Search found 2081 matches

by Mike Fishwick
Tue 30 Jan, 2024 13:33
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 with 328 headlights, hood, front fenders
Replies: 1
Views: 894

Re: Z3 with 328 headlights, hood, front fenders

I have seen it done, I think, by the factory.
by Mike Fishwick
Thu 24 Aug, 2023 07:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Warning Lights appear and disappear on restart?
Replies: 5
Views: 16271

Re: Warning Lights appear and disappear on restart?

I find this to be a common thing if the car has not been used for a while - particuarly with an oldish battery. I think that the Slip Control Module, which looks after ABS and ASR operation, is - as a safety system - very sensitive to battery voltage, so that after standing the warning lamps operate...
by Mike Fishwick
Tue 01 Aug, 2023 12:22
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Difficulty Engaging First?
Replies: 7
Views: 17182

Re: Difficulty Engaging First?

a late reply is better than none! Clutch drag is usually caused by the clutch hydraulic hose having softened with age, and slightly expanding under pressure, so starving the cylinder of fluid. a new hose would be a stop-gap measure, a cure being the fitting of a braided hose, available from Earls Pe...
by Mike Fishwick
Mon 31 Jul, 2023 09:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So So Sad
Replies: 15
Views: 18122

Re: So So Sad

My articles are a mixture of touring, technical, and book reviews, so perhaps some form of Knowledgebase sub-index would be handy.
by Mike Fishwick
Sun 30 Jul, 2023 17:39
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So So Sad
Replies: 15
Views: 18122

Re: So So Sad

My photos may have been deleted by Photobucket, but they are alive and well in my computer! I also have lots of illustrated articles written for the BMWCC, so if anyone fancies adding them to the Knowledgebase please let me know.
by Mike Fishwick
Wed 19 Jul, 2023 10:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So So Sad
Replies: 15
Views: 18122

Re: So So Sad

I think that the lack of traffic here is a sign of people's preference for Facebook, Twitter, and other social media groups. This first took place when internet forums such as this began to replace technical queries in club magazines, and now we are seeing forums being replaced by specialist groups ...
by Mike Fishwick
Tue 20 Jun, 2023 13:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: So So Sad
Replies: 15
Views: 18122

Re: So So Sad

It's not a problem which is peculiar to this forum - it is something common to most forums these days. I guess that today's owners are either shy of becoming involved with others, or prefer to 'meet' people on a Facebook group. If you are not a Facebook fan you are often left out. A typical example ...
by Mike Fishwick
Tue 18 Apr, 2023 17:31
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Are All Z3 Headlights The Same?
Replies: 4
Views: 16645

Re: Are All Z3 Headlights The Same?

There are aome small differences -

The original headlights of my 1998 2.8 had parking lights inside.

When I bought new LHD lights, I found that 2000-onwards (non-facelift) units did not have parking lamp provision, and also use H7 dip bulbs, rather than the earlier HB4 type.
by Mike Fishwick
Mon 13 Mar, 2023 12:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Viscous fan coming on almost instantly
Replies: 5
Views: 2400

Re: Viscous fan coming on almost instantly

Don't blame the viscous coupling - it is trying to tell you that it is past its sell-by date! You do not tell us how many miles your car has covered, ut 70,000 miles is an average life for a viscous coupling, after which it makes a lot of noise and can possibly break up, throwing a blade through the...
by Mike Fishwick
Sun 12 Jun, 2022 12:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Chrome gearshift surround
Replies: 3
Views: 2463

Re: Chrome gearshift surround

The window switches look to be in the same positions as on the older cars, so it may be worth a try - how much would you want? I have a friend visiting me from Penzance in a week or so, so postage woud not be a problem - let me know by a pm please.
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 11 Jun, 2022 09:37
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Chrome gearshift surround
Replies: 3
Views: 2463

Re: Chrome gearshift surround

I missed the boat when these were available - Does anyone know where a chrome surround can be found, for a pre-facelift model?
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 02 Apr, 2022 14:27
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Strong-strut - putting the feelers out.
Replies: 2
Views: 2520

Re: Strong-strut - putting the feelers out.

It would help if you told us the type of Strong Strut you have! We are not clairvoyant . . .

Is it a Butt Strut, Body Brace, or Strut Brace? If a strut brace, what type of finish does it have?
by Mike Fishwick
Tue 15 Mar, 2022 09:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Windscreen washers variable output?
Replies: 15
Views: 6148

Re: Windscreen washers variable output?

Try heating the pipes with a hair dryer - once they become soft they should pull off easily.
by Mike Fishwick
Fri 11 Mar, 2022 12:28
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Windscreen washers variable output?
Replies: 15
Views: 6148

Re: Windscreen washers variable output?

Take the nozzles off and leave them overnight in a solution of hot water and a dishwasher tablet. While this is going on, make sure that the pipes do not have non-return valves or filters fitted, and also check that the pump is delivering plenty of water when the pipes are partially covered with a f...
by Mike Fishwick
Wed 23 Feb, 2022 08:45
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Has to be Hyperwhite or HID
Replies: 7
Views: 4773

Re: Has to be Hyperwhite or HID

Do not just replace the dip bulbs, as although you use dipped beams more than the main beams, you may as well change all the headlamp bulbs, and enjoy decent lights, and carry the old bulbs as the spares you should carry anyway. With quota-hungry policemen a full set of bulbs is worth having. So man...
by Mike Fishwick
Tue 22 Feb, 2022 13:47
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Has to be Hyperwhite or HID
Replies: 7
Views: 4773

Re: Has to be Hyperwhite or HID

I presume thet by 'yellow' you men that the headlamps are no longer white. Assumint this is the case, the first step is to check the voltage at the filaments, or better still the voltage drop between the jump start connection behind the RH strut mount, and each of the filaments. Also check the volta...
by Mike Fishwick
Fri 03 Sep, 2021 12:59
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: workshop manual 2.0 litre
Replies: 3
Views: 1838

Re: workshop manual 2.0 litre

I doubt if such a thing exists! You could buy a Bentley manual, which is based on the pre-Sept 1998 M52-engined cars, there not being many real differences except for the double VANOS cam drives, inlet, and exhaust systems - but frankly I would not bother! Look at what you REALLY need, and buy theHa...
by Mike Fishwick
Wed 25 Aug, 2021 08:44
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: E10 Petrol
Replies: 1
Views: 1496

Re: E10 Petrol

The government would not tell us that many older cars will be disadvantaged by use of E10, would they? BMW have stated that all their post-1986 models will be 'satisfactory' on E10, in that they will start and run on it, but a loss of performance will occur. Alcohol is a good anti-knock additive, bu...
by Mike Fishwick
Thu 22 Jul, 2021 10:45
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: How to identify engine size
Replies: 2
Views: 1430

Re: How to identify engine size

In Europe at least, the 2.2 M54 engine uses an inlet manifold with 'figure of eight' shaped inlet branches, and catalytic converters mounted on the exhaust port ends of the headers. The 2 litre M52tu models use a manifold with smaller circular inlets, and cats mounted in the exhaust pipes under the ...
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 03 Jul, 2021 13:08
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Prices on the up
Replies: 9
Views: 5335

Crazy Money!

A friend recently had his 2 litre Ford-engined Morgan valued by a dealer for insurance purposes . . . at £35,000! Of course, it does have character-building features such as the Hood From Hell, a total lack of luggage space, sidescreens, and an enormous back-draught which will take one's hat off! Co...
by Mike Fishwick
Thu 01 Jul, 2021 14:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Headlight lenses
Replies: 3
Views: 3264

Re: Headlight lenses

You seem to be confused and confusing! The prismatic 'Lenses' are made of glass so willl not become scratched, whereas the headlamp covers are made of moulded polycarbonate and will become scratched if care is not taken when cleaning them. The covers will become milky if cleaned with any hydrocarbon...
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 26 Jun, 2021 12:24
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Lighting Failure
Replies: 3
Views: 1481

Re: Lighting Failure

You cannot fault-find on the internet! Make yourself a 21 watt test lamp and check the current tracks of the tail lamp unit for power. Then follow the side with no power until you find the answer . . .
by Mike Fishwick
Wed 16 Jun, 2021 07:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: matching a Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 with an Asymmetric 3 (front tyres)
Replies: 3
Views: 1526

Re: matching a Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 with an Asymmetric 3 (front tyres)

I had to throw away a little-used Falken FK-453 245-40 X 17 to get through a French MoT, as to mix tyre types in this way on the same axle is an MoT failure here - and maybe the UK too?
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 12 Jun, 2021 13:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 17" wheels
Replies: 5
Views: 1865

Re: 17" wheels

According to Real OEM the 1.9 takes the same 8.5 inch wheel as all the other Z3 models! PErhaps the brake drum section does not protrude as much?
by Mike Fishwick
Fri 11 Jun, 2021 10:51
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 17" wheels
Replies: 5
Views: 1865

Re: 17" wheels

Don't go for ridicuously wide rims - keep to the factory optional widths of seven and a half front with eight and a half inches rear with an IS dimension (offset) of 41 mm. A set of decent BMW wheels will be fine. Avoid any 'Diamond Cut' wheels like the plague, as the salet-laden roads of the UK wil...
by Mike Fishwick
Mon 07 Jun, 2021 07:11
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Vacuum on 2000 3.0i
Replies: 1
Views: 1175

Re: Vacuum on 2000 3.0i

I think the vacuum pipe going to the fuse box provides a signal proportional to throttle opening for the trip computer, to help calculate fuel consumption. Other pipes are for the DISA valve, air Injection control valve (if fitted) brake servo, and crankcase breather. All the pipes are there for a p...
by Mike Fishwick
Thu 03 Jun, 2021 16:59
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Boot won't open
Replies: 5
Views: 1752

Re: Boot won't open

Have a look at the Z3 Knowledge base - it contains a link to someone who has the answer.
by Mike Fishwick
Wed 02 Jun, 2021 14:05
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: German Z3 Treffen
Replies: 0
Views: 1635

German Z3 Treffen

There will be a gathering of German Z3 owners on 14 August (Covid permitting!) in the parking area of the Fahrstubchen Gernsheim restaurant. This is on the E back of the Rhine, W of Darmstadt, which is SW of Frankfurt. The restaurant is near the river bank, close to the ferry. For details see: https...
by Mike Fishwick
Mon 24 May, 2021 10:42
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Prices on the up
Replies: 9
Views: 5335

Re: Prices on the up

In a world where rubbish such as Morgans can fetch crazy money, £8 to £15k for a good 2.8 is excellent value - try to find an equivalent car for the money. Perhaps people are now realising that there will never be another small sports car with the attributes of a Z3! Some honest road tests, in magaz...
by Mike Fishwick
Tue 27 Apr, 2021 07:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: What parts do i need for engine swap
Replies: 3
Views: 1930

Re: What parts do i need for engine swap

Don't forget the gearbox too! Forget this project - it is one of those ideas which gain complexity and expense as they progress. It is possible, but not practicable for most budgets. Instead, have a good cylinder head job, with valve throats opened out, inlet manifold gas flowed and matched to the i...
by Mike Fishwick
Tue 13 Apr, 2021 08:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Rough Idle, Runs Rich, Overheats a little
Replies: 3
Views: 1981

Re: Rough Idle, Runs Rich, Overheats a little

An inlet air leak usually causes the EML lamp to come on, and a fault code indicating 'Lambda Voltage Implausable' due to the associated weak mixture. You do not tell us why you feel the engine is running rich - a rough idle can just as easily be caused by overheated spark plugs, the high coolant te...
by Mike Fishwick
Mon 05 Apr, 2021 10:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 strange fuel mix(?) issue
Replies: 4
Views: 1952

Re: Z3 strange fuel mix(?) issue

Try unplugging the MAF and see what happens.
by Mike Fishwick
Wed 17 Mar, 2021 21:49
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Driver side door handle not releasing door catch
Replies: 6
Views: 2496

Re: Driver side door handle not releasing door catch

Try leaning on the rear of the door, below the handle, and then pull the handle and see if the door opens. This will take the pressure of the door seals off the door catch, and may be the answer.

It is also a good idea to very lightly lubricate the door seals with silicone grease of even WD-40.
by Mike Fishwick
Thu 11 Mar, 2021 21:33
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Luggage rack fitting
Replies: 9
Views: 3113

Re: Luggage rack fitting

Do not use aerolastics to secure anything outside a car! They will stretch to accommodate aerodynamic and weight loadings, possibly allowing whatever they are securing to fall off! Always use the woven ratchet straps sold in hiking shops, which are inexpensive, can be secured properly, and do not be...
by Mike Fishwick
Thu 11 Mar, 2021 14:01
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: outside temp sensor and oil pressure or level light
Replies: 1
Views: 1467

Re: outside temp sensor and oil pressure or level light

The -40 reading is a sign of an open circuit (ie broken wire) in the wiring to the sensor, or a faulty sensor. You do not say if the sensor is new or used. Try unplugging the sensor and see what the reading is, then join the wires in the sensor plug together and see what happens. The orange oil ligh...
by Mike Fishwick
Fri 05 Mar, 2021 09:42
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Luggage rack fitting
Replies: 9
Views: 3113

Re: Luggage rack fitting

I would hate to drive with the massive blind spot a rack-mounted case will produce, particularly in Europe. We used to go away camping for a month without needing a luggage rack - just use the amount of space avaiable in a Z3 - such as seven loo rolls inside the front bumper, and towels inside the r...
by Mike Fishwick
Tue 02 Feb, 2021 14:41
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: whats the deal with these raid steering wheels?
Replies: 22
Views: 8813

Re: whats the deal with these raid steering wheels?

After about eight years I still enjoy my RAID steering wheel - even when the car is just sitting in the garage!

I wonder if there is another BMW group wheel which would fit, such as a MINI, or a modern Z4 - or perhaps an MX-5? A two-stage airbag should not be a problem to adapt.
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 14 Nov, 2020 14:35
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Head light bulb upgrades , any recommendations
Replies: 13
Views: 9549

Re: Head light bulb upgrades , any recommendations

'Strip the front end?' - you are dealing with an old design, so all it takes is to remove the air box and then follow your nose - and easy job. If you have a newer design like the Z4 then things are more involved, and a VW Golf handbook states that 'It is no longer possible to replace the headlamp b...
by Mike Fishwick
Mon 19 Oct, 2020 08:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 alarm module.
Replies: 6
Views: 2869

Re: Z3 alarm module.

Just use a piece of wire to reset the Service Indicator lights - the procedure is in the Knowledge base.
by Mike Fishwick
Thu 15 Oct, 2020 10:28
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Head light bulb upgrades , any recommendations
Replies: 13
Views: 9549

Re: Head light bulb upgrades , any recommendations

If you want bulbs which are in the top league by the best from either Osram or Philips. Other brands seem to have caught up with them (they probably re-badge Osram or Philips products) but charge more. I bet PIAA are in this category, as they do not make bulbs, and used to be notorious for producing...
by Mike Fishwick
Mon 12 Oct, 2020 14:10
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Replacement of rear sub frame bushes
Replies: 5
Views: 2738

Re: Replacement of rear sub frame bushes

You could try making some pieces of 100 mm sewer pipe to fit intothe spaces on each side of the bush - this can make a surprising difference. Also make sure that the crossmember is not touching the body or the stiffening backet.
by Mike Fishwick
Sat 15 Aug, 2020 07:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: I am considering selling :( Need advice
Replies: 8
Views: 4046

Re: I am considering selling :( Need advice

Condition is more important than goodies - particularly the underside, which really tells potential buyers how the car has been looked after. What do you mean by Factory Aerodynamic Kit? All the UK-market 3 litre cars had the 'Sports' equipment, which included a small spoiler lip befow the front apr...
by Mike Fishwick
Fri 14 Aug, 2020 09:33
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: I am considering selling :( Need advice
Replies: 8
Views: 4046

Re: I am considering selling :( Need advice

If you have space, keep it - a Z3 will never be worth less than it is now.
by Mike Fishwick
Sun 26 Jul, 2020 13:05
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine outline warning lamp?
Replies: 14
Views: 6561

Re: Engine outline warning lamp?

Yes - it could be caused by lots of things, but the most common causes are air leaks due to torn inlet bellows, and problems with the crankcase breather system hoses around the cyclone oil/air seperator. Try the simple things first.
by Mike Fishwick
Fri 24 Jul, 2020 18:54
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Emergency Spare Wheel
Replies: 10
Views: 3886

Re: Emergency Spare Wheel

I really cannot understand the reasoning for removing the spare - it does no harm, and can do a lot of good when it is needed. Even if your driving is local, you can still get a puncture. OK - the 'dead' wheel has to be carried in its plastic bag on the passenger's knees, but that is at least better...
by Mike Fishwick
Fri 24 Jul, 2020 13:03
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Emergency Spare Wheel
Replies: 10
Views: 3886

Re: Emergency Spare Wheel

When the day of judement arrives you will be grateful for the skinny spare! A tin of goo is not a long-lasting answer in comparison. I once had a rear tyre comprehensively wrecked just outside Boulogne on a Saturday morning. Trying to quickly get hold of a 245-40 X 17 tyre in France is not easy, and...
by Mike Fishwick
Wed 15 Jul, 2020 14:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Punctures
Replies: 5
Views: 1915

Re: Punctures

Remember that in France everything closes from Saturday lunchtime to Monday lunchtime! Mobile phone coverage can be very patchy in the countryside. It is worth carrying a good footpump in case of slow punctures, making sure that your tyres have lots of tread depth, and perhaps having the tytres trea...
by Mike Fishwick
Sun 12 Jul, 2020 12:23
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: 2.8 Z3; fitted with LSD?
Replies: 19
Views: 11304

Re: 2.8 Z3; fitted with LSD?

The short answer is 'Yes,' as UK-market cars were fitted with an LSD. Get a printout of your cars's build spec and see if it states 'Sperredifferential 25%.' This blanket description is actually meaningless, as from September 1998 (at least) the diff was of the Torsen type (TORque SENsing) which doe...
by Mike Fishwick
Wed 01 Jul, 2020 14:42
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Engine Mgt Light (2.2i)
Replies: 12
Views: 5452

Re: Engine Mgt Light (2.2i)

Hydrogen Sulphide (rotten eggs smell) is a sign of catalytic converter trouble, which in turn can be due to air leaks in the inlet system, or Lamda probe problems. Take the car to a decent specialist aqnd see what they find. Most dealers do not have a clue about older cars, and are only proficient a...
by Mike Fishwick
Tue 30 Jun, 2020 11:31
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Is it OK to jack under the differential?
Replies: 11
Views: 4106

Re: Is it OK to jack under the differential?

For a reliable and safe means of supporting the car, why not use the ends of the cross-member, below its rubber mounts?