Search found 263 matches
- Fri 14 Jul, 2017 12:21
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
- Replies: 69
- Views: 24696
Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
You will know best if it is burning oil surely as you will have to keep filling it up. If it is burning oil to the extent it has coked the engine I am certain you would notice it on the spark plugs and by you regularly looking at the dipstick. To burn a lot of oil either the piston rings are shot or...
- Fri 14 Jul, 2017 08:49
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
- Replies: 69
- Views: 24696
Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
Unless your local garage is diluting its petrol I would say there is definitely something wrong with your car as the rest of us are not having this problem. Think about how many M52 engines are out there it is not only used in the Z3! Using octane boosters and the like is just disguising the symptom...
- Tue 04 Jul, 2017 22:11
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
- Replies: 69
- Views: 24696
Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
I would have thought if the engine was coked up sufficiently to cause pinking you would notice unusual deposits on the spark plugs, which you did not, or excessive oil consumption which you have not mentioned. I would now turn my attention to the knock sensors. You can see the output from these on I...
- Thu 22 Jun, 2017 07:51
- Forum: Site Announcements and Feedback
- Topic: Forum Maintenance - Saturday 17th June 2017 12-3pm
- Replies: 13
- Views: 9153
Re: Forum Maintenance - Saturday 17th June 2017 12-3pm
I agree, the guys at the sharp end rarely get the credit they deserve for a thoroughly entertaining and informative forum.
- Sun 18 Jun, 2017 09:19
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: What's that noise ! Common part failure
- Replies: 2
- Views: 1245
Re: What's that noise ! Common part failure
A very common failure indeed although slightly unusual symptoms. Normally you would notice running problems rather than a noise due to unmetered air getting into the engine. At least you are a happy bunny now and you did the right thing getting a genuine BMW part. :D There are lots of copy parts aro...
- Mon 05 Jun, 2017 21:47
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
- Replies: 69
- Views: 24696
Re: Pinking (pre-ignition) 1999 2ltre
I wouldn't spray anything into the air intake as it could damage the MAF meter and they are expensive. The best advice for diagnostics is to do one thing at a time otherwise you can end up chasing your tail. Fit your new spark plugs when they arrive as that is simple. If the pinking persists change ...
- Wed 31 May, 2017 22:59
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Icarsoft
- Replies: 14
- Views: 4757
Re: Icarsoft
I don't know what options you have when you first connect to the car but I would have thought that you would need to select 3 series not unselect it. I have not seen one of these in use on a BMW so I cannot comment further, however, using my INPA on my 2000 model year Z3 some of the modules are acce...
- Sun 28 May, 2017 22:14
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Icarsoft
- Replies: 14
- Views: 4757
Re: Icarsoft
DME is Digital Motor Electronics or the engine management module. Are you surprised that the Pacman connector only has 9 pins connected? The OBDII connector under the steering wheel has 16 pins but only 7 of them are needed for generic OBDII. Personally I think that the round 20 pin Pacman is a supe...
- Sun 28 May, 2017 21:57
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Flat battery
- Replies: 2
- Views: 1160
Re: Flat battery
Usual suspects are boot light staying on with the boot shut or seat motors trying to run when the seat is at the end stop, or in fact almost anything electrical. From your posts on here so far it appears that the car has been starting and although modern batteries fail in a Tommy Cooper fashion (jus...
- Sat 27 May, 2017 10:08
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Icarsoft
- Replies: 14
- Views: 4757
Re: Icarsoft
Well documented on here that the OBDII connector is only connected to the DME.
Take a look at some of the posts by RobertT who has posted many items about diagnostics and connections.
Take a look at some of the posts by RobertT who has posted many items about diagnostics and connections.
- Fri 26 May, 2017 21:34
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Z3 Front Stabi Drop Link Lower Brackets
- Replies: 16
- Views: 5029
Re: Z3 Front Stabi Drop Link Lower Brackets
The post-cat sensor is probably reading near to zero because after the cat there is no oxygen to measure? The pre-cat sensor is obviously working and setting the fuelling correctly. Alternatively the post-cat sensor may be faulty but since it does not affect the mixture it doesn't matter anyway. As ...
- Fri 26 May, 2017 09:08
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Buying cam sensors, whats all the fuss about?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 4901
Re: Buying cam sensors, whats all the fuss about?
What makes you think you need a cam sensor anyway? Before you spend any money make sure the one you have is faulty. If you are relying on a cam sensor fault code the actual fault on the car may be something else for example an air leak at the intake bellows. Check the easy, and free, things first be...
- Thu 25 May, 2017 15:37
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Replacement Key
- Replies: 19
- Views: 6447
Re: Replacement Key
The trouble with blanks is not only do you need to find someone who will cut it for you, and when I tried very few wanted to know and those that would attempt it offered no guarantee, but a blank key is unlikely to have the transponder to operate your immobiliser so your car will not start. Unfortun...
- Sat 13 May, 2017 23:52
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Expensive problem still not fully resolved
- Replies: 35
- Views: 15488
Re: Expensive problem still not fully resolved
If you read the thread I suggested that 9 hours after the original post on 14th April. You will also see that the OP is having problems getting his INPA to function so we have to wait for him to beg, borrow or buy a suitable laptop and report back. Is there no one in his area that can assist a zeder...
- Tue 09 May, 2017 12:38
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: 2002 Z3 Bonnet release.
- Replies: 6
- Views: 2378
Re: 2002 Z3 Bonnet release.
For items like this it is always worth calling a main dealer first sometimes they can surprise you and the parts can be just as cheap if not cheaper than some Chinese copy from Ebay that does not fit properly. From memory, and it is probably 3 or 4 years ago, I got both cables and both underbonnet l...
- Wed 03 May, 2017 07:59
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Can anyone confirms this works without causing issues?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1916
Re: Can anyone confirms this works without causing issues?
I cannot believe there is a garage in the land (or world for that matter!) that cannot reset a service indicator on an E36 generation BMW.
They are not rocket science these days and you can buy DIY reset tools for a couple of quid all over the place!
They are not rocket science these days and you can buy DIY reset tools for a couple of quid all over the place!
- Wed 03 May, 2017 07:54
- Forum: Z4 roadster and Z4 Coupe
- Topic: Oops I did it again!!
- Replies: 2
- Views: 5090
Re: Oops I did it again!!
If I were you I'd give your mate the Z4 and keep the Z3.
You'll regret letting a good Z3 go!
You'll regret letting a good Z3 go!
- Tue 25 Apr, 2017 21:27
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Expensive problem still not fully resolved
- Replies: 35
- Views: 15488
Re: Expensive problem still not fully resolved
Any luck with your INPA?
- Sat 15 Apr, 2017 21:27
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Expensive problem still not fully resolved
- Replies: 35
- Views: 15488
Re: Expensive problem still not fully resolved
I've been looking at This That is the sort of thing that you need. It is similar to what I have. You will find that some modules are in the E36 section but others might be in the E39 section depending on which revision of the software you get and how your car decides to play ball. Just make sure th...
- Fri 14 Apr, 2017 23:10
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Expensive problem still not fully resolved
- Replies: 35
- Views: 15488
Re: Expensive problem still not fully resolved
Trust me I have replaced a throttle body on a M52TU and a supercharged Jaguar (absolute nightmare on one of these!) and in both cases the car had a high idle until the throttle adaptions were set. If you can get a copy of INPA for free what have you got to lose? Procedure is: Connect INPA Turn off i...
- Fri 14 Apr, 2017 21:36
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Expensive problem still not fully resolved
- Replies: 35
- Views: 15488
Re: Expensive problem still not fully resolved
Forget Federal Warrantees and wiring, if you still have the new throttle body fitted then the ECU needs the new reference zero point and you must reset the throttle adaptions. INPA can do this with your help on the throttle pedal in a few minutes but I'm not sure if any of the generic readers, inclu...
- Wed 12 Apr, 2017 10:17
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: 3.0 Vibration when heavy accelerating issue
- Replies: 15
- Views: 4527
Re: 3.0 Vibration when heavy accelerating issue
I had a similar problem on a supercharged Jaguar. Took me several years to work out what the cause was but that gearbox had a friction damper on the top which was basically a steel post sliding in a large rubber o-ring. The rubber part had perished so there was no damping and at certain conditions t...
- Sat 08 Apr, 2017 23:18
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Engine Light and strange idle.
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2437
Re: Engine Light and strange idle.
Just contact a stealer with your chassis number. For the rubber air hoses they do not live up to their name and the hoses are often cheaper and better quality than what you can get from fleabay. Also if they supply the wrong part it's down to them to get you the right bits without you being out of p...
- Sat 08 Apr, 2017 23:14
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: ABS/ASC lights on
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1281
Re: ABS/ASC lights on
Before changing anything have you driven it further than the driveway? Give it a blast for a few miles and get everything, not just the engine, nice and warm. You may find it is just some condensation on the connectors if it has been stored over winter. Sometimes it is incredible what a few heat cyc...
- Thu 06 Apr, 2017 11:10
- Forum: Let's talk
- Topic: London congestion charges
- Replies: 11
- Views: 7686
Re: London congestion charges
Yup! And how do we generate the elctricity???
Over 50% of it in the UK comes from burning fossil fuels that's how "green" electric cars are!
Over 50% of it in the UK comes from burning fossil fuels that's how "green" electric cars are!
- Tue 04 Apr, 2017 22:21
- Forum: Let's talk
- Topic: London congestion charges
- Replies: 11
- Views: 7686
Re: London congestion charges
I agree diesel is the fuel of the devil :twisted: Reduced emissions in 'certain flavour of the month' gases perhaps but a lot worse including carcinogens being pumped out of the exhaust. I feel sorry for those of you conned yet again by our wonderful leaders and have purchased diesel vehicles. The s...
- Sun 26 Mar, 2017 18:13
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Sill removed cleaned and waxoyled
- Replies: 26
- Views: 10526
Re: Sill removed cleaned and waxoyled
Saw the rug in the last photo and thought that you were doing this in the living room
Only when I scrolled up I realised that you must have carpet in the garage.
Lucky Z!
Mine just gets an epoxy painted floor
Only when I scrolled up I realised that you must have carpet in the garage.
Lucky Z!
Mine just gets an epoxy painted floor
- Sat 25 Mar, 2017 22:23
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Bonnet Stuck Shut
- Replies: 7
- Views: 4051
Re: Bonnet Stuck Shut
I had that problem a few years back. Should have done something about the stiff cable much sooner :head: Took the Z to my local MOT man who had it open in 20 minutes after much swearing! Of course, he did have the benfit of the worlds longest screwdriver and a four post lift so that the car was abov...
- Mon 20 Mar, 2017 00:19
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Help! Wipers stopping when stationary
- Replies: 10
- Views: 3615
Re: Help! Wipers stopping when stationary
Pingu has given a comprehensive check list but it sounds like there could be an issue with the wiper module WWM as presumably it resets itself when the ignition is switched on. I cannot see much on the circuit diagram that would not reveal itself somewhere else if it was to be faulty. You would expe...
- Mon 20 Mar, 2017 00:10
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: soft rear end.. but might be normal
- Replies: 18
- Views: 7018
Re: soft rear end.. but might be normal
Controversial reply coming up! :shock: It is likely that there shall be some wear in your suspension and replacing bushes and dampers will be a worthwhile improvement. However, if you wish to drive a reasonably fast car quickly and safely, take yourself to your nearest racing circuit and have some l...
- Wed 15 Mar, 2017 22:04
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: warning light
- Replies: 13
- Views: 3518
Re: warning light
I would have thought that your scanner plugged in under the bonnet would have given you a code for a lambda sensor problem but then I am not that familiar with the C110. It is possible that the multiple starts that you have been doing have triggered it since the engine and exhaust probably did not g...
- Wed 15 Mar, 2017 13:45
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: warning light
- Replies: 13
- Views: 3518
Re: warning light
As a matter of interest are you connecting your C110 to the OBDII under the steering wheel or do you have the adaptor lead to connect to the Pac-Man connector under the bonnet? Not all codes and certainly only the DME module are available at the OBDII. Always connect via the under bonnet connector i...
- Tue 14 Mar, 2017 13:59
- Forum: The Beauty Parlour
- Topic: Hood dye/restorer
- Replies: 11
- Views: 9037
Re: Hood dye/restorer
Absolutely nothing wrong with Renovo, IMHO Whatever you use will not prevent a hood from going green if you leave it out in the weather over winter particularly this last one as it has been so mild. We have had 1 morning of frost here and now it is spring again! :D If you don't want the mouldy stuff...
- Tue 14 Mar, 2017 13:47
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: warning light
- Replies: 13
- Views: 3518
Re: warning light
Sounds like you are talking about the engine light which my handbook also stupidly states what you say. Maybe it loses something in the translation since the handbook was printed in Munich unlike the car manufacture which is American; the reason why we have all this emissions crap bolted on! :head: ...
- Sun 12 Feb, 2017 19:23
- Forum: Performance
- Topic: Intake questions
- Replies: 8
- Views: 5606
Re: Intake questions
You are confusing air velocity with air volume or, more importantly, the mass of oxygen you get into the engine since the rest of the air is superflous. I shall not go into the physics, but if you scoop the air in at high velocity the pressure will drop and therefore so shall the density and ultimat...
- Thu 02 Feb, 2017 09:50
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Dead Battery.
- Replies: 19
- Views: 6194
Re: Dead Battery.
You wouldn't want to leave that charger connected indefinitely! In this case you have already had a faster charger connected and your battery is flat so it is probably stuffed. If it were me I would buy a new battery anyway at this point, get the car started and check the charging circuit, and then ...
- Sun 29 Jan, 2017 19:29
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: coolant
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2400
Re: coolant
It's what can happen to all cars in the damp weather we have had lately if they have only been used for short journeys. Condensation emulsifying the oil is the issue and there is not much that can be done about it beyond ensuring that the engine gets up to full operating temperature. Clean out the m...
- Sun 29 Jan, 2017 01:06
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Best tyres to eliminate tramlining
- Replies: 26
- Views: 9494
Re: Best tyres to eliminate tramlining
I'm a great fan of the ZV5 but Bob is correct Avon have "upgraded" them. :bawl: Time will tell if the ZV7 are as good! It's always a pain when you find a product that you like and the manufacturer decides to change it. The NCT was good in its day but the NCT 2's that I had were awful and I...
- Sun 29 Jan, 2017 00:58
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: 2.2 to 3.0 M52 engine swap/conversion - whats involved ?
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1284
Re: 2.2 to 3.0 M52 engine swap/conversion - whats involved ?
AFAIK all the 3 litre engines are M54 so unless you find a 2.8 litre that has been modified to 3 litres what you are asking to do is not possible anyway. You could buy a 2.2 and enjoy it for what it is since it is an excellent car in its own right but if you need more grunt then buy a 3 litre to sta...
- Sun 29 Jan, 2017 00:41
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Dead Battery.
- Replies: 19
- Views: 6194
Re: Dead Battery.
It depends also on how the charger has failed. If the output circuit has gone short then this would place an additional load on the battery and could flatten it in two weeks. It could be like leaving the lights on. First test ought to be trying another charger, a faster one not trickle, on the batte...
- Fri 27 Jan, 2017 23:19
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Devastated -help needed asap
- Replies: 11
- Views: 3666
Re: Devastated -help needed asap
If it is a 97 car it will be a proper auto box with a torque converter not one of these modern so called auto boxes which are really manual gearboxes but some computer changes gear for you. The paddle gearshift normally gives these away! The gearbox in a 1.9 will probably last longer than the rest o...
- Mon 02 Jan, 2017 23:22
- Forum: The Lounge
- Topic: The law when indicating?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 6588
Re: The law when indicating?
I do not think it is a legal matter since insurance companies write their own "legislation" to maximise their profit. So I have to agree with motco and pingu in that your respective insurance companies will probably agree you were both to blame and you shall both lose part of your NCB. For...
- Thu 22 Dec, 2016 13:36
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Flashing battery warning light....
- Replies: 11
- Views: 3609
Re: Flashing battery warning light....
Hi Paul, something that these cars seem to be prone to, although I have no idea why, is that the negative lead at the battery itself can become loose. It has happened on my car twice although as far as I know a flashing battery warning light is not a symptom. On mine you just get nothing when you tu...
- Tue 20 Dec, 2016 09:15
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Paint problem
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2652
Re: Paint problem
You guys must have better local Halfords than mine. The last dealing I had with them was for them to take 2 hours to make up a front number plate which had water behind the characters within 6 months! Perhaps it is unfair to tar all branches with the same incompetence brush that my local establishme...
- Sun 18 Dec, 2016 23:40
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Paint problem
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2652
Re: Paint problem
Hi Joe, You have no chance in Halfords don't waste your time. If it is no longer available from BMW then your only option is to get it mixed by a refinisher. I have a Mora Red (359) individual and got the paint from these people. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aerosol-Spray-Paint-FOR-A-BMW-359-MORA-RED-3...
- Fri 16 Dec, 2016 22:52
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Stainless steel exhaust
- Replies: 14
- Views: 3843
Re: Stainless steel exhaust
The TVR S2 has the same number of cylinders it is a Ford V6 but they do sound hairy chested I admit. Now the V8S! Shame about the lopsided bonnet. :roll: I know what you mean about build quality and reliability though. Many years ago when Tessa's matured paying 15% interest I had many £'s burning a ...
- Fri 16 Dec, 2016 17:17
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: Stainless steel exhaust
- Replies: 14
- Views: 3843
Re: Stainless steel exhaust
V8 sound Simples!!! Buy a TVR :D IMHO stainless ehausts can sound a little tinny unless they are hewn from solid bar! Look at something like a Jetex. I had one once on an Opel Manta and a blip of the throttle set off the neighbours car alarms and would rattle their house windows! You are only young ...
- Sat 10 Dec, 2016 01:01
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: EEP2 error, speedo over read & ECU warning light
- Replies: 51
- Views: 10300
Re: EEP2 error, speedo over read & ECU warning light
It's not quite that simple because although you have plenty of codes there you do not know how old they are or how frequently they crop up. Now you have noted all the codes I would reset them and drive the car for a short while and then check again. If a lambda sensor code comes up again there is a ...
- Thu 08 Dec, 2016 23:06
- Forum: Z3 roadster
- Topic: EEP2 error, speedo over read & ECU warning light
- Replies: 51
- Views: 10300
Re: EEP2 error, speedo over read & ECU warning light
BTW I now run INPA on a MacBook Pro with Windows 7 in Bootcamp. It is perfectly happy with that. I haven't tried it on my Windows 10 machine yet as there is no need to. So XP or 7 should be ok. Vista was a bit of a dubious OS so I would avoid that if possible unless it comes with a good laptop and y...
- Thu 08 Dec, 2016 22:58
- Forum: Let's talk
- Topic: A Surprise From WeBuyAnyCar.com
- Replies: 8
- Views: 6693
Re: A Surprise From WeBuyAnyCar.com
I certainly would not be lured by that valuation for a forum member's M! To be fair they are only really interested in bread and butter cars that they can turn over quickly for a fast buck. Anything more esoteric is difficult to sell on as the potential buyers will be more discerning and they might ...