Search found 4016 matches

by c_w
Thu 19 May, 2016 08:24
Forum: Check your diary
Topic: BMWCC Track Day List 2016
Replies: 23
Views: 18106

Re: BMWCC Track Day List 2016

Going well Brian. Not done a trackday for a while now, none planned this year either!
by c_w
Thu 12 May, 2016 20:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Track day brakes!
Replies: 25
Views: 5223

Re: Track day brakes!

Brian, Chris, Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like yellows may be the way to go. Yes I have 2.8 set up I can use from a scrap car. Guessing with carriers a straight bolt on (with new discs), I would obviously be changing the fluid anyway. Do the rears take so much abuse as it is so tail happy/rear ...
by c_w
Thu 12 May, 2016 20:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Nearside and offside sills 2000 3.0 Z3
Replies: 19
Views: 5253

Re: Nearside and offside sills 2000 3.0 Z3

They're around £200 per side from BMW and I think that is the only source of them. That's for the "wide" sills.

As they're prone to rust at the front, probably hard to find clean ones 2nd hand.
by c_w
Wed 11 May, 2016 20:03
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Track day brakes!
Replies: 25
Views: 5223

Re: Track day brakes!

I used to find Yellowstuff lasted quite well on my Coupe. I didn't like DS2500 in mine, juddered a lot when hot. Bluestuff also found they juddered, but sometimes it's pot luck/mystery. I don't get the point of Redstuff pads, try Yellowstuff it's EBC's best pad IME, I prefer it to Blue and Orangestu...
by c_w
Wed 11 May, 2016 10:01
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Squeaky steering wheel fix ( read this )
Replies: 22
Views: 12565

Re: Squeaky steering wheel fix ( read this )

With the slip ring being a coiled ribbon cable (like a computer ribbon I think), it might be possible to lightly lubricate it without affecting it's function?
by c_w
Sun 24 Apr, 2016 19:45
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Wheel spacers
Replies: 6
Views: 1241

Re: Wheel spacers

I prefer bolt through, no reliance on the integrity of the spacer then. If you lower it, the wheels (top of) will go further in due to camber.
by c_w
Mon 11 Apr, 2016 10:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Changing tyre profiles
Replies: 24
Views: 4865

Re: Changing tyre profiles

Sort mate, a bit to chav bling fussy and a nightmare to clean. I know what you mean about the looks when they're fitted to a golf or a civic but I think this design works on a BMW as similar designs have been used for years as an OE style (they look just like the BBS off a 328i Sport). Will be diff...
by c_w
Fri 08 Apr, 2016 11:28
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Changing tyre profiles
Replies: 24
Views: 4865

Re: Changing tyre profiles

Bertie you are now officially our resident tyre expert!!! My reason for asking was that I have seen a really lovely set of offset 17" alloys with polished rims that have really taken my eye.. 8" wide fronts and 9" wide rears. From what I can see, with 17" rims fitted, on the fro...
by c_w
Wed 06 Apr, 2016 13:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheaper tyres
Replies: 46
Views: 11981

Re: Cheaper tyres

The tyres are quite keenly priced at the moment, so a full matching set is going to be about £700, no bad really at these sizes - I've paid more for R888s in 17s at one time! If it was me I'd start over with a matching set, but I Many manufacturers do have their own OE-spec tyres (like AUDI "AO...
by c_w
Mon 04 Apr, 2016 17:31
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheaper tyres
Replies: 46
Views: 11981

Re: Cheaper tyres

What kind of Porsche are we talking about? If it's a 911, especially a 996 or newer (which by the sounds of it it is if you are suggesting £500 for two tyres) you should be using N-rated tyres which have a stiff wall to cope with the rear engine/power layout. I remember a friend years ago put some c...
by c_w
Sun 03 Apr, 2016 13:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheaper tyres
Replies: 46
Views: 11981

Re: Cheaper tyres

Unless it's changed very recently, Camskill charge for delivery, around £7 per pair. I've used them loads of times and they are really fast and great priced.
by c_w
Sat 02 Apr, 2016 19:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cheaper tyres
Replies: 46
Views: 11981

Re: Cheaper tyres

I've used them a few times, but be aware their return policy is £25/tyre. If the order is correct no problems.
by c_w
Wed 30 Mar, 2016 13:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: being dazzled
Replies: 28
Views: 7059

Re: being dazzled

I've got no real issue with brake lights, they are designed to be bright to warn of stopping/stopped. If they are a little intense, at least you are a. aware of them and b. maybe stopped!
by c_w
Tue 29 Mar, 2016 13:42
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: being dazzled
Replies: 28
Views: 7059

Re: being dazzled

Loads of new cars with xenons are set at the "upper limit" of dip so that they can often look dazzling, Porsche, Mercedes etc all seem to be like this.
by c_w
Sat 26 Mar, 2016 13:01
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Headlight Adjustment?
Replies: 11
Views: 2295

Re: Headlight Adjustment?

It's common for the plastic adjustment screws to break and just spin, but if they are working then use them to set the headlight aim where possible. The 4 outer bolts that physically hols the headlight to the car are adjustable to align it to the body/bumper/bonnet.
by c_w
Thu 24 Mar, 2016 12:47
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3M Rota Wheels for sale
Replies: 8
Views: 2426

Re: Z3M Rota Wheels for sale

Might get a lot of interest on drift forums as they are a popular wheel.
by c_w
Wed 23 Mar, 2016 15:31
Forum: Z4M roadster and Z4m coupé
Topic: Stiffness of Z3M clutch pedal versus Z4M
Replies: 5
Views: 4965

Re: Stiffness of Z3M clutch pedal versus Z4M

It might be lighter, but it might also be because it's in different condition/newer. You'll probably find if you drove another Z3M, the clutch may feel different. Z3M and Z4M should both have automatic self adjusting clutch covers, so this should mean the pedal effort and bite point stays the same t...
by c_w
Sun 20 Mar, 2016 15:29
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Falkens or Continentals On The Rear?
Replies: 16
Views: 5023

Re: Falkens or Continentals On The Rear?

I'm on my second Z3M Coupe and like the first car I have stayed with Falken tyres. Going back to when I was thinking of buying my first car back in 2004 I spoke to a few breadvan owners at Gaydon Festival and one owner (on the Z3 M Coupe site ZZZEMMCO) told me the tyres he used with the standard Ro...
by c_w
Tue 15 Mar, 2016 18:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Jacking up front
Replies: 9
Views: 1916

Re: Jacking up front

Might be the front subframe, but that is quite far under. I jsut use the jacking points and the wishbone "ears" to put axle stands under.
by c_w
Mon 22 Feb, 2016 20:07
Forum: Check your diary
Topic: DTEC 2016 - w/ Video
Replies: 67
Views: 28917

Re: DTEC 2016 (A Challenge Too Far?)

Doh!
by c_w
Mon 22 Feb, 2016 14:50
Forum: Check your diary
Topic: DTEC 2016 - w/ Video
Replies: 67
Views: 28917

Re: DTEC 2016 (A Challenge Too Far?)

That video could make you famous....
by c_w
Tue 09 Feb, 2016 20:45
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 Facelift H7 Bulb / Headlight part
Replies: 8
Views: 2136

Re: Z3 Facelift H7 Bulb / Headlight part

Not sure, though that photo is of a HB3/HB4 style bulb? I might have some of those in my garage.
by c_w
Fri 05 Feb, 2016 19:35
Forum: Z1 roadster
Topic: Steering Rack Compatability
Replies: 3
Views: 2006

Re: Steering Rack Compatability

Not sure why you'd want one of those, but isn't the Z1 more E36 tech? They all fit each other though E30/E36/E46, the latter have much nicer ratios to quicken the steering up.
by c_w
Wed 03 Feb, 2016 13:42
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13836

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

Also be aware (was mentioned earlier I think) that only the front tracking is adjustable on these cars, assuming the rear bushes are ok there's nothing on the rear that can be adjusted.
by c_w
Mon 01 Feb, 2016 20:36
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So it's still not handling how I'd want...
Replies: 64
Views: 13836

Re: So it's still not handling how I'd want...

I think it's more that the Z3 is very sensitive to tyres because of it's inherent susceptibility to tramlining. Scuttle shake. Its due to not having a rigid top. If you fit a hardtop it helps but tbh its part of the fun of owning a roadster. The coupe was voted one of the best handling cars ever mad...
by c_w
Thu 21 Jan, 2016 21:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Eibach springs - 2.8 vs 1.9
Replies: 5
Views: 1511

Re: Eibach springs - 2.8 vs 1.9

There's probably not a lot in it.

Actually a 1.9 spring set might work, since the rear springs in these kits usually lower the car too much, so if yo uget the front to lower more than anticipated on a 2.8 the rear may look alright!
by c_w
Mon 11 Jan, 2016 20:38
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Wheel Opinion
Replies: 13
Views: 5656

Re: Wheel Opinion

I think the added chrome and boot spoiler are not working either on that car (IMO).
by c_w
Thu 31 Dec, 2015 18:26
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: has anyone got (or had) an E46?
Replies: 21
Views: 8756

Re: has anyone got (or had) an E46?

You can raise the front of the seat which makes them a lot more comfortable by using thread couplers like this https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/UVCO2.html?ad_position=1o3&source=adwords&ad_id=45425533757&placement=&kw=&network=g&matchtype=&ad_type=pla&product_id=...
by c_w
Wed 30 Dec, 2015 21:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Steering wheel removal.......
Replies: 7
Views: 2038

Re: Steering wheel removal.......

Not sure I follow, but in both cases you can get the light to go off with a 3.3ohm resistor on the airbag circuit connector [and just leave the airbag disconnected if you wanted to retain the airbag wheel].
by c_w
Tue 22 Dec, 2015 21:29
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: sound conundrum
Replies: 12
Views: 3237

Re: sound conundrum

Sounds like an amplifier issue - I think some of them are in the passenger footwell near the actually front speaker?
by c_w
Sat 28 Nov, 2015 17:29
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Anybody want to buy my Z3 3.0
Replies: 53
Views: 9457

Re: Anybody want to buy my Z3 3.0

I've never understood why the number of previous owners affects reseal. Sure, a "one owner from new" sounds appealing in terms of you having a complete history from buying it, but on a second hand car, especially at this age, it's all down to the condition as it is now.
by c_w
Sat 21 Nov, 2015 20:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Track day brakes!
Replies: 25
Views: 5223

Re: Track day brakes!

Good tip, though the 2.8 used the old ASC which doesn't brake wheels, just reduces power (crudely).
by c_w
Thu 19 Nov, 2015 21:31
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Track day brakes!
Replies: 25
Views: 5223

Re: Track day brakes!

Bluestuff is a good road pad - feels strong and wear is low, but for me I got judder on track. I find Yellowstuff a better all-round pad. Don't forget your rear pads! When you start braking really heavily, the rear brakes get a workout too - I'd get Yellowstuff rears in any case/choice for the front...
by c_w
Mon 16 Nov, 2015 20:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Wheel spacers
Replies: 10
Views: 2400

Re: Wheel spacers

You example is leverage. So using your example with bolt-on spacers; you'd bolt the spacer to the hub (down some massive boreholes :D ), and then bolt the wheel at the end with normal length bolts. The end result is the same thing really, the wheel spacer bolts will be under a lot of stress and this...
by c_w
Sun 15 Nov, 2015 11:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Wheel spacers
Replies: 10
Views: 2400

Re: Wheel spacers

my friend is in the GTR forum and he showed me a photo of a GTR R35 with a high end alloy spacer that had literally broken apart hence my not trusting the alloy. the ones i found are stainless hubcentric and are bolt on the hub type (which is the recognised correct engineering method) I'm not so su...
by c_w
Thu 12 Nov, 2015 21:36
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Which trolley jack?
Replies: 13
Views: 4112

Re: Which trolley jack?

My car is low and I sometimes run small 215/40/17 tyres whch drops the car further but my jack fits under the car fine. It's an Arcan from Costco; low profile and has a wide pad that works fine with the bmw jacking points. http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/150x100q90/692/photo11cr.jpg Not sure if the...
by c_w
Fri 23 Oct, 2015 19:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 9.0 front and 10.0 rear on what tires for Z3 2.8
Replies: 1
Views: 453

Re: 9.0 front and 10.0 rear on what tires for Z3 2.8

Sounds exactly what I'd fit. A 255/35/18 would also go on, but at 10j a 265 would probably sit nicer.
by c_w
Mon 19 Oct, 2015 20:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 17" wheels for Z3- what offset?
Replies: 15
Views: 11315

Re: 17" wheels for Z3- what offset?

I don't particularly like 225/45/17 tyres, they look a bit too tall sometimes, particularly when paired with the slightly smaller radius 245/40/17 tyre. I know 225/45 and 245/40 is stock BMW size, but they are actually not the same diameters - a 255/40/17 actually matches almost exactly a 225/45/17....
by c_w
Sat 17 Oct, 2015 09:07
Forum: Performance
Topic: springs
Replies: 14
Views: 7452

Re: springs

yeah, trouble is the pads only work on the rear springs. i would want to raise the front by the same amount to stop the arch rub and give more clearance when exiting the speed humps Fitting Z3M front top mounts will raise the car about 10mm. They would also reduce the negative camber from lowering ...
by c_w
Fri 16 Oct, 2015 18:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 17" wheels for Z3- what offset?
Replies: 15
Views: 11315

Re: 17" wheels for Z3- what offset?

225/40/17 doesn't exist, but you can get 225/35/17 is some tyres. I run a 215/40/17 on a 8.5J, here's how it looks; http://www.z3mcoupe.com/photopost/data//500/4941rondellc.jpg Wheel on the left is a 10x17 with a 245/35/17, the one on the right is 8.5x17 with 215/40/17. The 245/35/17 tyre is fractio...
by c_w
Thu 15 Oct, 2015 19:45
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Strut Towers
Replies: 8
Views: 1925

Re: Strut Towers

A strut brace will also help as these [the strut top parts] will not only do the same job as the strut plates but join them together to provide additional strength.
by c_w
Tue 01 Sep, 2015 20:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Fuel capacity.
Replies: 7
Views: 1376

Re: Fuel capacity.

Yep, definitely varies. With my first fuel pump/sender, the gauge would stay on full and not start to move until after 70+ steady miles, now it moves off full at 45miles, so when the light comes on it has a lot more fuel than previously.
by c_w
Sat 29 Aug, 2015 18:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: gear knob lights
Replies: 11
Views: 2577

Re: gear knob lights

Only the Z3M one lights up. The M gearknob in the non-M Z3s, part of the Mtech pack, doesn't light up.
by c_w
Tue 25 Aug, 2015 14:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rear Suspension and wheels and gaps and stuff
Replies: 18
Views: 4475

Re: Rear Suspension and wheels and gaps and stuff

As mentioned the rear springs are a lot easier when you have disconnected both dampers and both anti roll bar drop links (the 13mm nuts on the trailing arms), they will drop loads and the springs will practically fall out.
by c_w
Fri 21 Aug, 2015 08:13
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rear Suspension and wheels and gaps and stuff
Replies: 18
Views: 4475

Re: Rear Suspension and wheels and gaps and stuff

Iwould try andkeep those tyres as they look period. You can double the spring pads (And get thicker pads from BMW also), at top and bottom of springs so that would yield 10mm-20mm. You need to mdify the bottom with the useless bump stop (the bumpstops of the Z3 don't come in to force until the car b...
by c_w
Wed 19 Aug, 2015 20:12
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Which way are your discs fitted?
Replies: 26
Views: 5562

Re: Which way are your discs fitted?

I've got ducting to my discs, utilising the existing "inlet" on the disc backplate. The factory brake ducts are pointless really, so the back of mine are blocked, but the intakes in the bumper are used to force air down the ducts which follows the anti roll bar to the back of the discs. So...
by c_w
Wed 19 Aug, 2015 20:06
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: Dark green (Boston?) M Roadster A34 heading towards Congleto
Replies: 0
Views: 900

Dark green (Boston?) M Roadster A34 heading towards Congleto

Earlier this evening, about 6pm, passed a dark green M Roadster heading towards Congleton. Think it had a private plate starting with J.

Had a tail-light out :wink:
by c_w
Thu 13 Aug, 2015 19:22
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Which way are your discs fitted?
Replies: 26
Views: 5562

Re: Which way are your discs fitted?

The vanes are spun like a catherine wheel "fanning out", if that make's sense, drawing air away from the hub - it would make no sense to draw air in towards the hub, not only as it would increase hot air to the wheelhub, but air pressure probably would make it difficult. The brake disc bac...
by c_w
Sat 01 Aug, 2015 19:13
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Help with rear tyres
Replies: 11
Views: 1732

Re: Help with rear tyres

Z3M wheels would be a priority, fitting properly under the arches - unlike most other attempts on 2.8/3.0s etc - it should look nice.
by c_w
Thu 23 Jul, 2015 17:59
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: S54 Z3 M Roadster for sale
Replies: 35
Views: 10729

Re: S54 Z3 M Roadster for sale

Suspension doesn't look stock, but it's looks better for it.