Search found 700 matches

by AndyBass
Thu 24 Dec, 2009 15:02
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Best sounding 6 cylinder engines
Replies: 17
Views: 2494

Honda CBX with a six into one pipe minus the baffle.
by AndyBass
Wed 04 Nov, 2009 08:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Gearbox and Diff
Replies: 7
Views: 2072

My old (1996) 318is had as part of the service schedule a gearbox and differential oil change at every other inspection II. It is folly in my view not to change the oil in gearboxes and diffs considering the strain they are under. Oil is much cheaper than gears but I suspect many owners are satisfie...
by AndyBass
Sat 11 Jul, 2009 08:39
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: Saw you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Replies: 2
Views: 955

I was in my works van going the other way! I always look for zeds, even though it's two years since mine went, and I do miss it. Yes you were behaving impeccably and using the car how it was intended, roof open. It still annoys me how many people buy a convertible then drive it on sunny days with th...
by AndyBass
Fri 10 Jul, 2009 18:47
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: Saw you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Replies: 2
Views: 955

Saw you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stu in V**SMB pootling down the Sheffield Parkway towards junction 33 M1 about 1.00 pm. Looking good in the sun with the roof down.
by AndyBass
Tue 27 Jan, 2009 09:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Flaken FK-452 245/40/17 or 255/40/17
Replies: 18
Views: 1786

Sticking with the original size is a good idea as you keep the correct rolling radius. Check out Car maintenance bibles to give you a size comparison checker. For example if you change from 255/40's to 255/45's you increase the rolling radius from 317.9mm to 330.65mm, an increase of 4.01% meaning wh...
by AndyBass
Thu 22 Jan, 2009 14:58
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Speed limits being reduced
Replies: 8
Views: 1216

The police may not but you can bet your a*se that the Scamera Partnerships will :head:
by AndyBass
Tue 20 Jan, 2009 07:57
Forum: Boyz Toyz
Topic: BMW Factory Fitted Sat Nav - Upgrade?
Replies: 7
Views: 3211

I'm presently running sw 4-1/91 which I updated last year. The disc is a 2008 HIGH dvd with speed cameras and perspective view. PM me if you want details.
by AndyBass
Wed 14 Jan, 2009 22:36
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 Hood leaking. Where to go in Sheffield
Replies: 4
Views: 907

Quarry Motors are on Rutland Street. They are a good indy I have used to service my zed although they don't particularly specialise in zeds, they do all BMW's. Where is the roof leaking, you may just need to adjust the hooks at the front to pull the roof a bit tighter to the seal above the windscree...
by AndyBass
Mon 12 Jan, 2009 07:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Screw in Tyre problem
Replies: 39
Views: 4388

As above, get a professional opinion straight away. Leaving it in there isn't an option, even if the tyre stays inflated. Any penetration of the tread will allow water ingress causing the internal structure of the tyre to fail over time. Sudden tyre failure at the rear could be catastrophic. If the ...
by AndyBass
Wed 07 Jan, 2009 07:59
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: Alhambra Car Park Barnsley
Replies: 2
Views: 1029

Was it Topaz and W 584???
by AndyBass
Fri 26 Dec, 2008 09:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Airbag Light Question
Replies: 14
Views: 2900

Look right under the seat and you'll see the wiring loom running from the pre tensioner seen in the above pic. The slightest break in the electrical connection will trigger the airbag light coming (and staying) on. I had mine changed with the updated loom and all was well after that. Be sure that th...
by AndyBass
Sat 20 Dec, 2008 09:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Furious with dealer (or is it stealer?)
Replies: 47
Views: 4691

Re: French

[quote=
It's not proven a a fact, but one certainly gets the impression that the people who live firther south can handle alcohol better - just look at the Scandinavians and the Russioans as a comparison.[/quote]

Mike what ARE you smoking????????????????????
by AndyBass
Sun 14 Dec, 2008 17:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Front Discs £90 Z3 2.8 auto - good price?
Replies: 1
Views: 770

www.eurocarparts.com list ATE for £28.50 and Textar for £33.50 also German Swedish and French have what you want for less than main dealer prices.
by AndyBass
Thu 04 Dec, 2008 07:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0 Oil consumption?
Replies: 10
Views: 1239

The 3.0 litre is known to use more oil than the 2.8, some say up to a litre every 1000 miles :shock: Suppose it depends on the way it was run in or how well the individual components fitted when the engine was built.
by AndyBass
Sun 02 Nov, 2008 08:59
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Electric Hood
Replies: 7
Views: 1271

Deb you should only have to press the brake pedal enough to put the brake lights on, it's not dependant on brake pressure. There is a little micro switch by the fold in the roof on the passenger side. This sometimes gives trouble and if it doesn't make the connection properly the roof won't open. Re...
by AndyBass
Tue 28 Oct, 2008 14:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Central locking question
Replies: 6
Views: 1033

Do a search on central locking Ron and you'll find lots of posts. Its a common fault and is usually caused by broken wires in the wiring loom where it enters the boot lid. Also check the fuses, if memory serves # 7 blows with this problem. Your problem may also be a knackered lock actuator.
by AndyBass
Sun 12 Oct, 2008 09:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Its Back !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Replies: 7
Views: 1119

I was told that the slightest break in the connection would cause the light to come on, even movement in the socket. It happened to me several times until I had the replacement loom fitted.
by AndyBass
Wed 24 Sep, 2008 07:38
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: My new Roadster...
Replies: 17
Views: 3742

Great looking car and a nice location for the pics. You obviously have a good eye for photography, some nice effects there. Probably not a good idea to list the full VIN number though, this is a wide open forum and anyone can view all posts. Some people even mask their reg plates to avoid any chance...
by AndyBass
Mon 22 Sep, 2008 08:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Drive fault - can't find the solution - HELP
Replies: 20
Views: 4051

Good luck with it. You must be right royally fed up by now. Are you changing the box or having someone look at your existing one with a view to reconditioning it?
by AndyBass
Mon 15 Sep, 2008 08:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Driving Licence
Replies: 20
Views: 1802

[quote="pingu"]Similar thing, but different... My 12 year old was accused of something and he had to give his DNA when he was taken into custody. The accusor then admitted she had made it all up (for a laugh :head: ). I've just had a visit from plod telling me that the DNA sample had been ...
by AndyBass
Mon 15 Sep, 2008 08:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Driving Licence
Replies: 20
Views: 1802

Re: Life

Mike Fishwick wrote:No - the French Permit de Conduire lasts for life, so you can still drive even when you cannot see anything!
That explains a lot then :P
by AndyBass
Tue 02 Sep, 2008 14:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What to disconnect?
Replies: 10
Views: 1311

Take your keys to bed with you, or for about £30 invest in a small safe and keep them in there. Most cars are stolen with the keys nowadays. If your keys are on view downstairs they are vulnerable and so is your car. Secure your keys peeps.
by AndyBass
Sun 27 Jul, 2008 09:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Creaking clutch pedal?
Replies: 3
Views: 898

After much lubing of the springs that made no difference I checked really close and found it was the plastic pin on the clutch pedal switch that was causing the squeek. A dab of grease on the small metal tab cured it.
by AndyBass
Sat 05 Jul, 2008 10:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Passenger door locking
Replies: 9
Views: 1502

The biggest single cause, after failure of the lock actuator itself, of this problem is the wiring loom that goes into the boot. The wires get frayed internally and sometimes they contact and allow all the locks to operate and sometimes they don't. That's why it will work one day, and not the next. ...
by AndyBass
Sat 05 Jul, 2008 10:33
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Speed Cameras...
Replies: 15
Views: 2702

I got flashed last night by this camera.... Nearest Town/village: Gateshead Road Name: A692 - Lobley Hill Direction of Camera: Towards Lobley Hill Speed Limit: 30mph Speed Camera Details: Gatso speed camera hidden around a bend, amongst trees and on a stage of Watergate Bank where the gradient is s...
by AndyBass
Thu 26 Jun, 2008 11:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Inspection 2 Reveals potentially lethal brake pad problem!
Replies: 8
Views: 1325

I saw exactly this a few years ago on my ex brother in laws Vectra. He was complaining that the brakes were squealing when applied and asked me to have a look. Even just looking through the gaps in the alloy wheel I spotted the pad material had dropped, just as he walked towards the wheel with a can...
by AndyBass
Fri 09 May, 2008 19:28
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: dont look if youve just had your dinner
Replies: 20
Views: 3254

I actually quite like it, the tree just behind it that is :P
by AndyBass
Fri 09 May, 2008 19:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Window positions with roof down?
Replies: 3
Views: 910

I found it best to have windows down both sides if no wind deflector, up with one :lol:
by AndyBass
Wed 07 May, 2008 13:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Warm-up cycle idle issue
Replies: 27
Views: 3660

Re: Vanos

Incidentally, those who start up from cold and leave the engine running are doing a lot of long-term damage, not to mention using fuel for nothing - just start the engine and drive it sensibly until it is full warm, then wait another 10 miles or so before passing about 3000 rpm. Mike, how does leav...
by AndyBass
Sat 03 May, 2008 18:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Warm-up cycle idle issue
Replies: 27
Views: 3660

Re: Vanos

I doubt if the VANOS is the culprit as it does not even begine to operate until about 2500 rpm anyway. My first suspicion would rest on the idle control valve, which is a well-known cause of such problems. Another possibility is an air leak, anywhere between the air flow sensor and the cylinder hea...
by AndyBass
Thu 24 Apr, 2008 11:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Overheating problem
Replies: 32
Views: 7024

Thermo locked shut!! Now that's pretty rare. They usually break and remain open leading to lower engine temperature not the other way round. Desperately unlucky there I think.
by AndyBass
Wed 23 Apr, 2008 10:06
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Warm-up cycle idle issue
Replies: 27
Views: 3660

My old 2.8 M52TU used to do that when cold. The revs drop as if to stall then rise again to catch the engine and keep it running. There used to be a thread on here about it, I have tried a search but can't find it, maybe it was lost when the site was last hacked. I'm sure it had the word "palpi...
by AndyBass
Sun 20 Apr, 2008 10:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Overheating problem
Replies: 32
Views: 7024

I think from your description that your fan is not coming on to cool the engine when you are standing still. If the blower runs cold at this time when the engine is idling it seems to be a symptom that the water pump is failing to circulate the water until you rev it and get the water pump spinning ...
by AndyBass
Wed 16 Apr, 2008 20:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Temperature Sensor (???) hanging loose
Replies: 3
Views: 927

Forums rock. I love em. I learned so much about my zed from this forum. Glad to be of assistance.
by AndyBass
Tue 15 Apr, 2008 23:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: sticky throttle pedal
Replies: 5
Views: 1210

The cable might benefit from some light oil dribbled down the inside but I had a sticky throttle on my old 318is ( similar engine) that was caused by the actual throttle butterflies sticking in the housing. The cure is a little more technical than a bit of wd40 I'm afraid. Try oiling the cable and l...
by AndyBass
Tue 15 Apr, 2008 23:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Temperature Sensor (???) hanging loose
Replies: 3
Views: 927

If you look at the inside of the front bumper with the bonnet open you should see a small hole about 1cm or so in diameter around the area under the drivers side headlamp. It goes in there. It's just a gentle push fit so if it's loose maybe a spot of glue or tape will hold it in place.
by AndyBass
Mon 14 Apr, 2008 11:22
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: External temp guage
Replies: 7
Views: 1497

Yes I have, but it never worked from day one on my zed. I changed the external sensor but it made no difference so I am assuming it was an electrical fault that also didn't have a fault code. They are only a few quid from the dealer so it's worth a punt at it being that. It's down by the drivers sid...
by AndyBass
Sat 05 Apr, 2008 09:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Hood actuator replacement
Replies: 6
Views: 1125

That little tap is there to allow you to raise and lower the roof in the event of failure of the electric system. Put it in manual mode and lower/ raise the roof a few times steadily. Make sure there is plenty of fluid in the res, I think there is a level indicator. It may feel stiff as you will be ...
by AndyBass
Thu 03 Apr, 2008 03:46
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: My M Coupe (Imolared)
Replies: 24
Views: 4175

That is beautiful and I want one :bounce:
by AndyBass
Thu 03 Apr, 2008 03:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 ashtray lightbulb?
Replies: 31
Views: 6289

The paper for the receipt is likely to cost more than the bulb, even from a dealer. Dig deep and find the funds to rectify this serious fault with your z3, you are letting the side down. :shock:
by AndyBass
Tue 01 Apr, 2008 12:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: ABS warning light
Replies: 4
Views: 962

She wasn't "accidentally" having some sideways fun on the way home then :roll:
by AndyBass
Tue 01 Apr, 2008 12:52
Forum: Z3 range knowledgebase
Topic: Camshaft Position Sensors
Replies: 4
Views: 6872

I know I'm being picky but there is no mention of the inlet sensor here, and being double vanos it has two If you were to say M52 single VANOS pre-Sept 1998 - Inlet cam sensor, behind the cam sprocket, under the VANOS solenoid. M52TU double VANOS post-Sept 98 - As above but with exhaust cam sensor, ...
by AndyBass
Sat 29 Mar, 2008 18:19
Forum: Z3 range knowledgebase
Topic: Camshaft Position Sensors
Replies: 4
Views: 6872

Shouldn't the M52TU double VANOS post-Sept 98 be as follows

Inlet cam sensor, behind the cam sprocket, under the VANOS solenoid. Exhaust cam sensor, in front of the cam sprocket behind the edge of the fan blades. ?
by AndyBass
Sun 03 Feb, 2008 21:38
Forum: Performance
Topic: Strutt Brace - effect on shake
Replies: 15
Views: 2585

When I fitted the strutt brace to my car I noticed an improvement in handling but by far the best thing I did was to fit poly bushes to the front wishbone arms. That had the most effect and made even the worst roads bearable and the car was less susceptible to dart around of it's own free will.
by AndyBass
Sat 02 Feb, 2008 09:55
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: Greetings from Down Under
Replies: 4
Views: 1320

Enjoy down under, Ive just got back. Didn't visit Christchurch this time, concentrated on the north island and actually hired a z3 for the day in Napier. It was a bit unloved with the usual electric gremlins of airbag light and broken seat belt guides but it did the business even as a 2.0 auto.
by AndyBass
Thu 24 Jan, 2008 04:06
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: I'm off! *TEAR*
Replies: 8
Views: 1312

Good luck with the business and the Merc. I'm presently enjoying your lovely weather down in Wellington. :sunny but will be back in rainy UK next week :bawl:
by AndyBass
Mon 24 Dec, 2007 21:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: It arrived today
Replies: 1
Views: 1084

It arrived today

Yes the zed calendar arrived today and I have to say a BIG thank you to Giles and Robert for putting together such a superb item. Very well done lads :bow

Happy Christmas to all and a great new year.

Andy.
by AndyBass
Mon 17 Dec, 2007 16:19
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Why Zroadster is the best
Replies: 29
Views: 3060

To bring things back on thread I found this site after being a regular purchaser of Total BMW mag and reading in depth their buyers guide to the Z3 when I was looking to get one. Fortunately they agreed with me on my choice of a couple of year old 2.8 with low miles and I loved every minute of ownin...
by AndyBass
Sat 15 Dec, 2007 08:57
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Open letter to Tim (Zmeagol)
Replies: 82
Views: 11664

Merry Christmas to all, and a happy birthday to me for yesterday. Just sobered up, logged on and saw all this. ThinkI'll get drunk again. Come to think of it, if I stay drunk all christmas then I'll only have one hangover. Gin and tonic please barman.
by AndyBass
Thu 13 Dec, 2007 09:28
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Sprung a leak !! - help
Replies: 2
Views: 982

AFAIK there is a "gutter" attached to the bodywork behind/under the rubber seal you can see on the outside, the one that the roof compresses slightly when the tension is on. I believe it's purpose is to channel any water away that gets past the rubber seal. The idea is that the water shoul...