Search found 553 matches

by alec.m
Sat 08 Jun, 2019 05:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Insurance
Replies: 3
Views: 2326

Re: Insurance

2000 3.0 fully comp with Halifax bought through confused.com. £132 but got a £20 Texaco fuel voucher as part of the deal so in effect £112. Very pleased with that.
by alec.m
Mon 03 Dec, 2018 08:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 Petrol tank support and strap - Heads up
Replies: 6
Views: 4267

Re: Z3 Petrol tank support and strap - Heads up

This thread on .org is worth a read. Seems like new ones aren`t available. Mazza was looking at fabricating a 2 piece strap in stainless so you don`t have to drop everything. Not sure where he`s up to onthis one.
https://zroadster.org/threads/oil-coole ... aps.23184/
by alec.m
Thu 01 Nov, 2018 07:58
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: 2.8 with hard top for sale IOW £695
Replies: 1
Views: 2140

2.8 with hard top for sale IOW £695

I spotted this on Z3 FB selling page. Has issues but must be worth it just for hard top.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/632124326909221/
by alec.m
Wed 13 Jun, 2018 07:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Mohair hood renovation
Replies: 9
Views: 2909

Re: Mohair hood renovation

When I had my soft top replaced by the chap at Croydon we talked about cleaning a soft top with a power washer and he strongly advised against it. He said it breaks down the layers of the soft top.
by alec.m
Sun 15 Apr, 2018 11:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine oil M54 3.0i
Replies: 1
Views: 1266

Engine oil M54 3.0i

It`s time for an oil change on my M54 3.0i. I recall reading in a post on here that the 3.0 M54 engine has a tendency to use oil but if you used a certain grade it minimised this. I`ve searched posts but can`t find this info. I would be grateful for any info and advice. Thanks Alec
by alec.m
Fri 06 Apr, 2018 18:19
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted - Antenna unit
Replies: 4
Views: 2227

Re: Wanted - Antenna unit

You have everything Robert :)
by alec.m
Fri 06 Apr, 2018 18:05
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted - Antenna unit
Replies: 4
Views: 2227

Re: Wanted - Antenna unit

New stubby antenna which looks great are cheap on ebay. The base unit is serious money new and hard to come by second hand. If you look on realoem it`s on other bmw cars so that widens the search. Took me a while to get a second hand one. It came from a breaker in Wales that has Zs. I can`t remember...
by alec.m
Sat 24 Mar, 2018 09:39
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Front wheel arch top trim
Replies: 10
Views: 3189

Re: Front wheel arch top trim

You`re welcome. It might be worth a chat with mrscalex or spurs fan in a coupe, they both must have intimate knowledge on that area considering the amount of cars they`ve had in bits.
by alec.m
Sat 24 Mar, 2018 08:26
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Front wheel arch top trim
Replies: 10
Views: 3189

Re: Front wheel arch top trim

I googled that part number and came up with some images. This is the best one. https://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ebayimg.com%2Fimages%2Fg%2FbuwAAOSwv0tVfMGD%2Fs-l300.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fitm%2FBMW-E36-Z3-Front-Right-Wheel-Arch-Liner-Shield-8410030-517...
by alec.m
Sat 24 Mar, 2018 08:00
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Front wheel arch top trim
Replies: 10
Views: 3189

Re: Front wheel arch top trim

Hi Barry, I`ve had a look at the picture in the link. I`ll take a look at mine later and see what`s what. It`s easier to look at it in the flesh. The only other part showing on real oem is this one but it looks too small but those diagrams aren`t to scale and t`s not clear where it attaches to. RIGH...
by alec.m
Sat 24 Mar, 2018 07:33
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Front wheel arch top trim
Replies: 10
Views: 3189

Re: Front wheel arch top trim

Hi Barry, I hope all is good down there in the sun. Real oem shows the wheel arch liner as one piece. Part number 51718397686
Alec :cheers
by alec.m
Mon 01 Jan, 2018 12:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Anyone got an automatic Z3?
Replies: 21
Views: 11621

Re: Anyone got an automatic Z3?

Hi, I get 10.5-11.6 Klm per litre. I will have to let you do all the math for MPG, lol. BTW I do not have a trip computer, I use actual litres used over the distance on the odo which is reset each fill up. Don't trust the computer. I return about 27 MPG . Hey doesn't the 2.8 only come in a single v...
by alec.m
Mon 01 Jan, 2018 11:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Anyone got an automatic Z3?
Replies: 21
Views: 11621

Re: Anyone got an automatic Z3?

I had a 2.2 auto and now have the 3.0 auto. Both were excellent but I love the power of the 3.0 [both have the twin vanos btw]. And, I can spin the wheels in the auto 3.0. It is not hard to change the trans oil and should be done from time to time, perhaps every 20,000 k's perhaps. If a car has flu...
by alec.m
Mon 27 Nov, 2017 21:09
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Breakdown cover
Replies: 11
Views: 4969

Re: Breakdown cover

All positive comments. Thanks again. I've gone for it and it seems like you can pay for cover some time in advance. My cover starts on the 14th January. The was a calendar thingy to choose your start date so if you want to certain of getting the 15 months and happy to pay your money well in advance ...
by alec.m
Mon 27 Nov, 2017 07:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Breakdown cover
Replies: 11
Views: 4969

Re: Breakdown cover

Thanks for your thoughts. I`m going for it, it`s worth a punt at that price. For anyone that wants to go for it you need to link from the following page to get 15 months for the price of 12
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/car-i ... over#BBtwo
by alec.m
Sun 26 Nov, 2017 18:01
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Breakdown cover
Replies: 11
Views: 4969

Re: Breakdown cover

Colb, they cover spouse at no extra charge!
by alec.m
Sun 26 Nov, 2017 14:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Breakdown cover
Replies: 11
Views: 4969

Breakdown cover

Has anyone used "Auto Aid". There`s an offer through Martin Lewis`s website, personal cover for 15months £43.31. Being personal cover it covers you in a car that`s any age which is good as a lot of the reasonably priced ones won`t cover a car over 17 years old. They don`t require you to pa...
by alec.m
Mon 13 Nov, 2017 13:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Insurance renewal - good result
Replies: 3
Views: 1955

Insurance renewal - good result

Just thought I`d share my smiles. Received my renewal from my current insurers and assume they enjoy taking the p*ss. Decided to do the full search as prescribed my Martin Lewis and hit the jackpot with Aviva. I`ve just payed £152 fully comp for my 3.0 which as I have no off road parking is kept on ...
by alec.m
Fri 10 Nov, 2017 23:13
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Anyone got an automatic Z3?
Replies: 21
Views: 11621

Re: Anyone got an automatic Z3?

Like Paulro I moved from a manual 2.8 to an auto 3.0 about 2 years ago and love it. The steptronic auto box coupled to a 3.0 engine is a perfect combination in my opinion. Autos aren`t everyone's cup of tea and I`d advise a test drive before committing to one.
by alec.m
Thu 12 Oct, 2017 16:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Abs / traction light
Replies: 6
Views: 3106

Re: Abs / traction light

Check the wire to the wheel sensor. I had new brake pads fitted a couple of years ago and somehow the wire came loose, rubbed on something and the insulation wore away and it periodically earthed itself and that lit up the ABS light.
by alec.m
Mon 14 Aug, 2017 15:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: seat bushes advice/help please
Replies: 17
Views: 6100

Re: seat bushes advice/help please

Hi Sue, I think the written description can be quite daunting but when you actually get started it makes sense. Lots of pics on your phone as you progress is always a good reference for when you put it back together. I`ve had Zs for 5 years now and touch wood I`ve not had too much to do apart from r...
by alec.m
Mon 14 Aug, 2017 11:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: seat bushes advice/help please
Replies: 17
Views: 6100

Re: seat bushes advice/help please

Hi Sue, If you haven`t seen it there`s a very good write up in the knowledgebase.
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=30402
by alec.m
Sat 15 Jul, 2017 06:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Latest trauma - bonnet stuck!
Replies: 9
Views: 4476

Re: Latest trauma - bonnet stuck!

Try getting someone to press down on the bonnet to take a bit of pressure off the latch while you pull the leaver before you try anything drastic. Apparently the nearside is easier to get to through the grill aperture than the drivers side. Have a read of this post http://www.zroadster.net/forum/vie...
by alec.m
Fri 14 Jul, 2017 04:52
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: ABS/DSC Problem?
Replies: 14
Views: 6542

Re: ABS/DSC Problem?

Hi, I had the same symptoms on my 2.8. It turned out the lead to the sensor on the nearside front wheel wasn`t tied down and the insulation had rubbed away then every now and again the bare wire was coming into contact with metal causing it to earth and trigger the brake warning light. This was disc...
by alec.m
Sun 04 Jun, 2017 05:46
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Pair of side gills
Replies: 2
Views: 1546

Re: Pair of side gills

mrscalex wrote:Unusual colour to come up.

I'm thinking they might look okay on a Titan Silver car with red roof? As well as a Sienna car.

Just trying to broaden your market ;)
Thanks Robert,
Not a lot of Siena red cars about. I might be trying them on ebay to widen the market.
by alec.m
Sat 03 Jun, 2017 16:22
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Pair of side gills
Replies: 2
Views: 1546

Pair of side gills

A pair of side gills in Siena red. Good condition with no broken fixing lugs. Came with my car and can`t see me ever needing them so more money towards my new suspension. Asking £40 plus postage at cost. http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb380/alec-m/tmp_8930-20170603_160109-1193772593.jpg http://...
by alec.m
Fri 02 Jun, 2017 08:13
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: HID headlights and foglights. Now Sold
Replies: 3
Views: 2039

Re: HID headlights and foglights

They are not reflectors, they are projectors. I have no issue with putting hid's in a projector unit, ie. where they are meant to be. Issue comes when fitting to reflector style original units. that is a bargain!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Thanks for the heads up on that. They're sold now,...
by alec.m
Thu 01 Jun, 2017 13:42
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: HID headlights and foglights. Now Sold
Replies: 3
Views: 2039

HID headlights and foglights. Now Sold

Hi, I`m not sure if I`m calling these by their right name. They came fitted to my car when I bought it but I didn`t like them and had the OEM lights and fogs fitted back on. Been in my shed for ages but I need some cash for some new shocks and springs so I`m selling them. There`s no instructions or ...
by alec.m
Mon 29 May, 2017 09:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Passenger door won't open
Replies: 15
Views: 4817

Re: Passenger door won't open

I did a search in the search box and came up with this post http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=38567&p=358805&hilit=remove+door+card+with+door+shut#p358805 There`s some interesting theories about opening the door plus it`s possible to get the door card off but not a lot o...
by alec.m
Sat 27 May, 2017 08:29
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Replacement Key
Replies: 19
Views: 6251

Re: Replacement Key

Just a thought. Does your house contents insurance cover you for "lost" keys? I'll say no more ;-)
by alec.m
Thu 25 May, 2017 21:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Replacement Key
Replies: 19
Views: 6251

Re: Replacement Key

I think I`m lucky, I must be one of the few who have all four keys that come with the car when new!!!
by alec.m
Mon 15 May, 2017 14:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: OBC reading in Km not Miles
Replies: 13
Views: 4790

Re: OBC reading in Km not Miles

It's a strange one. There must be some way of doing it as these cars will go to markets that use km. Can't see there being a separate ECU s for different countries. Good luck.
by alec.m
Mon 15 May, 2017 12:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: OBC reading in Km not Miles
Replies: 13
Views: 4790

Re: OBC reading in Km not Miles

Hi Simon, You`re welcome. I can`t remember ever seeing your issue posted anywhere so it must be rare. Google brings up nothing however you phrase the question. Maybe it`s something that can only be changed by using the complicated software some here have on a laptop. Have you tried disconnecting the...
by alec.m
Mon 15 May, 2017 11:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: OBC reading in Km not Miles
Replies: 13
Views: 4790

Re: OBC reading in Km not Miles

Hi, I came across this YouTube video a while back showing you how to access the hidden functions in the obc. While it doesn`t mention your issue it only shows how to see a couple of functions, there are many more. It might be worth following the instructions to get in and see what else there is ther...
by alec.m
Thu 11 May, 2017 10:42
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: For Sale 1998 BMW Z3 2.8 138k miles £2000 over £3k spent
Replies: 1
Views: 1524

Re: For Sale 1998 BMW Z3 2.8 138k miles £2000 over £3k spent

I`m looking at lowering my car and I`m tempted to go for the Eibach Pro springs. Yours sits just right and looks great on them. Can I ask you for some feedback on how you find the ride with them on oem shocks? I don`t want to end up with too hard a ride. Good luck with the sale. Alec
by alec.m
Tue 02 May, 2017 18:33
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Replacement roofs
Replies: 5
Views: 1817

Re: Replacement roofs

Yes that's the link. I paid about £400 a couple of years ago but I did have a blue one. Give him a call he's a really nice chap.
by alec.m
Tue 02 May, 2017 17:34
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Replacement roofs
Replies: 5
Views: 1817

Re: Replacement roofs

Are you sure you`re looking at the right website? I`ve just had a look and I can only find a price for supply only. He asks you to call for a fitted price. He`s good btw, did mine about 2 years ago.

http://www.soft-tops.co.uk/
by alec.m
Sun 30 Apr, 2017 17:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query
Replies: 15
Views: 5592

Re: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query

New anti roll bars are serious money. Not sure where I'm going. Definitely going for new shocks all round and lowering springs but a lot more research to do.
by alec.m
Sat 29 Apr, 2017 15:01
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query
Replies: 15
Views: 5592

Re: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query

since im looking for the same thing to, i noticed the anti roll bars are stiffer on the sport too. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=CN52-EUR-08-2000-Z3-BMW-Z3_30i&diagId=33_0364 mines also a non sport and rolls quite a bit in the corners. That could make a difference if front and re...
by alec.m
Thu 27 Apr, 2017 15:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query
Replies: 15
Views: 5592

Re: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query

Thanks c_w. It's good to have feedback from someone who's used them. Just springs to decide on.
by alec.m
Thu 27 Apr, 2017 10:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query
Replies: 15
Views: 5592

Re: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query

I think that by the time most people change their struts whether it`s at 65000 or 125000 miles a straight replacement is going to feel so much better purely because they`re new. A "performance" strut will feel better too but whether it`s better than new oem you`ll never know unless you tri...
by alec.m
Thu 27 Apr, 2017 10:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query
Replies: 15
Views: 5592

Re: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query

This is a complicated issue. Thanks for your input Robert. I did a search on bmwvin and it appears I don`t have sports suspension which supports lightnings observation that it wasn`t standard on a 3.0. I did a search on realoem based on a 2.8 for the strut and clicked on the bit that tells you what ...
by alec.m
Wed 26 Apr, 2017 18:08
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query
Replies: 15
Views: 5592

Re: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query

Thanks, that might be the way forward.
by alec.m
Wed 26 Apr, 2017 13:50
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query
Replies: 15
Views: 5592

3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query

I have a non sport 3.0 and although it`s only done 66000 miles it feels like it would benefit from new shocks and springs. From what I`ve read sport suspension is slightly lowered which would improve the look and maybe they`re slightly stiffer but I`m not sure about that. I don`t want to go down the...
by alec.m
Tue 18 Apr, 2017 11:56
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: HELP With M50 Conversation
Replies: 8
Views: 2581

Re: HELP With M50 Conversation

Sounds like a exciting project. I seem to have bought my 3.0 at the right time. Must be the only car I've ever owned that's worth more after 18 months of ownership than I paid for it! Mind you good 2.8s seem to be fetching good money at the moment.
by alec.m
Tue 18 Apr, 2017 11:45
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: HELP With M50 Conversation
Replies: 8
Views: 2581

Re: HELP With M50 Conversation

Hi Rob, I agree with you on that. I ended up with selling my 2.8 and buying a 3.0. Best decision I've made, they're awesome.
Hope you manage to get a successful result.
by alec.m
Wed 12 Apr, 2017 12:08
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: HELP With M50 Conversation
Replies: 8
Views: 2581

Re: HELP With M50 Conversation

Lots of info on this website about the conversion. They also sell all the parts you need.

http://m50manifold.com//index.php?optio ... &Itemid=40
by alec.m
Thu 30 Mar, 2017 06:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Automatic gearboxes realiability question on all Z3
Replies: 15
Views: 6172

Re: Automatic gearboxes realiability question on all Z3

I spent a long time looking for a 3.0 manual but never found the low mileage / colour combination I wanted. I ended up with a 3.0 auto with the tiptronic box which I find a delight to drive. In sport mode it goes through the gears really quickly, I doubt if you could change gear manually as fast. It...
by alec.m
Tue 21 Mar, 2017 08:34
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Head gasket 3.0
Replies: 12
Views: 3968

Re: Head gasket 3.0

Hi Howard, Pressure of work has meant investigations are on hold. Mot is due in 6 weeks and I'm booked in at my local garage for some bits and bobs that need doing so it passes. He's going to do a pressure test while it's in. Hopefully some answers will be revealed. I'll update when I discover what'...
by alec.m
Sun 19 Mar, 2017 14:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Help! Wipers stopping when stationary
Replies: 10
Views: 3524

Re: Help! Wipers stopping when stationary

I think it`s designed to go to stop/intermittent when you come to a halt. I`m on my second Z and they both do this.