Z3 Power.

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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nang
Joined: Sat 25 Jun, 2016 03:27
Posts: 51

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Z3 Power.

Post by nang »

Only my 2nd month owning 2.8 Z3. It seems underpowered to me or am I not driving the auto correctly ? Slowing down then accelerating it seems to drop revs to 1000. Should I be changing down , flooring the accelerator or what ? Gears change smoothly. I'm well used to automatics but this one seems strange.
Thanks
Tony.
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lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Z3 Power.

Post by lightning »

If you floor the accelerator the transmission should change down into the lowest available gear depending on your speed.
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BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
Posts: 2225

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Z3 Power.

Post by BladeRunner919 »

If it's bogging down when you press the accelerator then that's suggestive of a problem, perhaps a leak of unmetered air.
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Z3 Power.

Post by Del »

Are you describing a mechanical/gear symptom? If so, a transmission fluid change might well help - tends to get neglected on these cars.
NZ00Z3
Joined: Thu 23 Jun, 2016 01:26
Posts: 95

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Z3 Power.

Post by NZ00Z3 »

Hi Nang

Greetings from the Deep South.

What year is your car? Maybe a better question is do you know the engine model you have? If not, put the last 7 digits of your VIN code into the link below. It will tell you a lot about your car.

http://www.bmwvin.com/

If you have a M52TUB28 duel VANOS engine, then I would suggest you find out about getting the VANOS seals replaced. These control the variable valve timing in this model of engine and the seals wear out. Just did this in a 2.0L Z3 (M52TUB20 engine) and solved the bogged down low speed performance.

Note that the M52B28 engine has single VANOS and is an on/off type of control at about 3,000 rpm and would not give you the symptoms you are talking about.

Regards

Muzz
nang
Joined: Sat 25 Jun, 2016 03:27
Posts: 51

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Z3 Power.

Post by nang »

Engine shows as M52/TU. Does this mean anything?
Doesn't seem mechanical as all changes are smooth, just seem to bog down as you said.
Thanks Tony.
NZ00Z3
Joined: Thu 23 Jun, 2016 01:26
Posts: 95

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Z3 Power.

Post by NZ00Z3 »

Research the replacement of the VANOS seals. Start at this link.

http://www.beisansystems.com/

There are DIY procedures also. As you are a retired fitter and turner, you'll likely have the skills and tools to do the job yourself.

An alternative source of parts from a quick E-Bay search include:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-5-SERIES-E3 ... l8&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-DUAL-Stage- ... hq&vxp=mtr
ladders
Joined: Thu 20 Nov, 2014 18:05
Posts: 23

  blank

Re: Z3 Power.

Post by ladders »

Hi Tony, before you go pulling your engine apart, do a search for kickdown.
Cheers
Ladders
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BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
Posts: 2225

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Z3 Power.

Post by BladeRunner919 »

Kickdown will have the opposite effect, as the revs will suddenly jump as the 'box changes down.
nang
Joined: Sat 25 Jun, 2016 03:27
Posts: 51

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Z3 Power.

Post by nang »

ladders wrote:Hi Tony, before you go pulling your engine apart, do a search for kickdown.
Cheers
Ladders
Thanks but pretty sure kickdown is not the problem. I'll speak to my Welsh mechanic and see what he thinks. I think you may be right Muzz.
Tony.
nang
Joined: Sat 25 Jun, 2016 03:27
Posts: 51

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Z3 Power.

Post by nang »

Have ordered a kit from the States. Will report back. :P
Tony.
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lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Z3 Power.

Post by lightning »

I'm having the same issue with my 3.0 it runs fine but is just not delivering the performance l'd expect. However l don't fancy doing the Vanos rebuild myself, l'll be interested to see how you get on with it.
alec.m
Joined: Tue 05 Oct, 2010 19:01
Posts: 552

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Lymington

Re: Z3 Power.

Post by alec.m »

I would get the codes read first to see if there`s anything showing up. Sensors etc.
Vanos repair seems quite a simple job especially if you get a second hand one to repair at your leisure. Read this post ...
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=41861&p=388112&hili ... ld#p388112
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lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Z3 Power.

Post by lightning »

So the Vanos guy wants £700 to come out and overhaul it.

That's not happening......l will get the kit and repair it myself before l pay that. Seems likely that it's just the 0-rings and l can check the solenoids as well.
NZ00Z3
Joined: Thu 23 Jun, 2016 01:26
Posts: 95

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Z3 Power.

Post by NZ00Z3 »

Also consider the anti rattle rings. If you do them, take particular attention to remove as much play as possible while still allowing the piston to turn freely.
nang
Joined: Sat 25 Jun, 2016 03:27
Posts: 51

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Z3 Power.

Post by nang »

Thanks, watched the video on rattles. Something else to consider. :shock:
Tony.
nang
Joined: Sat 25 Jun, 2016 03:27
Posts: 51

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Z3 Power.

Post by nang »

So ,sounds like the problem is me :shock:
Finally had some fine weather and our mechanic had time to go for a run. Apart from repairing diesel trucks and buses he's a bit of a guru with BMW's. He tells me I'm too gentle with it :P and to use the accelerator pedal more .
Car started first time today after 2 months sitting in the shed.
I'll now drive it according to instructions and see how it goes.
Tony.
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