Search found 724 matches

by motco
Tue 08 Jan, 2019 18:24
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: Thank you to the elegant lady...
Replies: 0
Views: 5403

Thank you to the elegant lady...

...who gave me her unexpired car park ticket in the rear car park at Amersham Hospital this afternoon (8 Jan 2019). She drove a silver Z3 Roadster and was well dressed, nicely spoken, and had a lovely smile. As it happened the 40 minutes was more than enough. :)
by motco
Tue 01 Jan, 2019 19:04
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: Silver Z3 Roadster M25 a/clockwise 1 Jan 2019 10:30am approx
Replies: 0
Views: 5059

Silver Z3 Roadster M25 a/clockwise 1 Jan 2019 10:30am approx

Pre-facelift (?) broad-backside, red third brake light, Arctic Silver with a personal plate and one single large oval exhaust - probably after market as it was audible at moderate speed - anti clockwise near A3 exit at about 10:30hrs today New Years Day. Mine was the Titanium Silver 2.2 Sport 52 pla...
by motco
Sun 02 Dec, 2018 12:32
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: M52TU THROTTLE BODY
Replies: 4
Views: 3240

Re: M52TU THROTTLE BODY

I have a throttle body from a very late 2.2i Sport. It sticks closed but should be repairable if necessary. Don't know whether it's the precise type you need but I'm sure it's uneconomical to send it to South Africa.
by motco
Sat 24 Nov, 2018 07:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Battery Life
Replies: 5
Views: 3507

Re: Battery Life

Mike you may be right about ambient temperatures. My Westfield has been garaged all of its life. For the first nine years with me it was in a detached brick garage of 1938 vintage (i.e. draughty), and for the past six in a 1970s integral one which is never below about 7ºC. The battery is disconnecte...
by motco
Fri 23 Nov, 2018 15:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Battery Life
Replies: 5
Views: 3507

Re: Battery Life

I have just changed mine after nine years of ownership. No idea how long before I bought the car the first change occurred but it wasn't the OEM as it had the name of an English town written on it! The car was seven years old when I bought it.
by motco
Thu 15 Nov, 2018 07:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Central locking with key.
Replies: 16
Views: 8694

Re: Central locking with key.

Forgive my 'left field' contribution but are you sure that the LOCK button on the key is working? I have a remote key and a torch key so I couldn't test it with another key - maybe you can.
by motco
Mon 08 Oct, 2018 11:36
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: Red, bright red, LHD Tesco Princes Risborough
Replies: 0
Views: 5281

Red, bright red, LHD Tesco Princes Risborough

As it says above, a scarlet Z3 left hand drive in Princes Risborough Tesco car park this morning. Nice looking car. 8-)
by motco
Wed 03 Oct, 2018 08:38
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: Best windscreen washer fluid
Replies: 3
Views: 4850

Re: Best windscreen washer fluid

I use the cheapest concentrate available (not 'ready-to-use') but always dilute it with demineralised water. I live in an area where tap water is hard and when it dries it leaves traces of hardness salts. You don't want that on your mohair! Because of the hard water, all water used in the kettle com...
by motco
Fri 21 Sep, 2018 20:40
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Pool of water behind fuel flap
Replies: 9
Views: 4044

Re: Pool of water behind fuel flap

Wot 'e said ^

Poke it out with a piece of stiff wire
by motco
Sat 15 Sep, 2018 15:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Floor mat tethers
Replies: 3
Views: 2230

Re: Floor mat tethers

Mine are large discs apparently stuck (or not in my case) to the underside of the mat. Drive me nuts!
by motco
Mon 10 Sep, 2018 15:45
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: MoT today...
Replies: 0
Views: 2590

MoT today...

The first of my cars to be tested since the rules changed in May.

Image

Passed with no advisories! :o Hat duly launched skywards! :D
by motco
Wed 08 Aug, 2018 14:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What makes a screen wash pump fail?
Replies: 6
Views: 3842

Re: What makes a screen wash pump fail?

Seized motor due to corrosion. Once removed it was possible to make it run after a bit of tweaking, but it chattered furiously with dry bearings. It now lies in the bin. :?

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Image
by motco
Sun 29 Jul, 2018 13:32
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What makes a screen wash pump fail?
Replies: 6
Views: 3842

Re: What makes a screen wash pump fail?

You do not give us the full story - did the motor fail, or did it run but not pump anything? Older washer pumps (up to the early 2000's or so) have a habit of the impeller coming loose on the shaft. Mike, it was silent, dead, not moving, expired - much like the proverbial Norwegian Blue parrot! The...
by motco
Fri 27 Jul, 2018 15:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What makes a screen wash pump fail?
Replies: 6
Views: 3842

Re: What makes a screen wash pump fail?

It might have become clogged. Or it might just have given up. I don’t think 16 years is too bad. My brother’s 8 years old 1 Series pump has stopped working. And I’ll have to take the driver wing off for that. I suppose that's progress! Mine should not have been clogged as I pressure hosed the reser...
by motco
Fri 27 Jul, 2018 13:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What makes a screen wash pump fail?
Replies: 6
Views: 3842

What makes a screen wash pump fail?

I don't drive my Z3 a lot and it tends to be in fine weather so the wipers and washers are not often used. The car has done only about 46,000 miles since it was built in the final week of production in 2002 anyway. So why did my screen washer pump die with no warning last week? It had worked perfect...
by motco
Tue 24 Jul, 2018 19:06
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: Black Z3 hard shoulder M25
Replies: 0
Views: 3827

Black Z3 hard shoulder M25

Between M4 and M40 clockwise. Sorry I didn't stop but I'm afraid I carry no tools and has two-up so a lift couldn't have happened either. I was three lanes away from you when I spotted you anyway. Hope it wasn't too calamitous?
by motco
Wed 11 Jul, 2018 16:40
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Z4 M Coupe
Replies: 7
Views: 7061

Re: Z4 M Coupe

My son has one and I have to say it is somewhat different.
by motco
Tue 10 Jul, 2018 08:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: ABS & DSC lights again!
Replies: 9
Views: 3501

Re: ABS & DSC lights again!

Mine does this every year for a week or two after the MOT. Then stops and doesn’t re-show all year. I’ve no logical explanation other than the test upsets the sensors and system a bit. Or it’s just total coincidence! Cheers Andy I avoid the roller brake test by saying there's a limited slip differe...
by motco
Thu 05 Jul, 2018 16:01
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Fog light woes
Replies: 7
Views: 3157

Re: Fog light woes

That would ensure the broken lens fragments remained in situ but not that is wasn't broken. A rigid piece of acrylic or polycarbonate, as suggested by an earlier reply, is the way forward. Or save your swear box money to replace the next broken lens! :P :?:
by motco
Thu 05 Jul, 2018 08:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Fog light woes
Replies: 7
Views: 3157

Re: Fog light woes

If it is any consolation I had one broken within a few weeks of purchase in autumn 2009, but both are still intact after nine years and several thousand miles. It is a lottery I'm afraid. I do not know of any protective film but a stainless steel woven mesh guard could be fashioned to stand off from...
by motco
Sun 10 Jun, 2018 15:37
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: No throttle response
Replies: 8
Views: 3153

Re: No throttle response

Looking at your profile and car, if you still refer to a 2.2i 2002 model then you certainly have a fly-by-wire throttle. On the don't look for zebras principle (when you hear hoofbeats think of horses, not zebras) I would put money on a goosed throttle pedal pot. This RealOEM page shows you where to...
by motco
Tue 05 Jun, 2018 09:08
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Getting the Spare Wheel out
Replies: 10
Views: 4086

Re: Getting the Spare Wheel out

BMW kindly provide a polythene bag to put the wheel in while the passenger carries it! Always deflate it first though http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edi ... 600833.stm :?
by motco
Tue 22 May, 2018 18:50
Forum: Site Announcements and Feedback
Topic: I have to sign in almost every time
Replies: 2
Views: 4019

Re: I have to sign in almost every time

Thanks Robert, I'll try that.
by motco
Tue 22 May, 2018 16:38
Forum: Site Announcements and Feedback
Topic: I have to sign in almost every time
Replies: 2
Views: 4019

I have to sign in almost every time

Why, all of a sudden, do I need to sign in each time* I visit despite ticking the 'keep me signed in' box?

*Occasionally I don't have to.
by motco
Sat 19 May, 2018 16:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 Passenger Door closed/locked will not open
Replies: 6
Views: 3761

Re: Z3 Passenger Door closed/locked will not open

My passenger door will often not unlock. The lever doesn't release it either. It happens almost always if the passenger door is locked by its own button rather than the driver's side button. Sometimes it happens even if the car is locked by the driver's door however. The way to release it is to relo...
by motco
Thu 19 Apr, 2018 19:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: INPA experts
Replies: 10
Views: 5852

Re: INPA experts

Gazza wrote: Sun 08 Apr, 2018 11:52 The EEP fault only happens when it’s cold (inside the car or outside) after driving for a while and on restart the cluster works fine apart from the speedo error.
Mine did that too, but eventually a blow torch wouldn't have revived it! :twisted:
by motco
Sun 08 Apr, 2018 07:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: INPA experts
Replies: 10
Views: 5852

Re: INPA experts

My EEP_1 fault lay with the coding plug. It also caused speedo drift but it was reading marginally fast not hugely. The original cluster with a second hand coding plug sorted it. I had to have the recorded mileage corrected because it was 80k too high on the replacement plug and that means I live wi...
by motco
Wed 28 Mar, 2018 15:37
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: The last S54 off the production line, now on sale
Replies: 4
Views: 2408

Re: The last S54 off the production line, now on sale

Sixteen years old and £35k... :wink:

I have 'possibly' the last 2.2i Sport off the line and about 45,000 miles. What's that worth by these standards?
by motco
Tue 27 Feb, 2018 19:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Replies: 7
Views: 3322

Re: Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

Mine was built in w/c 23 June 2002 (26th if memory serves) and production ended on the 28th - pretty late then! In what way 'different' Brian4?
by motco
Mon 26 Feb, 2018 20:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Replies: 7
Views: 3322

Re: Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

PM sent, thanks
by motco
Mon 26 Feb, 2018 16:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Replies: 7
Views: 3322

Re: Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

Mrscalex, I do mean DBC not DSC and further research tells me that cars with DSC also have DBC, but those with ASC do not. Dynamic brake control assesses the apparent urgency of a braking event and if deemed a 'panic' brake it will apply full brake effort until you come off the pedal completely. Hav...
by motco
Mon 26 Feb, 2018 09:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Replies: 7
Views: 3322

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

I have a very late Z3 2.2i Sport built in the last week of production in summer 2002. Occasionally I have encountered an awkward behaviour by the braking system and that is that when I have brake abruptly, as one might on a country lane if a car appears coming the other way carrying a bit of excess ...
by motco
Mon 08 Jan, 2018 20:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: off line for a bit
Replies: 15
Views: 7050

Re: off line for a bit

If you mean by minus the lung that they removed it, then you might like to know an uncle of mine - born in the nineteenth century so in the primitive era of medicine - had only one lung after the other was removed, and he managed pretty well on the remaining one. Good luck, whatever they decide for ...
by motco
Fri 10 Nov, 2017 14:59
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Import Z3s
Replies: 14
Views: 7531

Re: Import Z3s

The one caution applied to Japanese imports of Japanese cars (typically MX5s) is the lower level of corrosion protection applied there. Heh, the UK market MX-5s weren't a great deal better, as I found to my cost! :head: Honda S2000s were not too good either. Japanese cars seem to lag behind ours in...
by motco
Fri 10 Nov, 2017 09:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Import Z3s
Replies: 14
Views: 7531

Re: Import Z3s

The one caution applied to Japanese imports of Japanese cars (typically MX5s) is the lower level of corrosion protection applied there. In the case of 'foreign' built cars from Japan this worry may not apply. You need to know from BMW ideally whether the US factory differentiated European standard R...
by motco
Tue 07 Nov, 2017 12:57
Forum: Better Driving
Topic: You just go off the dual carriageway and then back on......
Replies: 6
Views: 19030

Re: You just go off the dual carriageway and then back on......

Of course at J6 on the M6 (Gravelly Hill or Spaghetti Junction) it is a local sport to close up in lane one to force late lane changers to continue on the motorway. But that's Birmingham... :head: I'm from Birmingham and saw Spagehtti Junction being built. People have been doing that since it opene...
by motco
Tue 07 Nov, 2017 07:43
Forum: Better Driving
Topic: You just go off the dual carriageway and then back on......
Replies: 6
Views: 19030

Re: You just go off the dual carriageway and then back on......

If I am on a motorway looking to leave at an exit, I'll begin the 'lane shuffle' at the half-mile marker. Usually I'll find I am still not in lane one for a quarter of the remaining distance, but never have I been caught out by the time the exit arrives - by some margin. A half-mile is plenty of dis...
by motco
Sun 05 Nov, 2017 09:37
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: DSC Warning Lights on
Replies: 6
Views: 3358

Re: DSC Warning Lights on

Yes, sorry Mike, I should have checked your profile before I posted!

I seem to recall that there may well be a work-around but I cannot remember what it is. I think it involves the original poster of the images to add some code to the thread they're embedded in.
by motco
Sat 04 Nov, 2017 09:22
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: DSC Warning Lights on
Replies: 6
Views: 3358

Re: DSC Warning Lights on

I doubt that this will be a lot of help but I had these symptoms on my 2.2 Sport accompanied by occasional engine misbehaviour. It was the throttle body faulty which sounds bizarre but all these systems are inter-dependent. If the pedal and the throttle position are out of sync and the revs don't co...
by motco
Tue 31 Oct, 2017 17:40
Forum: RoadZ
Topic: Ardarroch to Applecross
Replies: 9
Views: 11611

Re: Ardarroch to Applecross

It is a terrific road in the same league as Hardknott and Wrynose Passes in the Lakes. I first drove The Pass of the Cattle to Applecross in 1971 in a Hillman Hunter. If you're there you simply must do it. An RAF air sea rescue helicopter made a low pass overhead when I was up there in 1973 in my MG...
by motco
Wed 25 Oct, 2017 12:57
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: silver z3 53 plate whitchurch
Replies: 6
Views: 5640

Re: silver z3 53 plate whitchurch

Registered 1 July 2005 which is three years after the last one was built. Very strange. :? FC04HGX Currently in the Telford area.
by motco
Sun 22 Oct, 2017 17:26
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: silver z3 53 plate whitchurch
Replies: 6
Views: 5640

Re: silver z3 53 plate whitchurch

It must be as mine is a 52 plate and was made in the last week of production and registered on 24th September 2002. A 53 is at least 11 months down the line. Where had it been all that time? I've seen 03 plates before but not a 53
by motco
Sun 22 Oct, 2017 08:09
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Free 3rd party Image Hosting
Replies: 9
Views: 4772

Re: Free 3rd party Image Hosting

I moved over to Imgur - seems okay so far.

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by motco
Fri 13 Oct, 2017 16:29
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: Dakar Yellow Z3M Coupé (photo)
Replies: 3
Views: 4330

Re: Dakar Yellow Z3M Coupé (photo)

Can't say what reg it would be because although I have a picture of it (bought some wheels from the owner) the number has been changed. I do know it was a 'X' prefix at the time.
by motco
Fri 13 Oct, 2017 08:19
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: Dakar Yellow Z3M Coupé (photo)
Replies: 3
Views: 4330

Re: Dakar Yellow Z3M Coupé (photo)

There used to be one in Garston, near Watford. Perhaps it was him - although he's off his home patch in Oxfordshire? There are certainly very few around in that colour.
by motco
Wed 27 Sep, 2017 08:37
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Temporary brake failure - advice
Replies: 11
Views: 6094

Re: Temporary brake failure - advice

It is possible that the caliper piston exceeded its normal travel and seized as a result. Pumping the pedal should have drawn in more fluid as it does when you've fitted new pads and have pushed the pistons back in to the cylinders. In any case you're back on the road with functioning brakes.
by motco
Tue 26 Sep, 2017 16:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Temporary brake failure - advice
Replies: 11
Views: 6094

Re: Temporary brake failure - advice

So how did the braking return if the pad had broken up?

This happened to my son's Z4M Coupé

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by motco
Sat 23 Sep, 2017 07:01
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Hesitating throttle,
Replies: 2
Views: 1869

Re: Hesitating throttle,

Cable operated throttles and fly-by-wire types each have their own features.