New Z3 owner (MGB Convert!)
New Z3 owner (MGB Convert!)
Hi All,
After many years of admiring, thinking about and browsing the internet for, I finally bought a Z3. My background is MG Midgets and MGBs (I restored both as a youngster) and over the last few years seriously thought about having another MG, but with 3 young kids and busy work life I wanted something slightly more modern (plus less labour intensive when you actually wanted to use it) the Z3 ticked all the boxes. However, over the years (wanted one since about 2003 when I sold my last MGB) I have never taken the plunge – usually come up with some excuse.
But one came up next to where I work and I thought, that’s the one, so went for it.
It’s a 2000 model with the 2.0 straight 6. Its got 118,000 miles on it with a full BMW service history and very fortunately the 2 owners who have had it have kept every single receipt and MOT since it was bought – even down to the original purchase receipt. I paid £1800 for it, which I thought was OK. Seems a reasonable price I thought! I will post a picture up once I have given it a service and a polish, but I am so chuffed with it. Feels just like a modern version of my old MGB (if I am allowed to say that!)
Anyway, hoping you guys might be able to point me in the direction of some threads. The wing mirror bases have corroded so just wondering if these are easy to replace or repair. Also the advisory on the last MOT was that the dampers are weeping slightly. I know how much good dampers can make a car feel a bit nicer, so wondering if you guys had any suggestions on some suitable aftermarket replacements. I would be interested to hear you thoughts.
Regards,
James
After many years of admiring, thinking about and browsing the internet for, I finally bought a Z3. My background is MG Midgets and MGBs (I restored both as a youngster) and over the last few years seriously thought about having another MG, but with 3 young kids and busy work life I wanted something slightly more modern (plus less labour intensive when you actually wanted to use it) the Z3 ticked all the boxes. However, over the years (wanted one since about 2003 when I sold my last MGB) I have never taken the plunge – usually come up with some excuse.
But one came up next to where I work and I thought, that’s the one, so went for it.
It’s a 2000 model with the 2.0 straight 6. Its got 118,000 miles on it with a full BMW service history and very fortunately the 2 owners who have had it have kept every single receipt and MOT since it was bought – even down to the original purchase receipt. I paid £1800 for it, which I thought was OK. Seems a reasonable price I thought! I will post a picture up once I have given it a service and a polish, but I am so chuffed with it. Feels just like a modern version of my old MGB (if I am allowed to say that!)
Anyway, hoping you guys might be able to point me in the direction of some threads. The wing mirror bases have corroded so just wondering if these are easy to replace or repair. Also the advisory on the last MOT was that the dampers are weeping slightly. I know how much good dampers can make a car feel a bit nicer, so wondering if you guys had any suggestions on some suitable aftermarket replacements. I would be interested to hear you thoughts.
Regards,
James
Re: New Z3 owner (MGB Convert!)
Hi and Welcome
As far as the dampers are concerned then Sachs were/are a BMW supplier and their Super Touring dampers are generally accepted as OEM standard on the Z3 - I fitted new rear ones on mine a few years ago and they been fine. Lots of information about the mirrors and no doubt someone will be along shortly with everything you need to know. Enjoy the Zed.
As far as the dampers are concerned then Sachs were/are a BMW supplier and their Super Touring dampers are generally accepted as OEM standard on the Z3 - I fitted new rear ones on mine a few years ago and they been fine. Lots of information about the mirrors and no doubt someone will be along shortly with everything you need to know. Enjoy the Zed.
Hers: Z4 2.0i Sp --------------------- His: Z3 2.8
Re: New Z3 owner (MGB Convert!)
Hi and welcome
I reckon you got a decent bargain there. Unless you particularly want to have lower and much stiffer suspension, I would agree with the Sachs Super Touring replacement shocks. If you're going down the DIY route you can get them cheaply at:-
http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/?gclid=C ... tAodpB8AEw
This is the internet/mail-order arm of Euro Car Parts and is often cheaper than buying from the Euro Car Parts outlets.
These are identical to the originals and are made by the same Boge/Sachs/Lemforder company which is part of the ZF Group. Your shocks will be knackered after 14-years and 100k miles and I'll guarantee you notice one hell of an improvement when replaced.
This thread may be useful for the seized side mirrors
http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... 15#p348615
I reckon you got a decent bargain there. Unless you particularly want to have lower and much stiffer suspension, I would agree with the Sachs Super Touring replacement shocks. If you're going down the DIY route you can get them cheaply at:-
http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/?gclid=C ... tAodpB8AEw
This is the internet/mail-order arm of Euro Car Parts and is often cheaper than buying from the Euro Car Parts outlets.
These are identical to the originals and are made by the same Boge/Sachs/Lemforder company which is part of the ZF Group. Your shocks will be knackered after 14-years and 100k miles and I'll guarantee you notice one hell of an improvement when replaced.
This thread may be useful for the seized side mirrors
http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... 15#p348615
Re: New Z3 owner (MGB Convert!)
Thanks guys. I reckon the shocks have had it, so many thanks for the link to the parts. I have the tools to do it myself unless anyone can advise against it.
I have found a couple of threads on the wing mirror bases and looks a fairly straight forward job, although no doubt I will break the glass trying to take it all apart.
What great cars though. Still chuffed.....
I have found a couple of threads on the wing mirror bases and looks a fairly straight forward job, although no doubt I will break the glass trying to take it all apart.
What great cars though. Still chuffed.....
Re: New Z3 owner (MGB Convert!)
I seem to recall my Midget (1970 1275cc) getting through more oil in the front dampers than in the engine! That, and shedding big nuts from the suspension, screws from the starter motor, and swarf from first gear every time I snicked it en route to third. I did love it though...
Re: New Z3 owner (MGB Convert!)
Another welcome to the forum from a fellow MG enthusiast.
Great choice of car. Hope you get lots of fun out of it! I love the Zed. They feel so solid and go like stink. Very much the opposite of my 'GT...
On the shocks: Very easy to source (eurocarparts etc) as others have said. Think they are about £80 for a pair (for the rear). Very easy to fit. I would strongly recommend replacing / upgrading the shock mounts when changing the rear shocks.
Tom
Great choice of car. Hope you get lots of fun out of it! I love the Zed. They feel so solid and go like stink. Very much the opposite of my 'GT...
On the shocks: Very easy to source (eurocarparts etc) as others have said. Think they are about £80 for a pair (for the rear). Very easy to fit. I would strongly recommend replacing / upgrading the shock mounts when changing the rear shocks.
Tom
Re: New Z3 owner (MGB Convert!)
Thanks for all the welcomes and advice. Glad to see I am not the only MG convert.
Thanks also for the damper info. I found a good thread on the top mount replacement and the job of doing that and the dampers looks ok. Is there a similar thread for the fronts?
Cheers James
Thanks also for the damper info. I found a good thread on the top mount replacement and the job of doing that and the dampers looks ok. Is there a similar thread for the fronts?
Cheers James
Re: New Z3 owner (MGB Convert!)
Hi and welcome
Here'e a guide on refurbing the mirror base is is for the M mirrors but the principle is the same and is common issue. Word of warning do not force the mirror to twist on it's base and the corrode aluminium and steel don't mix well.
http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... 18&t=23387
The front struts are held 3 bolts at the top and 3 bolts to the hub which are secured with loctite. When removing the spring it has to be fully compressed to release the tension on the top mount of the strut. Could be worth a trip to local garage or tyre place to get them to fit the spring.
Sachs struts/shock absorbers are the same as fitted from new and can be got from Euro car parts.
Where are you cos help can be close at hand.
Here'e a guide on refurbing the mirror base is is for the M mirrors but the principle is the same and is common issue. Word of warning do not force the mirror to twist on it's base and the corrode aluminium and steel don't mix well.
http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... 18&t=23387
The front struts are held 3 bolts at the top and 3 bolts to the hub which are secured with loctite. When removing the spring it has to be fully compressed to release the tension on the top mount of the strut. Could be worth a trip to local garage or tyre place to get them to fit the spring.
Sachs struts/shock absorbers are the same as fitted from new and can be got from Euro car parts.
Where are you cos help can be close at hand.
Brian
3.0I Topaz Blue
2000 E36/7 Z3 3.0i
2016 F31 335d
2015 F21 118i
3.0I Topaz Blue
2000 E36/7 Z3 3.0i
2016 F31 335d
2015 F21 118i
Re: New Z3 owner (MGB Convert!)
Hello and welcome. Nice to see another 2.00 straight six. I too am x Midget and BGT but from decades back. Best wishes and enjoy your Z.
Re: New Z3 owner (MGB Convert!)
Hi and welcome to the forum.
Some of us still drive 'em: http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... 42#p169642
Cheers R.
Some of us still drive 'em: http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... 42#p169642
Cheers R.
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
Re: New Z3 owner (MGB Convert!)
Hi all,
Many thanks again for all the info and great to see so many people enjoying modern and classic cars.
Thanks for the mirror link Brian. That's a really good description.
I live in a small village between Leamington Spa and Rugby. Some friends have recommended Autotech in Warwick as a good independent BMW specialist so may chose to cheat and get them to fit the dampers.
I have a few other questions which I will post in the relevant section.
Thanks again all. Great forum.
James
Many thanks again for all the info and great to see so many people enjoying modern and classic cars.
Thanks for the mirror link Brian. That's a really good description.
I live in a small village between Leamington Spa and Rugby. Some friends have recommended Autotech in Warwick as a good independent BMW specialist so may chose to cheat and get them to fit the dampers.
I have a few other questions which I will post in the relevant section.
Thanks again all. Great forum.
James
Re: New Z3 owner (MGB Convert!)
The rear dampers are fairly easy to do but the fronts need some care with spring compressor. I took both struts out of ours but didn't take the springs off 3/4 hr each side.
Brian
3.0I Topaz Blue
2000 E36/7 Z3 3.0i
2016 F31 335d
2015 F21 118i
3.0I Topaz Blue
2000 E36/7 Z3 3.0i
2016 F31 335d
2015 F21 118i
Re: New Z3 owner (MGB Convert!)
Crikey that worked!
Anyways, that's it just before it disappeared into the garage from where it has remained for the last few weeks getting a tidy up!
Anyways, that's it just before it disappeared into the garage from where it has remained for the last few weeks getting a tidy up!
Re: New Z3 owner (MGB Convert!)
Hi James
The happy look on your lads face says it all.......worth every penny!
Reference the door mirrors, easy job with a little caution as described in this additional old link: http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... =5&t=39815
Enjoy the new toy!
Pete
The happy look on your lads face says it all.......worth every penny!
Reference the door mirrors, easy job with a little caution as described in this additional old link: http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... =5&t=39815
Enjoy the new toy!
Pete
1997 Z3 2.8 (M52) Roadster Montreal blue
2013 330d (F31) M Sport Alpine White