Search found 55 matches

by lmrdave
Wed 11 May, 2016 13:20
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 2.8 For sale £1000
Replies: 1
Views: 827

Z3 2.8 For sale £1000

1997 2.8 Arctic silver Z3, red leather interior. Location = Lincoln. Suspect head gasket failure - AA told me there are traces of exhaust gases in the coolant. I've not touched it in a few months and have bought alternative transport. No room to store in doors, still waiting on a local council garag...
by lmrdave
Sat 12 Mar, 2016 18:31
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.8 power loss - help required!
Replies: 9
Views: 2704

Re: Z3 2.8 power loss - help required!

Funny you should mention that . . . Might post it up as the engines swan song . . The CAT being blocked did the engine no favours and it died this week I guess it's linked. Exhaust gases in coolant according to the AA who got me home. No time to investigate as yet. And just on the way home from gett...
by lmrdave
Sun 21 Feb, 2016 21:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: HELP needed total loss of power
Replies: 36
Views: 6586

Re: HELP needed total loss of power

Check the cat!! Sounds similar to my problems. Not the ask though.

Good luck.
by lmrdave
Sun 21 Feb, 2016 20:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.8 power loss - help required!
Replies: 9
Views: 2704

Re: Z3 2.8 power loss - help required!

Fixed. Cat was blocking exhaust flow. Popped the exhaust off at that the down pipe and it revs crisp and clean to the red line. Put the cat on and it ran ok but quiet way to quiet then started struggling on load. Got brutal to get me mobile and knocked the stuffing out the cat and blew it out. Now d...
by lmrdave
Sat 20 Feb, 2016 23:13
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.8 power loss - help required!
Replies: 9
Views: 2704

Re: Z3 2.8 power loss - help required!

Oil level is spot on no mayo present.
No coolant loss no oil spotted in there.
Taking exhaust off - collapsed cat theory.
And will take the fuel filter out it see if it's blocked.
by lmrdave
Sat 20 Feb, 2016 15:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.8 power loss - help required!
Replies: 9
Views: 2704

Z3 2.8 power loss - help required!

Hello, My poor old 2.8 didn't feel as quick as it did. A bit sluggish to rev like the brakes were on slightly. As I was having to do a few hundred mile trip I got the fault codes read at a local specialist. None found. Checked all wheels were free and induction side had no obvious faults. All OK. Dr...
by lmrdave
Fri 16 Oct, 2015 12:01
Forum: Performance
Topic: Sudden, scary power loss
Replies: 7
Views: 5605

Re: Sudden, scary power loss

If it has an immobilizer check the earth. I had a similar problem on my MX5, it would cut power randomly. Took be ages to find and seconds to fix.
by lmrdave
Thu 25 Jun, 2015 12:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 roll bar removal - Caps for holes left
Replies: 15
Views: 3386

Re: Z3 roll bar removal - Caps for holes left

I have the interior panels from when I swapped mine to have roll hoops, it's sat in a box in the shed, yours if you want it!
by lmrdave
Tue 24 Mar, 2015 09:36
Forum: Performance
Topic: Strut Brace questions
Replies: 20
Views: 8714

Re: Strut Brace questions

Get a solid one piece bar. If it's bolted to separate mounts like 90% of the ones I've seen it's pretty much useless.

I got a solid bar (forget the make - will check) for an E36 (cost about £100), it fouled the bonnet . . . until I took an angle grinder to it :D
by lmrdave
Fri 13 Mar, 2015 11:02
Forum: Better Driving
Topic: Hardknott Pass
Replies: 8
Views: 7049

Re: Hardknott Pass

6 pot roadster wrote:I did the hardknott and wrynose passes some years ago on a road rally, we managed to average 30mph from Langdale to the Woolpack at night. A fantastic drivers road, It would be nice to do it by day some time.
Was that on the 'Westmorland'??
I had some fun up there in a Lada Riva! :D
by lmrdave
Fri 13 Mar, 2015 10:50
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Mazda MX5 OR BMW Z3? Your views guys...
Replies: 82
Views: 29969

Re: Mazda MX5 OR BMW Z3? Your views guys...

A BMW Z3 forum is not somewhere you are likely to get an unbiased view on Z3 vs MX5! I see the MX5 getting bashed on here and perhaps more so on .org site, which I see as rather childish and myopic. I own a 2.8 Z3 and a mk1 MX5 1.6, a side from having 4 wheels, 2 seats and soft tops they are very di...
by lmrdave
Mon 09 Mar, 2015 15:16
Forum: Performance
Topic: Rear muffler delete on 2.8 m52b28tu
Replies: 23
Views: 8111

Re: Rear muffler delete on 2.8 m52b28tu

Popped mine on this weekend in a similar location, but valve mounted vertical. Chopped the vee band flange off, then welded it to a profiled bit of tube, so the position of the valve can easily adjusted, then a dump pipe pointing down about 45 degrees from vertical. I was going to do a bit more pipe...
by lmrdave
Mon 09 Mar, 2015 09:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pipercross Air Induction unit
Replies: 5
Views: 741

Re: Pipercross Air Induction unit

Sounds like an air leak, especially if it does it under no load. Check the rubber bellows for cracks or splits.
by lmrdave
Thu 26 Feb, 2015 07:36
Forum: Performance
Topic: Rear muffler delete on 2.8 m52b28tu
Replies: 23
Views: 8111

Re: Rear muffler delete on 2.8 m52b28tu

Well I'm suitable inspired to pull my finger out now, ebay here I come! :D
by lmrdave
Wed 25 Feb, 2015 15:16
Forum: Performance
Topic: Rear muffler delete on 2.8 m52b28tu
Replies: 23
Views: 8111

Re: Rear muffler delete on 2.8 m52b28tu

Nice, just how I want my z3 to sound! I had a similar idea, but never pulled my finger out! :dunce: Just a thought, it might rattle while closed if the valve is handed (for direction of flow). From the bottom picture, it looks like there is a seat/stop for the butterfly, if that faced the flow it mi...
by lmrdave
Thu 23 Oct, 2014 07:52
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: High pressure power steering hose needed for a 6 cylinder Z3
Replies: 12
Views: 3039

Re: High pressure power steering hose needed for a 6 cylinde

If you can salvage the connector that goes into the power steering pump, a place like Pirtek will make you one (take the old one). I had one make cost about £50. Unfortunaltely my end connector was goosed so I had to get a BMW as I couldn't find any alternative.
by lmrdave
Tue 09 Sep, 2014 08:46
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: For Sale - LHD 2.8 Hellrot Red Z3 Coupe, lots of mods
Replies: 35
Views: 7666

Re: For Sale - LHD 2.8 Hellrot Red Z3 Coupe, lots of mods

I'd love it, but left hand drive puts me right off (I guess its the same as many other people). I do have an itching to buy it and 'reshell' my 2.8 into it and convert it to right hand drive, but I have too many projects on and not enough time or storage space left. I thought about giving you a chee...
by lmrdave
Tue 19 Aug, 2014 14:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Underbonnet Tacho/Rev counter
Replies: 4
Views: 568

Re: Underbonnet Tacho/Rev counter

A digital tacho of some decription? Seemed easier than messing about with laptop (would have to borrow the misses) under the bonnet with a running engine spraying WD40 or carb cleaner about etc.
by lmrdave
Tue 19 Aug, 2014 13:11
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Underbonnet Tacho/Rev counter
Replies: 4
Views: 568

Re: Underbonnet Tacho/Rev counter

I'm hoping to hear the revs pick up, but I'm not convinced I will. Found this on a E36 site:- X20 1 - GE CAN HIGH DME>ABS/ASC/EGS 2 - BR CAN LOW DME>ABS/ASC/EGS 3 - GR/VI DME>EXHAUST FLAP MS41 (SW/GN TEMP SWITCH>INST M1.7.3/M5.2) 4 - SW/BL DME>A/C RELAY MS41/MSS50/M50 5 - SW/GR SW/BR(SW/GR M50) DME<...
by lmrdave
Tue 19 Aug, 2014 12:56
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Underbonnet Tacho/Rev counter
Replies: 4
Views: 568

Underbonnet Tacho/Rev counter

I'm trying to find an inlet manifold leak and would like to use a tacho/rev counter as a visual guide while under the bonnet. Can someone tell me if it's possible to tap into the diaognositic port and pull out a signal for RPM and which pin /pins I would need to do that?? I've tried looking on the i...
by lmrdave
Tue 29 Jul, 2014 13:33
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Power Steering woes
Replies: 2
Views: 342

Re: Power Steering woes

I'll see if I can get some tonight. It's the mulitswaged connection with a O ring seal. I'm guessing the thread is tapered which may bugger up my plan to go to a banjo fitting as they are all (I think) parallel threads. I've currently bypassed the system and running no power steering, but I'm not ha...
by lmrdave
Tue 29 Jul, 2014 12:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Power Steering woes
Replies: 2
Views: 342

Power Steering woes

The high pressure hose connection keeps braking on me Z3 2.8, it last a few months then dumps all the fluid out, it's now done it 3 times. :head: Seems it be fracturing the pipe where is swaged. I doubt it's fitting error as from the get go I've been careful and even had the last one fitted by a mec...
by lmrdave
Tue 29 Jul, 2014 12:38
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: WANTED: 2.8 power steering pump
Replies: 0
Views: 622

WANTED: 2.8 power steering pump

As above, not sure mines gone, but the high pressure connection pipe(/s now the 3rd one gone) keeps cracking, so grasping at straws maybe it's the pump vibrating??? I've surrently bypassed the whole system and running with no power steering at the moment, I'd be happy with it on a race track, but no...
by lmrdave
Sat 28 Jun, 2014 08:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New Video Review of Z3 on YouTube
Replies: 14
Views: 1608

Re: New Video Review of Z3 on YouTube

Ive not driven a mk3 MX5, but the best of the rest is certainly the mk1, it's a brilliant car. The build quality is amazing. Where it out shines the Z3 is handling, it's such a forgiving car and really rewarding when pushed to and over the limit. The 2.8 Z3 handles fine, but not as good as the MX5, ...
by lmrdave
Fri 13 Jun, 2014 12:46
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: BMW Z2
Replies: 28
Views: 5822

Re: BMW Z2

I've driven FWD and RWD cars. I own 4 cars currently all RWD. I just think they are more fun. I also much prefer oversteer to understeer. It's not a question of what is best on paper or whats practical, it's about feeling for me, passion. There is no reason a 'sports car' cannot me RWD, it's a silly...
by lmrdave
Mon 19 May, 2014 12:10
Forum: Performance
Topic: Exhausts interchangability - straight 6's
Replies: 0
Views: 1223

Exhausts interchangability - straight 6's

I've got a 2.8 Z3 and the exhaust has seen much better days. Bottom line is, will a 3.0 litre exhaust fit on a 2.8 - (thinking of keeping the 2.8 manifolds)??? I'm not really keen on a stainless exhaust, but looking at later models of Z3 i.e. the 3.0 litre the exhaust is a twin system all the way to...
by lmrdave
Tue 13 May, 2014 12:00
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: FS: Black Z3 side vents/gills SOLD
Replies: 5
Views: 778

Re: FS: Black Z3 side vents/gills

Go on then, I'll see if they suit my silver zed!

PM payment details please!
by lmrdave
Thu 18 Jul, 2013 15:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Tramlining - sorted
Replies: 14
Views: 2859

Re: Tramlining - sorted

My bushes had no visable problems, but I could grab the wishbone and move it by hand, they have no lateral structure, that struck me as really poor. I did experiment a bit with tyre pressures which seem to help a little. Maybe what we should do is start a list of tyres that do and don't tramline, th...
by lmrdave
Thu 18 Jul, 2013 09:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Tramlining - sorted
Replies: 14
Views: 2859

Re: Tramlining - sorted

I just thought I'd post and as alot of people p[ost problems but rarely seem to post the solutions. I agree - it is often tantalising on forums generally. Where did the washers fit on the wishbone bushes - was it where the two bolts go into the bulkhead i.e. between the bush holder and the bulkhead...
by lmrdave
Wed 17 Jul, 2013 10:22
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Tramlining - sorted
Replies: 14
Views: 2859

Re: Tramlining - sorted

Some people bought new tyres that made the tramling worse so it's not just about new tyres. Mine might have been down to tyres, but the gap in the wishbone was a big step change, so it's worth looking out for. I think my overall advise would be with start with tyres, swap them over front to back and...
by lmrdave
Wed 17 Jul, 2013 09:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Tramlining - sorted
Replies: 14
Views: 2859

Tramlining - sorted

Actually enjoying driving the Z3 now! This is not a definitive 'how to fix you Z3 tramlinging', just a statement on what I've done to mine. Poly bushed the wishbone bushes - no improvement felt, but on inspection after fitting I noticed the off side wishbone was not fully engaged into the bush, so t...
by lmrdave
Thu 07 Mar, 2013 07:48
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 Parts For Sale
Replies: 1
Views: 598

Re: Z3 Parts For Sale

PM'd regarding fault code reader.
by lmrdave
Tue 04 Sep, 2012 14:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cam position sensors?
Replies: 3
Views: 481

Re: Cam position sensors?

I'd go BMW; in fact I DID go BMW with my sensor.

I tried a GSF one and it wasn't up to much at all.
by lmrdave
Wed 22 Aug, 2012 14:22
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted: Z3M air filter housing
Replies: 0
Views: 323

Wanted: Z3M air filter housing

Any one got one knocking about?

Cheers,

Dave
by lmrdave
Tue 14 Aug, 2012 07:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 2.8 v 3.0 - tell me the differences :)
Replies: 13
Views: 1602

Re: 2.8 v 3.0 - tell me the differences :)

What might put me off the 3.0 is the fly by wire throttle, I've driven a few cars with them and hated them, but not driven a 3.0 litre Z3 so not sure what they are like :oops:

I also prefer the pre facelift Z3.

On the plus side 231bhp for a 3 litre :D
by lmrdave
Tue 14 Aug, 2012 06:47
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 Windblocker 750mm centers
Replies: 0
Views: 314

Z3 Windblocker 750mm centers

As above, genuine BMW wind blocker on ebay now, no reserve 99p start (I think the misses wants it out of the way!) :D http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-Windblocker-/180951786806?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2a21912536 Incluse moutning brackets and case, worked spot on, now have r...
by lmrdave
Mon 30 Jul, 2012 09:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Broken wind deflector
Replies: 2
Views: 448

Re: Broken wind deflector

I'm not sure on repairing, but I do have a wind deflector sat around doing nothing at the moment if you want a replacement. :D
by lmrdave
Thu 19 Jul, 2012 08:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 - 2.2 misfire
Replies: 3
Views: 563

Re: Z3 - 2.2 misfire

Get your code read, that should tell you if and where and when you are having a misfire, then start a more indepth check.
by lmrdave
Wed 18 Jul, 2012 06:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start
Replies: 19
Views: 6630

Re: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start

Sensor swapped out, torque is back - woohoo
by lmrdave
Tue 17 Jul, 2012 11:50
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start
Replies: 19
Views: 6630

Re: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start

Codes read - faulty crank sensor

Awaiting part from BMW, fixed the electric seats and fitted roll hoops as we had a day of good weather on saturday (well enough to get the job done before the tropical storm hit).
by lmrdave
Thu 12 Jul, 2012 08:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start
Replies: 19
Views: 6630

Re: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start

I've read that while in the warm up cycle the engine runs a standard map or closed loop that takes no external input from any/most of the sensors. I might attempt to remove the O2 sensor and see if it crusted up and clean it to see if it helps, I'm almost at a point of removeing the whole inlet and ...
by lmrdave
Thu 12 Jul, 2012 06:45
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start
Replies: 19
Views: 6630

Re: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start

Ran fine this morning . . . up until it can to normal running temp at which point it missfired a few times then ran rough with power loss again, was literally like some flicked a switch, must have ran bad all last night as it was warm starting. When do O2 sensors kick in? What temperature does the a...
by lmrdave
Wed 11 Jul, 2012 20:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start
Replies: 19
Views: 6630

Re: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start

Well fitting the new cam sensor . . . . didn't fix it, possibly even worse, runs pants all the time now. Checked for vac leaks found one possible, fixed it no change. Unplugged the MAF and it made a bit of differnence (but not much as I was expecting it to), seemed to get worse with that off so hope...
by lmrdave
Wed 11 Jul, 2012 06:45
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start
Replies: 19
Views: 6630

Re: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start

I'm still wait for my fault reader bits to turn up, but I got so hacked off with it I've bought a sensor and a 32mm spanner to get to the sensor, off to swap it tonight work and weather permitting. I will report back then, I'll also pull the fault codes off as they should still be there. Mine went f...
by lmrdave
Tue 10 Jul, 2012 07:31
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Roll Hoops
Replies: 12
Views: 1492

Re: Roll Hoops

You'd be suprised how easy it is to roll a car! If the tube is seamed it's not strong enough for a safety application and stainless isnt as strong as mild steel. New regs for roll cage tube are 40/50mm 2.0mm wall thickness CDS tube but even these are designed to deform to remove energy from the inci...
by lmrdave
Mon 09 Jul, 2012 06:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Roll Hoops
Replies: 12
Views: 1492

Re: Roll Hoops

I don't know about the materials in the BMW hoops, but unless the aftermarket ones are CDS (cold drawn steel) of a decent wall thickness that is chromed they will do bugger all.
by lmrdave
Fri 06 Jul, 2012 21:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start
Replies: 19
Views: 6630

Re: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start

Got a lead and a bluetooth OBD thing and an ap for my phone to get the error codes, will update when I have some answers.
by lmrdave
Fri 06 Jul, 2012 06:50
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start
Replies: 19
Views: 6630

Re: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start

She started up on the button this morning and ran find, silkly smooth torque is back, but does this suggest CAS or O2?

I might invest in a fault reader first.
by lmrdave
Thu 05 Jul, 2012 20:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start
Replies: 19
Views: 6630

Re: Z3 2.8 stall, loss of power, hard to start

I checked the pipe between the the MAF and throttle body, I haven't check the little pipe. Plugs look good and she's running on all 6. Took her out for a quick running, still takes a few seconds to fire, rather than on the button as before. Idle is steady not hunting (I'd imagine I'd get if it was a...