Search found 69 matches

by Zed Free
Sat 21 Nov, 2015 15:19
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: I cant get in ... help !
Replies: 8
Views: 1637

Re: I cant get in ... help !

Id agree with deano, had to do a similar thing on a friends boot when a bag strap got stuck in the lock area. Just be careful not to dent the door by pushing too hard.
by Zed Free
Fri 20 Nov, 2015 09:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Track day brakes!
Replies: 25
Views: 5219

Re: Track day brakes!

What diameter are the fronts on a 2.8? I believe they are the same as my 2.2 and can be easily upgraded to those of the 3.0 simply needing the new bracket for the caliper and obviously the new discs. If you are getting new discs anyway I would recommend this mod. I did it earlier this year, very eas...
by Zed Free
Mon 20 Jul, 2015 16:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Flat spot and pinking cured
Replies: 15
Views: 3843

Re: Flat spot and pinking cured

Try items 15 and 17 on this link

http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/Z3-Ro ... ld_system/

Which gives 11 61 1 727 176 for the big one 7mm and 11 61 1 437 560 for the small one 3.5mm.
by Zed Free
Mon 20 Jul, 2015 12:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Couldn't wait any longer & settled for a 2.2
Replies: 19
Views: 3518

Re: Couldn't wait any longer & settled for a 2.2

I'm sure you will really enjoy your, 2.2. I have just spent a few days driving around Devon in mine and had a real blast. When well maintained, the shortish stroke on the 2.2 makes it rev so sweet it is a joy to drive. The big smile when you drive it does not go away........ For me if I changed it w...
by Zed Free
Tue 16 Jun, 2015 16:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Exhaust rasp has gone after air inlet changed.2.2i
Replies: 18
Views: 3529

Re: Exhaust rasp has gone after air inlet changed.2.2i

2.2 does not have the exhaust flap. Wide open all the time. Lovely sound To go with the lovely smooth engine.
by Zed Free
Tue 16 Jun, 2015 16:40
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Brake lights suddenly not working and fuel gauge also stoppe
Replies: 15
Views: 2714

Re: Brake lights suddenly not working and fuel gauge also st

When you say that you have disconnected the brake lights do you mean taking the bulb out or taking the wire off the back? Neither of which will overcome the short at the loom of doom. I am not sure that the switch will cause this problem as it only has the live there, no earth to short against.
by Zed Free
Mon 15 Jun, 2015 20:36
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Brake lights suddenly not working and fuel gauge also stoppe
Replies: 15
Views: 2714

Re: Brake lights suddenly not working and fuel gauge also st

Just wondering if it is the favourite cable failure at the boot hinge.
by Zed Free
Fri 12 Jun, 2015 11:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: This is why you change gearbox oil
Replies: 25
Views: 5795

Re: This is why you change gearbox oil

The HECK and MECH are on the print out for lsd difs as well. You need to look in the section below it which list the extras such as air bags etc. Which is where mine says Differential lock 25%. Some people say there is no issue with using LSD oil in non LSD diff others will site issues they have had...
by Zed Free
Thu 11 Jun, 2015 18:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Starting Issues 2.8
Replies: 7
Views: 2000

Re: Starting Issues 2.8

Unless you have deep pockets changing parts without diagnosis is an expensive way to go. Whilst it does sound like the starter motor it could be several other things. Remove the motor and see if it is seized, will it spin when put across the battery now you have a spare battery to test with :).
by Zed Free
Thu 11 Jun, 2015 18:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: This is why you change gearbox oil
Replies: 25
Views: 5795

Re: This is why you change gearbox oil

If you have an lsd it will say something like "S209A Sperrdifferential 25% Differential lock 25%" So it would seem that you have a normal diff, maybe others with a known non lsd diff will confirm what theirs says on bmwvin. LSD oils have what they call friction modifiers and are generally ...
by Zed Free
Wed 10 Jun, 2015 09:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: This is why you change gearbox oil
Replies: 25
Views: 5795

Re: This is why you change gearbox oil

If you go to a site such as http://www.bmwvin.com/ and enter your VIN you will get all the details on your particular car and whether it has an LSD.
by Zed Free
Sun 07 Jun, 2015 14:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Oem wheel style ??
Replies: 3
Views: 886

Re: Oem wheel style ??

Style 32
by Zed Free
Mon 01 Jun, 2015 19:28
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: This is why you change gearbox oil
Replies: 25
Views: 5795

This is why you change gearbox oil

Having recently changed my gearbox oil I thought that any doubters out there might like to see what the oil looks like after 70,000 miles and 14 years. Oh and the diff oil was not much better.


Image
by Zed Free
Sun 08 Mar, 2015 14:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Flat battery, boot light doesn't switch off
Replies: 15
Views: 2663

Re: Flat battery, boot light doesn't switch off

From time to time Aldi and Lidl both have their own versions of the cteck chargers, the buttons are all the same with the same functions but at about £15. Bargin. I have a few for various cars and they are fine. The later ones from Aldi give a volt meter on it as well.
by Zed Free
Thu 21 Aug, 2014 06:59
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Front bushes
Replies: 2
Views: 474

Front bushes

I finally got round to doing the control arm bushes the other day. I had wondered whether to go for the M solid rubber or for the purple powerflex ones. I was concerned about making the suspension harsher as I already have the M-sport suspension on it. In the end I went for the purple ones and wow w...
by Zed Free
Thu 17 Jul, 2014 18:29
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Where have all the Z3"s gone?
Replies: 31
Views: 4191

Re: Where have all the Z3"s gone?

I have been wondering the same thing, I have just got back from a few days in North Wales and did not see a single Z3 til I got back into England, beautiful roads, ideal for the zed but only a couple of Z4s and no 3s. Had a nice convoy with a pair of MGBs for a while but had to leave them in the end...
by Zed Free
Fri 11 Jul, 2014 17:01
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Changing the gearbox oil
Replies: 73
Views: 16747

Re: Changing the gearbox oil

Need to be a little careful on this thread with the names of the Castrol oils Systrans is for gearboxes Systrax is for differentials The 75 grade that they are recommending is probably the Systrans B75w. If you want to go Castrol it is worth downloading their Specialities Product Range brochure. B75...
by Zed Free
Thu 26 Jun, 2014 17:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New Project - 1998 M Roadster
Replies: 82
Views: 22751

Re: New Project - 1998 M Roadster

This has been a really interesting thread, hope you get it started soon.
Looks really nice now.
by Zed Free
Tue 24 Jun, 2014 18:40
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Fitting cruise control
Replies: 48
Views: 11900

Re: Fitting cruise control

Done this on mine earlier this year, stalk from eBay but interface unit rarely comes up on eBay so bought it from dealer.
by Zed Free
Fri 20 Jun, 2014 08:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Car Specs
Replies: 4
Views: 649

Re: Car Specs

Been to vindecoder previously, really useful but does not tell you what ltd edition version it is just lets me know that it has a long list of extras which if all added as paid for options would make for an expensive car. M Sport suspension Staggered style 95 wheels L S Diff HP sports seats in nappa...
by Zed Free
Thu 19 Jun, 2014 22:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Car Specs
Replies: 4
Views: 649

Car Specs

Came across this web site when doing some research into what my car is as it seemed too old to be a Sport but had very similar extras.

http://www.helpfindmea.co.uk/cars/specs ... tions-553/

At least I know that it is a Titanium Edition, seems to have been the fore-runner of the Sport.
by Zed Free
Wed 18 Jun, 2014 20:05
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Standard or Super unleaded?
Replies: 75
Views: 9423

Re: Standard or Super unleaded?

Pump accuracy at forecourt has to be -0.5 to +1%.

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/tradingstandar ... tation.htm
by Zed Free
Mon 19 May, 2014 11:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Lesser Spotted Z3
Replies: 5
Views: 1249

Re: Lesser Spotted Z3

That's a lovely road for zed driving, I have been up and down there quite a few times, lots of motorbikes and as you say a shortage of z3s.
by Zed Free
Sat 26 Apr, 2014 07:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Drivers seat jammed - have tried all tips here!
Replies: 15
Views: 2078

Re: Drivers seat jammed - have tried all tips here!

Whilst wd40 is a reasonable general purpose lube as a penetrating fluid for seized items it is not a patch on plusgas which you can get from eurocar parts among other places.
by Zed Free
Tue 01 Apr, 2014 20:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Exhaust Howl
Replies: 13
Views: 1511

Re: Exhaust Howl

Sorry, didn't really answer the original question. There are many factors that make up the different sounds between cars. For instance taking a six cyl engine you can combine them straight into one pipe with a log style exhaust manifold or you can combine it into two lots of three cylinders or three...
by Zed Free
Mon 31 Mar, 2014 11:57
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Exhaust Howl
Replies: 13
Views: 1511

Re: Exhaust Howl

The OEM exhaust on my 2.2 sport appears to be stainless, it is not magnetic, is nice and shiny and like Pedro20001's 2.2 it makes a lovely sound and pops on over run. Not sure if this was something that they put on the sport models as standard as it is not listed in the extras on the vin decoder web...
by Zed Free
Sun 23 Mar, 2014 13:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Whirring/fan noise on start up
Replies: 47
Views: 8195

Re: Whirring/fan noise on start up

With the engine tuned off and cool you should be able to spin the fan freely by hand. If not then the viscous coupling is shot.
by Zed Free
Sun 05 Jan, 2014 21:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Petrol Tank Straps
Replies: 10
Views: 1887

Re: Petrol Tank Straps

I was looking at mine recently, it looks like you need to drop the sub frame, however sounds like Deano found he did not need to. Any more details on this Deano?
Thanks
by Zed Free
Tue 10 Dec, 2013 16:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 2.2 how quick?
Replies: 24
Views: 2591

Re: 2.2 how quick?

I agree that the 2.2 needs to be let to rev if you want to go quick, but it is so smooth and sounds so nice that it is no hardship to do so, I find I have to be careful not to hit the limiter. It is also a joy to drive "normally." It is clearly totally different to the 2.0 turbo diesel tha...
by Zed Free
Fri 18 Oct, 2013 11:03
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: brake discs bolts snapped
Replies: 15
Views: 2065

Re: brake discs bolts snapped

Whilst you need to be careful where you get it onto around brakes, I find that a squirt of "PlusGas" the day before you want to work on things makes for easy removal of bolts that have corroded in. Useful on suspension adjustment bolts before going to get tracking down etc. avoids the gara...
by Zed Free
Fri 11 Oct, 2013 20:36
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Headlight bulbs
Replies: 3
Views: 451

Re: Headlight bulbs

Mikes item on headlamp tests in the knowledge base is worth a read. I did not realise there is such variation in the quality of bulbs.
by Zed Free
Fri 11 Oct, 2013 17:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: zeds dead baby
Replies: 12
Views: 1698

Re: zeds dead baby

If you are looking for a charger, keep your eye on Lidl. From time to time they sell one that appears to be a repackaged C-tech one I have found it is very good and only £15. Bargain.
by Zed Free
Thu 10 Oct, 2013 22:05
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: zeds dead baby
Replies: 12
Views: 1698

Re: zeds dead baby

Anything plugged into the lighter socket. It stays live on them. Does not switch off with ignition like some cars.
by Zed Free
Wed 18 Sep, 2013 20:06
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Battery Change but which one?
Replies: 6
Views: 834

Re: Battery Change but which one?

Last one I got for another car was Bosch and was amazed how cheap from Costco, they were much cheaper than all the usual motor factors.
by Zed Free
Wed 18 Sep, 2013 20:03
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Preparing Z3 for winter storage
Replies: 23
Views: 5058

Re: Preparing Z3 for winter storage

Doing the oil before the storage is a wise move, too many do it as the first thing when getting the car out in the next year. It would then have had the old oil sitting in it all winter. I would pump the tyres to 50psi then don't need to worry about rotating the wheels. The other one that is often a...
by Zed Free
Sun 01 Sep, 2013 15:11
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pic of Open Engine
Replies: 7
Views: 978

Re: Pic of Open Engine

If you are worried about it just do an early oil change with a good quality oil. They have detergents in them.
by Zed Free
Wed 21 Aug, 2013 20:52
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: apex lowering springs
Replies: 5
Views: 703

Re: apex lowering springs

Pedro20001 I am surprised that you find the standard springs crashy, I suppose to some extent depends upon what you want from a set up. Or maybe your dampers are part of the problem as a crashy ride is often due to the dampers not being up to the job.. How many miles do they have? I am not a big fan...
by Zed Free
Mon 19 Aug, 2013 09:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Skylark is back
Replies: 7
Views: 1207

Re: Skylark is back

Looking good and shiny. Looks like you have the black version of mine.
by Zed Free
Wed 24 Jul, 2013 13:57
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Glass rear screen
Replies: 2
Views: 392

Glass rear screen

Just wondering if anyone has ever done a new soft top with a glass window for the z3? Or is there just not enough space in the rear.
by Zed Free
Sun 07 Jul, 2013 18:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Topless driving conditions forecast
Replies: 46
Views: 4533

Re: Topless driving conditions forecast

Had a lovely 190 mile topless round trip down to yorkshire again in Tess. Most zeds ive ever seen today (not on a meet) 3 z4's with tops up, 2 z3's with tops up and 3 z3's topless and 3 heartily waves from them :D :D :drive :drive and the weather is to last into next week :D How can people drive a ...
by Zed Free
Fri 05 Jul, 2013 11:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Topless driving conditions forecast
Replies: 46
Views: 4533

Re: Topless driving conditions forecast

Southernboy wrote:I can just see it....200 cooked lobsters in their Z3's by Monday...... :roflmao: :sunny
And I look forward to being one of them. It's worth it.
by Zed Free
Wed 03 Jul, 2013 20:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Front control arm bushes
Replies: 14
Views: 1074

Re: Front control arm bushes

Sounds more like warped discs on the front brakes.
by Zed Free
Sun 23 Jun, 2013 20:03
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: M44 1.9 Rough running.
Replies: 28
Views: 5089

Re: M44 1.9 Rough running.

With cars that have hand brake drums that do not also do the foot brake it is advisable to periodically drive slowly with the hand brake just biting. This will keep the surfaces clean and free of rust etc. When I first got my zed the rear drums made noises and hand brake performance was poor. After ...
by Zed Free
Sun 23 Jun, 2013 20:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: M44 1.9 Rough running.
Replies: 28
Views: 5089

Re: M44 1.9 Rough running.

With cars that have hand brake drums that do not also do the foot brake it is advisable to periodically drive slowly with the hand brake just biting. This will keep the surfaces clean and free of rust etc. When I first got my zed the rear drums made noises and hand brake performance was poor. After ...
by Zed Free
Fri 21 Jun, 2013 15:50
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 2.8 exhaust system
Replies: 11
Views: 1444

Re: 2.8 exhaust system

Have a read of page three of the link below. (Not the type of page 3 that some of you are thinking.)

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/M ... 202009.pdf
by Zed Free
Fri 21 Jun, 2013 14:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 3.0i Intake Backfire Disaster Help Needed!
Replies: 63
Views: 7737

Re: Z3 3.0i Intake Backfire Disaster Help Needed!

I know that you said in earlier post that the inlet valves look ok, but I am surprised that there is any damage to the rings / pistons, they see a lot harder life than a backfire. The only way I could see any daamge woudl be if the bits from the DISA had got down the side of the piston and either sc...
by Zed Free
Sun 26 May, 2013 15:09
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: rear window fix
Replies: 11
Views: 924

Re: rear window fix

Yes that is the place. I didn't want to use a glue that is too permanent incase I need to change the window in the future. Does the rubber glue come apart if needed?
by Zed Free
Sun 26 May, 2013 08:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: rear window fix
Replies: 11
Views: 924

Re: rear window fix

What sealer is used to tuck the edges in? Mine are coming out and just seem to have double sided tape holding it in. I am having to tuck the edges in after every time I have the roof down.
by Zed Free
Wed 10 Apr, 2013 11:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Steering Wheel shake?
Replies: 8
Views: 875

Re: Steering Wheel shake?

Almost certainly a sticking caliper. I had same thing with my front right. Also the pads can get quite corroded into the carriers so make sure you clean them up when fitting new pads.
by Zed Free
Wed 03 Apr, 2013 21:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Best oil?
Replies: 28
Views: 1409

Re: Best oil?

mobil 1 :rtm: for the M http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-715-castrol-edge-10w-60-fst-for-bmw-m-series.aspx i use thinner than that. 5w 30 or 5w 40 for the vanos :) On the mobil 1 web site they also recommend the 10 w 60 for the z3 m. Not for any of the more humble motors that the rest of us drive. I ass...