Search found 818 matches

by lightning
Fri 10 Mar, 2017 22:41
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale
Replies: 32
Views: 11238

Re: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale

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by lightning
Fri 10 Mar, 2017 22:37
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale
Replies: 32
Views: 11238

Re: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale

Yes at the moment it is. Passed the MOT today with no advisories.

I think it's a bit early in the year to sell!
by lightning
Thu 09 Mar, 2017 19:10
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: For Sale - Z3 3.0i Very low mileage - immaculate
Replies: 12
Views: 6615

Re: For Sale - Z3 3.0i Very low mileage - immaculate

These cars are great value for what you get, when you look at other modern classics. They can only go up in value. Look at values for the Ford Capri 2.8 for instance.
And the Z3 is much better made, with few corrosion issues. Buy yours now! It can't last.
by lightning
Sun 05 Mar, 2017 18:54
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale
Replies: 32
Views: 11238

Re: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale

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by lightning
Sun 05 Mar, 2017 18:53
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale
Replies: 32
Views: 11238

Re: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale

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by lightning
Sun 05 Mar, 2017 18:52
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale
Replies: 32
Views: 11238

Re: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale

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by lightning
Sun 05 Mar, 2017 18:51
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale
Replies: 32
Views: 11238

Re: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale

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by lightning
Sun 05 Mar, 2017 13:37
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Best Z3 front mud flaps?
Replies: 2
Views: 946

Re: Best Z3 front mud flaps?

OK thanks l'll try a set.
by lightning
Sat 04 Mar, 2017 22:40
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Best Z3 front mud flaps?
Replies: 2
Views: 946

Best Z3 front mud flaps?

I know the OE ones are obsolete but which are the best alternatives? I recall a discussion some time ago and l think it may be the Halfords ones. Can anybody tell me which ones to use? Despite my Z3 being for sale l'd still like to fit some, as long as it does not involve drilling holes in the bodyw...
by lightning
Sat 04 Mar, 2017 09:21
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale
Replies: 32
Views: 11238

Re: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale

The car is still available! Probably the wrong time of year to sell. The boat and trailer idea has been shelved! I fancy an older car. Looking at Alfa GT Junior and Lancia Fulvia. As l rarely actually drive the Z3 and it needs nothing doing, another project will make sense. The Z3 has a large histor...
by lightning
Sat 04 Mar, 2017 09:05
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Fuel tank Straps
Replies: 8
Views: 3170

Re: Fuel tank Straps

Bizarrely the tank straps on my otherwise perfect 2.8 were very rusty and l looked at changing them, while the ones on my similar condition 3.0 (with similar mileage) still look new. I think the foam pads trap water which causes the straps to rust, also there will often be condensation on the outsid...
by lightning
Wed 15 Feb, 2017 22:00
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: intermittent wipe
Replies: 12
Views: 3825

Re: intermittent wipe

Can't say l've ever found it annoying.
Although my MG Metro had six intermittent speeds on the wiper stalk back in 1986.
by lightning
Tue 14 Feb, 2017 07:34
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale
Replies: 32
Views: 11238

Re: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale

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by lightning
Tue 14 Feb, 2017 07:33
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale
Replies: 32
Views: 11238

Re: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale

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by lightning
Tue 14 Feb, 2017 07:32
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale
Replies: 32
Views: 11238

Re: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale

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by lightning
Tue 14 Feb, 2017 07:31
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale
Replies: 32
Views: 11238

Re: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale

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by lightning
Tue 14 Feb, 2017 07:29
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale
Replies: 32
Views: 11238

Re: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale

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by lightning
Mon 13 Feb, 2017 21:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: coolant
Replies: 8
Views: 2371

Re: coolant

Take it for a long drive at motorway speeds, then change the oil.

After that just keep an eye on it. But most likely to be as suggested above.
by lightning
Sun 12 Feb, 2017 20:11
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale
Replies: 32
Views: 11238

Z3 3.0 M Sport for sale

For sale. My pristine show winning 2002 Z3 3.0 M Sport. Mileage 56,000 with comprehensive history file. Recent full service including coolant, brake fluid, spark plugs, gearbox oil etc. Topaz Blue with cream leather/black interior. Beautiful combination. No seat bolster wear. Carpets like new, overm...
by lightning
Sun 12 Feb, 2017 19:22
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Resprays Leicester area
Replies: 5
Views: 2222

Re: Resprays Leicester area

It may sound unlikely, but try the BMW main dealer bodyshop. At Williams Stockport near me, the body shop is a separate facility, but working to main dealer standards. When l bought my Z3 in 2014 it had some stone chips to the front. I took it to the BMW body shop. They took off and resprayed the fr...
by lightning
Sun 12 Feb, 2017 01:05
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted Z3 Roadster
Replies: 23
Views: 5928

Re: Wanted Z3 Roadster

I am sorry you never came to view my Z3 3.0.

It is a near concours standard show winning car. I think it was just what you were looking for!
by lightning
Thu 02 Feb, 2017 08:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Dead Battery.
Replies: 19
Views: 6092

Re: Dead Battery.

Probably a standard battery charger of the type sold for decades. A transformer, two diodes and if you are lucky a meter on the front. Nothing "Smart" in there, connect it up and it drops about 16 volts of unsmoothed rectified AC into the battery at whatever current it will accept. If the ...
by lightning
Wed 01 Feb, 2017 18:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Dead Battery.
Replies: 19
Views: 6092

Re: Dead Battery.

The same type of thing has happened to me but my battery is only 3 yrs old approx, but car seldom used. The battery has a powerprobe indicator window which changes colour with the condition of the battery: Black = charge Green = charged White = replace How accurate are these and do you view in the ...
by lightning
Wed 01 Feb, 2017 18:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Fuel injector servicing/cleaning
Replies: 6
Views: 2436

Re: Fuel injector servicing/cleaning

Is there a problem with the running of the engine? If not l'm not sure l'd start pulling the injectors out. There's a lot of this discussion on the Land Rover forum regarding TD5 injectors. The advice there is, unless there is a problem, leave them alone. The ECU can compensate for minor calibration...
by lightning
Fri 27 Jan, 2017 07:54
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted Z3 Roadster
Replies: 23
Views: 5928

Re: Wanted Z3 Roadster

I offered my car but you've not got back to me. It's better than these you've been looking at, in fact l've won prizes at car shows with it. Plus it's the 3.0 M Sport with hardtop. Is it because it's had six owners? You shouldn't write off a car with more than two owners. These kind of cars often ha...
by lightning
Sat 21 Jan, 2017 20:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Where is my 2.0 litre Topaz Blue Z3 Auto ?
Replies: 6
Views: 1832

Re: Where is my 2.0 litre Topaz Blue Z3 Auto ?

Yes l agree it is a "modern classic" that's for sure.

But it's still gaining recognition as such. It's just appeared in the price guides of a popular Classic Car magazine.
by lightning
Tue 17 Jan, 2017 20:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Where is my 2.0 litre Topaz Blue Z3 Auto ?
Replies: 6
Views: 1832

Re: Where is my 2.0 litre Topaz Blue Z3 Auto ?

I'm sure it will be, but could have sold out of the area, because most dealers advertise online. And people will search countrywide for a Z3.
by lightning
Sat 14 Jan, 2017 18:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Where is my 2.0 litre Topaz Blue Z3 Auto ?
Replies: 6
Views: 1832

Re: Where is my 2.0 litre Topaz Blue Z3 Auto ?

I would imagine that only a small percentage of Z3 owners go on this forum. The Z3 is still new enough to be bought as an "ordinary" used car, and not something special/classic that prompts joining a club or forum. l've had dozens of cars over the years, most sold locally, and l think l ha...
by lightning
Fri 06 Jan, 2017 07:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Alarm siren missing?
Replies: 12
Views: 3230

Re: Alarm siren missing?

My alarm is also silent (2002 3.0)

Where is the siren located on this model? I would like to get it working!
by lightning
Fri 23 Dec, 2016 21:17
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted: low mileage, full service history z3/z4 (minter!)
Replies: 51
Views: 9831

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

What's your budget? I never really use my (show condition 56,000 mile Topaz Blue) 3.0 M Sport since l started mountain biking in 2013.
by lightning
Wed 21 Dec, 2016 21:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Air ride
Replies: 13
Views: 2373

Re: Air ride

Why can't you tell me?
by lightning
Wed 21 Dec, 2016 19:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Air ride
Replies: 13
Views: 2373

Re: Air ride

I'll try again!

What's air ride. Is is some sort of aftermarket suspension setup?
by lightning
Mon 19 Dec, 2016 18:45
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Air ride
Replies: 13
Views: 2373

Re: Air ride

What's air ride?
by lightning
Tue 15 Nov, 2016 07:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: top speed
Replies: 12
Views: 4274

Re: top speed

My Defender 110 usually manages 85mph where legal but l saw 90 on a flat stretch of Autobahn while crossing Germany last year.
At those high speeds it was stable enough, although the door seals failed at the top above 80mph, allowing wind to come in.
by lightning
Mon 14 Nov, 2016 07:32
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 5w40 v 5w30 oil
Replies: 3
Views: 1190

Re: 5w40 v 5w30 oil

I am not sure it will make any difference whether you use 5w/30 or 5w/40. 5w/30 is used in modern cars for fuel economy reasons as it's slightly thinner at operating temperature. If an engine is worn or older it may burn slightly more oil (than if 5w/40 is used) Also 5w/40 would be better for use in...
by lightning
Sun 06 Nov, 2016 18:59
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Which 2.8?
Replies: 8
Views: 2195

Re: Which 2.8?

I had a single VANOS 2.8 before my 3.0 and never felt it wanting for power in standard form. I didn't really feel the need to modify the engine. It pulled like a train from about 1500 rpm and would wipe the floor with my friend's newer MX5.
by lightning
Sun 30 Oct, 2016 12:59
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 Tribute
Replies: 7
Views: 2275

Re: Z3 Tribute

Not sure about that kit. "Reluctant sale". Always is. Spent "thousands"....but didn't include a service. Done 109,000 ("nothing for these engines") well hardly nothing although if serviced regularly they'll go on for another 100,000. Service history up to 88,000 and own...
by lightning
Wed 26 Oct, 2016 21:31
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: long tearm storage
Replies: 13
Views: 3977

Re: long tearm storage

The Z3 is not a high value car and is unlikely to become one in the forseeable future. Best to use your Z3. Don't take it out on the salted winter roads. But don't fret about rain! A bit of water won't harm it, particularly if you've waxoyled underneath. The car will stay in better shape if you use ...
by lightning
Fri 21 Oct, 2016 15:00
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Let the Service History Archaeology commence!
Replies: 9
Views: 2154

Re: Let the Service History Archaeology commence!

When l buy an older interesting car l write to all the previous owners that l can trace (with a stamped addressed envelope for their reply) telling them l am a car enthusiast, that the car is now considered a classic, and if possible could they let me have any information regarding the car or it's h...
by lightning
Sat 15 Oct, 2016 18:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Still no power...3.0
Replies: 11
Views: 2792

Re: Still no power...3.0

Not had a chance to look at it yet. But l did refit the DISA valve today, after there seemed to be no fault with it. However on recommendation of my local BMW specialist l fitted a replacement anyway and the car is now back to normal. So whatever that valve is supposed to do, it wasn't doing it. Sur...
by lightning
Wed 12 Oct, 2016 19:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Does the ECU take time to settle down?
Replies: 26
Views: 6849

Re: Does the ECU take time to settle down?

The ECU may take a few miles to align itself to the engine after the battery has been disconnected for a while. In practise though, l have never noticed much difference after the battery was disconnected. I think it's mainly to do with low speed running and idle, although that's only what l have rea...
by lightning
Sun 09 Oct, 2016 12:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: BMW quality!
Replies: 11
Views: 3753

Re: BMW quality!

Yes, you wonder why BMW did not rectify this issue. They must have known about it, and it would have been easy to fix. Towards the end of production they did increase the number of spot welds on the mounting bracket, which helped a bit. My late 2002 56,000 mile 3.0 has the extra spot welds and is st...
by lightning
Fri 07 Oct, 2016 19:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Still no power...3.0
Replies: 11
Views: 2792

Re: Still no power...3.0

I'll have a look at the exhaust system tomorrow.
by lightning
Thu 06 Oct, 2016 22:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: DISA valve....can somebody explain?
Replies: 2
Views: 891

Re: DISA valve....can somebody explain?

Thanks for the reply, l looked on Youtube and apparantly the box is a vacuum reservoir as l thought, and it has a one way valve that pressurizes it from the manifold. So if you remove it from the car and apply power to the solenoid, it will operate 2-3 times and then the stored vacuum is depleted. S...
by lightning
Thu 06 Oct, 2016 22:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Still no power...3.0
Replies: 11
Views: 2792

Re: Still no power...3.0

OK thanks for the replies, l'll have to take it in somewhere or buy a code reader. It's on SORN now so buying one will be the best option. Can anybody advise me which is the cheapest one that will do it?
by lightning
Thu 06 Oct, 2016 18:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: DISA valve....can somebody explain?
Replies: 2
Views: 891

DISA valve....can somebody explain?

How it works and what it actually does. And how can l test it? I removed the unit from the manifold and was presented with a rectangular plastic case, with a large flap valve on one side, with what looks like a vacuum actuator. I appled 12 volts to the electrical connection and the valve closed, the...
by lightning
Thu 06 Oct, 2016 17:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: BMW quality!
Replies: 11
Views: 3753

Re: BMW quality!

siwilson wrote:I find the A/C VERY useful for clearing misted windows in winter.
I don't use my Z3 in the winter!
by lightning
Wed 05 Oct, 2016 19:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: BMW quality!
Replies: 11
Views: 3753

Re: BMW quality!

Air con likes to be used.

I imagine in Spain it's on most of the time. I hardly ever use it in the Z3 here in the UK.
by lightning
Wed 05 Oct, 2016 07:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Still no power...3.0
Replies: 11
Views: 2792

Still no power...3.0

Went out in my Z3 3.0 at the weekend and it feels about as fast as my friend's 2003 1.8 MX5. It runs fine with perfect idle and no hesitation, misfire, or rattle from the front of the engine.

Can the VANOS be faulty and not rattle or give any other running issues?
by lightning
Mon 03 Oct, 2016 07:00
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: BMW quality!
Replies: 11
Views: 3753

Re: BMW quality!

It costs between £40 and £70 depending on what you have done.

Cheapest is just to top up the gas.
Or you can have all the existing gas and oil removed, the system cleared of any moisture, and refilled with gas and oil.
I just had it topped up as it was still working.