Search found 910 matches

by mrscalex
Mon 12 Dec, 2016 15:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Aux Belt fell off
Replies: 3
Views: 1016

Re: Aux Belt fell off

And thermostat while you're at it. Plus check the idler pulleys are spinning nicely. Might want a new belt too.
by mrscalex
Mon 12 Dec, 2016 15:36
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Top mounts & engine mounts
Replies: 3
Views: 1393

Re: Top mounts & engine mounts

Just doing the same job on my project car. I was advised by an experienced Zed'er that Vetech top mounts are fine for road use and if you use a 30% discount code at GSF you'll get them for £16.50 each. Mine are going on the strut tonight. My bump stops were knackered and I had to get OEM as I couldn...
by mrscalex
Fri 09 Dec, 2016 17:30
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: A Surprise From WeBuyAnyCar.com
Replies: 8
Views: 6605

Re: A Surprise From WeBuyAnyCar.com

The 'offer' is a lure, when you get there they pick the car to pieces reducing the price. They really wouldn't be able to find anything wrong with my Alhambra. It's 100% as that's how I keep my cars. I know they used to do daft things like lock people in rooms etc. I think they've stopped that now....
by mrscalex
Thu 08 Dec, 2016 21:00
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: A Surprise From WeBuyAnyCar.com
Replies: 8
Views: 6605

Re: A Surprise From WeBuyAnyCar.com

In fairness I recently got a price for my Seat Alhambra and it was a good one.
by mrscalex
Mon 05 Dec, 2016 22:53
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: SRS fault and light on
Replies: 13
Views: 2662

Re: SRS fault and light on

Hi, thanks for your input but I have tried it with and without the bypass, just to add that my Z is a facelift and the wiring was completely different to the seats so I used OEM harness for both seats. So the car is a facelift but the seat harness wasn't compatible. Does that make the seats pre-fac...
by mrscalex
Mon 05 Dec, 2016 21:06
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: SRS fault and light on
Replies: 13
Views: 2662

Re: SRS fault and light on

I'm even more confused now, should I be plugging in to the OBD under the steering wheel, the reading I am getting is table 38 and the code is 1a, I am assuming this is correct as the light only came on when I changed the seats, Definitely the pacman under the bonnet as only that one can read chassi...
by mrscalex
Mon 05 Dec, 2016 19:50
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: SRS fault and light on
Replies: 13
Views: 2662

Re: SRS fault and light on

Usual question although I suspect not as you are getting chassis codes. You are plugged in under the bonnet rather than dash? And you aren't reading the numbers as hex and looking them up as decimal and getting the wrong descriptions?
by mrscalex
Tue 29 Nov, 2016 23:03
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: Needless ritual?
Replies: 23
Views: 10054

Re: Needless ritual?

Oil temp in an ///M engine must reach 80deg before going past 3k rpm. It's the LAW...! :shock: As I understand it, this is to make sure that the VANOS has a full supply of warmed oil before it gets a hammering. That's why our S50s and S54s have oil temp gauges.... A. I think that's sensible with an...
by mrscalex
Mon 28 Nov, 2016 23:40
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Front Wheel Arch Liners
Replies: 8
Views: 2143

Re: Front Wheel Arch Liners

This might be the better bet. Very good reviews and only a little more. Cheapest is £30 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-AK3984- ... B00NVLM5CQ
by mrscalex
Mon 28 Nov, 2016 23:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Leather Revive - M Roadster Highly Recommended
Replies: 13
Views: 3113

Re: Leather Revive - M Roadster Highly Recommended

Cost was £260. Five hours work at my house and all scuffs removed and cracked leather repaired. If you send Paul at Leather images of damaged areas he will quote you prior to his visit. The finished result is fantastic... and the deep cleanse included the steering wheel and leather covered door car...
by mrscalex
Mon 28 Nov, 2016 23:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Leather Revive - M Roadster Highly Recommended
Replies: 13
Views: 3113

Re: Leather Revive - M Roadster Highly Recommended

How do I upload pics on my hard drive files ? The thing is you can't upload your pics to this web site. I would imagine because it would require a much more expensive hosting plan which is fair enough. So you need to find an external host. I have my own web site so I put pics on there. But you just...
by mrscalex
Mon 28 Nov, 2016 23:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Front Wheel Arch Liners
Replies: 8
Views: 2143

Re: Front Wheel Arch Liners

Mind you the reviews are a bit hit and miss on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-AK393-T ... B00DSN2ITM
by mrscalex
Mon 28 Nov, 2016 23:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Front Wheel Arch Liners
Replies: 8
Views: 2143

Re: Front Wheel Arch Liners

dont buy off these lot... but http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/Product.do?method=view&n=5926&p=571759&d=124&c=4&l=2&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Base&utm_campaign=Panel%20Tools%20&%20Accessories&gclid=CjwKEAiAyO_BBRDOgM-K8MGWpmYSJACePQ9CaK4T5qRDspqFI1kbbslgNyaJZ...
by mrscalex
Mon 28 Nov, 2016 17:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Leather Revive - M Roadster Highly Recommended
Replies: 13
Views: 3113

Re: Leather Revive - M Roadster Highly Recommended

I've enquired with various specialist like these but they typically want £400+ a seat to completely refurbish the seat. Dare I ask how much yours were and weather any structural work was required? Either seriously worn/split leather or to the seat internals such as foam bolsters, belt guide and heat...
by mrscalex
Sat 26 Nov, 2016 19:22
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Auxiliary fan
Replies: 5
Views: 1642

Re: Auxiliary fan

I was told by my air con man the Z3 has a very simple system and a non-running pusher fan is either the motor itself or the pressure switch. I guess it could also be compromised wiring. For info my fan ran for 5 mins when cold and then seized as it heated up due to knackered bearings. So try turning...
by mrscalex
Sat 26 Nov, 2016 19:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Front Wheel Arch Liners
Replies: 8
Views: 2143

Re: Front Wheel Arch Liners

They're the ones with the plastic nuts right? I have the same problem with the wheel sensor junction box.

Next time I'm nibbling the plastic nut with cutters.
by mrscalex
Wed 23 Nov, 2016 22:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Halfords Deals.......looky looky.
Replies: 6
Views: 2469

Re: Halfords Deals.......looky looky.

In fairness to Halfords they're the only shop so far that has vaguely inspired me about Black Friday. All tools are 15% off today (except the 200 piece set). The Advanced stuff is great quality. I would however encourage you to make sure that the 200 piece set is the best value for you. You may find...
by mrscalex
Tue 22 Nov, 2016 21:41
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Cars as investments
Replies: 18
Views: 9485

Re: Cars as investments

Fair enough Gazza. Now the really important thing we need from you. What do we buy today and make £5k on in 6 months time :lol:
by mrscalex
Mon 21 Nov, 2016 14:55
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Cars as investments
Replies: 18
Views: 9485

Re: Cars as investments

But you're just calculating total cost of ownership of your cars. Investment doesn't come into it. And these are expensive new/nearly new cars. A 1.9 Z3 was about £25k new in 1999. It was not a cheap car! No Z3 is worth more than what it cost new, well maybe a low mileage Z3M Coupe. I've owned Seat ...
by mrscalex
Sun 20 Nov, 2016 23:05
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: Makeshift shelter - condensation?
Replies: 4
Views: 4953

Re: Makeshift shelter - condensation?

Warrior wrote:the 500 quid price tag puts me of the carcoon :shock:
It's a lot of money to find but I don't think it's an insane amount to protect your pride and joy. Especially if a home-made assembly blows away and damages the car.
by mrscalex
Sun 20 Nov, 2016 23:03
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Horn
Replies: 7
Views: 2205

Re: Horn

Yes they are easy enough to get at. However... The mounting brackets can rot and removing the horn may be enough to snap it off completely. I don't think the bracket is available separately. So if buying second-hand get a part with the bracket. According to realoem the horns (low and high pitch) are...
by mrscalex
Sat 19 Nov, 2016 14:58
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: tool box
Replies: 8
Views: 2538

Re: tool box

This is a great little Halfords Pro set 1/4". I use it all the time, more than my 1/2" set. It's not a £60 set though. I paid £30 during the last promotion. http://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/tools/socket-sets/halfords-advanced-36-piece-socket-set-1-4 Have been looking for a good quali...
by mrscalex
Fri 18 Nov, 2016 19:50
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: Needless ritual?
Replies: 23
Views: 10054

Re: Needless ritual?

I think you are probably right. Next time I use my jallopy, I think I'll jump in, fling the door open so it bounces off the stop and closes by itself, start it up, rev the balls off it, slam it into gear, drop the clutch, wheelspin off the kerb, hammer it to the end of the street and screech to a s...
by mrscalex
Fri 18 Nov, 2016 19:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: tool box
Replies: 8
Views: 2538

Re: tool box

The Advanced stuff is excellent. Just avoid paying full price for it as it's frequently on sale. And definitely never pay full price for one of the big socket sets. Buying bits sockets etc individually is expensive at Halfords and I use Machine Mart or sometimes Screwfix. If I can get the same make ...
by mrscalex
Fri 18 Nov, 2016 07:25
Forum: The Lounge
Topic: Needless ritual?
Replies: 23
Views: 10054

Re: Needless ritual?

Sounds very similar to my outlook. Don't know about engaging all the gears though.
by mrscalex
Fri 18 Nov, 2016 07:23
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: Makeshift shelter - condensation?
Replies: 4
Views: 4953

Re: Makeshift shelter - condensation?

I've thought about doing similar although more so to work on the car in the dry.

I decided not to as the risk of it blowing away and causing damage is too great.

If you just want to protect the car why not look at a carcoon?
by mrscalex
Wed 16 Nov, 2016 22:12
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Oxford Green?
Replies: 15
Views: 6331

Re: Oxford Green?

It's an old car for a Main Dealership. Decent Z3s turn up at main dealers surprisingly often. They are perfectly happy to sell old cars as it's a good advert for the longevity. This one is in my local currently. Stunning by the way but definitely not immaculate/concours. http://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/Z...
by mrscalex
Mon 14 Nov, 2016 23:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 5w40 v 5w30 oil
Replies: 3
Views: 1190

Re: 5w40 v 5w30 oil

Thanks chaps. 5w40 it is.
by mrscalex
Mon 14 Nov, 2016 17:31
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Oxford Green?
Replies: 15
Views: 6331

Re: Oxford Green?

I don't think £22.5k from a main dealer is that bonkers. As long as the car is immaculate - I doubt it is though.

It's not a common colour although unusual colours seem to be popping up for sale currently. On ebay there are red and yellow (2) currently - yes please :)
by mrscalex
Sun 13 Nov, 2016 21:31
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 5w40 v 5w30 oil
Replies: 3
Views: 1190

5w40 v 5w30 oil

I know this has been an oft talked about subject in the past with various schools of thought generally resulting in the view that 5w30 is better than 5w40. And people groan when it crops up again... But despite all these posts I've never seen a properly balanced view given. What are the pros and con...
by mrscalex
Wed 09 Nov, 2016 15:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Front end steering/suspension overhaul - recommendations
Replies: 4
Views: 1785

Re: Front end steering/suspension overhaul - recommendations

Thanks for the advice chaps. If it was my keeper I'd fit Meyle and might still. But it's for a car that I bought as a Cat C with suspension damage I was going to break it and decided apart from the suspension damage it was too good for that. Now I don't believe in fitting junk, including when I'm go...
by mrscalex
Wed 09 Nov, 2016 14:50
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine support beam
Replies: 3
Views: 1706

Re: Engine support beam

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm also going to look at jacking it under the sump (with wood beam inbetween) with the cross brace removed.
by mrscalex
Mon 07 Nov, 2016 11:29
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Breaking 1.9 manual roadster
Replies: 22
Views: 6195

Re: Breaking 1.9 manual roadster

Can you post a photo of the seats please?
by mrscalex
Mon 07 Nov, 2016 10:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Front end steering/suspension overhaul - recommendations
Replies: 4
Views: 1785

Front end steering/suspension overhaul - recommendations

Does anyone have a tried and trusted budget make of front end steering/suspension overhaul kit they can recommend? It needs to have all these components. http://learmouth.com/robert/Z3/Meyle%20front%20end%20kit.jpg A Meyle kit can be picked up for £169 on ebay and I think that's a good price for a p...
by mrscalex
Sun 06 Nov, 2016 21:31
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine support beam
Replies: 3
Views: 1706

Engine support beam

Does anyone have a photo of one of these in use on a Z3? And a recommendation for a particular model?

I know what the general idea is but it looks a bit precarious unless you find the right balance points.

I need to have the complete front subframe and suspension out from underneath.
by mrscalex
Fri 04 Nov, 2016 19:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Removing front subframe
Replies: 6
Views: 2332

Re: Removing front subframe

I've not heard the lifting eye called flimsy before! As long as you're sure what your looking at is the lifting eye then that's what it's there for and I've never heard anyone have issues with it.
by mrscalex
Fri 04 Nov, 2016 12:34
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Removing front subframe
Replies: 6
Views: 2332

Re: Removing front subframe

Good thread - thanks. I might be about to take a front subframe out myself.
by mrscalex
Tue 01 Nov, 2016 21:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: long tearm storage
Replies: 13
Views: 3978

Re: long tearm storage

colb wrote:Stick a large potato over the tail pipe to stop any entry by rodents
Hmm... wouldn't the rodents eat the potato?
by mrscalex
Tue 01 Nov, 2016 20:28
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: OBD Ports...
Replies: 4
Views: 1145

Re: OBD Ports...

thanks i probably going to buy a wifi elm327 as my other elm327 is usb and not very convenient i dont have a good laptop to install obd software i think android will be easier for me... The other advantage of the wifi version is that if you ever decide to get a decent piece of hardware and buy an i...
by mrscalex
Mon 24 Oct, 2016 17:11
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted: low mileage, full service history z3/z4 (minter!)
Replies: 51
Views: 9863

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

The 3.0 came with an LSD as standard (unlike other engine sizes at that time). BMW VIN also shows it as having Style 64 wheels originally which are non-Sport. And it doesn't specify Sport in the build list either. The Sport version on a 3.0 only added staggered Style 78 alloys, Sport seats and alumi...
by mrscalex
Wed 19 Oct, 2016 12:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What did you buy your Z3 this week ?
Replies: 2088
Views: 411479

Re: What did you buy your Z3 this week ?

I've kept the National Trust membership windscreen sticker in mine from the previous owner. I'm also going to be asking Father Christmas for an old AA grill badge.

One must keep up appearances of being an f*rt, even if one is actually a member of neither and not yet 50 :)
by mrscalex
Mon 17 Oct, 2016 11:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: engines fitted to z3's
Replies: 23
Views: 6668

Re: engines fitted to z3's

The BMW "Model Year" changes in September; so the facelift models commenced production on 01/09/98 ready for the April '99 launch. My facelift 2.8 was built in the 3rd week of August '99 and is therefore one of the last ones built as from 01/09/99 productions was switched to the 2.2 and 3...
by mrscalex
Mon 17 Oct, 2016 10:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: engines fitted to z3's
Replies: 23
Views: 6668

Re: engines fitted to z3's

colb wrote:Mine is badged 1.8, its a facelift model built in December 1998 and registered in the UK early 1999. M43 Engine 8valve.
Something a bit funny here. Common acceptance is they didn't start facelift production until April 1999!
by mrscalex
Sun 16 Oct, 2016 23:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Intermittent radio reception - almost none existent
Replies: 7
Views: 2948

Re: Intermittent radio reception - almost none existent

What station do you listen to? I've had a lot of problems with Radio 2 (what else is a Z3 owner going to listen to really) this week and thought it might be their transmitters.

Just a long shot thought.
by mrscalex
Sun 16 Oct, 2016 10:27
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted - auxiliary fan / motor
Replies: 4
Views: 1780

Re: Wanted - auxiliary fan / motor

I removed mine anyway but I'm fairly certain you could do it without removing.

I drew a blank finding anyone to rebuild it. Please share back here if you are successful.
by mrscalex
Sat 15 Oct, 2016 18:11
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: engines fitted to z3's
Replies: 23
Views: 6668

Re: engines fitted to z3's

Didn't mean to include that line anyway. I know nothing about Z3Ms and wouldn't want to pretend I do :)
by mrscalex
Sat 15 Oct, 2016 16:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: engines fitted to z3's
Replies: 23
Views: 6668

Re: engines fitted to z3's

Useful to know engine type of each capacity. Pre-Facelift Name Years Type Cyl 1.8l 1996-2000 M43B18 4 1.9l 1996-2002 M44B19 4 2.8l 1996-1998 M52B28 6 2.8l 1998-1999 M52TUB28 6 Facelift Name Years Type Cyl 1.9l 1996-2002 M43B19 4 2.0l 1999-2000 M52TUB20 6 2.2l 2000-2002 M54B22 6 2.8l 1999-2000 M52TUB...
by mrscalex
Wed 12 Oct, 2016 16:28
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted: low mileage, full service history z3/z4 (minter!)
Replies: 51
Views: 9863

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

Jcc wrote:Still looking! ;)
That's possibly because you're not sure what you're looking for. But you'll know when you see it :)
by mrscalex
Wed 12 Oct, 2016 09:12
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted - auxiliary fan / motor
Replies: 4
Views: 1780

Re: Wanted - auxiliary fan / motor

I had to swap mine recently for the same reason. It's quite a hard part to find, I've never seen any for sale on eBay. Though of course you will probably now get loads of offers... It's the sort of thing you may need to message sellers 'breaking whole car' as they're just as likely to overlook remov...
by mrscalex
Mon 10 Oct, 2016 20:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Clunk when changing gears
Replies: 17
Views: 6284

Re: Clunk when changing gears

I think because it's 'German engineering' we have a tendency to think everything should be perfect. But BMW make plenty of howlers. The most recent I heard is the excessive inside edge wear on OE 5GT rear tyres. It's caused by how BMW set the camber up. The outside edge looked find, it's difficult t...