OK dumb question, but it is my first BMW

[gas guzzler]

Keep seeing numbers like E34, M52 etc, I presume this has something to do with the engine. And when I go on ebay I get asked compatability between two models 1996-2000 or 1995-2003, both of which are 2.8 convertibles. Mine is a 1999 2.8 so what is it.
Sorry if it's a dumb question but never been into BMW's before and I've looked through all my paperwork and still none the wiser.

Cheers Andy

[Brian H]

Keep seeing numbers like E34, M52 etc, I presume this has something to do with the engine. And when I go on ebay I get asked compatability between two models 1996-2000 or 1995-2003, both of which are 2.8 convertibles. Mine is a 1999 2.8 so what is it.
Sorry if it's a dumb question but never been into BMW's before and I've looked through all my paperwork and still none the wiser.

Cheers Andy

Not a dumb question Andy if you do not know

All BMWs have a model number, the first number you referred to is the model number, these are either E or F numbers. Z3s are E36/7, a list of all bmws is below.

E and F numbers

The second number you referred to was the engine type, I believe you will have a M52 engine in a 1999 2.8.

HTH

[Del]

Others will no doubt confirm but I believe you are driving an E36/7 fitted with a M52TU engine

[Jonco]

Further to other comments

Use this link http://www.bmwarchiv.de/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html and enter last 7 characters of your VIN to get your original spec.

For part numbers and diagrams enter your VIN into this link http://www.realoem.com/bmw/index.do

[Brian H]

Further to other comments

Use this link http://www.bmwarchiv.de/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html and enter last 7 characters of your VIN to get your original spec.

.....

I had forgotten about this site

http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html

English text version of the site

[gas guzzler]

Many thanks for the fast and informative replies. I hate being a newbie and not knowing stuff, I'm used to having at least some idea of what I'm doing. I'm working on my other car at the moment and with the front end stripped all the nuts and bolts piled in together but I'm sad enough to know where they all go without thinking about it

Cheers Andy

[Robert T]

Something else to bear in mind when looking for parts is that throughout the production of the Z3, the car evolved in a few significant areas. The biggest and most noticeable change was what is termed the facelift (or asslift by the slightly less kind-hearted) - this happened in 04/99 - cars built* before then had flatter rear panels - cars built after had bulges giving the appearance of "hips". A lot of other components changed on the cars at that time, including a lot of interior components, connectors and switching from ASC to DSC. There were also a couple of other changes - at some point around 09/98 the instrument cluster changed to a later version and on your car at some point the VANOS changes from single to double. The best way to find what part you need is to use either bmwfans.info or realoem.com and type in the last seven digits of your VIN - finding things takes some getting used to and there are a few mistakes, but generally you can find out which part you need, and if you get stuck, you can always ask on here.

I am similarly trying to get my other car back on the road - engine has just been rebuilt and is finally back in the car, but there is still stuff to do before I can use it again.

Cheers R.

* build date is on a sticker on one of the front suspension strut towers

[Bonzo]

I just think asslift is the most accurate way to describe it! Not meant to be derogatory at all old boy.

Cheers,

Bonzo.