Search found 6390 matches

by Southernboy
Sun 31 Jul, 2016 06:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Better handling- where to start?
Replies: 29
Views: 6930

Re: Better handling- where to start?

First off, check the condition of all 4 shocks, then front strut brace in the engine bay will help lots on the cornering feel. If your concern is lateral stability at higher speed, perhaps you should have the wheel alignment checked at a reputable outlet. Also, do a thorough under car check of all t...
by Southernboy
Sun 31 Jul, 2016 06:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Whine when wheels on full lock?
Replies: 3
Views: 1040

Re: Whine when wheels on full lock?

Generally it's an indication of low fluid level in the PS reservoir which is starving the pump for fluid. Alternately the pump itself is in need of a service. Also, check for leaks in the system hoses. As a general guide, the PS pump does have a tendency to whine at full lock because it's still tryi...
by Southernboy
Sat 30 Jul, 2016 06:19
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Ebay - Lovely blue extended leather dash/console £200
Replies: 2
Views: 1669

Re: Ebay - Lovely blue extended leather dash/console £200

Anyone with a blue Z3M should buy and store it... It'll be like hen's teeth in a few years, and with the fairly common issue of the leather lifting, this would be a handy part to have as a replacement... actually cheap at the price, and the console section can be sold off to recover some of the purc...
by Southernboy
Sat 30 Jul, 2016 06:13
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Door Removal
Replies: 4
Views: 1137

Re: Door Removal

If you don't have an assistant, I'd recommend having a hydraulic jack with a pad of cloth on top to support the door from below to prevent it falling when the hinges are removed. If you use some water based paint to mark the hinge positions for re-fitting, that will simplify matters too. http://i119...
by Southernboy
Sat 30 Jul, 2016 06:05
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: One of two in SA
Replies: 3
Views: 1451

Re: One of two in SA

No idea what a Dev vehicle is - perhaps I'll call my local BMW agent and ask...
by Southernboy
Fri 29 Jul, 2016 13:06
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: One of two in SA
Replies: 3
Views: 1451

One of two in SA

Here's an Titan silver Z3 M for sale in Jhb - first time I've ever seen one come up for sale - not surprising if there's only two in SA.... £26400 (aprox).... only 24,500 miles.... and bing an SA car, and in Johannesburg, it's 100% rust free... and it's the S54 version. Pity it's out of reach for me...
by Southernboy
Thu 28 Jul, 2016 05:48
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: M52 vs M54 vs N52
Replies: 14
Views: 8584

Re: M52 vs M54

Some basic info... It would seem the 2.2 block will not accommodate the longer stroke of a 2.8 (75mm vs 84mm)

Image
by Southernboy
Thu 28 Jul, 2016 05:42
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.2 rebuild journal - The Terd-Mobile
Replies: 95
Views: 23640

Re: Z3 2.2 rebuild journal - The Terd-Mobile

Thoroughly well done and thoroughly enjoyed following the re-build. :cheers
by Southernboy
Wed 27 Jul, 2016 12:07
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Just about to push the button
Replies: 20
Views: 2961

Re: Just about to push the button

Welcome Mac !
What can go wrong.... nothing - but you'll be caught with the Z3 flu.... say goodbye to your relaxing lifestyle and get ready to fall in love all over again... :wink:
by Southernboy
Tue 26 Jul, 2016 11:53
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.2 journal ft engine replacement - 'Okus'
Replies: 13
Views: 17495

Re: Z3 2.2 journal ft engine replacement - 'Okus'

I think you'll find it's OK. The pistons will lock up in their barrels long before the head is damaged. As you can imagine, the heat inside the pots will rapidly increase without oil to lube the movement of the pistons, and they will lock up. Check the water content in the block (if any) - if there'...
by Southernboy
Tue 26 Jul, 2016 11:26
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.2 journal ft engine replacement - 'Okus'
Replies: 13
Views: 17495

Re: Z3 2.2 journal ft engine replacement - 'Okus'

Most valuable part of the entire engine is the cylinder head... if you clean it up well and re-seat the valves you'll get a tidy sum for it complete with cams etc.. :wink:
by Southernboy
Sat 23 Jul, 2016 06:28
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: gearbox and diff oil change
Replies: 9
Views: 2517

Re: gearbox and diff oil change

If you look through my post, you will find a very simply gravity feed method of doing the gearbox oil change...really simple and easy. The diff is another matter, but using the same equipment as I described for the gearbox, it's easy enough to do using gravity, and won't cost you £40 labour.. :wink:...
by Southernboy
Fri 22 Jul, 2016 09:46
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: clear side marker indicators on front wing
Replies: 5
Views: 1328

Re: clear side marker indicators on front wing

The side markers are a complete unit with a socket for the bulb to fit into. It simply clips into position in the hole of the body panel. If you push your existing one forwards ( or maybe backwards - don't recall) and lift the other end out the hole, you will see the wires with the bulb attached whi...
by Southernboy
Thu 21 Jul, 2016 06:38
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Viscous fan
Replies: 3
Views: 1315

Re: Viscous fan

Important to know - the center bolt is a "left hand thread" - ie it loosens in the opposite direction to the "standard" screw on / off bolts. If you use a large spanner, a sharp smack with a hammer on the left side of the spanner (left side of spanner towards the right is the dir...
by Southernboy
Wed 20 Jul, 2016 07:30
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Under bonnet checks before taking to the road?
Replies: 2
Views: 660

Re: Under bonnet checks before taking to the road?

Other than fluids , hoses and fuses, tyre pressures, brakes, indicator / lights, hooters, wipers and all the other basics, there's not much else to cover. I assume you've pulled the plugs and checked they're all clean and functional.
by Southernboy
Mon 18 Jul, 2016 06:12
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.2 rebuild journal - The Terd-Mobile
Replies: 95
Views: 23640

Re: Z3 2.2 rebuild journal - The Terd-Mobile

Congrats !! I've been enjoying your account. Look forward to seeing pics of the final assembled car... :cheers
by Southernboy
Thu 14 Jul, 2016 06:03
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: M54 Engine Oil
Replies: 4
Views: 1740

Re: M54 Engine Oil

Well done with the research and testing ! This has been a recurrent query on this and other forums regarding the M54 engine. Oddly the M52 motor never had this issue and even with well over 230,000 kms didn't ever use a drop of oil. One has to ask what the difference is in the materials used in the ...
by Southernboy
Wed 13 Jul, 2016 06:09
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Cost to replace clutch
Replies: 21
Views: 10190

Re: Cost to replace clutch

I bought all the parts myself and paid my mech labour only - total was £300 in your money. All LUK parts and 300ml clutch fluid. Considering the removal / replacement procedure (remove and replace heat shields, exhaust, prop shaft and gearbox) I considered it a "great price". I replaced cl...
by Southernboy
Wed 13 Jul, 2016 05:58
Forum: Performance
Topic: DID YOU KNOW....diff noise revelation!!!
Replies: 16
Views: 10888

Re: DID YOU KNOW....diff noise revelation!!!

If it's a "hum or whine" consider it common and perhaps even normal. The diff oil in these cars is classified as "lifetime". It begs the question if it's the lifetime of the oil, the diff or the driver... If it has never been changed since factory, I would say it would likely be ...
by Southernboy
Tue 12 Jul, 2016 16:29
Forum: Performance
Topic: DID YOU KNOW....diff noise revelation!!!
Replies: 16
Views: 10888

Re: DID YOU KNOW....diff noise revelation!!!

I would say you need to use a high density foam with properties which will not succumb to damp or absorb it in any way. The Den Braven products are excellent. If you google Den Braven, and have a look through the many options they market, you will find the right / best stuff. Oddly, it's recommended...
by Southernboy
Sun 10 Jul, 2016 10:11
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.2 rebuild journal - The Terd-Mobile
Replies: 95
Views: 23640

Re: Z3 2.2 rebuild journal - The Terd-Mobile

Sounds like a good product. Perhaps put some on one side only and then check the condition of the rubber and the slider in a week after some driving ??
by Southernboy
Sun 10 Jul, 2016 06:57
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Z3 2.2 rebuild journal - The Terd-Mobile
Replies: 95
Views: 23640

Re: Z3 2.2 rebuild journal - The Terd-Mobile

I think the reasoning behind the "no lube on the sliders" is to eliminate the opportunity of brake dust and general road grit from getting stuck into the lube and making a decent grinding paste out of it which would act as a wearing medium to the plastic and other parts.
by Southernboy
Sun 10 Jul, 2016 06:44
Forum: Let's talk
Topic: Traffic light tip
Replies: 7
Views: 5532

Re: Traffic light tip

...... I think autonomous drive cars are secretly financed by the traffic departments... the idea is to equally frustrate everybody once they become the norm in all the cities.... you do know there will be a total ban on non autonomous cars inside cities and likely on motorways too. That'll push up ...
by Southernboy
Sat 09 Jul, 2016 07:04
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: Z Front Bonnet grill
Replies: 4
Views: 4241

Re: Z Front Bonnet grill

Fortunately the air intake below didn't fall asleep too... :wink:
by Southernboy
Fri 08 Jul, 2016 06:04
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Removal of inner wing
Replies: 5
Views: 1035

Re: Removal of inner wing

I would ask Andy / Spusrs fan ... he has stripped enough Z3's to provide a qualified answer... :wink:
by Southernboy
Fri 08 Jul, 2016 06:01
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: Z Front Bonnet grill
Replies: 4
Views: 4241

Z Front Bonnet grill

Anyone seen one of these ??

Image
by Southernboy
Thu 07 Jul, 2016 10:47
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: For sale!!! Z3 3.0i. How much???
Replies: 8
Views: 1926

Re: For sale!!! Z3 3.0i. How much???

Living in South Africa, I have to say "black is beautiful".... :D Black cars are way more desirable than any other colour other than possibly red and silver, plus at 116k miles, it's still a low mileage for a Z3. Perhaps £8K is optimistic, but if it's in pristine condition,(no rust spots o...
by Southernboy
Thu 07 Jul, 2016 06:08
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3m rear view mirror wanted
Replies: 15
Views: 4102

Re: Z3m rear view mirror wanted

Same mount as I recall... I know it wasn't a problem to fit it when I did mine.
by Southernboy
Thu 07 Jul, 2016 06:04
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: For sale!!! Z3 3.0i. How much???
Replies: 8
Views: 1926

Re: For sale!!! Z3 3.0i. How much???

I would suggest you do an honest appraisal of the condition of the car - exterior / paint/body/tyres etc. and the interior condition too... leather scuffing, trim fit, carpets etc etc. And the engine bay. General mechanical condition of brake discs & calipers, exhaust and suspension. If you're s...
by Southernboy
Wed 06 Jul, 2016 11:08
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Limited Slip Diff Observation
Replies: 19
Views: 5471

Re: Limited Slip Diff Observation

http://websworld.org/marcel/ta23/diff.html

Click the link and read... :wink:
by Southernboy
Tue 05 Jul, 2016 10:11
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Limited Slip Diff Observation
Replies: 19
Views: 5471

Re: Limited Slip Diff Observation

How sure are you your's is an LSD diff ? There should be an"S" marked on the diff at the back which denotes LSD.
by Southernboy
Sun 03 Jul, 2016 13:14
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: E46 steering wheel
Replies: 13
Views: 2749

Re: E46 steering wheel

The steering wheel is standard Z3.. My car is a 2001 / 3.0.
The red colour trim on it is leather which I stuck onto the top cover.
by Southernboy
Sun 03 Jul, 2016 09:32
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: E46 steering wheel
Replies: 13
Views: 2749

Re: E46 steering wheel

Standard early Z3 wheel -circa 1996/7
by Southernboy
Sun 03 Jul, 2016 09:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: E46 steering wheel
Replies: 13
Views: 2749

Re: E46 steering wheel

You're referring to this wheel then..
Image
by Southernboy
Sun 03 Jul, 2016 08:13
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: E46 steering wheel
Replies: 13
Views: 2749

Re: E46 steering wheel

All the Z3's have a similar slip ring. A singe or dual stage airbag is irrelevant - the wiring for the airbag(s) is part of the slip ring. You will just need the preferred Z3 steering wheel and your original slip ring. It is easily removable from your original wheel. (3 small screws). I assume you'r...
by Southernboy
Sun 03 Jul, 2016 08:07
Forum: Boyz Toyz
Topic: brushed aluminium console - fitting
Replies: 16
Views: 9748

Re: brushed aluminium console - fitting

Plastidip is available in a spray can... RUSTOLEUM do a good product... :wink:
by Southernboy
Sun 03 Jul, 2016 08:03
Forum: The Beauty Parlour
Topic: Anybody seen a bra up close?
Replies: 15
Views: 8227

Re: Anybody seen a bra up close?

RUSTOLEUM do a spray on clear coat specifically for stone chips. It's a "peel off" product afetr use. ie. when it starts looking a little "worn" you can simply peel it of and re-spray the area you want protected. RUSTOLEUM advertise it for trucks on the can.... Probably works lik...
by Southernboy
Tue 28 Jun, 2016 14:21
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Tanin Red Leather (Q2TD)
Replies: 12
Views: 2442

Re: Tanin Red Leather (Q2TD)

I have since sent him a PM... If he's still active, he's sure to reply, and I'll let you know the outcome.
by Southernboy
Tue 28 Jun, 2016 13:55
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Tanin Red Leather (Q2TD)
Replies: 12
Views: 2442

Re: Tanin Red Leather (Q2TD)

I found the guy in Italy... His forum name is:- "resunoiz" Try finding him in the members listing, and send him a PM... good luck... :wink:
by Southernboy
Mon 27 Jun, 2016 15:45
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Tanin Red Leather (Q2TD)
Replies: 12
Views: 2442

Re: Tanin Red Leather (Q2TD)

Perhaps try trawling through the stock exchange section - you may get lucky finding the last posts on the subject. I'll let you know if I come across anything.
by Southernboy
Mon 27 Jun, 2016 13:25
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Tanin Red Leather (Q2TD)
Replies: 12
Views: 2442

Re: Tanin Red Leather (Q2TD)

Hahaha... a few months back, someone was asking if anyone wanted his tannin red seats.... as I recall there were no takers. I even suggested he strip the leather covers off and save the leather because it like rocking horse s--t. You may get lucky though - perhaps there's a couple of people here who...
by Southernboy
Mon 27 Jun, 2016 06:21
Forum: New to zroadster.net?
Topic: Hi from New Zealand,
Replies: 4
Views: 5246

Re: Hi from New Zealand,

Hi Tony and welcome to the forum. There's a couple of down under types lurking here, so you'll likely hear from them soon enough too.. :wave
by Southernboy
Mon 27 Jun, 2016 05:56
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: engine bay pics 1.9 ?
Replies: 5
Views: 5227

Re: engine bay pics 1.9 ?

Wire wool and non caustic domestic oven cleaner.... which if you remove the cover, will also clean the inside of the cover of the brown hot engine oil residue. Just warm the motor and follow the instructions on the oven cleaner can... use a decent jet of water to thoroughly rinse it all away afterwa...
by Southernboy
Sun 26 Jun, 2016 15:29
Forum: Stock exchange
Topic: Z3 fuel level sensor card (faulty fuel gauge fix) [sold]
Replies: 4
Views: 3012

Re: Z3 fuel level sensor card (faulty fuel gauge fix)

The tank needs to be as empty as possible to avoid fuel spilling into the car when you open up. Once it's in the carpet, you'll never get rid of the smell.
by Southernboy
Sun 26 Jun, 2016 11:20
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Front bumper marker lights.
Replies: 10
Views: 2172

Re: Front bumper marker lights.

You're likely right about that - I guess we don't really need them here in South Africa... :sunny
by Southernboy
Sun 26 Jun, 2016 10:31
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Front bumper marker lights.
Replies: 10
Views: 2172

Re: Front bumper marker lights.

TBH I don't recall if it did have headlight sidelights... I changed the OEM units for the aftermarket angel eye / projector lens headlight many years ago. I do know that when I retro fitted the cruie control the wiring was already in place under the bonnet. There were also some "spare" wir...
by Southernboy
Sun 26 Jun, 2016 10:17
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Front bumper marker lights.
Replies: 10
Views: 2172

Re: Front bumper marker lights.

my pre-facelift 2.8 had the bumper side light fitted, so I can't imagine why any pre-facelift should be different.
by Southernboy
Sun 26 Jun, 2016 06:43
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: How much further out?
Replies: 5
Views: 1214

Re: How much further out?

ah... apology.... You need someone with the same model to do the measurement for you then... Maybe send Andy (Spurs Fan) a PM... or "Mrscalex" - I think he's re-building a 1.9 at the moment. Here's a handy video explaining how to calculate the ET yourself if you're interested.. https://www...
by Southernboy
Sun 26 Jun, 2016 05:57
Forum: New to zroadster.net?
Topic: Hello all, 1st time Z3 owner
Replies: 37
Views: 14025

Re: Hello all, 1st time Z3 owner

You must be a happy daddy now you can show it off... :wink:
by Southernboy
Sun 26 Jun, 2016 05:52
Forum: Z3 roadster
Topic: Front bumper marker lights.
Replies: 10
Views: 2172

Re: Front bumper marker lights.

It's fairly certain the wiring will be there - doesn't make sense to make a variety of wiring harnesses on a production line with such a minor difference. It may be folded up and tied to somewhere in the general area or behind the wheel arch liner. If not, you can consider running wires from the hea...