replies: 11
Views: 31597

Think we are sorted. Will be sticking with present insurers Footman James until renewal on 30 Mar 09. The Z4 will be the main car and they will treat Z3 as an additional car for a period of 30 days. Hopefully the car will be in a relative's possession by then. At the renewal date I will see if FJ ca...
by Martin
Thu 05 Feb, 2009 09:17
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Looking for Insurance for Z4
Replies: 11
Views: 31597

Mark N

Thanks for the lead bu sadly BMW didn't come trumps for me: £559.65 with £350 excess. I guess the quality of the cover might be better than most, but I really need to focus more on price.

So still the Post Office at the moment.
by Martin
Tue 03 Feb, 2009 23:23
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Looking for Insurance for Z4
Replies: 11
Views: 31597

Thanks for the pointers folks. Quite a product evening. Direct Line quoted £359.10 but that includes excesses of circa £600. Using gocompare.com the best (not quite cheapest quote) was The Post Office £351.91 with vol excess of just £250 and apparently no compulsory excess. (RAC was slightly cheaper...
by Martin
Tue 03 Feb, 2009 18:26
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Looking for Insurance for Z4
Replies: 11
Views: 31597

Looking for Insurance for Z4

After a few years making my mind up I now "get" Z4s and decided to get one! I have put a deposit on a very nice 04 plate Z4 3.0 SE manual which I hope to pick up next week. (Private Sale) On my 99 plate 2.8 Z3 I am paying £373.23 with Footman James with a £300 excess for self and wife inc ...
by Martin
Mon 26 Jan, 2009 19:18
Forum: Z4 roadster and Z4 Coupe
Topic: Z4M Lump into a Z4?
Replies: 5
Views: 1512

Agreed. Guy at work had an 02 reg Audi A4 turbo 4x4 and did the same thing. I understand insurance co wrote car off and settled very favourably.
by Martin
Mon 06 Oct, 2008 19:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: what miles
Replies: 58
Views: 5340

105k on my 99 2.8. Runs like a dream.
by Martin
Fri 16 May, 2008 06:56
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: For the non-believers
Replies: 17
Views: 3552

So are there any other Zedders out there into Dinghy Sailing? I sail a National 12 at my home Club in Warwickshire and a Sprint 15 Catamaran on the sea in North Norfolk. I have to say though that any towing required is done using my wife's V6 Mondeo (which is actually quite an enjoyable drive for a ...
by Martin
Tue 25 Mar, 2008 09:57
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rear screen help
Replies: 10
Views: 1137

For what its worth, I had such a good service and quality product from Soft Tops at Coventry which for me would far outweigh potential cost benefits of importing from US and any unexpected installation hassles when it arrives............... Funnily enough not in the Zed today but saw a blue R reg on...
by Martin
Tue 05 Feb, 2008 17:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Review of Independent Service
Replies: 6
Views: 1717

A good read. Well done. Do you know if this outfit has all the bmw diagnostic stuff. The indie I used near me didn't and seemed heavily reliant on using other garages to support him which I never felt comfortable about and have since gone back to main dealer for servicing.
by Martin
Fri 18 Jan, 2008 08:04
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Memorable day for not the best reasons.
Replies: 18
Views: 2549

Probably would have been sensible, but I hadn't got the heart to take photos before the repair was done!
by Martin
Thu 17 Jan, 2008 23:54
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Memorable day for not the best reasons.
Replies: 18
Views: 2549

Got the car back yesterday and saw it properly in daylight for the first time today. Really really pleased with the quality of the fit and finish of the work done. Car also fully valeted inside and out. BMW Main dealers and not forgetting their approved agents of course came up trumps. Excess to pay...
by Martin
Wed 09 Jan, 2008 21:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: rear window replacement
Replies: 5
Views: 1090

Some of us have used a guy called Tony Huxham based in Coventry. He replaced mine and did a fantastic job. He used to advertise on ebay but his listing seems to have gone. When I dealt with him his address was Unit 4 Bartons Court Barras Green Stoke Coventry Tel 02476 455477. I hope he is still trad...
by Martin
Thu 20 Dec, 2007 19:17
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: General Knowledge Quiz: Phone a friend and all that?
Replies: 16
Views: 2171

With thanks to Robert Carnegie on the BBC Radio 4 Questions Questions forum, the answer to the Woman of the Year Question is The Princess Royal. He found the answer on this Daily Telegraph web page. :rtm: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/htmlContent.jhtml?html=/archive/1996/12/20/ntoday20.html which says:...
by Martin
Thu 20 Dec, 2007 11:54
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: General Knowledge Quiz: Phone a friend and all that?
Replies: 16
Views: 2171

but doesn't a galia melon have deep green skin (flesh)?
by Martin
Thu 20 Dec, 2007 09:29
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Memorable day for not the best reasons.
Replies: 18
Views: 2549

Engineer has just seen the car. He thinks it is easily repairable. He explained he was there to see if the repairs listed in the quote, matched the damage on the car. (although he hadn't seen quote at that stage!) I gave him the details as I understood them and Mr Poz's valuation and he seemed conte...
by Martin
Thu 20 Dec, 2007 09:18
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: General Knowledge Quiz: Phone a friend and all that?
Replies: 16
Views: 2171

c_w wrote:2. Edwina Curry?
Apparently she was runner up to Thatcher one year but didn't defeat her.
by Martin
Thu 20 Dec, 2007 09:17
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: General Knowledge Quiz: Phone a friend and all that?
Replies: 16
Views: 2171

Thanks for the ideas so far. Glad its not just us struggling!! I wondered about Princess Diana but not sure if radio 4 Today Programme listeners would have held her in such high esteem as the rest of the populace!! My other thoughts which I need to check out are the Irish Peace women ... Maried.... ...
by Martin
Wed 19 Dec, 2007 22:39
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: General Knowledge Quiz: Phone a friend and all that?
Replies: 16
Views: 2171

General Knowledge Quiz: Phone a friend and all that?

A little off topic, so please forgive me. We are currently doing a general knowledge quiz which we have to hand in soon. We have answered 142 questions and a little stuck on the remaining 2: - 1) Who in the 1980s prevented Margaret Thatcher from being voted Woman of the year on Radio 4's Today Progr...
by Martin
Wed 19 Dec, 2007 10:58
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Memorable day for not the best reasons.
Replies: 18
Views: 2549

I have had a look at the relevant book and the trade value on your car in its pre-accident condition is £5250 , this value includes the mileage adjustment to 100k as per the information you gave me. Please bear in mind this value will drop around another £150 at the turn of the month. I hope this w...
by Martin
Tue 18 Dec, 2007 14:56
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Memorable day for not the best reasons.
Replies: 18
Views: 2549

MrPoz-BMWZ4 wrote:If you post more details about the car I can tell you the 'trade value'.
You have PM
by Martin
Tue 18 Dec, 2007 12:57
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Memorable day for not the best reasons.
Replies: 18
Views: 2549

A bit of a progress report and some advice would be appreciated. BMW approved repairer has quoted £2309.05 to repair car including parts labour and paint (not sure about VAT) Insurers say quote is higher than they expected and are arranging an engineers report to see if it is economically viable to ...
by Martin
Thu 13 Dec, 2007 21:49
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Memorable day for not the best reasons.
Replies: 18
Views: 2549

Memorable day for not the best reasons.

Today my '99 Z3 2.8 passed 100k on the clock. I was thinking she still runs like a dream and as a daily driver has not deterioated apart from a few stone chips and scuffs on the alloys....... and then on my way to work had a light front end shunt. Fortunately the car still drivable and feels no diff...
by Martin
Tue 30 Oct, 2007 17:52
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Fun and Games at the "dealers" Today
Replies: 8
Views: 1331

Yes I suggest you keep the name of your insider under your hat!! Oil Service, coolant change and brake fluid change was £248.71 including parts, labour and VAT. From that I was refunded £55.81 for the unecessary Brake Fluid change. Still not convinced I got any reduction for it being an older car th...
by Martin
Tue 30 Oct, 2007 17:19
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Angel Eyes
Replies: 29
Views: 2670

Oxford_gruen_II wrote:
Martin wrote: Volvoesque
Something which is so very BMW? :shock:
Yes Angel Eyes are very BMW but equally driving with your lights on seems very Volvo.

Still not clear though, do Angel Eyes impair the efficiency of the light in any way given that the centres do not appear to be illuminated?
by Martin
Mon 29 Oct, 2007 19:13
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Fun and Games at the "dealers" Today
Replies: 8
Views: 1331

Sorry not sure if I understand your post correctly. Is that Oil Service, Coolant & Brake Fluid Change and puncture repair for £47.95 :? or do you mean just Brake Fluid and puncture repair for £47.95. If it is the former and your main dealer is any good let me have the details for next time!!! :w...
by Martin
Sun 28 Oct, 2007 22:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Angel Eyes
Replies: 29
Views: 2670

Do Angel Eyes reduce the efficiency of the headlight in anyway?

Have to say it makes me chuckle when I see BMW owners round here driving around in broad daylight with their Angel Eyes on for effect. I guess if you got it flaunt it, but is does seem a bit Volvoesque to me!!