Search found 910 matches

by mrscalex
Fri 05 May, 2017 21:02
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 1997 corroded side skirts
Replies: 5
Views: 2791

Re: Z3 1997 corroded side skirts

I'll have a pair of pre-facelift widebody sill covers in Montreal Blue soon if my next breaking project comes off. I wouldn't normally suggest secondhand for the reasons mentioned in this thread but when I inspected the car they were completely rust free, from the outside at least - obviously I have...
by mrscalex
Fri 05 May, 2017 20:53
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: WANTED: Z3 Engine M44 1.9 140bhp
Replies: 9
Views: 3596

Re: WANTED: Z3 Engine M44 1.9 140bhp

You should be able to pick up a whole MOT failed/accident damaged car for around £500. Of course your issue is getting it home. £100-£250 ish in transporter fees. Still, if you need a few other bits it might be worth thinking about. You also have the option of getting one from an E36 3 Series. Accor...
by mrscalex
Fri 05 May, 2017 20:42
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: ABS fault?
Replies: 11
Views: 4225

Re: ABS fault?

If I remember rightly the 78 battery issue is caused by a flat or removed battery.
by mrscalex
Wed 03 May, 2017 22:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Head gasket failure - repair or scrap :(
Replies: 23
Views: 7966

Re: Head gasket failure - repair or scrap :(

Just got off the phone to an indy mechanic - and he's advised swapping out the engine - if i can source a decent one - is a much better option. Quoted £250 inc VAT to fit. I think he charges about £40 an hour. If he does a good job that's a bargain. If you do try it yourself I would allow for the c...
by mrscalex
Wed 03 May, 2017 15:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Head gasket failure - repair or scrap :(
Replies: 23
Views: 7966

Re: Head gasket failure - repair or scrap :(

I'm doing a 2.2 engine swap now. You just need to be methodical. Mine is taking forever as I'm restoring the whole front end at the same time. However £250+VAT fitted sounds like a good price to me. That's either half a day at £60ish an hour or a full day at £30ish an hour. Realistically it has to b...
by mrscalex
Mon 01 May, 2017 22:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: tyre size
Replies: 11
Views: 3676

Re: tyre size

18" isn't a common Z3 size. You'd expect 16" with 225s all round or 17" with 225 front 245 rear more normally. It's possible they were a build option. But if so I think I'd expect them to be staggered, ie a wider rim at the rear to accept a wider tyre. And possibly wider than 8J. If 1...
by mrscalex
Thu 27 Apr, 2017 10:36
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query
Replies: 15
Views: 5690

Re: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query

Yes I remember lightning and I coming up with conflicting information previously. Perhaps there were production changes and we're both right! My 2.2 Sport has non-Sport front shocks fitted by the previous owner. It handles absolutely fine. In fact it's a very taught but comfortable car. The springs ...
by mrscalex
Thu 27 Apr, 2017 06:22
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query
Replies: 15
Views: 5690

Re: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query

This thread is a good one. It's a generic discussion on Sachs struts but bears out what I said in my previous post. http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=398977 I don't actually have Sport struts on my Sport. Which is why I looked into all this. But it looks like the key is finding the corre...
by mrscalex
Wed 26 Apr, 2017 22:13
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query
Replies: 15
Views: 5690

Re: 3.0 Standard suspension to Sport suspension Query

Your 3.0 non-Sport should have Sport suspension according to this extract from the sales brochure. http://learmouth.com/robert/Z3/Z3%203.0%20non-Sport%20v%20Sport.jpg If you put your VIN into bmwvin.com you are looking for this option to confirm. S704 M Sports suspension The Sachs (OEM) Sport part n...
by mrscalex
Wed 26 Apr, 2017 10:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Inherited Z3
Replies: 24
Views: 8642

Re: Inherited Z3

Interesting reading your post that you are in Swindon and that you break Zeds I am in Somerset and wondering if you know about central locking and remotes which I am having problems with which you may know how to remedy Geoff :) I'm sure if you start a thread explaining your woes we can help you ou...
by mrscalex
Tue 25 Apr, 2017 22:57
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Inherited Z3
Replies: 24
Views: 8642

Re: Inherited Z3

If you're in Wiltshire as per your forum name you're welcome to pop over to me with the car as I'm in Swindon. Especially if the 'saint' part indicates you are a fellow Southampton fan ;) I have a couple of projects on the go currently including an identical car for my other half's son. I also break...
by mrscalex
Mon 24 Apr, 2017 21:51
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Left (passenger) headlight clear, mint condition
Replies: 6
Views: 2628

Re: Left (passenger) headlight clear, mint condition

If it was a driver's side it might have sold quicker. But more often than not people want the driver's side as it's in the line of fire more for accident damage. Or people want a pair.

I do have a driver's side available to pair up with your's if that helps anyone.
by mrscalex
Wed 19 Apr, 2017 14:59
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Interior carpets
Replies: 8
Views: 3836

Re: Interior carpets

That sounds like me on Gumtree (Swindon).

And I guess that's yourself z3ddie I just replied to :)
by mrscalex
Thu 06 Apr, 2017 17:36
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Exhausts?
Replies: 5
Views: 2350

Re: Exhausts?

Bizarrely the £45 exhaust on ebay is actually okay. Noisy but in a good way. I bought one for my brother's 1.9. Labour brought the total out to about £110 I think. It did need heating up so the bend over the axle could be adjusted a little. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161545926468 Just a guess but I d...
by mrscalex
Tue 04 Apr, 2017 08:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Replacement aerial
Replies: 5
Views: 2518

Re: Replacement aerial

I'm as certain as I can be without double-checking on a car (none where I am today) that the bulb needs to be pushed through. If you look at the shape of it it's bullet-shaped to help it through the grommet. I'd also reflect on the fact if it was meant to live below/flush with the grommet they'd nev...
by mrscalex
Tue 28 Mar, 2017 18:13
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Gearbox shift pins
Replies: 15
Views: 4214

Re: Gearbox shift pins

Okay, got you. Mine knocks a little on every change. But I suspect that's the diff mount or possibly the giubo. That sounds like a mounting (engine, gearbox or diff) or the giubo, or loose propshaft nuts (very unlikely unless they have been touched since new). I shall have a crawl underneath and ta...
by mrscalex
Tue 28 Mar, 2017 12:42
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Gearbox shift pins
Replies: 15
Views: 4214

Re: Gearbox shift pins

Okay, got you. Mine knocks a little on every change. But I suspect that's the diff mount or possibly the giubo.
by mrscalex
Tue 28 Mar, 2017 10:33
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Gearbox shift pins
Replies: 15
Views: 4214

Re: Gearbox shift pins

Does the lever return to 3/4 from R, 1/2 and 5. If so, the shift pins are OK and should be left alone. If not, it will be cheaper to do it when the box is out than to have it done as a specific job. Can you clarify that test? Engine off. Put it in Reverse, flick it out and it should come to rest in...
by mrscalex
Tue 28 Mar, 2017 10:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Sill removed cleaned and waxoyled
Replies: 26
Views: 10356

Re: Sill removed cleaned and waxoyled

I used Jenolite on the ends of the structural sills and underneath the jacking points after removing the surface rust with various wire brushes etc. Then 2 coats of Hammerite followed by Waxoyl, which was also applied to the internals of the structural sill. When inspected these were rust free. Hav...
by mrscalex
Tue 28 Mar, 2017 10:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Gearbox shift pins
Replies: 15
Views: 4214

Re: Gearbox shift pins

Does the lever return to 3/4 from R, 1/2 and 5. If so, the shift pins are OK and should be left alone. If not, it will be cheaper to do it when the box is out than to have it done as a specific job. Can you clarify that test? Engine off. Put it in Reverse, flick it out and it should come to rest in...
by mrscalex
Mon 13 Mar, 2017 15:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: warning light
Replies: 13
Views: 3480

Re: warning light

Put a photo up in case what you think is the emissions light is something else.

In the meantime I'd go and give it a good blast. Wheels sensors can be triggered just from getting wet washing the car.
by mrscalex
Thu 09 Mar, 2017 21:53
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: For Sale - Z3 3.0i Very low mileage - immaculate
Replies: 12
Views: 6620

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

Nice car :)

For those who maybe get confused between Sport seats and Sport model this is a non-Sport though.
by mrscalex
Sun 05 Mar, 2017 16:36
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Z3M side mirrors assemble solution
Replies: 9
Views: 7324

Re: Z3M side mirrors assemble solution

Cracking stuff. Very well done.
by mrscalex
Fri 03 Feb, 2017 09:12
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted Z3 Roadster
Replies: 23
Views: 5931

Re: Wanted Z3 Roadster

On the face of it, you'll struggle to find a nicer car than this one for the money.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-BMW-Z3-2 ... 2348379587
by mrscalex
Fri 27 Jan, 2017 19:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 2.2 to 3.0 M52 engine swap/conversion - whats involved ?
Replies: 3
Views: 1278

Re: 2.2 to 3.0 M52 engine swap/conversion - whats involved ?

Very best of luck finding a 3.0 Z3 donor!

There are plenty of 3.0 M54 engines out there but the electronics they come with will be mapped for e.g. a 3 Series saloon.

You'd probably be better of just buying a 3.0.
by mrscalex
Fri 27 Jan, 2017 15:59
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted Z3 Roadster
Replies: 23
Views: 5931

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 h...
by mrscalex
Thu 26 Jan, 2017 01:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Still some very low mileage Z3s around
Replies: 8
Views: 2579

Re: Still some very low mileage Z3s around

There was certainly a waiting list at that time although I'm not sure it was 2 years. My brother bought his Jan 1999 and didn't want to wait for a factory build due to the waiting time. So he asked them for whatever was in stock. That's how he ended up with Boston Green which he likes now but wasn't...
by mrscalex
Mon 23 Jan, 2017 07:48
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted Z3 Roadster
Replies: 23
Views: 5931

Re: Wanted Z3 Roadster

If you pick carefully there's nothing shabby about a 100k car with several owners. In fact that's the norm for most Z3s these days and there are many well loved cars falling into that category. The engines are capable of well over 100k and as a summer car you won't be adding that quickly to the mile...
by mrscalex
Sun 22 Jan, 2017 08:07
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted Z3 Roadster
Replies: 23
Views: 5931

Re: Wanted Z3 Roadster

by mrscalex
Fri 20 Jan, 2017 09:23
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted Z3 Roadster
Replies: 23
Views: 5931

Re: Wanted Z3 Roadster

You'll be travelling to most cars as you're in Northumberland! Seriously you'll have to be prepared to move around the country for the sort of car you are looking for. You can always see if a member of the forum local to the car will have an initial look for you. I'll do it for any car in Swindon, S...
by mrscalex
Thu 19 Jan, 2017 23:47
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted Z3 Roadster
Replies: 23
Views: 5931

Re: Wanted Z3 Roadster

Ouch. £7.5k sounds expensive. I'd be planning on no more than £6k unless it's something very special. With that sort of budget you want a Sport really. That said this would be my first port of call out of the cars currently on ebay. It's not a Sport but it's got a full Sport spec and has M seats (wh...
by mrscalex
Wed 04 Jan, 2017 21:46
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: Seat Re-trimming
Replies: 16
Views: 8512

Re: Seat Re-trimming

I do mine personally - use products from furniture clinic and scuffmaster. If there are holes in them you can easily remove the covers and glue a patch to the back and then use special leather filler from furniture clinic to fill it in an then re-dye I'd have a go at mine but I'm worried I'll never...
by mrscalex
Wed 04 Jan, 2017 21:39
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: Seat Re-trimming
Replies: 16
Views: 8512

Re: Seat Re-trimming

corky wrote:Hi, I have just had the drivers side boulster replaced by a local seat trimmer in blue and it cost me £65 brilliant job really pleased
So was that remove cover, machine in new leather panel and replace cover? And/or did it included rebuilding of the foam bolster itself?
by mrscalex
Wed 04 Jan, 2017 17:52
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Meyle Front Wishbones and other parts
Replies: 23
Views: 5840

Re: Meyle Front Wishbones and other parts

I'm going to double check all bolts/ nuts at the week end, but I have noticed a great improvement in the ride and handling peterz3 Couldn't get the torque wrench on the wishbone to subframe or knuckle bolts. Did the subframe up with a breaker bar that just squeezed on both. Thought I might have ove...
by mrscalex
Wed 04 Jan, 2017 17:07
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: Seat Re-trimming
Replies: 16
Views: 8512

Re: Seat Re-trimming

Found a local guy and he has quoted me £250 - think I will keep my E-bay eyes open for a set instead - fancy going black anyway ! Let us know on here if you try your local man. £250 would be silly cheap money for a strip down and rebuild. Be careful as many just quote for re-tannelising (colouring)...
by mrscalex
Mon 02 Jan, 2017 23:11
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: Seat Re-trimming
Replies: 16
Views: 8512

Re: Seat Re-trimming

Is this the correct Furniture Clinic?

https://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/Leath ... ration.php
by mrscalex
Mon 02 Jan, 2017 23:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Meyle Front Wishbones and other parts
Replies: 23
Views: 5840

Re: Meyle Front Wishbones and other parts

Tightened the bolts up on my front end rebuild today. I did the wishbone/subframe bolts up with a 24" breaker bar but I did have the front bumper off. I managed to get the torque wrench on to the offside in the end. And it got stuck under the engine mount! Took about 30 minutes getting it back ...
by mrscalex
Mon 02 Jan, 2017 12:40
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: The law when indicating?
Replies: 11
Views: 6452

Re: The law when indicating?

I have the identical issue with an Aldi. I'm not sure what the law says or whether it's important. We're all looking to avoid accidents in the first place. As far as I'm concerned the onus is on us to manually cancel. And if we are the ones pulling out the onus is on us to look for other signs/wait ...
by mrscalex
Sun 01 Jan, 2017 21:25
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: Seat Re-trimming
Replies: 16
Views: 8512

Re: Seat Re-trimming

£380. Bargain price. I've been quoted that per seat!
by mrscalex
Fri 30 Dec, 2016 16:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Meyle Front Wishbones and other parts
Replies: 23
Views: 5840

Re: Meyle Front Wishbones and other parts

Your difficulty will be getting the old parts off. I used 3 different ball joint breakers on mine. The small c type on the tie rod (if you're doing that), the pincer type on the wishbone to strut and a fork on the wishbone to subframe. On both wishbone ball joints they needed a swift clonk with a ha...
by mrscalex
Wed 28 Dec, 2016 13:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Recomendations for new shocks
Replies: 20
Views: 4527

Re: Recomendations for new shocks

I don't think the bump stops, even in grotty looking condition are going to contribute much loss of handling. But if they are starting to disintegrate like mine were or if you just want to be thorough it's worth doing. They are £16 each from the dealer. The rubber coil seating pads will need inspect...
by mrscalex
Thu 22 Dec, 2016 19:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Recomendations for new shocks
Replies: 20
Views: 4527

Re: Recomendations for new shocks

I have a Sport which is why I was careful to try and tie it down. Although I was only doing it for future reference and I haven't bought any yet. The previous owner replaced them with non-Sport. So they're on my to do list. The Sport springs are 15mm lower. Not sure what the difference is with the s...
by mrscalex
Thu 22 Dec, 2016 00:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Recomendations for new shocks
Replies: 20
Views: 4527

Re: Recomendations for new shocks

Never, ever, ever buy from Euro Car parts unless you get a 30% discount. Use code 'xmas' currently and these shocks are £66.82

Just sign up to the newsletter for these codes.
by mrscalex
Wed 21 Dec, 2016 23:45
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Recomendations for new shocks
Replies: 20
Views: 4527

Re: Recomendations for new shocks

Be careful though as there are Sport and non-Sport versions. Most web sites I checked fail to make the distinction. Bav Auto does know the difference (as you might expect). http://www.bavauto.com/shop.asp?HC1=0&htarget=asgridyearmodel.asp&Hecode=&hdept_id=157&HCY=2001&HCM=Z3%203....
by mrscalex
Tue 20 Dec, 2016 01:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Air ride
Replies: 13
Views: 2373

Re: Air ride

Not sure if it's the same thing but must at least be a close relative but Car S.O.S. fitted air bag suspension to the Range Rover Vogue recently broadcast. It was to drop the car down for an older person to get in more easily, a bit like the 'kneeling' buses that reach kerb height.
by mrscalex
Sun 18 Dec, 2016 21:08
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Air conditioner belt - ok to run without?
Replies: 8
Views: 2415

Re: Air conditioner belt - ok to run without?

The good news is there are tons of very useable compressors around for £20-£30 second-hand. But it will need fitting by an aircon specialist because of discharging and charging the refrigerant. You may want to think about a flush while you're at it. I have a decent spare compressor I can let you hav...
by mrscalex
Fri 16 Dec, 2016 21:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Shocks and springs
Replies: 3
Views: 1774

Re: Shocks and springs

You need to check on realoem for compatibility. But when I checked, the front struts at least are unique to the Z3.
by mrscalex
Thu 15 Dec, 2016 13:02
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: Moving in on the old girl
Replies: 1
Views: 1358

Re: Moving in on the old girl

Got to admit I tend to park my Alhambra near other Alhambras. It's so they can talk and be friends of course :lol:

Not yet had the opportunity to park near any other Zeds when I'm in my Z3 though.
by mrscalex
Wed 14 Dec, 2016 09:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 Workshop Manual.
Replies: 3
Views: 1827

Re: Z3 Workshop Manual.

Do you know about Bentley? A lot of people knock it but I've found it useful. I don't think any source including BMW's own manual is ever going to show you every step you'd like to see. But many procedures are available on YouTube. It's not cheap though. https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/BMW-Z3-Servi...
by mrscalex
Tue 13 Dec, 2016 19:00
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Meyle Front Wishbones and other parts
Replies: 23
Views: 5840

Re: Meyle Front Wishbones and other parts

I'm probably about to buy a set and I'll be buying from johnny-boy if I go all Meyle. I believe both item and seller to be genuine. I think it's just a very good price. However I may compromise and buy these wishbones from what I believe to be another trusted source and just get Meyle for the lollip...