Search found 2132 matches

by Del
Sat 31 Dec, 2016 18:33
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted - Fiji Green hardtop
Replies: 14
Views: 5535

Re: Wanted - Fiji Green hardtop

I reckon you'll struggle to get one in that rarer colour. I'm not sure whether the hardtops (when OE) were readily available in every Z3 colour. I struggled to find an Artic Silver one and in the end bought a Titan Silver one that came up fairly close to where I live, with all the BMW kit extras. Yo...
by Del
Thu 22 Dec, 2016 13:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Flashing battery warning light....
Replies: 11
Views: 3564

Re: Flashing battery warning light....

Personally, with these "flickering" or "dimly flickering" warning light issues, I would suspect either the alternator or the auxiliary belt driving the alternator. As you say, I would check and clean the battery terminals as they may have been disconnected (as a sensible precauti...
by Del
Wed 21 Dec, 2016 23:22
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Recomendations for new shocks
Replies: 20
Views: 4529

Re: Recomendations for new shocks

Sachs Super Touring are identical to the originals - I have them on my Z3 and they are fine - the car's handling was restored. Sachs are a top German supplier - my daily Audi has OE Sachs shocks on it. :)
by Del
Tue 13 Dec, 2016 17:26
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: z3 3.0 and previous toys
Replies: 5
Views: 4937

Re: z3 3.0 and previous toys

Nice late 3.0 Z3 - probably one of the last batch off the production line. That little Renault looks like fun and the proper business :)
by Del
Mon 12 Dec, 2016 10:08
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Top mounts & engine mounts
Replies: 3
Views: 1393

Re: Top mounts & engine mounts

Whenever I have removed and closely examined an old OE bush (or mount containing rubber), from my car, it has always had the Lemforder triangular logo stamped on it :D
by Del
Mon 12 Dec, 2016 09:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: EEP2 error, speedo over read & ECU warning light
Replies: 51
Views: 10175

Re: EEP2 error, speedo over read & ECU warning light

The camshaft "timing" sensors are important and can cause problems with running and MOT emissions. They fail with age, heat and vibration. Yours may be "fading out" or the ECU is using some factory default approximation measurement.
by Del
Mon 12 Dec, 2016 09:32
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: EEP2 error, speedo over read & ECU warning light
Replies: 51
Views: 10175

Re: EEP2 error, speedo over read & ECU warning light

Having read the thread it looks as if you have a faulty camshaft sensor and a post cat lambda that is "dead" and giving no signal. Your CEL is likely to stay on, until fixed With regard to the other faults, I agree with checking the battery. On "modern" cars, when a battery is fa...
by Del
Mon 12 Dec, 2016 09:10
Forum: New to zroadster.net?
Topic: New owner
Replies: 6
Views: 5492

Re: New owner

Hi and welcome :)
by Del
Mon 12 Dec, 2016 09:08
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Aux Belt fell off
Replies: 3
Views: 1016

Re: Aux Belt fell off

Sounds suspiciously like you water pump has failed - shaft broken. Waterpumps are not expensive e.g. £40 plus fitting and it is wise to check whether the fan flying off has damaged anything else e.g. the radiator. Hopefully just a pump £40, new belt £15 and some fresh coolant :(
by Del
Sat 10 Dec, 2016 10:06
Forum: New to zroadster.net?
Topic: Northern Ireland newbie
Replies: 9
Views: 6246

Re: Northern Ireland newbie

Hi and welcome - look forward to the progress thread :)
by Del
Wed 07 Dec, 2016 16:04
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: My Z3, one year in the making
Replies: 13
Views: 6784

Re: My Z3, one year in the making

Doing such a fantastic renovation job on the bodywork and interior, here's an old link to an old thread for the sort of mechanical standards we're now expecting from you during these long winter nights :D

viewtopic.php?f=32&t=33754
by Del
Tue 06 Dec, 2016 22:21
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: My Z3, one year in the making
Replies: 13
Views: 6784

Re: My Z3, one year in the making

Lovely work
by Del
Mon 05 Dec, 2016 12:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Stalls when warms up....occasionally.
Replies: 27
Views: 6433

Re: Stalls when warms up....occasionally.

I'd still recommend getting the car plugged into a diagnostic tool first - doesn't need to be anything fancy. As you have a 1999 car it may be "borderline" in terms of whether it has a warning light on the display to signify something like a failing sensor - my 1998 car hasn't.
by Del
Mon 05 Dec, 2016 10:59
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Stalls when warms up....occasionally.
Replies: 27
Views: 6433

Re: Stalls when warms up....occasionally.

From past experience my guess would also be "heat soak" into a failing cam sensor.
by Del
Sat 26 Nov, 2016 17:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Coupe tramlining
Replies: 13
Views: 3683

Re: Coupe tramlining

On an identical, like-for-like basis, I would be sure that the Z3 Coupe would generally handle better than its Roadster counterpart and that the Stig would get around the Nurburgring more quickly in the Z3 Coupe. :D However, I’m not convinced that the specific characteristic of tramlining is solely ...
by Del
Tue 22 Nov, 2016 10:55
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: Needless ritual?
Replies: 23
Views: 10049

Re: Needless ritual?

Letting the engine get up to temperature is still recommended on highly tuned/modified engines, before working them to their limits. The M engines are probably closer to this category.
by Del
Tue 22 Nov, 2016 09:28
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Need help identifying hardtop color
Replies: 3
Views: 1538

Re: Need help identifying hardtop color

Each hard top colour is listed as a separate hard top part number under Realom.com but I can't find that part number you quote - http://www.realoem.com/bmw/index.do
by Del
Mon 14 Nov, 2016 10:00
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 5w40 v 5w30 oil
Replies: 3
Views: 1190

Re: 5w40 v 5w30 oil

Agree with Lightning. It's probably not that critical and I suspect 5W-30 wasn't used widely when Z3s rolled off the production line
by Del
Fri 11 Nov, 2016 22:19
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: My Mora Red Zed
Replies: 21
Views: 7217

Re: My Mora Red Zed

I've always thought that this was a beautiful Z3 colour
by Del
Thu 10 Nov, 2016 21:02
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Breaking 1.9 manual roadster
Replies: 22
Views: 6190

Re: Breaking 1.9 manual roadster

Not that it matters, but I suspect the seat centre sections have been recovered at some point. BMW used what they called "Oregon" leather on the centre section which had a very specific textured pattern of little circles

http://users.belgacom.net/bmw_z3/bmw_z3_interior.htm
by Del
Tue 08 Nov, 2016 20:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Ignition upgrades?
Replies: 4
Views: 1274

Re: Ignition upgrades?

Replaced my set a couple of years ago – I think I paid something like £60 from GSF. I changed because I was getting a resistance reading from one cable (not the longest one) which was slightly higher than the others. To be honest it’s not something that gives the feel of an obvious performance impro...
by Del
Mon 07 Nov, 2016 11:42
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 1998 m44 engine z3 check engine light
Replies: 13
Views: 2706

Re: 1998 m44 engine z3 check engine light

My production date May 1998 - no check engine light or OBD under-dash socket. To use a trendy description, Z3s must have been "transitioning" during late 1998 :D
by Del
Fri 04 Nov, 2016 22:34
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: z3 in Shrewsbury
Replies: 7
Views: 2501

Re: z3 in Shrewsbury

I go up to Shrewsbury occasionally (visiting family) and see the odd Z3 around - it must be a UK Z3 hot spot :D
by Del
Fri 04 Nov, 2016 22:29
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: French Top Gear road trip
Replies: 2
Views: 1725

Re: French Top Gear road trip

Amusing how they have local versions of Top Gear around the World. A 2.8 Z3 should win hands down :)
by Del
Fri 04 Nov, 2016 22:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Help needed Z3
Replies: 11
Views: 3265

Re: Help needed Z3

If it's not the belt it sounds as if it might be the power steering pump failed/seized?
by Del
Fri 04 Nov, 2016 22:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 1998 m44 engine z3 check engine light
Replies: 13
Views: 2706

Re: 1998 m44 engine z3 check engine light

As far as I am aware the M44 engine car (as a pre facelift car) was designed under pre-OBD II regulations and doesn't have a "check engine light". It is also why it only has one, pre-cat exhaust lambda sensor. If your diagnostic tool is pointing to your camshaft position sensor - that will...
by Del
Fri 04 Nov, 2016 10:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Removing front subframe
Replies: 6
Views: 2332

Re: Removing front subframe

by Del
Wed 02 Nov, 2016 08:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 Tribute
Replies: 7
Views: 2275

Re: Z3 Tribute

Not keen - you'd have to pay me £3,500 not me pay £3,500 :D
by Del
Tue 01 Nov, 2016 08:56
Forum: Z4 roadster and Z4 Coupe
Topic: Service intervals
Replies: 5
Views: 5178

Re: Service intervals

As far as I am aware, the UK service guidance for normal Z4s is that engine oil and oil filter changes need only take place when necessitated by the “service interval indicator” or two years if earlier. My wife’s BMW Mini regime is identical. This BMW indicator is said to be sufficiently sophisticat...
by Del
Fri 28 Oct, 2016 21:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What did you buy your Z3 this week ?
Replies: 2088
Views: 411282

Re: What did you buy your Z3 this week ?

Removing/cleaning the dreaded ABS wheel speed sensors :( Not exactly this week – but during the past few weeks. Had issues with the dreaded ABS light coming on intermittently – which was pinpointed to a front wheel speed sensor. Decided to start at the back after refurbing the rear callipers. For th...
by Del
Thu 27 Oct, 2016 12:26
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted: low mileage, full service history z3/z4 (minter!)
Replies: 51
Views: 9860

Re: Wanted: low mileage, full service history z3/z4 (minter!

I think you will be lucky to find a Z3 with a full, main dealer history. As the cars get older and worth less, owners are less inclined to lavish £500+ extended oil services on the car. Personally, I would want straight/honest bodywork, a car that hadn’t been lowered/modified and mucked about with a...
by Del
Thu 27 Oct, 2016 12:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: MOT Emmission failure/pass
Replies: 8
Views: 2856

Re: MOT Emmission failure/pass

Huge difference in CO which suggests it was running very rich on the first tests - did they bother to warm the car up properly? A faulty thermostat (commonly they stick open) might cause the engine to run a little richer for longer but your results are dramatic. It is appreciated in the trade that c...
by Del
Tue 25 Oct, 2016 17:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Changing the gearbox oil
Replies: 73
Views: 16750

Re: Changing the gearbox oil

handsomejackuk wrote:any opinions on this for z3 1.9 manual gearbox
If you have a yellow label on the gearbox (if it hasn't faded or fallen off) stick to a GL4 oil as nobody today in 2016 (BMW or otherwise) could categorically confirm that the more modern GL5 is OK. The 1.9 Getrag box holds a shade over 1 litre.
by Del
Tue 25 Oct, 2016 17:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Roof Woe's
Replies: 9
Views: 1985

Re: Roof Woe's

Croydon Soft Tops - many of the forum members (me included) have travelled hundreds of miles to use his facilities. Around £350 fitted (only does blue or black) in 3-hours whilst you sample a Costa in the delights of Croydon :D

http://www.soft-tops.co.uk/
by Del
Sun 23 Oct, 2016 21:21
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: 100,000 miles - any advise
Replies: 11
Views: 3670

Re: 100,000 miles - any advise

If it has the original water pump - get it changed as a precaution :D
by Del
Fri 21 Oct, 2016 21:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: engines fitted to z3's
Replies: 23
Views: 6664

Re: engines fitted to z3's

Why was the first US Z3m just a bored-out and tweaked M52 2.8 and not the proper S50. Am I correct in thinking the US got the later S54 version? :shrug
by Del
Tue 18 Oct, 2016 15:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Coolant
Replies: 9
Views: 2726

Re: Coolant

Funny thing about the BMW antifreeze is that my BMW Z3 handbook says to change it every 3-years whereas BMW Mini use the same stuff and Mini owners are told if is now "lifetime" fill and only changed if it shows signs of discolouring. Toyota and VAG use the pink stuff and again, treat it a...
by Del
Fri 14 Oct, 2016 08:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Does the ECU take time to settle down?
Replies: 26
Views: 6853

Re: Does the ECU take time to settle down?

The system on these cars is fairly old these days and I'm afraid I don't buy the concept that it takes weeks, and several tanks of fuel, for the ECU to "re-adjust" to a fault being corrected. Are we saying that if I ran my car with 3 spark plugs, then replaced the fourth, that it would the...
by Del
Thu 13 Oct, 2016 17:00
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: VW DSG Auto Gearbox problem anyone help?
Replies: 3
Views: 4108

Re: VW DSG Auto Gearbox problem anyone help?

They seem to be very sensitive to oil/filter changes. My Audi owners manual talks about the necessity of a DSG oil/filter change every 38,000 miles :shock:
by Del
Sun 09 Oct, 2016 15:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: BMW quality!
Replies: 11
Views: 3756

Re: BMW quality!

lightning wrote:Yes, you wonder why BMW did not rectify this issue
Some E46 M3s also develop a similar problem although I am told it is not usually an issue with the E46 M3 convertible because of the extra, under-body strengthening.
by Del
Fri 07 Oct, 2016 15:18
Forum: New to zroadster.net?
Topic: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4
Replies: 23
Views: 10060

Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Entirely a personal decision :D My logic was that discs/pads all round cost £200 DIY, £400 @ kwik fit and probably £600+ at BMW. Plus 4 X new tyres at say £400. It's had a £1,000 worth of recent work which is typical "to do" stuff on any 2nd hand car with 50k+ miles, and he's only asking £...
by Del
Fri 07 Oct, 2016 09:39
Forum: New to zroadster.net?
Topic: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4
Replies: 23
Views: 10060

Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Jcc wrote:Any thoughts on this one please?
Lowish mileage, well serviced - what's not to like for around £3k+. How much money can you lose on a car like that - very little risk. I'd get those wheels returned to silver though! :D
by Del
Fri 07 Oct, 2016 08:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Still no power...3.0
Replies: 11
Views: 2794

Re: Still no power...3.0

These engines are normally aspirated, relatively simple and generally bullet proof. If the engine seems OK in every respect, I wonder if there is a possible exhaust/restriction issue. Is the cat working OK, does it rattle when nudged with the palm of your hand? If it has broken up with age, there mi...
by Del
Thu 06 Oct, 2016 19:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: BMW quality!
Replies: 11
Views: 3756

Re: BMW quality!

There is no doubt that at the time BMW were building the Z3, the BMW build quality was at a very high standard - many say it peaked around 15 years ago. Every component I have taken from my car seems to be of the highest quality, bolts come out and apart from light rust on their head, often look lik...
by Del
Thu 06 Oct, 2016 19:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: rear wing compatability and facelift '97
Replies: 17
Views: 3714

Re: rear wing compatability and facelift '97

If it was done by a previous owner just for aesthetic/modernising reasons, I think I would be inclined to stick with it. Whilst we love our Z3s, it’s not like they are like a 1955 James Dean Porsche Speedster and merit “no expense spared” on restoring to OE :D
by Del
Wed 05 Oct, 2016 17:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: rear wing compatability and facelift '97
Replies: 17
Views: 3714

Re: rear wing compatability and facelift '97

This is a bit of a brain teaser. I suspect that even the sill covers might be different?

Image
by Del
Wed 05 Oct, 2016 08:08
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Fleabay - Should i be surprised?
Replies: 5
Views: 1450

Re: Fleabay - Should i be surprised?

Really surprised, I have made offers (always polite) on Ebay stuff and most sellers are so keen to maintain good ebay ratings that they are polite back. I put that sort of response down to stupidity and lack of commercial awareness.
by Del
Sat 01 Oct, 2016 08:40
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: top mounts rear shocks
Replies: 7
Views: 2468

Re: top mounts rear shocks

If you want to remove the whole piece of carpet, there are some little plastic brackets that unscrew behind the seats (delicate) and several round, push-in clips that are best removed by sliding a fork under them (and either side of their centre shaft) and levering out. As Si says, the rest is then ...