Search found 1225 matches

by BonBon
Fri 09 Jun, 2023 11:08
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So So Sad
Replies: 15
Views: 18540

So So Sad

It is unfortunate that the traffic to this amazing site has deteriorated to such a low level.
:-o Please ensure that down the line the wealth of information is not lost.
by BonBon
Fri 26 Aug, 2022 07:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Replies: 29
Views: 19536

Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems

For completion it seems that there is an additional phenomena with the fuel gauge. Filled tank partially and with the “shimmed” gauge arm - it all worked fine. Filled it up to the top and so far in the first 25km of driving the gauge is jumping from correct reading to open circuit (gauge completely ...
by BonBon
Tue 23 Aug, 2022 08:03
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Replies: 29
Views: 19536

Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems

Well - the latest one (and it seems the exact same problem as the previous one) was not due to bad contact due to dirt on the PCB or it being damaged in some way etc - rather it seems to be due to excessive play at the pivot point between the arm and it’s sleeve - the mechanism outlined above by Sou...
by BonBon
Sat 16 Jul, 2022 18:28
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Replies: 29
Views: 19536

Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems

Southernboy, My 3rd one has now gone. 431,000 km (perhaps the most mileage globally for a Z3 :shock: ) It is same failure mechanism of bad contact (erratic). I don't suspect mechanical damage as I have a vac release fuel cap and I secured the arm in place with screws. I'll try to get my hands on a D...
by BonBon
Sat 20 Feb, 2021 18:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Wing mirror vibration
Replies: 23
Views: 6995

Re: Wing mirror vibration

My mirror finally could not be revived with additional epoxy. So finally bit the bullet and got an x8R plastic mount: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/For-BMW-Z3-E36-Outside-Wing-Door-Mirror-Spindle-Repair-Fix-LHD-Drivers-Side/221889658560?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 Did...
by BonBon
Tue 12 Jan, 2021 09:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Replies: 29
Views: 19536

Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems

Anyway, Got the vented petrol cap and so far no engine warning light.
So - saved a future fuel gauge mess up and a bonus of no need for a key to fill up the tank.
Mission accomplished after 13 years of ownership....
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265001483390
by BonBon
Wed 02 Dec, 2020 15:37
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Replies: 29
Views: 19536

Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems

Not only was there erratic contact at full tank - the readings were a bit incorrect as the tank emptied. Removed the unit and the problem was bad contact between the contacts and the Ceramic at full tank position (and presumably error prone readings the whole range) . Anyway, I took an arm and a Cer...
by BonBon
Mon 16 Nov, 2020 06:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Before you blame the Sender..
Replies: 7
Views: 4900

Re: Before you blame the Sender..

In any case, crap design and poor disclosure by BMW. I’ve seen the following failures: - bad contact on the ceramic plate due to mediocre fuel (often fixed by quality fuel & solvents) - poor contact due to wear in plastic lever sleeve - float lever displaced - broken ceramic plate - torn gauge w...
by BonBon
Sun 15 Nov, 2020 22:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Before you blame the Sender..
Replies: 7
Views: 4900

Re: Before you blame the Sender..

This makes a lot of sense - but why would you be getting flat zero reading? If there was contact and the arm was getting stuck - wouldn’t you be getting a stable wrong reading as opposed to an “no contact / open circuit” reading?
by BonBon
Sun 15 Nov, 2020 17:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Replies: 29
Views: 19536

Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems

I know I put in place properly - with the two clamps you mentioned. I’ll see when I open up again whether it unclipped. But my bet is on a bad electrical contact between one of the spring loaded contacts and the ceramic plate. I cleaned the plate - but I should have also cleaned the 2 contacts. As I...
by BonBon
Sun 15 Nov, 2020 16:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Replies: 29
Views: 19536

Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems

What now? I opened the tank and found the ceramic plate in tact - but the lever arm in its plastic housing was out of place. I cleaned the ceramic plate the bent the arm to be in its correct position and put the lever and housing into place. When turning the switch it read correctly, "almost em...
by BonBon
Fri 13 Nov, 2020 05:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Replies: 29
Views: 19536

Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems

I can confirm that the cause of my collapsed tank was a failed release valve.
For now I opened the pipe going to the activated charcoal filter from the tank and no light has come on (so far). So hoping the vented cap will work.
by BonBon
Wed 11 Nov, 2020 18:45
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Replies: 29
Views: 19536

Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems

Perhaps not, if they get vented fuel caps 😅
by BonBon
Wed 11 Nov, 2020 18:28
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Replies: 29
Views: 19536

Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems

There will be a new batch in January :squeeze:
by BonBon
Wed 11 Nov, 2020 16:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Replies: 29
Views: 19536

Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems

The Dutch guy seems to be out of stock. Wanted a spare in case....
by BonBon
Wed 11 Nov, 2020 16:31
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Replies: 29
Views: 19536

Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems

Quoting you:
"Fit a new ceramic card...."
Are there any still about for sale?
by BonBon
Wed 11 Nov, 2020 14:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Replies: 29
Views: 19536

Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems

But without the one-way-valve there will be a smell of fumes. Especially in hot climates. I ordered the part linked above. I'm also fed up with taking the key to fill up. Hope it fits - only $18 shipped :) Shame so many thousands of gauges have gone over the years - pissed I did not figure this our ...
by BonBon
Wed 11 Nov, 2020 13:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Replies: 29
Views: 19536

Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems

How goes friend? We'll keep this site alive as it has so much info. Anyway I finally figured out - cuz my second one failed after 6 years.... The failure is the fuel breather valve. It creates vacuum in the tank which collapses the wall of the tank on the sender unit. This explains the scratches on ...
by BonBon
Wed 11 Nov, 2020 12:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Tale of a Z3 fuel sender unit gauge (300k km)
Replies: 4
Views: 5194

Re: Tale of a Z3 fuel sender unit (300k km)

OK - it failed again (Z3 FUEL GAUGE) and this time after a bit more research I now understand what is going on. The failure is in the fuel breather valve. It creates vacuum in the tank which collapses the wall of the tank on the sender unit. This explains the scratches on the inside rear wall of the...
by BonBon
Wed 11 Nov, 2020 11:03
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems
Replies: 29
Views: 19536

Re: Cheap solution fuel gauge problems

The mechanism of the collapsed tank breaking the ceramic plate discussed in detail:
https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/1997 ... 422/page-3
by BonBon
Mon 26 Oct, 2020 17:19
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: No Instrument Lights or Warning Buzzer
Replies: 19
Views: 4569

Re: No Instrument Lights or Warning Buzzer

Thanks - this saved hours of anxiety. I did spend 30 minutes trying to figure wtf went wrong (checking fuses etc)
It seems that in the process of changing covers of my console I left the lighter wires free to short which fried the rheostat (there is no protection in the wiring).
by BonBon
Sat 11 Jul, 2020 18:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Seat belt guide
Replies: 4
Views: 1622

Re: Seat belt guide

The Z parts that fix the guide externally are cute and save a major job
Southernboy sells them
by BonBon
Thu 19 Dec, 2019 17:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 400,000 & going strong
Replies: 3
Views: 2833

400,000 & going strong

Image
by BonBon
Mon 16 Dec, 2019 16:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Condensation on rear screen?
Replies: 4
Views: 3391

Re: Condensation on rear screen?

The repositioning probably mitigated the entrance of water into the vehicle. Make an effort to find the leak into the car (eg looking in the boot while spraying water on the rear roof seal).
I'll bet you have pool of water in the battery area or in the corners behind the rear wheels.
by BonBon
Thu 19 Sep, 2019 19:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 steering wheel squeaking
Replies: 3
Views: 3203

Re: Z3 steering wheel squeaking

Here's a pic of my jeans:
Image
by BonBon
Fri 23 Aug, 2019 15:00
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 steering wheel squeaking
Replies: 3
Views: 3203

Re: Z3 steering wheel squeaking - SORTED

Added a hand fabricated spacer behind the metal grommet behind the steering wheel.
A nice little satisfying job.
by BonBon
Fri 23 Aug, 2019 06:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 steering wheel squeaking
Replies: 3
Views: 3203

Z3 steering wheel squeaking

For a couple of days it was driving me nuts and getting worse. Three suspects - rubbing of steering wheel on cowling (which showed visible vibration coinciding with the noise); friction around slip ring and finally the U joints on the other side of the firewall. Decided to start with the easiest - b...
by BonBon
Sat 20 Jul, 2019 20:13
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: 1997 2.8 for sale
Replies: 2
Views: 2981

Re: 1997 2.8 for sale

You've done a great job looking after this gem.
Here it'd be worth 12k :oops:
by BonBon
Sun 30 Jun, 2019 10:29
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Improve BMW z3 a/c - service / clean evaporator
Replies: 1
Views: 2663

Improve BMW z3 a/c - service / clean evaporator

My A/C did not come close to my wife's 8 year old CIVIC. I tried everything from new compressor, drier and cleaning the condenser with mild caustic and water rinse. The biggest difference was cleaning out the evaporator. Getting in there is the same procedure as to access the resistor pack. It takes...
by BonBon
Tue 07 May, 2019 19:55
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Parts for Z3 available
Replies: 8
Views: 5646

Re: Parts for Z3 available

Mike - nice to hear from you.
Look after yourself!
by BonBon
Fri 22 Mar, 2019 12:19
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted exhaust for my Z3 1.9 Twin Cam
Replies: 14
Views: 5963

Re: Wanted exhaust for my Z3 1.9 Twin Cam

That sounds crazy :geek:
Wouldn't have been simpler to just tow the car away and strip it??
by BonBon
Mon 10 Dec, 2018 21:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Heat at idle
Replies: 9
Views: 4366

Re: Heat at idle

Indeed it’s quite tight there - but “douze points” for trying.
by BonBon
Mon 10 Dec, 2018 19:53
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Heat at idle
Replies: 9
Views: 4366

Re: Heat at idle

So in the UK the driver footwell is cooler than ours?? :sunny
by BonBon
Sun 09 Dec, 2018 17:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Heat at idle
Replies: 9
Views: 4366

Re: Heat at idle

Will look at a backflush (as thermostat is fine)
by BonBon
Sun 09 Dec, 2018 13:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Heat at idle
Replies: 9
Views: 4366

Re: Heat at idle

Colb - all the 3 items you listed have been checked. The air is not cold - it's quite warm but noticeably cooler that the really hot air when raising the revs. (My first thought was a partially blocked heater core valve - but checked that as well)
by BonBon
Sun 09 Dec, 2018 09:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Heat at idle
Replies: 9
Views: 4366

Heat at idle

Has anyone observed that the heat from the hot air blower when idling (eg red light) is not boiling as when driving? I know my valve is clean. If it's not like that for all - the only thing I suspect is a partially blocked core.
Any insights?
by BonBon
Mon 08 Oct, 2018 10:34
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Before you blame the Sender..
Replies: 7
Views: 4900

Re: Before you blame the Sender..

If you look carefully at the tank you may find that it deformed over time and the plastic wall is interfering with the arm. I saw scratches on the inner side of my tank done over the years by the arm.
by BonBon
Wed 12 Sep, 2018 09:52
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: 2000 Z3 2.0 manual, Topaz blue, blue leather & hood, £1600
Replies: 30
Views: 11400

Re: 2000 Z3 2.0 manual, Topaz blue, blue leather & hood, £1900

Makes absolutely no sense.
Here it would go for ~11,000 quid :bawl:
by BonBon
Wed 13 Jun, 2018 11:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 1.9 Pre facelift M44 Engine. Lambada probe
Replies: 7
Views: 3442

Re: Z3 1.9 Pre facelift M44 Engine. Lambada probe

I assume your Cat Conveter itself may be knackered.
by BonBon
Tue 05 Jun, 2018 05:00
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: FS: 1999 Steel Grey 2.8
Replies: 6
Views: 3093

Re: 1999 Steel Grey 2.8

Seems like you part with your beloved Zs and keep on coming back for more.
Can't say I blame you :lol:
by BonBon
Thu 17 May, 2018 05:12
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: 2001(Y) Z3 3.0 for sale (80,000 miles)
Replies: 6
Views: 3062

Re: 2001(Y) Z3 3.0 for sale (80,000 miles)

What is the rationale for the reserve being "secret"?
by BonBon
Thu 05 Apr, 2018 09:32
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rain Water Ingress - I'm out of ideas
Replies: 12
Views: 5634

Re: Rain Water Ingress - I'm out of ideas

I'm not sure Gummi is hydrophobic. I've had success on the top of the window by using a hydrophobic spray used for waterproofing canvas (roofs and/or tents). In small/tight areas I apply it with my finger after spraying into the can cap. There are many vendors - just a couple of examples: https://ww...
by BonBon
Tue 27 Mar, 2018 15:05
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: 3 piece Z3 Boot spoiler
Replies: 2
Views: 2163

Re: 3 piece Z3 Boot spoiler

Is it so distasteful to you that it's worth having to put right all the holes it will leave in the boot? :shrug
by BonBon
Thu 22 Mar, 2018 15:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Lowest point in the world
Replies: 2
Views: 2066

Lowest point in the world

The board seems to be in hibernation. :shake:
Just a pic to cheer everyone up. :squeeze:
Tagged along to the Holyland 2018 rally - Holyland1000tour.org
How about a couple in the snow?
Image
by BonBon
Mon 05 Mar, 2018 16:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Brown mayo in rad
Replies: 4
Views: 2385

Re: Brown guuk in rad

Indeed the transmission oil is air cooled - so that obviously was not the cause of the oil leak into the coolant reservoir. As there is no water in the oil the diagnosis of my INDY was that there is corrosion in the rear timing plate. (pic below). He says he's seen it once before on a E46. It seems ...
by BonBon
Mon 05 Mar, 2018 07:28
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Brown mayo in rad
Replies: 4
Views: 2385

Re: Brown guuk in rad

The car in a M44 auto - if the transmission oil is cooled by water it could be the failure of the heat exchanger.
I see in realoem the transmission oil has an air cooled radiator. Will need to go to my Indy - perhaps somehow there is also a water interface??
by BonBon
Sun 04 Mar, 2018 20:11
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Brown mayo in rad
Replies: 4
Views: 2385

Re: Brown guuk in rad

I agree - hoping it’s just the gasket :oops:
by BonBon
Sun 04 Mar, 2018 19:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Free 3rd party Image Hosting
Replies: 9
Views: 4751

Re: Free 3rd party Image Hosting

Did IMGUR stop providing a link that opens automatically in the site (as opposed to a clickable link)?