Search found 1225 matches

by BonBon
Fri 02 May, 2008 10:29
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Scratches in vinyl rear window
Replies: 50
Views: 13703

screen crease & scratches

This is what I do to avoid scratches & creases in the screen. I thought it would be of interest. Pipe insulation inside a pillow case. Cheap & effective. I lower the roof half way and put it in the crease. The pillow case gets "pulled-in" and thus the screen does not need to be spo...
by BonBon
Thu 01 May, 2008 14:37
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Torn steering wheeel leather
Replies: 4
Views: 492

Got a quote to redo the whole wheel from a leather Auto upholsterer in Tel Aviv for 100 quid.
He even gave me a piece of leather to patch until I bring it in. :)
by BonBon
Thu 01 May, 2008 14:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Tonneau Cover
Replies: 14
Views: 1658

Cheers for the encouragement.
Bought the one on Ebay.co.uk today for 53 Quid.
by BonBon
Thu 01 May, 2008 06:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Tonneau Cover
Replies: 14
Views: 1658

Tonneau Cover

They look good but....
....are they practial - or do they never get used?
by BonBon
Wed 30 Apr, 2008 17:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Torn steering wheeel leather
Replies: 4
Views: 492

Torn steering wheeel leather

I inherited a torn steering wheel. Aside from replacement or a wheel-skin is there a method to fix/cover the local area only? Please do not note that I took this picture with my cellphone while driving :devil: <a href="http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/ii110/bonboniera_2008/?action=view&cu...
by BonBon
Tue 29 Apr, 2008 06:23
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: MicroFiber Drying Towel
Replies: 17
Views: 2966

I did not think that any significant impact can be made by hand on the swirls (aside from maintenace)
What do you for the the swirls by hand?
by BonBon
Mon 28 Apr, 2008 13:08
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: MicroFiber Drying Towel
Replies: 17
Views: 2966

Finished for now

Well the result is nice but not near what KIWI gets. I suspect the difference is that I need a polish with a power tool. (KIWI - when did you last buff the car?) The carnauba step appears to have made the biggest difference. PS21 now have an even better product - PS21 100%. http://autopia.org/forum/...
by BonBon
Sun 27 Apr, 2008 15:14
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: MicroFiber Drying Towel
Replies: 17
Views: 2966

The Fairy liquid was a strong enough detergent which removed all the old wax/polish to prep for the clay. Clayed today and found that while the car is 98 - it must have been resprayed recently as the clay slid like ice on the bonnet. Polished as well. The car looks good but I can't seem to get the &...
by BonBon
Sun 27 Apr, 2008 12:36
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Painted brake calipers
Replies: 44
Views: 6755

by BonBon
Sat 26 Apr, 2008 18:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Painted brake calipers
Replies: 44
Views: 6755

Looks great with the Topaz Blue.
It won't be as good a match witht he Montreal Blue - but close enough so I'll give it a shot.
I can't see from the picture - what did Hubby do with the clips? - painted or polished?
by BonBon
Thu 24 Apr, 2008 17:57
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Painted brake calipers
Replies: 44
Views: 6755

Looks pretty good.
I'm still deciding what to do with mine.
What product did you use?
by BonBon
Thu 24 Apr, 2008 13:18
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: MicroFiber Drying Towel
Replies: 17
Views: 2966

Cheers guys for the patience to help new kids on the block.
Is Fairy liquid suitable to clean off all the old wax/gook?
by BonBon
Thu 24 Apr, 2008 11:48
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: MicroFiber Drying Towel
Replies: 17
Views: 2966

OK - advice taken - I'll polish too.
I'm not sure I'll have the energy to to it all at once - but I asume there's no issue to do different sections (the full sequence) at various times.
This is the route I hope to take:
clay
polish
3M IHG
PS21

Any comments before I bust my ass (and back....)?
by BonBon
Thu 24 Apr, 2008 10:13
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: MicroFiber Drying Towel
Replies: 17
Views: 2966

I don't have a buffer to polish.
Can I just put on a good carnauba wax after claying?
by BonBon
Thu 24 Apr, 2008 09:52
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: MicroFiber Drying Towel
Replies: 17
Views: 2966

clay bar

i'mnew to this....
Does claying make a big difference?
by BonBon
Thu 24 Apr, 2008 06:54
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: MicroFiber Drying Towel
Replies: 17
Views: 2966

MicroFiber Drying Towel

For years have tried to dry the car with a range of chamois - always got streaks - on way or another.
Just got my first microfiber drying cloth. What a difference - effortlessly streak free - even in the glaring sun. :sunny
They say that Waffle Weave Microfiber drying towels are even better.
by BonBon
Tue 22 Apr, 2008 19:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Painted brake calipers
Replies: 44
Views: 6755

Painted brake calipers

Thinking of painting my brake calipers in blue (similar to that of the emblem)
Has anybody done it?
Does it look ghastly?
Any pics???
by BonBon
Sun 20 Apr, 2008 22:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Polish which is the best
Replies: 23
Views: 2579

I like ps21. The best carnauba and best showroom shine.
Zymol is the best synthetic - and probably lasts longer.
by BonBon
Fri 18 Apr, 2008 10:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Screeching / Squealing
Replies: 2
Views: 537

Tried that and it didn't work (hard braking in reverse as well)
I suspect it's vibration of one of the pads. When I have the energy I'll see if anti squeal gook does the trick.
by BonBon
Wed 16 Apr, 2008 08:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Screeching / Squealing
Replies: 2
Views: 537

Screeching / Squealing

When the car warms up - have some squealing at low/medium speeds when turning and when slowing down.
It subsides if I apply the brakes - so I don't thing it's connected to the steering. I just had a service so the pads are not finished.
It must be a common problem...
Can anyone advise??
by BonBon
Sun 13 Apr, 2008 12:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: radiator protector
Replies: 0
Views: 738

radiator protector

I had a fair amount of crud getting stuck into the bottom of my radiator (with some minor damage caused to the radiatior fins) so I decided to improvise and insert a mesh for protection. Pretty simple: You can insert any stainless mesh that you want by removing the (~10) flex washers behind the air ...
by BonBon
Fri 11 Apr, 2008 09:18
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Wing mirror vibration
Replies: 23
Views: 6998

For the benefit of those who want to go Freddie's way, I have an old picture of the flex washer. http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii110/bonboniera_2008/DSCF1126.jpg I assume you recommend to support the flex washer from underneath and tap the top collar of the core which sits inside the spring. It...
by BonBon
Thu 10 Apr, 2008 11:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Wing mirror vibration
Replies: 23
Views: 6998

Well.... the last fix went most of the way to eliminate the mirror vibration. Initially I was so excited by the drastic improvement I thought it was the whole whack. Besides, I'm running out of projects to express TLC for the recently acquired toy. So, I decided to do the fix I already mentioned, wh...
by BonBon
Tue 08 Apr, 2008 12:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: leak in boot and bootlid brake light
Replies: 7
Views: 931

Aside from the 2 screws I recall that there are clips on the light that clip into the base to overcome the bowing.
by BonBon
Sun 06 Apr, 2008 20:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 ashtray lightbulb?
Replies: 31
Views: 6289

Unscrew the base of the ashtray - You'll see it.
by BonBon
Sun 06 Apr, 2008 18:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 ashtray lightbulb?
Replies: 31
Views: 6289

Pics of back of lighter (LHD)

Shotan, wrt to the ashtray bulb you are correct - what I did was an improvisation. For a few quid it is worth it to get the correct part. R - for your benefit here are pictures from the back both without and with the bulb socket in its slot next to the lighter. (the views are from the gas pedal area...
by BonBon
Sun 06 Apr, 2008 14:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 ashtray lightbulb?
Replies: 31
Views: 6289

I would gamble that the issue is with the bulb and not with the wires. Two possibilities: 1. Intermittent contact of the filament itself shortly before it died 2. The legs off the bulb itself can be configured in two ways - by bending the bulb contacts back around the other side of the glass. Make s...
by BonBon
Sun 06 Apr, 2008 11:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 ashtray lightbulb?
Replies: 31
Views: 6289

I estimate the length of the bulb wires to be at least 6 inches and do not appear to be connected to the lighter in any way (I recall this is confirmed by the car wiring diagram) - So I don't think it is worth it to try and get the lighter out even for access - besides as I mentioned before - you ca...
by BonBon
Sun 06 Apr, 2008 00:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 ashtray lightbulb?
Replies: 31
Views: 6289

As Cowboy noted - the ligher bulb can be accessed from the drivers side panel - albeit with a combination of some contortionist and gynacological skills. Easiest to do at night with a flashlight. The bulb housing is next to the lighter socket (to the right for a LHD; not sure about a RHD) The bulb i...
by BonBon
Fri 04 Apr, 2008 15:22
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 ashtray lightbulb?
Replies: 31
Views: 6289

Maybe you are meant to ???- but I didn't
by BonBon
Fri 04 Apr, 2008 14:28
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.2 (offer accepted)
Replies: 38
Views: 3979

Looks good from here. I would see if you can get the printed service history from her garage. While there are thousands of Z3s in the UK and only about 100 in Israel, six months ago I paid £11k (!!!) for my '98 1.9L with 110k miles (!!!) - and while I got the color I wanted - due to neglect of the s...
by BonBon
Fri 04 Apr, 2008 14:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 ashtray lightbulb?
Replies: 31
Views: 6289

Thanks Shotan - I didn't even know there was a bulb in there - I keep a small microfiber to clean my sunglasses in the ashtray.
I hope you figured out by now how to get the bulb out of the housing.
It's tricky - I needed a plier - if one is heavy handed it's easy to smash the bulb while you're at it.
by BonBon
Thu 03 Apr, 2008 08:37
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Wing mirror vibration
Replies: 23
Views: 6998

For completion there are a couple of other sources of mirror vibration (which was not in my case) 1. one or more of the four clips on the backside of the mirror is released (easy fix - just depress mirror with minimal force) 2. relaxed spring on the swiwel joint between the mirror support plate and ...
by BonBon
Wed 02 Apr, 2008 06:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Wing mirror vibration
Replies: 23
Views: 6998

Not the bolts. Shave down the 5 protrusions/pins/studs on the bottom of the mirror mount - so that none will be "in the air" and that the gasket will be adequately pressurized around its whole perimeter between the mount and the door panel. Tricky bits: 1. Getting the mirror off its 4 clip...
by BonBon
Tue 01 Apr, 2008 20:15
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Wing mirror vibration
Replies: 23
Views: 6998

Wing mirror vibration fix

Error
by BonBon
Tue 01 Apr, 2008 20:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Wing mirror vibration
Replies: 23
Views: 6998

Wing mirror vibration fix

Despite encouragement from a number of fellow Zedsters - I was reluctant to accept wing mirror vibration was a fact of life. A while ago I established that the problem was between the mount and the door. Close inspection showed that the mirror mount gasket was not under pressure - even though the 2 ...
by BonBon
Sat 29 Mar, 2008 18:57
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Windblocker parts
Replies: 0
Views: 311

Windblocker parts

I have an original OEM windblocker PN82159407972. http://www.hmsmotorsport.com/ximg/thumb/2164/z3-windscreen.jpg I don't know why I keep it as it really restricts rearview and offers minimal protection on the wife's 'do...... Nevertheless, it's not so stable, so I need a couple of sets of the jaded ...
by BonBon
Thu 27 Mar, 2008 20:53
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: leak in boot and bootlid brake light
Replies: 7
Views: 931

I apologize mate.
It's a torx T9 - but I just passed the big 50 last week........ :)
by BonBon
Tue 25 Mar, 2008 13:34
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Scratches in vinyl rear window
Replies: 50
Views: 13703

I've established that all these mild abrasive products remove scratches from hard plastic and onlyremove surface films from flexible plastic
by BonBon
Mon 24 Mar, 2008 21:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Scratches in vinyl rear window
Replies: 50
Views: 13703

Soory for being anal. I'll explain. I was hoping that I'd be able to get rid of the swirl marks (similar to those seen in clearcoat) by using the various polishes recommended. They give a clear "near new" window but the misroscratches left leave you with a glare from headlights at night. (...
by BonBon
Mon 24 Mar, 2008 18:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Scratches in vinyl rear window
Replies: 50
Views: 13703

I just tested the OEMpaste=Autosol paste. While this seemed to be the most abrasive - it also did not impact the swirls. The window is clear and with good luster - but there are still swirls and still get glare from headlights behind me. Here are links to pictures: (the picture trying to show swirls...
by BonBon
Sun 23 Mar, 2008 10:56
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Passanger seat switch. Something missing
Replies: 2
Views: 433

I assume the old switch broke but that small plastic widget should come off the old switch and be used with the new one. It is figity to get it into the slot in the seat .
by BonBon
Fri 21 Mar, 2008 15:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Scratches in vinyl rear window
Replies: 50
Views: 13703

I'll pass on the metal polish cuz I'm afraid of impact of the solvents on the vinyl. Just OEM paste left. But I now am thinking that the vinyl is too soft to be able to polish out swirl marks. As we discussed, to polish out a scratch you need to remove a layer until the bottom of the scratch - and w...
by BonBon
Fri 21 Mar, 2008 09:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Scratches in vinyl rear window
Replies: 50
Views: 13703

Thanks - they have a tube locally in stock. I've eliminated the cause as being a poor applicator - so only have left is whether the abrasive is too mild - or whether my non OEM plastic window is the problem. I think it's the former as one can polish metal with hard alumina abrasives. I will start wi...
by BonBon
Thu 20 Mar, 2008 20:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Scratches in vinyl rear window
Replies: 50
Views: 13703

Mich, The swirl marks must be only a few microinches deep - and I agree that the vinyl needs to be removed to the level of the bottom of the swirls. Isn't that the idea of any mild abrasive polishing? that you remove a thin layer to polish out the fine scratches. What I don't understand is why I can...
by BonBon
Thu 20 Mar, 2008 17:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: leak in boot and bootlid brake light
Replies: 7
Views: 931

Two hex screws and uncliping the plastic inner from outer.
You will find that the old Oring is flat.
It will help the new seal if you apply some vaseline on the new Oring.
by BonBon
Thu 20 Mar, 2008 09:05
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Scratches in vinyl rear window
Replies: 50
Views: 13703

Perhaps my expectations are too high. Just to clarify; If when standing right above the window, one looks at the direct reflection of the sun off the rear window - do you see any swirl marks? I can't get rid of any - if anything I'm adding more - whether I use a cotton detailing cloth or a MF. (I kn...
by BonBon
Thu 20 Mar, 2008 08:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Scratches in vinyl rear window
Replies: 50
Views: 13703

Does anyone have a BMW part number for the OEM paste?
by BonBon
Wed 19 Mar, 2008 21:55
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Scratches in vinyl rear window
Replies: 50
Views: 13703

I just tested the Meguiar's PlastX. Any superficial scumming and oxidation has been removed and the window is clear and full of luster - but nothing so far is impactiing the fine skate/swirl marks. I have no problem during the day but at night the glare from the cars from behind is annoying. After a...
by BonBon
Mon 17 Mar, 2008 09:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Seat shift fix (bushings) on Youtube
Replies: 6
Views: 1610

Remember to disconnect the battery before you remove the power harnesses - otherwize you will deactivate the airbags (and turn on the airbag sensor light)