Search found 137 matches

by Gareth 161
Sun 13 Oct, 2013 19:44
Forum: Event/cruise aftermaths
Topic: Anyone in and around Plymouth?
Replies: 5
Views: 5792

Re: Anyone in and around Plymouth?

Hi Probably too far away but I am down in Truro. The lack of organised runs/social get togethers was one of the things I noticed when switching from driving an MX5 to a Z3 as there does not appear to be many members in this part of the country!- I may be wrong. That apart however, I would not go bac...
by Gareth 161
Sat 24 Aug, 2013 09:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Strange noise from rear?
Replies: 6
Views: 1095

Re: Strange noise from rear?

Thanks For that extensive reply-I will put aside some time to do as suggested although no immediate rush as handbrake is working reasonably well & MOT passed. My main worry was working out what the noise was!! Have another nice job to do first-the plastic seat bushes which have been "restin...
by Gareth 161
Fri 23 Aug, 2013 21:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Strange noise from rear?
Replies: 6
Views: 1095

Re: Strange noise from rear?

Strange noise partly resolved. Whilst lying under the car last week (as one does) trying to feel for an exhaust leak the MOT chap mentioned(could not find one & he passed it anyway), I noticed that the LH handbrake cable above the heatshield and barely visible near the prop had a flat spot on it...
by Gareth 161
Thu 08 Aug, 2013 13:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: over revving engine
Replies: 7
Views: 770

Re: over revving engine

Thanks for the info & I will check the cable.
Excuse my ignorance but what & where is the clutch switch as I have never heard of it.
Thanks as always for this very helpful forum.
Gareth
by Gareth 161
Wed 07 Aug, 2013 22:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: over revving engine
Replies: 7
Views: 770

over revving engine

Not sure what the problem is but engine seems to being revving higher than normal at certain times making it harder to change gear and slow down when foot taken off accelerator. Oddly it seems worse when air con switched on but that may just be coincidence. When stationary, tickover is normal so it ...
by Gareth 161
Sun 16 Jun, 2013 13:42
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Save 5p/litre on Shell fuel
Replies: 22
Views: 4961

Re: Save 5p/litre on Shell fuel

Excellent Gazza-printed two vouchers off & filled up both cars saving over £3.
Girl at garage could not get scanner to read it so just manually adjusted the price!!
Therefore may not matter if same voucher printed off several times.
Gareth
by Gareth 161
Sat 25 May, 2013 20:06
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: V Power Nitro Experiences
Replies: 13
Views: 3403

Re: V Power Nitro Experiences

Have been using it for a few weeks in both the Z & Subaru and does appear to give a higher mpg although no actual teasts yet.
Not sure if I like the smell much as the previous fuel but presumably it is the additives.
by Gareth 161
Sat 25 May, 2013 20:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Oil change - car too low ?
Replies: 9
Views: 888

Re: Oil change - car too low ?

Drove mine on to a couple of short planks just to raise it those vital extra few inches.Used a jack to raise side where sump plug is to loosen then lowered whilst draining. All much simpler than I anticipated and will be doing all my own oil changes from now on.It is also worth changing the 2 small ...
by Gareth 161
Wed 10 Apr, 2013 18:53
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: M REAR mirror
Replies: 16
Views: 1377

Re: M REAR mirror

Mike
Interesting picture-roughly what size is your mirror please as I do not like the Z3 mirror as seems to restrict your vision a fair bit.
Is it just screwed with self tappers to the top of frame?
Gareth
by Gareth 161
Sat 06 Apr, 2013 19:32
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Gearbox oil plugs removal
Replies: 6
Views: 861

Re: Gearbox oil plugs removal

You could try loosening them after a long drive to heat it well up although whether it would get hot enough to expand the metal is questionable. However I would have thought that using a longer bar or piece of pipe to give a bit more leverage should be OK without damaging the box.Just make sure you ...
by Gareth 161
Wed 03 Apr, 2013 19:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: boot rack
Replies: 25
Views: 1695

Re: boot rack

Sorry to disagree but I think it goes the other way round as when I have used mine with the Z3 case the base of the case has the cut out which fits around the raised bar and would mean that the handle is not easy to reach and unclip from the rack if facing rear window. Before I used mine I did some ...
by Gareth 161
Thu 21 Mar, 2013 22:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: engine oil change
Replies: 12
Views: 971

Re: engine oil change

Did mine recently & very easy(my first time !!!) Went for drive to warm it up & then parked with front wheels on old floorboards about 1 inch thick to give enough clearance for bowl to collect oil(not much room under car).Jacked up drivers side to get to drain plug for easier removal & t...
by Gareth 161
Sat 02 Mar, 2013 20:50
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: Still a Z but different
Replies: 8
Views: 1194

Re: Still a Z but different

Can anyone please advise what a 3.0 Z4 would be like compared to my current 2.8 Z3 as I do like the look of them and I believe they have a glass rear window? Are they as reliable as the Z3 which seems to be bulletproof. I know that the only way to compare the handling is by taking a test drive but c...
by Gareth 161
Thu 28 Feb, 2013 19:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: HID KITS?
Replies: 29
Views: 1938

Re: HID KITS?

I changed my OEM bulbs to the Osram Nightbreaker plus bulbs of the same wattage and difference is really noticeable in the extra light thrown out.
Gareth
by Gareth 161
Wed 20 Feb, 2013 19:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Is it a straight 6 !!
Replies: 19
Views: 1436

Re: Is it a straight 6 !!

Easiest way is to count how many plug leads there are.Should be either 4 or 6.
Gareth
by Gareth 161
Tue 12 Feb, 2013 22:34
Forum: New to zroadster.net?
Topic: Another Noob signing in.
Replies: 20
Views: 2967

Re: Another Noob signing in.

Thanks both of you-have signed up & will post pictures once the rain stops.
Gareth
by Gareth 161
Tue 12 Feb, 2013 22:32
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Interesting MOT
Replies: 25
Views: 3815

Re: Interesting MOT

Reading all of the enthusiastic reports on here makes me think I should deepen my mid life crisis and swap the 2.8 in for a Z3M.!!!
by Gareth 161
Mon 11 Feb, 2013 23:58
Forum: New to zroadster.net?
Topic: Another Noob signing in.
Replies: 20
Views: 2967

Re: Another Noob signing in.

Car looks good!
As a matter of interest-how did you post your pictures.I have been trying to ever since I joined but with no luck.I am a bit od a dinosaur when it comes to teccy things but any advice gratefully recd.
by Gareth 161
Sat 09 Feb, 2013 19:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Should I worry
Replies: 7
Views: 879

Re: Should I worry

Not wanting to appear stupid!!! but how do you reset the service lights with a paperclip?
Am I likely to fry the electrics?
by Gareth 161
Sun 27 Jan, 2013 23:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 electric seat won't move forward or backwards
Replies: 8
Views: 5507

Re: Z3 electric seat won't move forward or backwards

Was not checked at my MOT-perhaps it is a new rule & not yet fully implemented.If it is, I might have to do some more remedial work for next year!!!! Have just put a new exhaust clamp on to rear of cat & was amazed to find it was cheaper from BMW parts dept than from Ebay-must be a sign of t...
by Gareth 161
Sat 26 Jan, 2013 19:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: radiator question
Replies: 25
Views: 2211

Re: radiator question

Sounds to me like air was trapped in the system as I have been reading various reports of problems when refilling the Z3 as I need to change my coolant soon. What I do on my Subaru Forester(which again is notorious for getting air trapped when refilling ) is to park on a steepish hill facing upwards...
by Gareth 161
Sat 26 Jan, 2013 19:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 electric seat won't move forward or backwards
Replies: 8
Views: 5507

Re: Z3 electric seat won't move forward or backwards

Had the same problem a few months back.Turned out to be a bad connection on the wire going into the motor under the seat nearest the front which is the one for F/B movement.Took the motor out and fiddled around with it but could not fix completely. On mine, I could "wiggle" the wire around...
by Gareth 161
Sat 19 Jan, 2013 23:11
Forum: Performance
Topic: 2.8 exhaust on 1.9?
Replies: 3
Views: 1014

Re: 2.8 exhaust on 1.9?

I have recently gone the other way and fitted a freeflow longlife rear section off Ebay from a 1.9 to my 2.8 and all fits apart from the slight difference in flange/pipe sizes where they join just behind the cat. However nothing too difficult to overcome and all hanging points are identical. I can c...
by Gareth 161
Thu 20 Dec, 2012 23:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Condensation in Boot
Replies: 43
Views: 23208

Re: Condensation in Boot

Had the same problem & was the third brakelight.Check the battery tray as mind had an inch of water in it & as a temporary fix, a small hole was drilled to let it drain out. Bought new gasket for a £3.50 posted from Ocean BMW in Penryn Cornwall and fitted with a little silicon to seal as it ...
by Gareth 161
Sun 02 Dec, 2012 14:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Strange noise from rear?
Replies: 6
Views: 1095

Re: Strange noise from rear?

Updated symptoms Still only happens when going fast over rough ground or left hand bends but did try pulling handbrake on slightly as mentionioned in another thread to see if that stopped it. Strangely it makes the noise worse.Could it be the handbrake cable rubbing the driveshafts somewhere when th...
by Gareth 161
Sun 02 Dec, 2012 14:09
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Third brake light replacement
Replies: 25
Views: 6527

Re: Third brake light replacement

Glad to report no leaks!!! A few of the bulbs were dim or not working & on removing them from the circiut board it is apparent that the previous leaks have caused some rusting of contacts on bulb & in little black bulb holder.However with a little clean up with sandpaper & a bit of foil ...
by Gareth 161
Sun 25 Nov, 2012 21:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Third brake light replacement
Replies: 25
Views: 6527

Re: Third brake light replacement

Success at last!!!
Used a hot air gun on moderate heat to help bend plastic tabs in to give more grip & applied a little bit of silicon.All went back together well and am awaiting the next deluge to test.(AM sure I wont have to wait long).
by Gareth 161
Fri 23 Nov, 2012 21:52
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Third brake light replacement
Replies: 25
Views: 6527

Re: Third brake light replacement

T8 was the one I used last week when I tried to fix mine. Presently have a plastic sheet over the boot to keep the rain out as very wet & windy at the moment. Will have another go this weekend & try the "heating trick" to see if I can get the parts to clip together.Would be very em...
by Gareth 161
Tue 20 Nov, 2012 23:09
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: WANTED 2.8 exhaust
Replies: 9
Views: 1202

Re: WANTED 2.8 exhaust

On the subject of exhausts, has anyone tried the s/s backboxes advertised on Ebay for around £60?
Not sure how good they are or how easy to fit but look very cheap.
by Gareth 161
Tue 20 Nov, 2012 22:56
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Third brake light replacement
Replies: 25
Views: 6527

Re: Third brake light replacement

Mine is a 97 prefacelift so does have a gasket. However I might do away with gasket & just use silicon or something similar. Tempted with the idea of putting a small screw/nut & bolt through the centre of the red lens into the holder to keep it tight in the middle as the ends are fine with t...
by Gareth 161
Tue 20 Nov, 2012 19:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Third brake light replacement
Replies: 25
Views: 6527

Re: Third brake light replacement

Have a similar problem in that with my new gasket from BMW in place, I cannot get the two halves to clip together even with two of us pushing. It will clip together in place without the gasket so am not sure what to do. I could just hold it together with the two screws and put some sealant around to...
by Gareth 161
Wed 12 Sep, 2012 22:13
Forum: Z1 roadster
Topic: Z Tour in Pyrenees (France) - 25-26 May 2013 - NOW REGISTER
Replies: 39
Views: 20333

Re: Z Tour in Pyrenees (France) - 25-26 May 2013

Hi Yes could be interested & will watch for updates. However all depends on our first trip down to Royan in a couple of weeks time and how that goes, as must make sure the better half enjoys herself.Might have to let her have a drive if I dare. Have just picked up a sat nav(and de activated the ...
by Gareth 161
Sun 29 Jul, 2012 21:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Strange noise from rear?
Replies: 6
Views: 1095

Strange noise from rear?

Not me but the car!!! My 1997 2.8 has recently started making a clicking/vibrating type of sound from the rear on left hand bends only and seems to be worse at higher speeds or bumpy roads. Anyone any ideas what it might be as I am driving down through France soon and would prefer not to have any ma...
by Gareth 161
Sat 30 Jun, 2012 19:29
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Just got my Z3 - Now a load of questions!!
Replies: 16
Views: 1993

Re: Just got my Z3 - Now a load of questions!!

Had the same problem and removed mine.Do not really notice any delay in getting water onto screen.
by Gareth 161
Wed 13 Jun, 2012 22:28
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 roadster rear window
Replies: 18
Views: 6623

Re: Z3 roadster rear window

Like you, I recently bought Z3 with cracked window & thought as a reasonable diy person, would have a go and bought one off Ebay Several hours later & after much stress(together with a bit of silicon sealant) I realised that you get what you pay for!! My window is waterproof but doe not look...
by Gareth 161
Sat 05 May, 2012 20:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Recommended Gearbox Oil
Replies: 18
Views: 4804

Re: Recommended Gearbox Oil

Looks like an oil change is best option to smooth the gear change on my 97 2.8 Z3.
As it presumably is filled with"oil for life" can anyone advise if there is a normal drain plug & fill/level plug on these boxes and is it a fairly straightforward job?
by Gareth 161
Wed 02 May, 2012 22:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Recommended Gearbox Oil
Replies: 18
Views: 4804

Re: Recommended Gearbox Oil

Could you please advise what your symptoms were before.On my 2.8 it seems a bit "notchy" especially from 1st to 2nd when cold and you have to change very slowly.
However I have also read about the CDV valve? and possibly that needs looking at?
Any advice greatly appreciated from down west.