Search found 57 matches

by Howard Adams
Fri 10 May, 2019 13:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 overheating.
Replies: 18
Views: 9195

Re: Z3 overheating.

Hi, if you get a gas check to see if there are any gases in the water/radiator, if there is, it’s definitely got a head concern. In a previous life I used to work for Land Rover and this was the test we always did on the K series engine. A. compression check will also tell you if there is anything e...
by Howard Adams
Fri 03 May, 2019 15:36
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Parts for Z3 available
Replies: 8
Views: 5601

Re: Parts for Z3 available

The advert mentions its French reg, possibly not LHD.. MY 3.0 Z3 is a Uk car but reg over here in France. The second hand price over here can easily be double the Uk price especially for the 2.8 & 3.0.
H
by Howard Adams
Fri 26 Apr, 2019 16:36
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Not firing on all cylinders
Replies: 7
Views: 3593

Re: Not firing on all cylinders

Misfire, start with the basics, replace the spark plugs, see which one is black? If misfiring replace the coil pack. Most misfires are ignition related.
Good luck.
H
by Howard Adams
Mon 01 Apr, 2019 17:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Inlet Camshaft Sensor M54 engine
Replies: 9
Views: 3848

Re: Inlet Camshaft Sensor M54 engine

Hi, I had a similar problem with my Z3, and the fault code reader faulted the inlet sensor. I cleared the code twice and checked the connection. I replaced it will a Febi one and 3 years later it’s absolutely fine.. don’t wast your money on a genuine BMW one.
H
by Howard Adams
Sun 10 Feb, 2019 12:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: How much do you like your Z3
Replies: 103
Views: 81714

Re: How much do you like your Z3

Obviously we all love our Z3’s irrelevant of model and year.
I love my 3.0 Z3 as it looks good & goes like the clappers (much like my loverly wife 😜)
H
by Howard Adams
Tue 31 Jul, 2018 19:56
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: French Speed Limits
Replies: 8
Views: 3970

Re: French Speed Limits

Hi, really surprised that you haven’t heard about the new 80kph limit. The French have been protesting about it since it was proposed. The only roads effected are the A roads that are sigle carriage way. There is still no mechanism for the French to put points on an Uk liscence but they can still fi...
by Howard Adams
Sat 14 Jul, 2018 20:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0i gearing
Replies: 9
Views: 3144

Re: 3.0i gearing

I completely agree, as the 3.0 has so much torque and I’m always wanting to change up.. That’s exactly why they fit a 6 speed to the Z4.
H
by Howard Adams
Thu 12 Jul, 2018 05:37
Forum: Z1 roadster
Topic: Unwanted rumble
Replies: 21
Views: 8729

Re: Unwanted rumble

Hi, this rumble/noise only happens when cornering? Is so the most probable cause will be a wheel bearing. When checking wheel bearings obviously if there is movement that’s an easy diagnosis, normally there isn’t any, the best way is to jack the car up, axle stands under it, get someone to drive or ...
by Howard Adams
Mon 04 Jun, 2018 05:22
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0 oil consumption
Replies: 31
Views: 8789

Re: 3.0 oil consumption

Thanks for the info Southeboy, interesting to know the oil control ring is only a 2 piece ring. This certainly explains the oil consumption that happens with this engine. Interestedly I’m in the process of doing an engine rebuild on a 67 MGB and the bottom oil control rings are a 3 ring construction...
by Howard Adams
Thu 24 May, 2018 18:32
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: 2001(Y) Z3 3.0 for sale (80,000 miles)
Replies: 6
Views: 3040

Re: 2001(Y) Z3 3.0 for sale (80,000 miles)

Hi, a genuine 3.0 especially with fairly low mileage should get good money.. I personally wouldn’t except any thing less than £5k.
by Howard Adams
Mon 21 May, 2018 20:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0 oil consumption
Replies: 31
Views: 8789

Re: 3.0 oil consumption

Hi, my 3.0i has 76k on the clock. Have only had to top the level up once after a week of thrashing it around Corsica. Normally do about 3 to 4K a year. Oil changed every year and don’t normally have to top up between oil changes.
H
by Howard Adams
Sun 04 Mar, 2018 19:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Brown mayo in rad
Replies: 4
Views: 2369

Re: Brown guuk in rad

Looks very likely you have a head/head gasket problem. Doesn’t take very much oil getting into the coolant system to cause that...
by Howard Adams
Sun 04 Mar, 2018 17:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Heater control inop
Replies: 0
Views: 1909

Heater control inop

Hi, the temperature control on my Z3 (2001model) has gone springy and won’t go all the way to cold or hot. No hot air what’s so ever. My initial throught was that the lug on the heater unit had snapped & would require a super repair (bodge) as they are stupid money new. Removed the centre consol...
by Howard Adams
Fri 27 Oct, 2017 06:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Loss of power
Replies: 12
Views: 6090

Re: Loss of power

Hi, interestingly enough when my Z3 (3.0i) had intermittent loss of power it showed immediately on the code reader.
Camshaft sensors do seem to be a common problem with many Z3 (6cyl)
by Howard Adams
Thu 26 Oct, 2017 20:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Loss of power
Replies: 12
Views: 6090

Re: Loss of power

Hi, sounds like a possible MAF, historically they don’t always generate a fault code. As mentioned in this post it’s always best to use a reputable brand..
Good luck.
by Howard Adams
Tue 26 Sep, 2017 17:15
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Time to sell up..98 ///M Roadster 45k miles Estoril Blue
Replies: 5
Views: 5478

Re: Time to sell up..98 ///M Roadster 45k miles Estoril Blue

Hi the one off tax which is related to emissions (here in France) is halved when the car is of a certain age & this car is in
that catorgy. It’s a charge that is only applied once as we don’t have road tax here. But we do have Toll roads.
I paid about €230 for my Z3 (3,0i) last year.
H
by Howard Adams
Sat 09 Sep, 2017 12:11
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: long way arround screen washer pipe
Replies: 5
Views: 3143

Re: long way arround screen washer pipe

I had the same problem with my washers not working, if you remove both pumps (if headlamp washers fitted) then take the pump grommets out, these incorporate a filter which blocks up & is often overlooked.
Hope this helps.
by Howard Adams
Sun 27 Aug, 2017 14:07
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: What's my Z3 worth?
Replies: 3
Views: 4191

Re: What's my Z3 worth?

Z3 3.0i are the last of the range & the performance is not far off the M series. I personally would try & leave it as standard as you can, obviously sensible upgrades will always make it desirable as well as its mileage.
H
by Howard Adams
Sun 27 Aug, 2017 13:29
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: What's my Z3 worth?
Replies: 3
Views: 4191

Re: What's my Z3 worth?

Hi, must be north of £6500 at a min.
H
by Howard Adams
Tue 15 Aug, 2017 13:32
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Sadly selling Silver/Grey 3.0i - very low mileage
Replies: 3
Views: 2027

Re: Sadly selling Silver/Grey 3.0i - very low mileage

Will be an excellent buy for someone. Good luck with the sale.
H
by Howard Adams
Sun 23 Jul, 2017 06:34
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Coolant flush reveals oil in water.
Replies: 3
Views: 2243

Re: Coolant flush reveals oil in water.

Hi, if it's down on power & you have oil in the water & possible water in the oil a head/gasket sounds like a correct diagnosis. The sooner it's done the better because if you leave it you could possibly (worst case sinario) end up with a bigger bill, i.e. the cylinder head being beyond repa...
by Howard Adams
Tue 18 Jul, 2017 08:46
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Arm rest centre
Replies: 1
Views: 1146

Re: Arm rest centre

If you need one by Thursday, maybe you coukd make one. It's an easy thing thing to make and then cover it as and when time allows.
The cup holder part could be more challenging.
H
by Howard Adams
Fri 07 Jul, 2017 18:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: ABS fault unsolvable bricked car
Replies: 20
Views: 15045

Re: ABS fault unsolvable bricked car

Unfortunately when something module wise or electronic goes wrong with a car that's 15 years old +, many folk can be faced with bills that effectively write the car off especially if a main dealer is involved. There are many BMW specialists that can reasonably diagnose this fault.. Any recommendatio...
by Howard Adams
Wed 05 Jul, 2017 05:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Useless (French) BMW dealers
Replies: 7
Views: 3028

Re: Useless (French) BMW dealers

That sounds like the answer. Didn't realize they were that thick. I might inspect mine and just remove them and treat them with a clean up and paint. All Z's are now 15 years + old and it's a fact of life that constant maintenance is part of life, most rubber bushing starts to deteriorate after 15 y...
by Howard Adams
Tue 04 Jul, 2017 18:59
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Useless (French) BMW dealers
Replies: 7
Views: 3028

Re: Useless (French) BMW dealers

I know it can be very frustrating when parts are difficult to obtain and the obvious thing is to blame the dealer (ref the title) Having worked in a main dealer I appreciate both sides of the coin. When parts go back ordered it effects all dealers not just the Useless French ones. Hope they turn up ...
by Howard Adams
Mon 03 Jul, 2017 19:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Are Z3's getting rare?
Replies: 12
Views: 6353

Re: Are Z3's getting rare?

Hi, here in darkest rural France 🇫🇷 (Charente) I have a 3.0i, and in our club we also have a 2.8 & a MZ3
by Howard Adams
Tue 20 Jun, 2017 05:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Auxiliary/ serpentine belt has come off, advice please!
Replies: 7
Views: 2942

Re: Auxiliary/ serpentine belt has come off, advice please!

Good call not driving it. The most likely cause will be one of the rollers or the belt tensioner it's self. Iv recently replaced my rollers as there was a slight noise coming from the bearings. A easy DIY job.
H
by Howard Adams
Sun 18 Jun, 2017 18:31
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: French toad trip
Replies: 5
Views: 2276

Re: French toad trip

Hi, know exactly how you feel.. trip back from Brantome today in our other car (MGA) was just toooo hot. Our hottest day of the year here in the Charente... This week they are forecasting 38c+. Love the weather here(one of to many reasons for living here) but anything over 30c is a bit much.
H
by Howard Adams
Fri 16 Jun, 2017 20:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: French toad trip
Replies: 5
Views: 2276

Re: French toad trip

Have done many of those awesome roads myself as I live over here. Know how you feel having to put the hood up because it's to hot, luckily my Z3 has aircon.. Ps. The Gendarmes can & will impound for speeds over 30kph over the limit. And since May 2017 they can now use the DVLA data base to trace...
by Howard Adams
Mon 12 Jun, 2017 04:53
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Tyres
Replies: 16
Views: 8124

Re: Tyres

Hi, good choice, I have Michelin's on my motorbike and my day to day car..they are excellent.
The Z3 has Firestones on, good tyre but I suspect they will not last as long as the Michelin's.
H
by Howard Adams
Sun 11 Jun, 2017 12:58
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: 1st z3 seen in france
Replies: 3
Views: 3993

Re: 1st z3 seen in france

Hi, luckily there are a few more Z3's in France now. The car club that I belong to here in the Charente has 3 of them. Unfortunately you are right about the amount of cars that have dents in them. The French do not seem to have pride of ownership when it comes to their day to day cars. Completely di...
by Howard Adams
Sat 27 May, 2017 15:33
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Replacement Key
Replies: 19
Views: 6251

Re: Replacement Key

All the comments about how much other cars cost is completely irrelevant for the poor guy that has lost his BMW key.
by Howard Adams
Thu 11 May, 2017 12:03
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Air con fault diagnosis - help requested
Replies: 5
Views: 1994

Re: Air con fault diagnosis - help requested

Most aircon faults are présure related. If the car is low on gas the clutch on the pump/motor won't cut in. Aircon systems often need a regas after 3 or 4 years.
My Z3 (3.0i) also doesn't work, so I will get a regas and then worry about it if it doesn't work.
Good luck
by Howard Adams
Tue 02 May, 2017 16:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: tyre size
Replies: 11
Views: 3644

Re: tyre size

Hi, iv also a 3.0i which also had 18 inch wheels on which definitely caused tram lining. Fitted new 16 inch wheels (original size),this transformed the handeling and the ride and basically made the car a superb drive. So do you want the looks or the superb drive?.... difficult one. Z3's are renowned...
by Howard Adams
Wed 05 Apr, 2017 17:07
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: London congestion charges
Replies: 11
Views: 7295

Re: London congestion charges

I fully agree with the observations about pollution from diesels, I think the 1st steps should be to tighten up emissions on Bus's & Taxis. Here in rural France our air quality is superb, mainly down to the amount of trees & the rural inviroment. 90% of cars in France are diesels as the cost...
by Howard Adams
Mon 27 Mar, 2017 19:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Discs & Pads (to groove or not?)
Replies: 10
Views: 4561

Re: Discs & Pads (to groove or not?)

Hi, as a previous post suggested drilled discs might be a waste of money. It would be better to get quality discs/pads... Girling,Pagid or similar. Cheap pads are always a false economy in the long run.
H
by Howard Adams
Sun 26 Mar, 2017 20:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off
Replies: 36
Views: 11937

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Excellent, sounds like you had a good run.
H
by Howard Adams
Fri 24 Mar, 2017 19:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Fitting Z3M top mounts to a standard Z3 (2.8)
Replies: 15
Views: 7487

Re: Fitting Z3M top mounts to a standard Z3 (2.8)

Hi, a couple of questions about these Z3m top mounts. Some one on this thread mentioned that it was best to use the mounts for 1995 Z3m, I didn't think the M series came out til 97/98, I might be wrong! (I normally am according to my Wife!)
Also do these M series mounts fit 2001/02 3.0i
Howard
by Howard Adams
Thu 23 Mar, 2017 18:37
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Clutch not quite right. (update, new clutch now fitted!)
Replies: 6
Views: 2099

Re: Clutch not quite right. (update, new clutch now fitted!)

Good news it's sorted. How many miles are there on this car?
I don't think £500 is to bad for a complete clutch fitted at a garage.
I also think not many folk commented due to the fact that the Z3s clutches last a long time.
H
by Howard Adams
Wed 22 Mar, 2017 15:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off
Replies: 36
Views: 11937

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Hi, did the replacement caliper rectify the problem, I do hope so.
H
by Howard Adams
Tue 21 Mar, 2017 07:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Head gasket 3.0
Replies: 12
Views: 3968

Re: Head gasket 3.0

Hi, what did you find reference the water loss, hopefully a coolant pressure check reveled any faults.
H
by Howard Adams
Mon 20 Mar, 2017 07:01
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: soft rear end.. but might be normal
Replies: 18
Views: 6705

Re: soft rear end.. but might be normal

Hi, one thing I always think of when riding my motor bike (BMW rt) is slow in, fast out.. fast in, don't come out! Most accidents are caused by cars & motorbikes going into corners to fast. I agree with the fact that most Z3s would obviously benefit from new suspension bushes. Some folk will onl...
by Howard Adams
Sat 18 Mar, 2017 22:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: soft rear end.. but might be normal
Replies: 18
Views: 6705

Re: soft rear end.. but might be normal

I must admit I personally would never change gear mid corner, mind you this might be that iv also ridden motorcycles all my life.
H
by Howard Adams
Sat 18 Mar, 2017 21:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: soft rear end.. but might be normal
Replies: 18
Views: 6705

Re: soft rear end.. but might be normal

Hi, I also have a 3.0i and I definitely don't get any of those symptoms.
First things to check must be all of the rear suspension bushes, worn shock absorbers might also contribute.
Most Z3s are now more than 14/15 years old and still have the original bushes etc.
Let us know what you find.
Howard
by Howard Adams
Sun 12 Mar, 2017 17:13
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Head gasket 3.0
Replies: 12
Views: 3968

Re: Head gasket 3.0

Hi, how much water are you loosing? 1st thing should be a coolant pressure check to eliminate any leak before automatically thinking it's the head gasket. Is there water in the oil?, oil in the water?, is the coolest system over pressuring?, exsessive smoke/steam from the exhaust. These engines have...
by Howard Adams
Sun 12 Mar, 2017 15:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off
Replies: 36
Views: 11937

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Thanks Howard. You mention the front wheels - is this on a front wheel drive car, or is there some other reason? The Z3 is a rear-wheel drive car. Sue Any vibration or shaking coming through the steering wheel is normally a front end problem. It makes no difference whether the car is rwd or fwd. If...
by Howard Adams
Sun 12 Mar, 2017 08:32
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off
Replies: 36
Views: 11937

Re: steering judder c 50mph... occurring on and off

Hi, all of the above replys all are relevant. As an ex Land Rover technician the fault seems relatively easy to diagnose. Any juddering,vibration through the steering wheel will normally be caused by a Front wheel/brake fault. Remove the brake master cylinder cap(rag around it) Take the front wheels...
by Howard Adams
Sat 11 Mar, 2017 07:42
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New steering rack - stiffness...
Replies: 20
Views: 9227

Re: New steering rack - stiffness...

Hi, the fault seems to be with the new steering rack. If you go lock to lock with out the engine running then do the same with the engine running there should be a massive difference. This eliminates the power assisted side of the system. Next jack the car up, remove both track rod ends and see if t...
by Howard Adams
Sat 11 Feb, 2017 16:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Calling all non lowered Z3s without wheel spacers!
Replies: 21
Views: 6479

Re: Calling all non lowered Z3s without wheel spacers!

Hi Guys, as you probably know when I got my Z3 (3.0i manual) it handled like a lame duck & tramlined with the best of them. So after fitting new 16inch wheels & new tyres and replacing the front (rear) arm bushes (Polly bushes), so now back to the wheels size that BMW designed the car with. ...
by Howard Adams
Sat 11 Feb, 2017 16:32
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: bit of play on front wheels
Replies: 7
Views: 2302

Re: bit of play on front wheels

Excellent