Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 - Respray time
Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 - Respray time
I bought this last weekend and today was the first chance I had to give it a decent wash and look over, can't wait for summer now
I'll probably document every little thing I do to the car in here just for the sake of it really
A couple of post clean pics:
The pictures do it some favours really, it is quite clean overall but has the odd mark here and there, to be sorted out soon anyway
The first parts that were ordered (pushing the boat out I know!) :
Anyone who knows what they are for wins a jammy dodger ^^^
Next on the list is a gear knob as the current one looks like this:
More progress tomorrow with any luck!
I'll probably document every little thing I do to the car in here just for the sake of it really
A couple of post clean pics:
The pictures do it some favours really, it is quite clean overall but has the odd mark here and there, to be sorted out soon anyway
The first parts that were ordered (pushing the boat out I know!) :
Anyone who knows what they are for wins a jammy dodger ^^^
Next on the list is a gear knob as the current one looks like this:
More progress tomorrow with any luck!
Last edited by Mor61e on Mon 17 Aug, 2015 10:25, edited 2 times in total.
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
The two clips are for the bottom-most trim panels under the dashboard. Left or right are same clips.Mor61e wrote:
Anyone who knows what they are for wins a jammy dodger ^^^
The small stopper is for the fuel filler.
I like jammie dodgers with the cream in ... I can pm my postal address.
Z3 2.8 Progress Journal (Mine)
Z3 1.9 Sport Progress Journal (Wifey's)
I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Hi Dan - looks nice! I like the interior.
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
I assume it’s a post facelift, later 2.8 - nice car and a “keeper” in my view. That gear knob top insert is a non-standard addition; the original would have been plain black. The M style ones are an attractive upgrade and I would recommend a proper BMW one (about £9) as the proper BMW would not degrade like that one has.
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
nice clean and tidy car mate . easy parts to change so far and one of the last 2.8 made you will love it
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Cheers Palmartyb wrote:cars looking really fresh there, nice one!
Haha very good! I'll send one overgookah wrote: The two clips are for the bottom-most trim panels under the dashboard. Left or right are same clips.
The small stopper is for the fuel filler.
I like jammie dodgers with the cream in ... I can pm my postal address.
Thanks BillEastsix wrote:Hi Dan - looks nice! I like the interior.
Ok thanks that's good to know. I'll be getting a whole new gear knob anyway as the chrome is wearing on the other side. I've been looking for an OEM style carbon fibre one but can't find any so i'll stick with the standard I thinkDel wrote:I assume it’s a post facelift, later 2.8 - nice car and a “keeper” in my view. That gear knob top insert is a non-standard addition; the original would have been plain black. The M style ones are an attractive upgrade and I would recommend a proper BMW one (about £9) as the proper BMW would not degrade like that one has.
Yeh i'm enjoying it so far for sure, even more so once i've sorted all the little niggles!PCSAM wrote:nice clean and tidy car mate . easy parts to change so far and one of the last 2.8 made you will love it
Last edited by Mor61e on Mon 06 Apr, 2015 00:04, edited 3 times in total.
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Zedonist wrote:Just a quick note, there are NO post facelift cars, there are pre facelift and there are facelift versions, yours is a facelift versionDel wrote:I assume it’s a post facelift, later 2.8 - nice car and a “keeper” in my view. That gear knob top insert is a non-standard addition; the original would have been plain black. The M style ones are an attractive upgrade and I would recommend a proper BMW one (about £9) as the proper BMW would not degrade like that one has.
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Hi More61e
Welcome
What a lovely car
I bet you are grinning from ear to ear
Also what a great garage, loads of room to do loads of things
I thought that was just me who has the cig lighter the right way
Like me waiting for the summer
Welcome
What a lovely car
I bet you are grinning from ear to ear
Also what a great garage, loads of room to do loads of things
I thought that was just me who has the cig lighter the right way
Like me waiting for the summer
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
I noticed the steering wheel sat very slightly to the right while driving straight so I did a quick wheel allignment:
That'll be why then!
The adjustment:
The nut came loose relatively easily but would the arm turn? Of course it wouldn't!
After half hour of trying and then simultaneously bending a spanner, punching myself in the face and headbutting the ramp I gave up
That'll be why then!
The adjustment:
The nut came loose relatively easily but would the arm turn? Of course it wouldn't!
After half hour of trying and then simultaneously bending a spanner, punching myself in the face and headbutting the ramp I gave up
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Thanks BoysieBoysie wrote:Hi More61e
Welcome
What a lovely car
I bet you are grinning from ear to ear
Also what a great garage, loads of room to do loads of things
I thought that was just me who has the cig lighter the right way
Like me waiting for the summer
I wish that was my own garage but unfortunately it's at work, still I get to use it occasionally so I can't complain
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Mor61e
Welcome and nice car
Welcome and nice car
I fitted a complete new assembly, something similar to these late last year, save hassle and time. Clicky Link of course the tracking still has to be done, but it is easily adjusted.Mor61e wrote:I noticed the steering wheel sat very slightly to the right while driving straight so I did a quick wheel allignment:
That'll be why then!
The adjustment:
The nut came loose relatively easily but would the arm turn? Of course it wouldn't!
After half hour of trying and then simultaneously bending a spanner, punching myself in the face and headbutting the ramp I gave up
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Thanks Brian, a replacement is definately on the cardsBrian H wrote: I fitted a complete new assembly, something similar to these late last year, save hassle and time. Clicky Link of course the tracking still has to be done, but it is easily adjusted.
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
No it's not just youBoysie wrote:
I thought that was just me who has the cig lighter the right way
I'm terrible with things like that. Have to get the air vents straight too, even when I get in the girlfriends car
Welcome to the forum too Mor61e
Steve
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Very nice find!
2000 Z3 2.3 Topaz Blue Metallic over Black and Sandbeige leather.
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Best colour....
.....other than Black
.....other than Black
Dallan |07712 415 619
OZ Breyton 3-Piece Splits (17x9 & 17x12), Rayvern Hydraulics, Custom Top Mounts, Bespoke Hubcentric Spacers, Strutbrace, Aero Wipers, Wind Deflector, PiperX Air Filter, Deleted Plate Recess, Deleted Front Badge, Smoothed Boot, Continental Fogs, All Red Rears, Cleaned Bulbs (all round), Stubby Aerial, Black Grills, Halo Projector Lights, Components Upgrade, Clifford 5104x Intellistart Alarm, Custom Boot Install.
OZ Breyton 3-Piece Splits (17x9 & 17x12), Rayvern Hydraulics, Custom Top Mounts, Bespoke Hubcentric Spacers, Strutbrace, Aero Wipers, Wind Deflector, PiperX Air Filter, Deleted Plate Recess, Deleted Front Badge, Smoothed Boot, Continental Fogs, All Red Rears, Cleaned Bulbs (all round), Stubby Aerial, Black Grills, Halo Projector Lights, Components Upgrade, Clifford 5104x Intellistart Alarm, Custom Boot Install.
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Nice car. Love the colour!
I have the same gear knob and the center badge is in bad condition as well (end a bit of the chrome has gone!)... but not as bad as yours!! What happend there!!!
If you change the whole gear knob I would be interested to buy it... but you can find some center badges on the internet for around 10£.
I have the same gear knob and the center badge is in bad condition as well (end a bit of the chrome has gone!)... but not as bad as yours!! What happend there!!!
If you change the whole gear knob I would be interested to buy it... but you can find some center badges on the internet for around 10£.
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
such a nice colour. i often wonder what was going through the mind of the people who buy a brand new car in a "less-than-desirable" colour but this person had good taste
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." George Best
- Southernboy
- Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
- Posts: 6437
- Location: Johannesburg
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
V nice car....happy motoring!
Just an observation....I recall my Dad having a few Brit cars and always complaining about oil leaks....having a look at your pic of the steering rod, it occurred to me that perhaps the "old" car builders weren't so dumb after all...with the weather you guys have, it's probably desireable to have a slight leak here and there to keep things from getting rusty. When I look under my car, all I see is the original black coating on all those bits...clean, dry, untouched by anything but a fine film of dust....it would drive me nuts if I saw all that rusty stuff.
Just an observation....I recall my Dad having a few Brit cars and always complaining about oil leaks....having a look at your pic of the steering rod, it occurred to me that perhaps the "old" car builders weren't so dumb after all...with the weather you guys have, it's probably desireable to have a slight leak here and there to keep things from getting rusty. When I look under my car, all I see is the original black coating on all those bits...clean, dry, untouched by anything but a fine film of dust....it would drive me nuts if I saw all that rusty stuff.
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Thanks Steve!freck99 wrote: Welcome to the forum too Mor61e
Steve
I agreeamancuso wrote:Very nice find!
Haha I could never own a black car, too much hard workdallantan wrote:Best colour....
.....other than Black
Thanks bud, the chrome on mine is wearing as well so not sure you'd still want itPierrick wrote:Nice car. Love the colour!
I have the same gear knob and the center badge is in bad condition as well (end a bit of the chrome has gone!)... but not as bad as yours!! What happend there!!!
If you change the whole gear knob I would be interested to buy it... but you can find some center badges on the internet for around 10£.
I can definately see why someone would spec up a new car in an odd colour combo but in this case i'm glad they went for the blue and beigeRichP wrote:such a nice colour. i often wonder what was going through the mind of the people who buy a brand new car in a "less-than-desirable" colour but this person had good taste
Yeh the UK climate isn't good to cars It's not a big deal in the scheme of things thoughSouthernboy wrote:V nice car....happy motoring!
Just an observation....I recall my Dad having a few Brit cars and always complaining about oil leaks....having a look at your pic of the steering rod, it occurred to me that perhaps the "old" car builders weren't so dumb after all...with the weather you guys have, it's probably desireable to have a slight leak here and there to keep things from getting rusty. When I look under my car, all I see is the original black coating on all those bits...clean, dry, untouched by anything but a fine film of dust....it would drive me nuts if I saw all that rusty stuff.
Picking up a pair of steering arms tomorrow to fit saturday
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
...2 years later
Absolutely loved owning the Z3 for the past couple of years and can't see myself selling it anytime soon
Done a few things over that time including a full service and gearbox oil change. Also...
New trackrods:
New gearknob
Old:
New:
New badge
Old:
New:
3 stage polish:
Like how the lights highlight the shape in this pic:
Absolutely loved owning the Z3 for the past couple of years and can't see myself selling it anytime soon
Done a few things over that time including a full service and gearbox oil change. Also...
New trackrods:
New gearknob
Old:
New:
New badge
Old:
New:
3 stage polish:
Like how the lights highlight the shape in this pic:
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
A bit too much suspension travel for my liking :
So I fitted some coilovers:
The wheels needed a refurb anyway so I thought I'd try them black:
Ran around like that for a while until the rear tyres needed replacing, and then while on a trawl through ebay, came across some Style 32s which were quickly snapped up:
They do fit quite nicely although could do with 10mm spacers on the rear. I'm not a fan of spacers at all though so might not ever do it
And finished off with a subtle front splitter:
Planning on a new roof at some point as the current one is very worn. Probably going to go Beige to match the interior
So I fitted some coilovers:
The wheels needed a refurb anyway so I thought I'd try them black:
Ran around like that for a while until the rear tyres needed replacing, and then while on a trawl through ebay, came across some Style 32s which were quickly snapped up:
They do fit quite nicely although could do with 10mm spacers on the rear. I'm not a fan of spacers at all though so might not ever do it
And finished off with a subtle front splitter:
Planning on a new roof at some point as the current one is very worn. Probably going to go Beige to match the interior
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Looks very nice.
Which splitter is that? Looks a flexible type?
And what part of the country are you in that let's you run the car that low, I've raised mine a bit now as our council has gotten speed hump crazy - the replaced those rubber square type humps with cheap copies made of Tarmac but made then even higher making and now a solid lump instead of rubber!
Which splitter is that? Looks a flexible type?
And what part of the country are you in that let's you run the car that low, I've raised mine a bit now as our council has gotten speed hump crazy - the replaced those rubber square type humps with cheap copies made of Tarmac but made then even higher making and now a solid lump instead of rubber!
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Thanks, It's from an old Megane and is made from very stiff rubber, enough to protect the bumper but also flex backwards if it absolutely has toDino D wrote:Looks very nice.
Which splitter is that? Looks a flexible type?
And what part of the country are you in that let's you run the car that low, I've raised mine a bit now as our council has gotten speed hump crazy - the replaced those rubber square type humps with cheap copies made of Tarmac but made then even higher making and now a solid lump instead of rubber!
Those bumps that sit in the middle of 1 lane are a nightmare so I tend to avoid them, full length ones are ok
-
- Joined: Mon 28 Oct, 2013 19:35
- Posts: 261
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Hi, Looking good. Can I ask what you did with your old 5 spoke alloys as I would like to get a set of those for ease of cleaning purposes. I think the beige interior is a nice alternative to the usual black.
BB
BB
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Thanks, I still have the 5 spokes and am keeping them as spares I'm afraidbentley-boy wrote:Hi, Looking good. Can I ask what you did with your old 5 spoke alloys as I would like to get a set of those for ease of cleaning purposes. I think the beige interior is a nice alternative to the usual black.
BB
They are very very easy to clean so I can understand why you'd want some
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
can i ask what model the style 32s are from?
i have 32s on mine but i am looking for wide rears like you have.
are they 7 series by any chance?
i have 32s on mine but i am looking for wide rears like you have.
are they 7 series by any chance?
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
They're 17x8 and 9 from an E39 5-series, they have a slightly bigger centre bore so need spigot ringsMugs wrote:can i ask what model the style 32s are from?
i have 32s on mine but i am looking for wide rears like you have.
are they 7 series by any chance?
What are yours from if they're not staggered?
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
mine is a 1.9 but i have done a wide rear arch conversion so they are all 7.5 x 17.Mor61e wrote:They're 17x8 and 9 from an E39 5-series, they have a slightly bigger centre bore so need spigot ringsMugs wrote:can i ask what model the style 32s are from?
i have 32s on mine but i am looking for wide rears like you have.
are they 7 series by any chance?
What are yours from if they're not staggered?
i am running 20mm spacers on the rear but i still need something wider.
where did you get the spigot rings from as i want to run these E39s on mine?
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Spigot rings from eBay, they're only about a fiver I can't remember off the top of my head what size they need to be but they are very thin, under 2mm total width I thinkMugs wrote:mine is a 1.9 but i have done a wide rear arch conversion so they are all 7.5 x 17.Mor61e wrote:They're 17x8 and 9 from an E39 5-series, they have a slightly bigger centre bore so need spigot ringsMugs wrote:can i ask what model the style 32s are from?
i have 32s on mine but i am looking for wide rears like you have.
are they 7 series by any chance?
What are yours from if they're not staggered?
i am running 20mm spacers on the rear but i still need something wider.
where did you get the spigot rings from as i want to run these E39s on mine?
**edit 74.1 - 72.6 I believe
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Some smart mods you have done there, that's on nice looking zed
2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Titanium Silver Roadster with too many mods to list
Click For 2.0 Progress Journal
Click For 2.8 Progress Journal
Click For 2.0 Progress Journal
Click For 2.8 Progress Journal
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Thanks very muchg8jka wrote:Some smart mods you have done there, that's on nice looking zed
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
i forgot to ask......what size tyres are you running on the 32s?
also, do you know the offset of the fronts as the ones i have found are ET20 and 8" wide but i thought they would stick out of the arches?
yours look to be flush with the edge of the arch.
also, do you know the offset of the fronts as the ones i have found are ET20 and 8" wide but i thought they would stick out of the arches?
yours look to be flush with the edge of the arch.
-
- Joined: Mon 29 Jan, 2007 22:28
- Posts: 257
- Contact:
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Hi what coilovers did you fit??
-
- Joined: Mon 29 Jan, 2007 22:28
- Posts: 257
- Contact:
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Hi what coilovers did you fit??
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
195/40 on the front and 205/40 on the rearMugs wrote:i forgot to ask......what size tyres are you running on the 32s?
also, do you know the offset of the fronts as the ones i have found are ET20 and 8" wide but i thought they would stick out of the arches?
yours look to be flush with the edge of the arch.
I can't remember the offset but i'd imagine they only came in one fitment for the E39
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Just cheap ones, they're a bit bouncy which is why I plan to upgrade to BCs at some pointcosmosblack wrote:Hi what coilovers did you fit??
-
- Joined: Mon 29 Jan, 2007 22:28
- Posts: 257
- Contact:
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
it looks like nice though how it stands where they cheaps ones from ebay? i cant decide if to go lowering springs and showks or coilovers
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Yeh you can get them from eBay, I got them from a group buy myselfcosmosblack wrote:it looks like nice though how it stands where they cheaps ones from ebay? i cant decide if to go lowering springs and showks or coilovers
If you want it to be relatively comfortable then I'd say shocks and springs or pay extra for some decent coilovers
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
I've just done this.Mor61e wrote:Just cheap ones, they're a bit bouncy which is why I plan to upgrade to BCs at some pointcosmosblack wrote:Hi what coilovers did you fit??
Cheap coilovers are not worth it.
The BCs were relatively cheap at under 700 from Corby Motorsports but miles ahead of the similar price FK Silverlines I had before and they offer much more adjustment.
Coupled with new bushes all around I have to say I have never driven a Z so eager and confident like mines drives now (and it's still to go in for full corner weighting).
Really engaging drive now on back roads and motorways.
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
40 series on 17s? doesn't that mess up the speedo reading due to the change in the rolling radius as the standard is 225 45 17?Mor61e wrote:195/40 on the front and 205/40 on the rearMugs wrote:i forgot to ask......what size tyres are you running on the 32s?
also, do you know the offset of the fronts as the ones i have found are ET20 and 8" wide but i thought they would stick out of the arches?
yours look to be flush with the edge of the arch.
I can't remember the offset but i'd imagine they only came in one fitment for the E39
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Maybe a little but it's not the end of the world is itMugs wrote:40 series on 17s? doesn't that mess up the speedo reading due to the change in the rolling radius as the standard is 225 45 17?Mor61e wrote:195/40 on the front and 205/40 on the rearMugs wrote:i forgot to ask......what size tyres are you running on the 32s?
also, do you know the offset of the fronts as the ones i have found are ET20 and 8" wide but i thought they would stick out of the arches?
yours look to be flush with the edge of the arch.
I can't remember the offset but i'd imagine they only came in one fitment for the E39
The difference in size:
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Thanks Dino, that's good to knowDino D wrote:I've just done this.Mor61e wrote:Just cheap ones, they're a bit bouncy which is why I plan to upgrade to BCs at some pointcosmosblack wrote:Hi what coilovers did you fit??
Cheap coilovers are not worth it.
The BCs were relatively cheap at under 700 from Corby Motorsports but miles ahead of the similar price FK Silverlines I had before and they offer much more adjustment.
Coupled with new bushes all around I have to say I have never driven a Z so eager and confident like mines drives now (and it's still to go in for full corner weighting).
Really engaging drive now on back roads and motorways.
I had BCs on my Integra before and they really are brilliant coilovers!
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
Re: Mor61e's Topaz Blue 2.8 Z3 blog
The Z was long overdue a tidy up so I booked a week off to prep it up and have it painted
Here's some before pictures so you don't think I'm mental and re-spraying it for no reason
Every panel needed doing for one reason or another
Bonnet:
Doors were peppered with car park dents and a bit of lacquer flake:
Blue paint on the rear bumper:
1/4 panels:
Rusty sills:
Here's some before pictures so you don't think I'm mental and re-spraying it for no reason
Every panel needed doing for one reason or another
Bonnet:
Doors were peppered with car park dents and a bit of lacquer flake:
Blue paint on the rear bumper:
1/4 panels:
Rusty sills: