Search found 470 matches

by XVar
Sat 25 Feb, 2017 12:57
Forum: Performance
Topic: Suspension Overhaul
Replies: 9
Views: 8150

Re: Suspension Overhaul

Bit of a mixed bag really, the fronts have been perfect - haven't had to adjust them at all since the day I fit them. The rears however were a nightmare - really hard ride and clunked constantly. I ended up replacing the rears last year with Eibach Pro-kit lowering springs and Bilstein B8 shocks (th...
by XVar
Fri 11 Sep, 2015 19:55
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Noise near side rear
Replies: 11
Views: 2056

Re: Noise near side rear

I don't no if it has a limited slip diff the year is x reg 2000 If you give your VIN number to any BMW dealer they can supply a print-out of original, optional fittings. A limited slip diff is denoted as :- 'Sperredifferential 25%' Or just put the last 7 digits of your VIN here: http://www.bmwvin.c...
by XVar
Thu 10 Sep, 2015 20:53
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Problem opening door with key.
Replies: 1
Views: 824

Re: Problem opening door with key.

If you buy a blank key from eBay you can just swap the internals over to the new one - the back pops off that style of key and you should be able to remove the immobiliser transponder and put it in the new key (I've never removed it but it looks like it's removable). Here's the transponder: http://i...
by XVar
Sun 03 May, 2015 16:24
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Breaking Pre facelift 2.8 Z3 Roadster most parts available
Replies: 59
Views: 11042

Re: Breaking Pre facelift 2.8 Z3 Roadster most parts availab

Hi, is the drivers side front brake caliper available?
by XVar
Mon 27 Apr, 2015 17:06
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 Hood replacement - are the BMW dealers having a laugh
Replies: 61
Views: 27078

Re: Z3 Hood replacement - are the BMW dealers having a laugh

I had mine replaced by Soft Tops in Croydon http://www.soft-tops.co.uk/ - £350 fitted, and done in only a few hours. Great craftsmanship and it's still holding strong almost 2 years later.
by XVar
Wed 15 Apr, 2015 20:22
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: bracket identification
Replies: 5
Views: 2044

Re: bracket identification

Whoops posted at the same time as you Robert - it's probably worth updating the how to post a picture guide to use imgur.com instead, it's way easier and is pretty much the standard for image hosting for forum posts these days. It also doesn't require any signup to use.
by XVar
Wed 15 Apr, 2015 20:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: bracket identification
Replies: 5
Views: 2044

Re: bracket identification

To upload a picture goto http://imgur.com/ and then once it's uploaded there's an option for Copy BBCode link which you can post here. The description doesn't sound like anything I've seen on my car, can you have a closer look and see if there's a part number? Almost all BMW parts have a part number...
by XVar
Mon 06 Apr, 2015 09:07
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Braking for parts soon, 2.8 z3
Replies: 15
Views: 3952

Re: Braking for parts soon, 2.8 z3

How much do you want for passenger side front bumper side light lens, assuming it's original and not cracked?

This part:
Image
by XVar
Thu 02 Apr, 2015 21:09
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Mystery Noise after stone passed under car
Replies: 25
Views: 5936

Re: Mystery Noise after stone passed under car

I once had the exact symptoms that you describe, a knocking noise present under coasting and braking but not under acceleration, which also sped up with the speed of the car. It was diagnosed as a failure of the dual mass flywheel - this was on a 307 TDi so a completely unrelated vehicle but the sym...
by XVar
Sun 07 Dec, 2014 18:00
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Steering wheel
Replies: 47
Views: 12708

Re: Steering wheel

Another +1 for Royal Steering Wheels, the guy really is a master of his craft, here's mine when I got it fitted - a year later and it's still as good as the day I got it too :)

Image
by XVar
Thu 04 Sep, 2014 18:00
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: First fill up
Replies: 46
Views: 9753

Re: First fill up

Mines a 2.8 and I get around 250 miles to a tank, 31-32mpg using shell v-power. I think any 6 cylinder car returning that sort of mpg is pretty darn good. :) Are you sure about that? 250 miles on a 51 litre tank is 22.3mpg. Assuming you aren't actually filling a completely empty tank it's about 24m...
by XVar
Tue 05 Aug, 2014 10:33
Forum: Performance
Topic: Tyres - A post to accumulate members' experience
Replies: 50
Views: 19101

Re: Tyres - A post to accumulate members' experience

I put a set of Uniroyal Rainsport 2's on my 2.8 when I bought it in April 2011 and they're still going strong - probably due a change soon but they still have at least 6mm tread on all round 30,000 miles later. They're incredible in the wet too. Only downside being they don't make them any more as f...
by XVar
Wed 21 May, 2014 11:32
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Screw free fix for number plate
Replies: 15
Views: 3235

Re: Screw free fix for number plate

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Unibond-781746-Nails-Interior-Exterior/dp/B001DYS76Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400671894&sr=8-1&keywords=no+more+nails+double This stuff is amazing, I used it for my number plate 18 months ago and it hasn't shifted at all. Previously I used the crap that came with t...
by XVar
Sun 18 May, 2014 00:00
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Carpet overmats
Replies: 14
Views: 1019

Re: Carpet overmats

http://www.carmats4u.com/BMW-Z3-Z3-Roadster-1996-2002/cid,4137233,index.html I bought a set of the Exclusive ones from here 2 years ago, they're still as good as the day I bought them, really high quality. Like Southernboy says you just have to remove the plastic fixing circles from the originals an...
by XVar
Mon 05 May, 2014 11:52
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rhythmic ticking, sluggish below 3k and idle issues
Replies: 5
Views: 1217

Re: Rhythmic ticking, sluggish below 3k and idle issues

I've been having similar symptoms recently, a pretty loud ticking noise that rises with revs, and when I start the engine from cold it seems to pull to 1500rpm briefly before dropping down. Going to start with an oil change since the oil service light has just come on (I reset it last time I changed...
by XVar
Sun 16 Mar, 2014 14:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Spare tyre- replace or bin??
Replies: 24
Views: 3609

Re: Spare tyre- replace or bin??

Mine was completely rusted so I binned it. I also took an angle grinder to the cage that used to hold it as it was scraping on speed bumps from time to time (not an issue if your car isn't lowered). Like someone else said, where would you put the wheel you took off if you did use the space saver any...
by XVar
Mon 24 Feb, 2014 18:52
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Siezed tie rod ends
Replies: 15
Views: 1646

Re: Siezed tie rod ends

You need to unscrew the big (32mm) nut at the steering rack, I just used a regular 32mm spanner - I tried a specialist thin 32mm bike spanner and it wasn't strong enough at all. It shouldn't be very difficult to undo with a 32mm spanner as it's over a foot long and provides a lot of torque. If your ...
by XVar
Mon 24 Feb, 2014 13:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: The headlight switch/knob is draining my battery. Sometimes.
Replies: 21
Views: 5463

Re: The headlight switch/knob is draining my battery. Someti

If I remember right, to remove the headlight switch you need to pop the end cap off and there's a hidden screw inside it. It's not obvious at all that the end of the switch is removable, just a little pointer to be aware of :)
by XVar
Tue 21 Jan, 2014 14:44
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Passenger OEM Wing Mirror and 2.8 clocks
Replies: 3
Views: 908

Re: Passenger OEM Wing Mirror and 2.8 clocks

Do you have the two bolts which secure the wing mirror to the car? One of mine has sheared and the other ones siezed, I'm hoping to get them drilled/replaced and it'd be good to have the correct bolts to replace them.
by XVar
Fri 03 Jan, 2014 09:43
Forum: Site Announcements and Feedback
Topic: RSS Feed of Zroadster.net
Replies: 15
Views: 15937

Re: RSS Feed of Zroadster.net

As "suitable browser" doesn't include Chrome by default, you can grab the RSS Feed Reader plugin from the link below, and it'll add an icon to the top right of the browser with a little green + symbol on pages where it detects an RSS feed. It also magically detects which subforum you're on...
by XVar
Wed 01 Jan, 2014 17:47
Forum: Performance
Topic: Halfords Oil deal
Replies: 6
Views: 2943

Re: Halfords Oil deal

Link to the actual item for the Triple QX - http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/car-accessories/engine-oils-and-car-fluids/engineoils/5w40-engine-oil/?521776031&0&cc5_248 At £2.49/litre I think you win with that one! Does anyone have any experience with this brand? I've never heard of it - if ...
by XVar
Wed 01 Jan, 2014 17:05
Forum: Performance
Topic: Halfords Oil deal
Replies: 6
Views: 2943

Re: Halfords Oil deal

Considering 2 litres of Halfords brand 5w40 fully synth is £15.99 (£7.99/litre): http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_270345_langId_-1_categoryId_165581 And 5 litres of the good stuff is £37 (£7.40/litre): http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-805-m...
by XVar
Wed 01 Jan, 2014 16:08
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: Is there life after a Z3?
Replies: 63
Views: 9719

Re: Is there life after a Z3?

Wow didn't see that coming, you'll be sorely missed if you do leave the Z3 scene, I don't think there's ever been a more helpful, enthusiastic or downright enterprising forum member on zroadster.net than yourself! Make sure to stick around even if you don't go down the Z3 route for the next project :)
by XVar
Sun 22 Dec, 2013 17:29
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Condensation
Replies: 2
Views: 956

Re: Condensation

Search the forum for "third brakelight", you'll find a few threads on how to fix it. Basically it's prone to leaking and will be the cause of your wet boot.
by XVar
Fri 20 Dec, 2013 12:38
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: [SOLD] Style 18 17" Alloy Wheels
Replies: 10
Views: 2296

Re: [SOLD] Style 18 17" Alloy Wheels

Now sold.
by XVar
Thu 19 Dec, 2013 19:04
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: [SOLD] Style 18 17" Alloy Wheels
Replies: 10
Views: 2296

Re: For Sale: Style 18 17" Alloy Wheels

Hi bentley-boy,

They're still available but they're now located in Birmingham (B24).
by XVar
Thu 12 Dec, 2013 18:24
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: XVar's Z3 - Updated 12-12-13 - Steering Wheel Refurb
Replies: 55
Views: 19786

Re: XVar's 1997 2.8L Z3 - Updated 30-05-13 - Coilovers!

Next on the list of things to do was to get a steering wheel refurb as the old one had water damage due to the leak in the roof that was present when I bought the car. As recommended by others on this forum I went with Royal Steering Wheels , Jack the guy who runs it did an absolutely sterling job a...
by XVar
Tue 10 Dec, 2013 08:34
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: For Sale: Non-roll hoop storage box and lateral trim
Replies: 1
Views: 985

Re: For Sale: Non-roll hoop storage box and lateral trim

Bump - reduced and location changed to central Derby as I've moved house.
by XVar
Tue 10 Dec, 2013 08:32
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Halfords tool sets for carrying out Z3 overhaul
Replies: 28
Views: 6216

Re: Halfords tool sets for carrying out Z3 overhaul

DON`T buy the sets, it may work out a bit cheaper but as otheres have stated you end up with bits you will never use! A bit cheaper? Not in my experience - I had to replace a 3/8" drive ratchet that I lost, the identical one individually was £22 - the whole 120+ piece set was only £90 original...
by XVar
Tue 10 Dec, 2013 08:28
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 2.2 how quick?
Replies: 24
Views: 2590

Re: 2.2 how quick?

Being a naturally aspirated engine the power curve is pretty much linear right up to the redline, opposed to a turbo where it typically has quite a narrow power band at around 3-4k rpm. Fit a K&N/GruppeM ram air intake (with appropriate heat shielding) and/or a decent exhaust and it really does ...
by XVar
Sun 08 Dec, 2013 15:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Halfords tool sets for carrying out Z3 overhaul
Replies: 28
Views: 6216

Re: Halfords tool sets for carrying out Z3 overhaul

I've had a Halfords socket set (one of the larger ones, neither of the ones linked above though) for a few years now, and I've not found it to be lacking generally. The only extras I've had to buy have been large sockets and spanners for things such as the 22mm centre ball joint nut and the 32mm inn...
by XVar
Sun 01 Dec, 2013 19:44
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: First Z3
Replies: 13
Views: 3601

Re: First Z3

Nice car, you've got the same BBS splits on it as mine - they're worth about £450 in perfect condition so you've got yourself a nice little bonus with the car purchase :)
by XVar
Fri 29 Nov, 2013 19:18
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: [SOLD] Style 18 17" Alloy Wheels
Replies: 10
Views: 2296

Re: For Sale: Style 18 17" Alloy Wheels

Bump
by XVar
Wed 27 Nov, 2013 12:42
Forum: Performance
Topic: Which coilovers to buy on a £500 budget?
Replies: 1
Views: 1220

Re: Which coilovers to buy on a £500 budget?

You say no need for springs, but you do need springs for the rear as the Z3 uses the suspension setup from the E30 where the spring and dampener are separate. The front does use an all in one spring/dampener however, as per the E36. Afraid I can't provide any suggestions for your price point, there'...
by XVar
Tue 26 Nov, 2013 17:06
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: DavidZ3's 2000 1.9i Z3 - Scarlett
Replies: 104
Views: 29241

Re: DavidZ3's 2000 1.9i Z3 - Scarlett

Since the wheels have been completed, that's another thing I want doing. How much bottoming out occurs with a 30mm drop? I would have thought there would be no bottoming out at all with a 30mm drop - I dropped the rear about 100mm by accident when I first fitted my adjustable coilovers (it settled ...
by XVar
Tue 26 Nov, 2013 16:56
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: air grille rheostat lamp frequent blowing
Replies: 5
Views: 1137

Re: air grille rheostat lamp frequent blowing

I really wasn't sure what I was going to find when I searched for that but sure enough, it found the thread :roflmao: Cheers Brian!

Here it is for anyone else who's looking for the guide on removing the headlight switch/lamp: http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... =5&t=20601
by XVar
Tue 26 Nov, 2013 10:21
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: DavidZ3's 2000 1.9i Z3 - Scarlett
Replies: 104
Views: 29241

Re: DavidZ3's 2000 1.9i Z3 - Scarlett

Looking good - not sure on the black side vents personally but that's just down to personal taste :)

Now if it was just a bit lower... :twisted:
by XVar
Tue 26 Nov, 2013 08:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: air grille rheostat lamp frequent blowing
Replies: 5
Views: 1137

Re: air grille rheostat lamp frequent blowing

Pierrick wrote:Didn't know there was a light here!!
Same! Is it easy to access with the under dash trim removed?
by XVar
Tue 26 Nov, 2013 08:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Diagnostics Upgrade
Replies: 6
Views: 1161

Re: Diagnostics Upgrade

You can get it a lot cheaper if you buy the parts separately, you need a KKL USB OBD cable like this one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAG-GROUP-USB-COM-PORT-OBD2-II-KKL-ECU-DIAGNOSTIC-CABLE-LEAD-WORK-VCDS-LITE-409-/271036790042?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item3f1b0d351a And a 20 pin to O...
by XVar
Mon 25 Nov, 2013 22:24
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: ecu fan and unit WTB
Replies: 2
Views: 971

Re: ecu fan and unit WTB

There's a fan on the ECU? That would probably explain the rather loud whirring noise I've been hearing from the engine bay recently with the ignition on and all heater fans off. Where abouts is it located, do you have a photo?
by XVar
Sat 23 Nov, 2013 23:22
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: F.S 20mm alloy wheel spacers with bolts SOLD
Replies: 7
Views: 1306

Re: F.S 20mm alloy wheel spacers with bolts SOLD

These are the ones I've got fitted on the rear of mine: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Hub-Centric-Hubcentric-Alloy-Wheel-Spacer-Kit-With-Bolts-/360770186192?pt=UK_Car_Parts_Vehicles_Automobila_ET&var=&hash=item53ff942bd0 My only complaint is the bolts have tarnished really quickly, looks lik...
by XVar
Fri 22 Nov, 2013 19:40
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: [SOLD] Style 18 17" Alloy Wheels
Replies: 10
Views: 2296

Re: For Sale: Style 18 17" Alloy Wheels

Burton on Trent - just south of Derby off the A38
by XVar
Mon 18 Nov, 2013 13:30
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: [SOLD] Style 18 17" Alloy Wheels
Replies: 10
Views: 2296

Re: For Sale: Style 18 17" Alloy Wheels

Bump - still available due incomplete sale
by XVar
Mon 18 Nov, 2013 12:12
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: One Crazy Bunny :o)
Replies: 9
Views: 2015

Re: One Crazy Bunny :o)

That's not a Rabbit it is a Hare and I have clocked 35 mph before I could overtake one :bounce: I did here a story about one that got run over This women got out and sprayed her hair spray on it it got up and ran away The next day I saw the hare again and it waved at me Wait for it On the tin it sa...
by XVar
Sat 16 Nov, 2013 09:26
Forum: Boyz Toyz
Topic: Replaced head unit
Replies: 7
Views: 3164

Re: Replaced head unit

I'd say adding an amp for speakers the size of the ones in the Z3 is unnecessary, the head unit you linked has 4x52w outputs built in which is more than enough. One possible cause of bad sound quality is that the speakers have been accidentally wired out of phase, this causes them to effectively can...
by XVar
Sat 16 Nov, 2013 09:09
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: [SOLD] Style 18 17" Alloy Wheels
Replies: 10
Views: 2296

[SOLD] Style 18 17" Alloy Wheels

These are the standard staggered set up removed from my 2.8 - 7.5J on the front, 8.5J on the rear. Tyres currently fitted are mixed but all legal, 2-3mm on the fronts, 3-4mm on the rear. They're not in great condition and definitely need a refurb - maybe ideal for someone wanting to save their summe...
by XVar
Thu 14 Nov, 2013 13:37
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Leaky Brake Light
Replies: 7
Views: 1303

Re: Leaky Brake Light

Take a look at this thread viewtopic.php?f=5&t=31600 - a lot of people have had the same issue, the trick in my case was to make the plastic clips "more springy" by heating them.
by XVar
Wed 13 Nov, 2013 12:42
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Lots of Z3 Parts, Panels, box, hard top, interior, alloys
Replies: 44
Views: 8221

Re: Lots of Z3 Parts, Panels, box, hard top, interior, alloy

You can also use www.shiply.com to get independent courier quotes, I've used them a couple of times in the past.
by XVar
Sun 03 Nov, 2013 08:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Narrow body / wide body
Replies: 14
Views: 4030

Re: Narrow body / wide body

Robert T wrote:Image

(Image shamelessly stolen from another thread - post by XVar)

Cheers R.
I can't take credit for that image, this post by Emek pre-dates mine by at least 5 years :)

http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... 39#p178539
by XVar
Fri 13 Sep, 2013 12:11
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Retro fit Chrome Roll hoops to 1997 Z3
Replies: 11
Views: 2746

Re: Retro fit Chrome Roll hoops to 1997 Z3

Southernboy wrote:wet wipes...pack of condoms..a couple of bottles of whisky
Certainly sounds like the residents of South Africa know how to have a good time :D