Search found 90 matches

by 1963paul
Sun 06 May, 2018 13:32
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Time to say goodbye ....
Replies: 0
Views: 2018

Time to say goodbye ....

After nearly 5 years, I have decided to sell my Z3, really enjoyed driving it all year round as my daily driver. Sad to see her go. Thanks to all on here who has helped to keep her going 👏 I have gone automatic in the form of a Merc SLK 230K, a bit older, but half the mileage, and hopefully just as ...
by 1963paul
Wed 29 Nov, 2017 23:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: ABS relay location...
Replies: 7
Views: 5108

Re: ABS relay location...

All done, new sensor fitted, all good. Just like to mention that before the sensor was replaced, it affected a few other items on the car aswell, sometimes when the lights came on whilst driving, the throttle would surge for a second as the lights lit up, also the brake peddle would "flutter&qu...
by 1963paul
Mon 27 Nov, 2017 19:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Breakdown cover
Replies: 11
Views: 5015

Re: Breakdown cover

Been with Auto Aid now for over 6 years, no complaints, had a couple of callouts in the past, very quick, had to pay for the recovery with a credit card, then Auto Aid paid me back, but I think that setup has changed now, I don't think you have to pay upfront, the last time I used them was over 4 ye...
by 1963paul
Mon 13 Nov, 2017 23:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: ABS relay location...
Replies: 7
Views: 5108

Re: ABS relay location...

Didn't get a chance to look for the relay, but it turns out to be a ABS sensor on the OS/R wheel. My local garage plugged it into there diagnostic 'puter, and that sensor had recorded 42 errors over the last couple of weeks. They removed it and cleaned it up, took it for test run, and the warning li...
by 1963paul
Sun 12 Nov, 2017 15:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Window washer jets issue
Replies: 10
Views: 6019

Re: Window washer jets issue

I had same problem, just removed the white valves altogether, only difference is it takes a fraction longer for the water to come out.
by 1963paul
Thu 09 Nov, 2017 22:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: ABS relay location...
Replies: 7
Views: 5108

Re: ABS relay location...

Similar, mine has empty spaces where some of the relays are shown in the diagram. I’ll have a look tomorrow, I’m sure they are up under the dashboard somewhere. I thought the the relays I’m looking for would have “ABS”stamped on them, and, like you said earlier, are red and grey. Thanks for your inp...
by 1963paul
Thu 09 Nov, 2017 19:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: ABS relay location...
Replies: 7
Views: 5108

Re: ABS relay location...

Yes, I thought so too, but, no. I read somewhere that they are behind the glove box or above the steering column behind the plastic under the dashboard. There is another box full of electrical gubbins, under a plastic cover, held on with 6 cross head screws, near the ( I think) the brake servo. The ...
by 1963paul
Tue 07 Nov, 2017 11:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: ABS relay location...
Replies: 7
Views: 5108

ABS relay location...

Anybody know where my ABS relay is ? in a 1999 2ltr Z3, before I start probing under the dash board...both my ABS and ASC lamps are on 98% of the time.... doesn't seem to be in the main fuse box under the bonnet.
by 1963paul
Thu 26 Oct, 2017 09:19
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

I am convinced the issue was all down to using Esso "Synergy" fuel...I have been filling up with Shell and Texaco, and all ok, last night I was caught short, so I had to use Morrison's petrol, and all ok?...so I think it was just the Esso petrol that my car doesn't like.
by 1963paul
Tue 10 Oct, 2017 08:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

I'm on my 3rd tank of either Shell or Texaco petrol now...it's a lot better, but not perfect. If I keep the roof and windows up, it's great!...can't hear anything except all the "good" sounds the engine makes...window down, very faint pinking occasionally. Going to try some octane booster ...
by 1963paul
Fri 22 Sep, 2017 23:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Couldn't wait, had to fill up on the way back from work from a Shell garage ( no Shell, BP or Texaco where I live), still had just under a qtr tank of the old fuel, so a little bit watered down, but it's getting there, the pinking hasn't completely gone yet, but I am confident that on the next fill ...
by 1963paul
Thu 21 Sep, 2017 12:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

I wouldn't use that shower where you took your car to be hooked up to their diagnostics.Whatever you do don't use PAddock motors nr Exeter When you take it to a specialist with all the expensivediagnostic gear you'd expect them to find it. They just change parts these days until it works, bit like ...
by 1963paul
Thu 21 Sep, 2017 10:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Yes,I am finding all this lowering of hydrocarbon content in fuel a bit curious,don't get me wrong-I am all for the planet and want to do my share to mitigate atmospheric pollution.The motorcyclists and classic owners are tearing hair out as fuel systems collapse since Ethanol introduction. Handsom...
by 1963paul
Wed 20 Sep, 2017 21:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Well, I have a qtr tank of fuel left, couple more trips to work, then I will fill it with 97.
Question: Do ALL BP/Shell/Texaco garages sell 97, or will I have to drive around?
by 1963paul
Wed 20 Sep, 2017 17:50
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

The only non-supermarket fuel in Tiverton is Esso, and I always use the highest octane petrol available, which I think is 93, so I will have to find either a Shell or Texaco garage (Exeter), and fill it up with 97, that is the only thing I haven't done, as I assumed the ignition would adjust to suit...
by 1963paul
Wed 20 Sep, 2017 12:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Well, just back from the BMW garage (Paddock motors, Exeter), they plugged it in, ran a diagnostic, and......nothing! It's all ok, no fault codes, no leaks, the engine is running perfectly OK. They cleared and reset the adaption values, and was told to see how it goes.its a 30 odd mile trip back hom...
by 1963paul
Tue 05 Sep, 2017 09:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

We've been 8 times all told, including NY and Washington DC, but all in August ( wife works in a school), so never experienced the winter over there, so it's always been in the 90s. Did have a tropical storm once, it was named as "Gustav" if I remember rightly, it was one category below a ...
by 1963paul
Mon 04 Sep, 2017 14:40
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

After 6 visits to Florida, I have never had a bad holiday there,but saying that, USA in general is always a good holiday, driving over there is a pleasure, customer service is 2nd to none, the climate, the food,it's all good, we think so anyway.
by 1963paul
Mon 04 Sep, 2017 11:11
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Right, back from holiday, now for an update. I have booked the car for a diagnostic check at a local independent BMW specialist (Paddock Motors, Nr Exeter). They did say it's a rather unusual fault, and it might just need a software update, but there diagnostic machine should pick up ANY issues, so,...
by 1963paul
Tue 01 Aug, 2017 18:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

:head: :head: :head: :head:
Have a guess :bawl:

I'm off on holiday for 2 weeks from Sunday, no time to try again ( knock sensors, independent BMW garage diagnostics), till after I come back from Florida :sunny :sunny

Thanks everyone for all your input, really appreciated. :cheers
by 1963paul
Mon 31 Jul, 2017 17:34
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Ok, fitted the new (2nd hand MAF), now then, I'm hoping someone will say you need to drive it a few miles for the ECU to re-program, as I just came back from a short drive ( my tea was ready before I left)! and it was still pinking a little bit, not a lot, just a bit on the last leg up the steep hil...
by 1963paul
Fri 28 Jul, 2017 13:28
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: UFO in my car?
Replies: 9
Views: 3675

Re: UFO in my car?

I had similar in my car, but were stuck to the pillars with Velcro....mine were a microphone for an old Nokia car phone system, the main bit was tucked up behind the dash above the passengers footwell....never bleeped 'tho.
by 1963paul
Wed 26 Jul, 2017 23:36
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

:lol: That's exactly what I did Paul just to prove it was the MAF. 3 years later I am still using it! For £19 it's worth a punt, I also got some Halfords contact cleaner as I suspect it may have been on a dusty shelf somewhere, and thought I would clean my existing MAF, made a huge difference in th...
by 1963paul
Tue 25 Jul, 2017 22:11
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Bought a 2nd hand MAF from a scrapped Z3, arriving Thursday ( it's guaranteed), so see what happens then.
by 1963paul
Mon 24 Jul, 2017 18:22
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

The fact that you noticed no difference with the maf disconnected and got no warning light is the stand-out comment. It sounds as though the car runs ok when it's in open-loop, but not when it's in closed-loop. I assume your engine light comes on correctly when you first turn the ignition on? I thi...
by 1963paul
Fri 14 Jul, 2017 10:45
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Yes...I think you're right about the ping sensors, I am caught up in a situation where I am trying to avoid getting them done...the garage I go to are 100% sure that they are ok, they are working as they should, and it will be a waste of time and cost getting them changed. They keep saying the engin...
by 1963paul
Thu 13 Jul, 2017 22:57
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

:head: :head: ...it's not so bad, overall it better, the terraclean has done some good, but it's still pinking, tho' not as bad as before...next is to try cooler spark plugs, then poss some octane booster in a bottle. I have come across another theory....yesterday my motorcycle ( Moto Guzzi V11 Brev...
by 1963paul
Wed 12 Jul, 2017 21:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Well, got me car back after its terraclean, went for a reasonable test drive, and........sounds ok. Taking it to work tomorrow, about 11 miles on a A road, it would do about 7 miles before it started ( 5 miles with the old spark plugs), so, we'll see, but in general, after its clean, it's feels bett...
by 1963paul
Wed 05 Jul, 2017 15:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

I haven't got round to ordering the knock sensors yet, as its such a task to get at them and change them, that will be the last thing to try if all else fails. The ignition and vanos timing have been checked, all ok, the plugs that I changed, looked ok, (new plugs fitted, still pinking),... :head: T...
by 1963paul
Tue 04 Jul, 2017 10:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Yes, the warning lamps are all ok. I have just dropped off the car to my local garage, he has got a " terra clean" chap coming round on Monday to de-coke the engine. The chap there also says as it only pinks between approx 2-3 thousand revs, that's a sign that it could be burning oil, no s...
by 1963paul
Tue 04 Jul, 2017 09:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Ok, it's been nearly 2 weeks since I fitted the new spark plugs, it has made a difference, I can drive another 5 miles now, from cold, before the pinking starts, before, I could drive for about 6 miles before it started. It's definitely not as bad, but it's still there. I had also disconnected the M...
by 1963paul
Thu 22 Jun, 2017 22:08
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Finally got round to checking and changing the spark plugs. The old ones were NGK R (BK6RE), and they looked OK to be fair, so I have replaced them with Bosch Super4 (FR78X), because these were on the Halfords web page, when it asks what car you have (via the reg number), went for a test drive this ...
by 1963paul
Tue 06 Jun, 2017 09:13
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Yep, you're right, plugs 1st, thanks for the input.
by 1963paul
Mon 05 Jun, 2017 20:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

I have just ordered new spark plugs (non in stock, that's Halfords for you)!, Bosch 4pk Super+, one of a number of recommended spark plugs, they have 4 electrodes. I will have a really good look at the old ones when I take them out for any white marks as you suggested. The fuel filter was changed at...
by 1963paul
Sun 04 Jun, 2017 14:57
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Personally if you went to the trouble of checking 2 year old plugs last week I would have changed them as a matter of course. Did you check them on a spark tester or just a visual and regap. What brand are they. Yes, you're right, as they were out anyway, suppose should have changed them, but they ...
by 1963paul
Sat 03 Jun, 2017 22:37
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltrep

When was the last time the spark plugs were changed and what quality plug. The plugs were changed a couple of years ago during its service, and were checked last week, all perfect. The plugs that came out weren't standard,they had 4 electrodes and were well passed their sell by date, so the garage ...
by 1963paul
Sat 03 Jun, 2017 07:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Have always used super, but to be fair, it shouldn't really matter what grade, the sensors and ECU should dial out any pre-ignition detonation. I'm going to change the anti-knock sensors anyway, they do age and crack overtime, and yet don't show any errors. Just want to know if anybody has done the ...
by 1963paul
Fri 02 Jun, 2017 13:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

I spoke too soon...the pinking problem, 'tho a lot better since the excess oil was drained off, is still there... :head: So I am going to get the anti-knock sensors replaced anyway....it seems they can go faulty, and yet, pass all the diagnostic test with flying colours. Anybody on here replaced the...
by 1963paul
Sun 30 Apr, 2017 09:01
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

UPDATE: Might we worth noting that pinking can be caused by TOO MUCH OIL!!..eventually the problem was found to be over filling (by me)!...over a litre was drained off. The car was parked on a neighbours driveway one night, which was very steep, and on the way to work the following morning, the oil ...
by 1963paul
Tue 31 Jan, 2017 23:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Had a look for Pinking problems and found this regarding the knock sensors, may be of interest to you in tracking down the cause of your problem. http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/797779 For some reason, that link won't open? Yep, just tried again, and it opened...that chap must have changed ...
by 1963paul
Tue 31 Jan, 2017 23:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

I would get it plugged into a diagnostic error codes reader - I'm note sure that your 1999 car would have an "engine management fault warning light". My 1998 one hasn't, 1999 may be borderline. Whilst "knock sensors" make small adjustments to avoid pre-ignition (often undetectab...
by 1963paul
Tue 31 Jan, 2017 23:31
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

colb wrote:Had a look for Pinking problems and found this regarding the knock sensors, may be of interest to you in tracking down the cause of your problem.
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/797779

For some reason, that link won't open?
by 1963paul
Mon 30 Jan, 2017 17:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Robert T wrote:See Ignition and Knock Control on this page: http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techart ... ystems.htm

Cheers R.
Ahh, that's better, just as I thought, not easy to get at!
Thanks
by 1963paul
Mon 30 Jan, 2017 15:32
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

Thanks for that, I have seen that diagram before, but like you say, doesn't show where it is on the engine. I would imagine it would mean removing a lot of the stuff on top of the engine ( inlet manifold etc) to get to the sensors, unless someone has been there before and can tell me otherwise.
by 1963paul
Mon 30 Jan, 2017 10:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Replies: 69
Views: 22379

Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre

So, I've had a couple of sensors replaced recently to cure a hot starting/ stalling problem, that's all fine, but now I noticed its pinking and I'm trying to locate the anti-knock sensors, just to see if the multi plug is dislodged, like I found on my generator plug ( it wasn't "clicked" i...
by 1963paul
Sat 07 Jan, 2017 00:53
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Flashing battery warning light....
Replies: 11
Views: 3563

Re: Flashing battery warning light....

Must have been the multi plug, since I pushed it home, it's been fine :D ( that's done it)!
by 1963paul
Fri 23 Dec, 2016 10:42
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Flashing battery warning light....
Replies: 11
Views: 3563

Re: Flashing battery warning light....

Well, I had a look, it's a bit tight under there to see what's what, but a electrical plug on the generator did "click" when I pushed it home, so might have done something, time will tell.
by 1963paul
Fri 23 Dec, 2016 01:32
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Flashing battery warning light....
Replies: 11
Views: 3563

Re: Flashing battery warning light....

Thanks all for the replays and suggestions, weather permitting, I'll have a look tomorrow.
by 1963paul
Thu 22 Dec, 2016 10:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Flashing battery warning light....
Replies: 11
Views: 3563

Re: Flashing battery warning light....

Thanks again, just ordered the plug-in meter, looks to be a handy gizmo!.
by 1963paul
Thu 22 Dec, 2016 09:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Flashing battery warning light....
Replies: 11
Views: 3563

Re: Flashing battery warning light....

Wow, thankyou for that very comprehensive reply!...lots to read and digest.... :rtm: I did have the charging circuit and battery tested last night, all ok, so I'm thinking lose wire/connection plug, I'm off tomorrow, so a look under the bonnet in daylight would be the 1st thing....just hoping someon...