Search found 789 matches

by siwilson
Thu 18 Mar, 2021 07:38
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted: Z4M Original wheels
Replies: 0
Views: 3544

Wanted: Z4M Original wheels

As in the title, I am looking for a set of original style 224 wheels for a Z4M Coupe/roadster.

Thanks

Si.
by siwilson
Mon 05 Nov, 2018 10:01
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Steering grating noise and slipring
Replies: 8
Views: 3871

Re: Steering grating noise and slipring

Engine compartment. See where the steering column comes through the firewall and follow it down. You should see a spring at the bottom just before where it connects to the rack. I'll warn you its a pig to get your hand down there. Some spray grease would be easier. but I did not have a long enough t...
by siwilson
Mon 05 Nov, 2018 09:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Steering grating noise and slipring
Replies: 8
Views: 3871

Re: Steering grating noise and slipring

A squirt of silicon spray (curtain rail lubricant) helped quieten mine down a bit.However the main noise came from the bottom of the steering column. There is a spring and bearing down there the gets dry and makes this grating noise. The sound goes up the tube making it sound like its coming for the...
by siwilson
Wed 15 Aug, 2018 09:33
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Window washer jets issue
Replies: 10
Views: 5958

Re: Window washer jets issue

The correct clips are called “clic hose clamps” and there is a special pair of pliers to do and undo them. The clips are quite cheap and the pliers are not to bad either. My pliers are made by draper.
by siwilson
Tue 31 Jul, 2018 11:09
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Hardtop tool(for securing screws at front of Hardtop)
Replies: 6
Views: 5069

Re: Hardtop tool(for securing screws at front of Hardtop)

The BMW tool is a T40 Torx and is made by WIHA. The Wiha part number used to be 36404020001341. Not sure if this still works. When I bought mine it was about a tenner.
by siwilson
Sun 15 Jul, 2018 18:50
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Scraping noise behind steering wheel
Replies: 2
Views: 1727

Re: Scraping noise behind steering wheel

There are a couple of things that can cause this. Either the slip-ring at the top or more likely the spring and bearings at the bottom of the steering column. The spring gets wet and loses all lubrication. Its tough, but you can get in there with a hand full of grease or a long pipe and some spray g...
by siwilson
Tue 27 Feb, 2018 08:41
Forum: Performance
Topic: Can anyone explain how scavenging works on a full exhaust system?
Replies: 4
Views: 7227

Re: Can anyone explain how scavenging works on a full exhaust system?

A full exhaust with cats and silencers will create some back pressure. However, in the test he only applies pressure to one pipe so there is nothing in any of the other inputs to fit against the back pressure and help force the flow down the full exhaust. The even with a small amount of back pressur...
by siwilson
Thu 14 Dec, 2017 08:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Halfords Aftermarket Radio
Replies: 8
Views: 4015

Re: Halfords Aftermarket Radio

You will need an adapter, but it depends on what system you had as to which adapter is needed. Does the speaker grill in the middle behind the seats say Harmon Kardon on it? If so you had two amps and may need a different adapter. if there is no Harmon Kardon badge then you had the Hi-Fi system whic...
by siwilson
Thu 31 Aug, 2017 07:10
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Best spark plugs for Z3M S50 ?
Replies: 5
Views: 5331

Re: Best spark plugs for Z3M S50 ?

Yep, they don't last forever. happened to me twice and usually at the most inconvenient times. I now carry a spare in the boot along with my Peake code reader.
by siwilson
Mon 12 Jun, 2017 07:26
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Tyres
Replies: 16
Views: 8124

Re: Tyres

FWIW, I have Goodyear Asym 2 and I hate them. They grip well enough, but the initial turn is is awful, not a patch on the Goodyear Asym 1 they replaced. Also mixing Asym 1 (front) and Asym 2 (rear) was a disaster. Maybe the Aym 3 will see Goodyear back to their best, but I'm going Michelin PS4 in a ...
by siwilson
Sat 03 Jun, 2017 06:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 21926

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Simple test. When I had my 2.0 I noticed the occasional pinking and found better fuel cured it. Do you use super unleaded or could you try a tank?
by siwilson
Tue 17 Jan, 2017 10:55
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Which gearbox oil?
Replies: 16
Views: 6235

Re: Which gearbox oil?

i switched from BMW OEM to Redline MTL a year ago. Now the gearbox is a little sticky when stone cold, but definitely much better than stock when it warms up. The BMW OEM seemed slightly better when cold, but did not change when the gearbox warmed up.
by siwilson
Fri 28 Oct, 2016 12:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: help with windscreen washers please
Replies: 34
Views: 5123

Re:

After looking through RealOEM it would appear that Z4 and Z8 have no NRVs in the washer systems. :shock: Models with heated washer jets have the non-return valve built into the jet. I have also found RealOEM and BMW dealer parts diagrams to be incomplete when it comes to the washer system. If you e...
by siwilson
Mon 17 Oct, 2016 07:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Intermittent radio reception - almost none existent
Replies: 7
Views: 2903

Re: Intermittent radio reception - almost none existent

Do you have a factory radio or has it been replaced with aftermarket? If aftermarket then its quite possible the antenna amplifier (in the boot) power feed is not connected to the back of the head unit. Aftermarket head units tend to have two wires that are not connected into the ISO connector. One ...
by siwilson
Wed 05 Oct, 2016 21:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: BMW quality!
Replies: 11
Views: 3713

Re: BMW quality!

I find the A/C VERY useful for clearing misted windows in winter.
by siwilson
Sun 02 Oct, 2016 14:32
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Emissions? bent pipe failure
Replies: 12
Views: 3747

Re: Emissions? bent pipe failure

That said, I would fix it and not delete since you need to code it out of the DME to avoid a CEL total rubbish :head: e Charming. Mine accidentally became disconnected due to the ground wire coming loose and that it threw a CEL. Perhaps the M54 reacts slightly differently to an S54. I don't know. S...
by siwilson
Sat 01 Oct, 2016 08:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: top mounts rear shocks
Replies: 7
Views: 2456

Re: top mounts rear shocks

You can just peel the carpet back from under the top lip. Start near the hood hinge as you can get to the edge of the carpet there. Fold the carpet back and you can get access. There are also a couple of black plugs if you need more room. It might seem drastic, but it goes back just fine.
by siwilson
Fri 30 Sep, 2016 11:59
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Rear spring replacement
Replies: 6
Views: 3190

Re: Rear spring replacement

Thanks for the picture. It looks like yours has been lowered since there is more thread above the screw adjuster than I have. I don't know if it matters but the instructions that came with mine said to use the original bottom pad only. No bump stop apparently required. I'm just confused. Your coils...
by siwilson
Thu 29 Sep, 2016 20:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Emissions? bent pipe failure
Replies: 12
Views: 3747

Re: Emissions? bent pipe failure

It only works when the engine is cold. When are you ever going to get to the MOT centre with a cold engine? That said, I would fix it and not delete since you need to code it out of the DME to avoid a CEL
by siwilson
Thu 29 Sep, 2016 20:16
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Rear spring replacement
Replies: 6
Views: 3190

Re: Rear spring replacement

No knocking on mine.

Do you have the short spring and the adjuster on the top like this? you can see the old upper spring pad now ion the bottom and no spring pad on the top. i have had this for a while and no issues at all.

Image
by siwilson
Wed 21 Sep, 2016 21:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Anyone know how to remove this piece of trim?
Replies: 9
Views: 2908

Re: Anyone know how to remove this piece of trim?

Wiggle and pull. There are no fixings to it. Just a tight fit.
by siwilson
Wed 14 Sep, 2016 07:06
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Torsen diff and brake rollers at MOT centre
Replies: 11
Views: 3316

Re: Torsen diff and brake rollers at MOT centre

Have you had the discs off to take a look at the handbrake shoes? Since the handbrake doesn't do any real braking (just a lock when already you are already stationary), the shoes don't wear and have probably been in there since new. They do degrade though and can fall apart. I recently noticed my ri...
by siwilson
Tue 13 Sep, 2016 19:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Torsen diff and brake rollers at MOT centre
Replies: 11
Views: 3316

Re: Torsen diff and brake rollers at MOT centre

What he is asking is if its OK for one wheel to be spun by the rollers while the other is held still. I know its NOT OK on a clutch pack diff, but not sure on TorSen. I think your tester did the smart thing. I wish more were like him.
by siwilson
Wed 07 Sep, 2016 07:23
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Free M Suspension Parts
Replies: 9
Views: 3458

Re: Free M Suspension Parts

Well there's wrong and really wrong. Any Z3 rear spring will 'fit'. The question is how close to the 100% correct spring rate you get. Our cars were built with different springs depending on which options were specified from the factory. On the front only the air-conditioning seems to make a differe...
by siwilson
Wed 17 Aug, 2016 13:52
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 Instrument Cluster Variants?
Replies: 4
Views: 1967

Re: Z3 Instrument Cluster Variants?

Any replacement cluster will require coding and then the mileage will still be wrong. If the cost all up is in the same ball park then I would get your existing one repaired.
by siwilson
Wed 17 Aug, 2016 11:56
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 Instrument Cluster Variants?
Replies: 4
Views: 1967

Re: Z3 Instrument Cluster Variants?

Bex, Your part number seems to be the uncoded version of 62 11 6 901 501. This has been superseded by 62 11 6 901 519, so the 520 part seems to be just an updated version. I did a cross mode lookup and the same part is used on the following. Z3 E36, Z3 1.9, Roadster, M43, EUR, (CM11) : Instrument cl...
by siwilson
Tue 16 Aug, 2016 10:56
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Best tyres to eliminate tramlining
Replies: 26
Views: 9314

Re: Best tyres to eliminate tramlining

Mixing tyres on a Z3 is always a risk. Sometimes you get away with it, but mostly not. If the rears are good then I would get the exact same make/model on the front. Also look at front lower control arm bushes (lollipops). You can also play with the tyre pressure a little.
by siwilson
Tue 09 Aug, 2016 08:47
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Z3M S54 - AVANOS1-late valve code
Replies: 4
Views: 2219

Re: Z3M S54 - AVANOS1-late valve code

Welcome Chronopete :) The S54s do 'tick' a bit (mine does) and it is especially noticeable when alongside a wall. IMO the ///Ms don't actually feel that fast unless you bury the throttle, get the revs up and the VANOS kicks in. If the error you are seeing is a VANOS issue then you certainty wouldn't...
by siwilson
Tue 26 Jul, 2016 13:22
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Does the ECU take time to settle down?
Replies: 26
Views: 6775

Re: Does the ECU take time to settle down?

I think for clarity it would be useful for someone with INPA to try this.

1. Use INPA or DIS to check adaptions are in place.
2. Reset adaption use RAC method above.
3. UNse INPA or DIS to check adaptions have indeed been reset.
4. Report back here on how it went.
by siwilson
Tue 05 Jul, 2016 10:50
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Limited Slip Diff Observation
Replies: 19
Views: 5370

Re: Limited Slip Diff Observation

I thought all Z3s were limited slip with the non ///M have the TorSen and the ///M having clutch pack.

How do you know its broken? I recall a TorSen diff is difficult to test under no load situations. i.e raising the wheel and spinning one side will look like its broken when its not.
by siwilson
Mon 04 Jul, 2016 12:06
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Diff Rubber Mount
Replies: 16
Views: 4449

Re: Diff Rubber Mount

I replaced mine with the diff in place , the clunk is gone on mine you could clearly see the diff sagged in the mount a damaged oem bush is more likely to cause more issue to the mount than the poly bush. The flex in the bush can cause issue to the mount as it jars the mount as the bush moves. Remo...
by siwilson
Mon 04 Jul, 2016 07:53
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Diff Rubber Mount
Replies: 16
Views: 4449

Re: Diff Rubber Mount

The clunk you are referring to is also known as "driveline slack" and sadly a characteristic of these cars even when nothing is 'broken'. If you suspect that diff bush then have a really careful look at the mount to make sure its not cracked. A bad bush will allow the diff to twist and put...
by siwilson
Sat 04 Jun, 2016 08:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Fitting aftermarket radio.
Replies: 5
Views: 2145

Re: Fitting aftermarket radio.

when I got my zed the front of the radio was missing so I got a dab radio took the cd player out of the boot (tied up the loose wires)then just plugged in the new radio into the the plugs the went into the old radio petet2b It's not the same if you have the upgraded system with an amp in the boot. ...
by siwilson
Sat 04 Jun, 2016 07:59
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Fitting aftermarket radio.
Replies: 5
Views: 2145

Re: Fitting aftermarket radio.

Bob,

Fitting the new radio is easy. You just need an adapter.

The more complicated part is bridging the amp connector. The amp connector is what I was looking for a picture of.
by siwilson
Sat 04 Jun, 2016 07:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Fitting aftermarket radio.
Replies: 5
Views: 2145

Re: Fitting aftermarket radio.

Bob, The good news is the wiring is all there together. You need to bridge the input and the output so the the speaker output from the new radio goes direct to the speakers. Depending on the setup you may also have to add in some kind of crossover for the mids and sweaters in the doors. Do you know ...
by siwilson
Sat 28 May, 2016 07:05
Forum: Z1 roadster
Topic: Sump replacement!
Replies: 16
Views: 6545

Re: Sump replacement!

Seriously, don't let anyone try to weld with that in place. Many years ago I watched the oil ignite on a rover V8 while someone was trying something similar. Not a place to be.
by siwilson
Sat 14 May, 2016 08:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Boot spot weld
Replies: 36
Views: 10434

Re: Boot spot weld

.............The zeds with broken brackets and mountings must surely have been abused, although some have successfully had them repaired by BMW after fighting their case. Cheers, Bonzo Not sure I can agree with you here, I am convinced that jacking under the diff and lifting the rear of the car has...
by siwilson
Thu 12 May, 2016 19:46
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: Tow Bar advice!
Replies: 5
Views: 4750

Re: Tow Bar advice!

Have a look for a Citroen kit. It might be more expensive, but could well be plug and play. Towing kits are a lot more install friendly today than they were years ago.
by siwilson
Wed 11 May, 2016 10:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Squeaky steering wheel fix ( read this )
Replies: 22
Views: 12361

Re: Squeaky steering wheel fix ( read this )

I had my slip-ring apart while hunting down a steering wheel squeak. My squeak sounded more like a spring being wound too tight and sure enough it was the lower spring and bearing described earlier. Access to this is much harder on the S54. However, I managed to get a finger of grease down there and...
by siwilson
Sat 07 May, 2016 06:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Emmisions air pump removal
Replies: 12
Views: 3399

Re: Emmisions air pump removal

Good news if your engine does not throw a code. Mine sadly does as I found when it became accidentally disconnected.
by siwilson
Fri 06 May, 2016 12:11
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Emmisions air pump removal
Replies: 12
Views: 3399

Re: Emmisions air pump removal

You can just disconnect it all. The problem you will have is that it will cause a check engines light and that means a possible MOT fail.. There are delete kits available (quite cheaply) and people who can mod the software (addition cost). A lot of work if you ask me. Best thing is to diagnose it fi...
by siwilson
Fri 06 May, 2016 11:11
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Emmisions air pump removal
Replies: 12
Views: 3399

Re: Emmisions air pump removal

The secondary air pump only runs for a short time on start so it should not be doing anything when you switch off. There is a valve between the pump and the exhaust manifold that can go bad. if it does it will leak hot gases back into the pump and after a while kills the pump. Maybe the is making th...
by siwilson
Thu 07 Apr, 2016 11:09
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Changing tyre profiles
Replies: 24
Views: 4763

Re: Changing tyre profiles

Smaller wheels and a taller profile do improve comfort, but at the expense of handling. Have a look at the calculator at the bottom of this page . You can use this to see what combinations of tyre and wheel size do the the rolling circumference as this is what impacts the accuracy of your speedomete...
by siwilson
Thu 31 Mar, 2016 06:57
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Fitting speakers in doors
Replies: 30
Views: 5796

Re: Fitting speakers in doors

I have seen a few guys with these. Jay had some on his S54 and they sounded pretty amazing.
by siwilson
Sun 13 Mar, 2016 18:16
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Charlotte not very well
Replies: 10
Views: 4390

Re: Charlotte not very well

I had a very similar problem after a period of non use, I started the car and left it idling whilst I gave it a wash n polish, switched it off and restarted and got the same symptoms as yours. It turned out to be a duff coil pack. You can check by removing the plastic engine cover, there you will s...
by siwilson
Fri 11 Mar, 2016 13:19
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Falkens or Continentals On The Rear?
Replies: 16
Views: 4968

Re: Falkens or Continentals On The Rear?

I would go go with whatever you have on the front if they have plenty of meat on them. Mixing is generally not good.
by siwilson
Wed 09 Mar, 2016 16:37
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: Watch Servicing
Replies: 11
Views: 6897

Re: Watch Servicing

I send mine direct to TAG. Call them up, they send you a box and you ship it to them. Comes back in a nice new box also. I have only had good service form them.
by siwilson
Fri 22 Jan, 2016 11:00
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Electrical gremlins
Replies: 12
Views: 3513

Re: Electrical gremlins

Almost certainly a battery problem. Brian's solution will probably cure it. BMWs seem to get all sorts of problems if they are not used - but they can usually be cured by clearing the codes or resetting the ECUs. The only problem with resetting the ECUs is the car may run rough for a while before t...
by siwilson
Thu 21 Jan, 2016 10:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Anyone Replaced Rear Subframe Bushes In Situ?
Replies: 11
Views: 4032

Re: Anyone Replaced Rear Subframe Bushes In Situ?

You can do both the rear beam and trailing arms in situ by lowering one side at a time. I did it this way, but next time I would drop the whole axle. It might take longer to get to the bit you want to change, but then it will go much faster. The key thing is having the correct tools to pul and inser...
by siwilson
Tue 05 Jan, 2016 23:09
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Transverse Acceleration Sensor
Replies: 6
Views: 3947

Re: Transverse Acceleration Sensor

I had this exact same issue with my DSC a few years ago. Sadly it turned out to be the lateral sensor, which is the expensive one.

Maybe you can find a good used one.