Search found 408 matches

by OldskoolRS
Fri 29 Jun, 2012 14:48
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: My 2nd Z3 - let the de-chaving comence!!
Replies: 27
Views: 4318

Re: My 2nd Z3 - let the de-chaving comence!!

Looks nice but I think your wheels need a clean as they look a bit black. ;)

The ///M badge doesn't bother me either way (I know it isn't an ///M by looking at it) but I imagine some will start moaning. FWIW I have an ///M steering wheel and gearknob on mine so I can't talk.
by OldskoolRS
Fri 29 Jun, 2012 14:45
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Is this a facelift model? xxx
Replies: 17
Views: 1387

Re: Is this a facelift model? xxx

If you quote the OP you can then cut and paste the url for the picture if you really want to see it...




...apparently. ;)
by OldskoolRS
Thu 28 Jun, 2012 18:53
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Wave goddamit, wave
Replies: 13
Views: 1195

Re: Wave goddamit, wave

I think they're still a bit new to really have attracted the kind of cameradery (spelling?) between owners that older cars like MGs and such enjoy. I'll be disappointed if I don't get a waves off other RS2000 drivers though when it's back on the road, but I kind of don't expect it from other Z3 driv...
by OldskoolRS
Thu 28 Jun, 2012 15:00
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Camshaft sensor
Replies: 17
Views: 1703

Re: Camshaft sensor

Ahh the penny drops: I have a 3.0 and it has dual vanos so I guess the 2.8 doesn't need a second sensor as I think it only has the single vanos. :oops:
by OldskoolRS
Thu 28 Jun, 2012 14:49
Forum: Spotted!
Topic: Sliver Z3M with hardtop in Winnersh.
Replies: 0
Views: 572

Sliver Z3M with hardtop in Winnersh.

Saw this car this morning, kind of hard to miss as he was cutting the corner at a junction I was pulling up to and we went quite close...Nice car, but if you're on here take care on the corner cutting.
by OldskoolRS
Thu 28 Jun, 2012 14:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Camshaft sensor
Replies: 17
Views: 1703

Re: Camshaft sensor

That sounds like the exhaust camshaft sensor: Did you have to take lots of parts off to get to it or was it pretty much direct access? If the later then it's the exhaust one like mine was. My car didn't really run badly, just a bit flat. Had it run badly I may have spotted it when I bought the car a...
by OldskoolRS
Wed 27 Jun, 2012 17:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Camshaft sensor
Replies: 17
Views: 1703

Re: Camshaft sensor

My 3.0 was just a bit 'flat' below 3,000rpm when I bought it and I didn't know any better...I put it down to me being used to driving a 320d during the week. When I got the INPA software it confirmed an error code for it, which I cleared, then took it for another drive when it came straight back. I ...
by OldskoolRS
Tue 26 Jun, 2012 17:51
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z4 STEERING WHEEL ON A Z3.
Replies: 25
Views: 3466

Re: Z4 STEERING WHEEL ON A Z3.

Interesting to read the techincal ins and out of putting a Z4 wheel on the Z3, but I'm not sure it's not a very nice wheel anyway. I'm assuming it's that one with the two spokes at the bottom section as some Z3s have, so I may be thinking of the wrong one to be fair :( I'd be happier if someone foun...
by OldskoolRS
Tue 26 Jun, 2012 07:34
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Hard top leaking.
Replies: 5
Views: 1021

Re: Hard top leaking.

Thanks Heath. I noticed that on mine there is a black 'rubber' line on the very edge of the car's paintwork so it's obvious where the rubber sits on the 'OEM' hardtop. I'm going to look for a suitable piece of rubber to 'fill' the grove to see how I get on and also check to see if the clamp can be a...
by OldskoolRS
Mon 25 Jun, 2012 19:55
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Hard top leaking.
Replies: 5
Views: 1021

Re: Hard top leaking.

Just reviving this thread as I took my hardtop off tonight and there was water in the folder back window again. I haven't pressure washed the car this time, though we have had some very heavy rain later (well all flipping summer, but I digress). I think the water may be getting in via the gap in lin...
by OldskoolRS
Sun 24 Jun, 2012 17:19
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Camshaft sensor
Replies: 17
Views: 1703

Re: Camshaft sensor

If it's the exhaust sensor, then I think it would take longer to boot up a P and get onto You tube than undoing the single bolt, pulling it out, disconnecting in and reversing the process for the new sensor. It's the inlet one that is a bit more involved, but not that bad (I'd already read my codes ...
by OldskoolRS
Sat 23 Jun, 2012 14:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Handling?
Replies: 38
Views: 3539

Re: Handling?

Thanks for the detailed info Mike (and sorry to the OP for taking over the thread a bit). I think I might look into doing this job on mine, it should at least get rid of the clunk, but may also improve the steering perhaps. I'll go and have a look for the parts now.

Guid moaning to you too. :D
by OldskoolRS
Sat 23 Jun, 2012 10:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Handling?
Replies: 38
Views: 3539

Re: Handling?

Is 'nit' French for 'not'? ;) I'm interested in the comments regarding the strut bearing and it's effect on steering. I have a clunck from my nearside strut when turning sharply, but I think it will break my 2 hour repair rule (so as I don't end up with the car off the road for weeks on end during t...
by OldskoolRS
Fri 22 Jun, 2012 14:35
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Silver Hard top
Replies: 7
Views: 657

Re: Silver Hard top

Does this include the fitting kit as the hardtop isn't much use without it? If so that's a very cheap price as the kit tends to fetch £200-250 on it's own.
by OldskoolRS
Thu 21 Jun, 2012 15:55
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Aerial unit wanted
Replies: 8
Views: 1268

Re: Aerial unit wanted

I like the original style aerial, not sure why anyone would want to swap it for the Bee sting stubby job. I thought that the bigger OEM one might be more prone to a passing idiot trying to snap it off as the back of my Z3 is very near to the pavement and no gates... Anyway, I don't tend to listen t...
by OldskoolRS
Thu 21 Jun, 2012 14:28
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Aerial unit wanted
Replies: 8
Views: 1268

Re: Aerial unit wanted

FWIW the aerial on my OH's 2006 Mini fits and looks exactly the same, though the mount itself is different, so not much use...I bought a replacement aerial on Ebay but it only works when the car is on my drive and fades out as soon as I move the car, so I'm not much use with aerials. :head:
by OldskoolRS
Wed 20 Jun, 2012 21:52
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Handling?
Replies: 38
Views: 3539

Re: Handling?

This is why I've done my mods/repairs one item at a time: I wanted to understand and appreciate what each bit did, plus the Z3 is meant to be my 'tinker, polish and drive' car rather than my RS2000 which is a major project. I have a rule that if I think a job will take me more than 2 hours then it w...
by OldskoolRS
Wed 20 Jun, 2012 20:28
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Handling?
Replies: 38
Views: 3539

Re: Handling?

I fitted a useed strutbrace to my Z3 3.0, which made a nice improvement making the front feel more in control. I then changed my front wishbone rear bushes for Powerflex ones and noticed another improvement in handling (but not any worse in terms of ride despite some warnings on here). I also replac...
by OldskoolRS
Wed 20 Jun, 2012 18:29
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: front caliper changes
Replies: 43
Views: 3562

Re: front caliper changes

I resent all these people complaining about doing things the oldschool way. :D I'm away at the moment so don't have my manual to hand (Bentley) but I seem to remember reading something about having to use the INPA software when bleding the brakes/changing the fluid to 'tell' the system which brake y...
by OldskoolRS
Sat 16 Jun, 2012 15:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New additions to my Z3 2.8....
Replies: 3
Views: 587

Re: New additions to my Z3 2.8....

Is that Topaz Blue? If so I think mine would look great with a set of those wheels too. :)
by OldskoolRS
Sat 09 Jun, 2012 23:16
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Being a BMW owner (Ripped off!)
Replies: 18
Views: 1175

Re: Being a BMW owner (Ripped off!)

JUst be glad you weren't ///M
Otherwise they'd have charged you even more...
by OldskoolRS
Sun 03 Jun, 2012 21:44
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Stiff / difficult gear change
Replies: 33
Views: 10882

Re: Stiff / difficult gear change

Is the Earl's braided hose the same part as I'd need for a 3.0 Z3? I find the CDV is annoying me at times. Is there a link for the hose too?
by OldskoolRS
Fri 01 Jun, 2012 18:41
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Wanted please Strut brace for 2001 3.0 litre Z3
Replies: 4
Views: 446

Re: Wanted please Strut brace for 2001 3.0 litre Z3

Many Z3 parts are the same as the E36 3 series, but I would email the seller for confirmation.

FWIW I fitted a used strutbrace to my Z3 3.0 and it tightened up the front end nicely, so a worthwhile mod IMHO.
by OldskoolRS
Fri 01 Jun, 2012 17:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 faults
Replies: 17
Views: 3271

Re: Z3 faults

As per another thread on here (in the Z3M section I think) there is a kit of parts for the top of the gearbox to improve the change. This is required if you suffer from a 'sticky' gearchange, but best tried after the usual clutch bleed and gearbox oil change (which is what I did for a bout £30 worth...
by OldskoolRS
Thu 31 May, 2012 07:35
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Stiff / difficult gear change
Replies: 33
Views: 10882

Re: Stiff / difficult gear change

Thanks DWM that would be useful, perhaps it could be put into the knowledgebase section if you can find the measurements.
by OldskoolRS
Wed 30 May, 2012 17:52
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Stiff / difficult gear change
Replies: 33
Views: 10882

Re: Stiff / difficult gear change

I see there are a few special tools required for this job, are they available to buy at all? Or are there more detailed drawings of them anywhere? My change is much better since bleeding the clutch and changing the 'box oil, but longer term I could see me doing this and I hate to pay for work that I...
by OldskoolRS
Wed 30 May, 2012 17:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Bargain or are values just falling?
Replies: 10
Views: 1341

Re: Bargain or are values just falling?

I can guarentee prices will fall since I've bought a Z3. :D Rather like the weather turning bad after I bought it earlier this year... Still it doesn't really matter until you do sell and despite mine being intended as a stop gap car, I think I could see me keeping it for many years. I have a compan...
by OldskoolRS
Mon 28 May, 2012 21:00
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Stiff / difficult gear change
Replies: 33
Views: 10882

Re: Stiff / difficult gear change

I may be wrong, but I understood that if you have an issue when the engine/gearbox is hot, then it could well be the flexible pipe becoming soft with the heat and balooning which means the clutch doesn't get fully disengaged.
by OldskoolRS
Sun 27 May, 2012 17:12
Forum: M Roadster and M coupé
Topic: Stiff / difficult gear change
Replies: 33
Views: 10882

Re: Stiff / difficult gear change

For the sake of a few minutes work and under a tenner, try bleeding the slave cylinder. The gearchange was poor on my 3 litre when I first got it, bled the slave and later changed the gearbox oil for about £30's worth of fluids and it's much better.
by OldskoolRS
Sun 27 May, 2012 13:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Just did my Stuck seat motor!
Replies: 5
Views: 575

Re: Just did my Stuck seat motor!

Welcome to the club (I only joined about three months ago myself). Loads of useful information on here, especially the 'Z3 range knowledgebase' section. You picked a nice week to buy a convertible too. :)
by OldskoolRS
Sun 27 May, 2012 11:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Hardtops - E-bay seller
Replies: 5
Views: 785

Re: Hardtops - E-bay seller

To be fair the proper BMW fitting kits don't look like they are worth the £200+ that they seem to fetch used. I was quite underwhelmed by mine (original BMW ones bought used), but of course you can't fit the hardtop without them so no choice. I found a few hardtops on Ebay when I was looking and the...
by OldskoolRS
Sun 27 May, 2012 11:41
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: body paint finish
Replies: 2
Views: 647

Re: body paint finish

If you can't 'feel' the scratches with your fingernail, then there is a good chance they will polish out. You can spend hundreds on DA/Rotary polishers, pads and polishes, but if you just want to have a go at removing the worst then you can buy a set for hand use, If you don't have any of the necess...
by OldskoolRS
Thu 24 May, 2012 15:47
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: LOW MILEAGE 2.8 Z3 NOT FOR SALE
Replies: 46
Views: 8553

Re: LOW MILEAGE 2.8 Z3 FOR SALE

I know its bad etiquette to comment on anothers asking price, but what do people think? Has the going rate really dropped? Is it just the price of petrol for big engines? I don't know what you were asking before the price change, but £3,500 seems very fair if it is in good condition as you say. I w...
by OldskoolRS
Thu 24 May, 2012 15:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What do you think it's worth?
Replies: 8
Views: 870

Re: What do you think it's worth?

I think your best bet is to search sites like Autotrader, Pistonheads, Ebay and maybe Exchange & Mart to see what typical ASKING prices are. Make some allowance for the low mileage too, but don't be too optimistic. We're all Z3 fans on here and if we're honest, we probably think they are worth m...
by OldskoolRS
Tue 22 May, 2012 14:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: How many types of tonneau cover?
Replies: 36
Views: 4831

Re: How many types of tonneau cover?

Yes, I've seen that before (with the sound off). It's the turning the end pieces that I found tricky doing it this way, though at least I learnt that the cover is meant to tuck in rather than just sit on the paintwork as I'd thought it should. :oops: I tend to just lay it across unfolded then reach ...
by OldskoolRS
Tue 22 May, 2012 09:50
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: How many types of tonneau cover?
Replies: 36
Views: 4831

Re: How many types of tonneau cover?

Mouldy wrote:The one with the sliding fixings was easier to fit, but otherwise exactly the same except for the colour.
I have the sliding fixings and still find it hard to fit, particularly the middle two ones. Can't imagine what the fixed ones must be like in that case. :)
by OldskoolRS
Mon 21 May, 2012 12:34
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Advice needed on fitting hard top brackets etc: Urgent!!
Replies: 11
Views: 846

Re: Advice needed on fitting hard top brackets etc: Urgent!!

I concur that I had to virtually destroy the two bits of trim to remove them. Having said that, once left they sprung back to shape and probably could be reused (I'd have to stick one piece back on but I don't think it would show once reinstalled). I plan to sell the hardtop separately should I dece...
by OldskoolRS
Fri 18 May, 2012 16:55
Forum: Check your diary
Topic: 19th May 2012 Bearwood car show Berkshire.
Replies: 5
Views: 1943

Re: 19th May 2012 Bearwood car show Berkshire.

Just a bump for this as it's tomorrow. Hope to see some other Z3 owners there too. :)
by OldskoolRS
Fri 18 May, 2012 15:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Clunk from nearside front suspension.
Replies: 5
Views: 868

Re: Clunk from nearside front suspension.

If you do decide to do it, I have some spring compressors over in Crowthorne, and could help you do it if you got the struts off the car. That's a very kind offer that I may take you up on if I do end up taking the struts off as I'm only down the road in Wokingham/Winnersh. The changes I've already...
by OldskoolRS
Thu 17 May, 2012 14:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Clunk from nearside front suspension.
Replies: 5
Views: 868

Re: Clunk from nearside front suspension.

Any idea how I can check first rather than just doing it for the sake of replacing parts? Trouble is it looks like a more involved job than the bushes, etc I've been doing and will need a spring compressor. When I've got my RS2000 mobile I'd be able to pull the Z3 into the garage to do this kind of ...
by OldskoolRS
Wed 16 May, 2012 20:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Clunk from nearside front suspension.
Replies: 5
Views: 868

Clunk from nearside front suspension.

When driving at about 10mph and swinging the wheel sharply from side to side there is a clunk from the nearside as the car turns sharply to the right. I've recently replaced the wishbone rear bushes with Powerflex ones and last night I replaced the ARB link rods with standard ones, but the noise con...
by OldskoolRS
Tue 15 May, 2012 19:03
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: painted side vents
Replies: 16
Views: 1666

Re: painted side vents

Well I might be an old fart too, but I reckon it looks good with your wheels to match. I like the chrome side grills until I saw the price...that's quite a few polybushes, link arms, sensors that has done much more for improving my car over buying chrome grills. I might be tempted to spray mine silv...
by OldskoolRS
Sat 12 May, 2012 13:53
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Poly bushing ....... Any good ?
Replies: 12
Views: 1031

Re: Poly bushing ....... Any good ?

Just a few photos to accomany the job. Parts used for replacement (plus another bush carrier not shown): http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p501/OldskoolRS/Z3%20brakes%20and%20suspension/Bushandcarrier.jpg How it looked before hand: http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p501/OldskoolRS/Z3%20brakes%20...
by OldskoolRS
Sat 12 May, 2012 12:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Poly bushing ....... Any good ?
Replies: 12
Views: 1031

Re: Poly bushing ....... Any good ?

Just did mine this morning with Powerflex ones: Only the rear bush on the front wishbones. Took about an hour doing the first one (struggled to get the old 'lollypop' off at first). Once that was off it left the centre of the bush still on the wishbone end, so I cut along it using my dremel then it ...
by OldskoolRS
Fri 11 May, 2012 19:42
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: Underseal
Replies: 3
Views: 1152

Re: Underseal

I'd be more inclined to use Bilt Hamber products myself after maybe getting the underneath steam cleaned first. I've done my wheel arches (I removed the outer sill and arch liners too) and sprayed with the clear Bilt Hamber UC which dries to a flexible clear waxy finish. I'm planning on doing the sa...
by OldskoolRS
Fri 11 May, 2012 07:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 1.9 or 2.0
Replies: 31
Views: 3187

Re: 1.9 or 2.0

I have seen some dislike for the 1.9 on youtube reviews and all i can say is that the Z3 is a roadster. An open top roadster. By definition, the car is built for cruising on long open roads, with the top down. Speed shouldn't really be a big factor. You're so right. Especially when you have one of ...
by OldskoolRS
Thu 10 May, 2012 15:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New Kid, Stance Scene
Replies: 14
Views: 1145

Re: New Kid, Stance Scene

The front wishbone has a bush at the rear which goes soft with age. I'm about to replace mine with a polybush version, (more because it's an easier job than pressing in the OEM type)...I'll report back what the results are if you like. Mine has done 62,000 miles and the bushes are original as far as...
by OldskoolRS
Thu 10 May, 2012 15:04
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: Zedfest..cleaning the Zed?
Replies: 11
Views: 1342

Re: Zedfest..cleaning the Zed?

Our local supermarket car wash guys charge £5 for smaller cars like the Z3, but I personally wouldn't use them...very small amounts of water, gritty cloth and wanting to get the job done ASAP doesn't lend itself to a swirl free finish even onharder BMW paint. I let them wash my previous company car ...
by OldskoolRS
Thu 10 May, 2012 14:59
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: New Kid, Stance Scene
Replies: 14
Views: 1145

Re: New Kid, Stance Scene

I'm 46 too and fancy lowering mine eventually once I've sort out a few other items first (bushes, brake pads mainly). I'm not keen on the stretched tyres look, but pretty much all of the Z3s I've seen on here that have been lowered look better for it (IMHO). As you say, it's your car do what you wan...
by OldskoolRS
Thu 10 May, 2012 14:55
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 1.9 or 2.0
Replies: 31
Views: 3187

Re: 1.9 or 2.0

Kind of academic at the moment, but interesting to know. TBH since I replaced a camshaft sensor recently the car is going quite fast enough, but no harm finding out what options there are. FWIW mine can be a little boomy low down, but oddly only with the hardtop on. Open roof or soft top it's fine a...