Dave'z3...'s Damage report/progress - The story so far

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Dave'z3
Joined: Sun 27 Feb, 2011 23:04
Posts: 258

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: London
Contact:

Dave'z3...'s Damage report/progress - The story so far

Post by Dave'z3 »

Hey all,

Been meaning to do this for a while, and I've said many times before, "I feel I should warn you...it's a long one!" (Bitta blue for the dads!)

The z3 was one of my more realistic dream cars from a pretty young age, I had first seen it in Goldeneye. As I was a massive Bond fan I wanted an Aston Martin...which still hasn't been moved off the list! Being 24 and not having the surname Rothschild it's going to be a dream car for a while yet.

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Anyway, so I bought my 2.0 Titanium Silver z3 roadster on 09/04/11 and was ecstatic with it. From the first 2000-3000rpm deep note I was in love (much to the rolling eyed frustration of the girlfriend).

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(Me, the Mrs and my baby are 2nd in from the left)

I wasted no time in meeting some fellow forum members as on 10/04/11 was my first cruise (Organised brilliantly by Ron and Gail - Ragtop). I was immediately hooked to cruising around with like minded people with equally exquisite taste in cars! I managed to clock up 400 miles in 1 and a half days...

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I had wanted to take some decent photos of my pride and joy since I bought it. So a mate and I took a ride out to Docklands for a photo shoot, and the photos were really well received (photo thread in my signature), which left me brimming with pride.

After owning the car for a few months I was devastated (along with my engine) by an exploding piston rod. Here are photos of the damage:

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As you can see, it blew out both sides of my engine...

A friend of mine recommended Total engine and gearboxes in East London, who did an amazing job on putting in the new engine and clutch. I went for a 2.2i to be put back in as if I had to pay the money out I wanted something better than what I started with. To say I was happy with the result would be an understatement, it's faster, picks up better at lower revs and don't even start me on the sound! There was a ban on the radio for the first week and a bit so I could listen to the purrr.

Next I had my first go at auto DIY when I fixed the central locking on the passengers side door. I managed to pick up a new locking mechanism complete for £30 and after following a REALLY useful guide on here managed to fix it.

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After my success with the locking system, I decided to remove the 2.0 emblem:

Tools needed:
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Hairdryer, dental floss, teacut/polish.

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Step 1: Gently heat the emblem to soften the adhesive.
Step 2: Get the dental floss behind the emblem with a sawing motion at the base of the emblem, then continue heating and sawing till you make your way all the way through.

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Step 3: You'll be left with this, which is essentially dirt and adhesive. Just keep gently polishing it away till you get a clean back end ;)

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A few days later I took another knock and this time literally! I pulled up in a Sainsburys car park to help a guy I could see was having trouble getting his car into reverse. I parked up next to him and jumped out to push him out his parking space so he could drive home and then get it sorted out. He proceeded to swing his door wide open while I was pushing and put a huge crease in the rear passengers wing of my car. I took down his name and phone number, then took a photo of his numberplate with my phone, which was lucky as he proceeded to dump his phone. Fortunately he was insured with the same company and even though they never managed to get into contact with him, they went in my favour as I wasn't even in my car. I got the work done locally by a garage that I was again recommended, and it was absolutely flawless (will get the before and after photos up).

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(I noticed that they aren't level from this photo and have straightened them up now)

I had been wanting to do a mod that improved the look of my car and wasn't just a repair job. As luck would have it the set of exhaust tips that I had been eyeing up for some time became available! GazHyde has recently upgraded his exhaust system, and the first thing I did after congratulating him was ask to buy them off him! Today I received and fitted the exhaust tips, I'm really happy with the improvement to my back end! They make the exhaust look how it sounds (hope that makes sense). I had the stock black tips, which didn't really do anything for me.

I still have a pretty long list of things I want to do, but I've just started my own graphic design company so they'll have to wait now :(

If you've manage to stick with it till here - Congratulations and thanks are in order!

Also a MASSIVE thank you for everyone who has given me advice/support though the times where I was tempted to give up on my dream car! Really meant a lot!

Regards,

Dave
Factor 30? Check! Keys? Check! Grin? Check!

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Progress/Damage report: http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... 784#310784
Photo thread: http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... highlight=
Sorry if this is cheeky, but Business venture: http://www.fixtechsolutions.com
spurs fan in a coupe
Joined: Fri 18 Apr, 2008 19:24
Posts: 1446

  Z3 coupe 2.8
Location: woking

Post by spurs fan in a coupe »

Glad you're still loving it Dave.

Good times

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except the various Prius stalemates

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we expres: " He did hear the bells ringing, but doesnt know where where the clapper hangs".
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Dave'z3
Joined: Sun 27 Feb, 2011 23:04
Posts: 258

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: London
Contact:

Post by Dave'z3 »

Cheers Andy, was a great cruise...even though sometimes I could only hear you :P your zed's a beast! Mind you I'll have more chance now I've got a whole .2 of a litre more! :D
Factor 30? Check! Keys? Check! Grin? Check!

Image
Progress/Damage report: http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... 784#310784
Photo thread: http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... highlight=
Sorry if this is cheeky, but Business venture: http://www.fixtechsolutions.com
spurs fan in a coupe
Joined: Fri 18 Apr, 2008 19:24
Posts: 1446

  Z3 coupe 2.8
Location: woking

Post by spurs fan in a coupe »

Bring it on!

:)
we expres: " He did hear the bells ringing, but doesnt know where where the clapper hangs".
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Ragtop
Joined: Sun 26 Jul, 2009 20:38
Posts: 790

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Bexhill on Sea

Post by Ragtop »

Hi Dave hope you and Maria are well. Thanks for your kind words re-cruise. Yes we did have a lovely day on the cruise, the weather was perfect. :sunny :drive

Good to see you still have the same passion for your Zed as you did in April.

I will let you know if I do another cruise next April. :drive

Good luck with your new venture. :thumb:
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stevenb
Joined: Fri 21 Oct, 2011 16:57
Posts: 80

  Not specified
Location: Dunstable

Post by stevenb »

Sounds like your really enjoying the car there Dave.

I'll have to com along on a cruise when I get the Z in the Spring.
:)
My Toyota MR2 is up for sale £2650 ovno Pics/details available
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Hard Top
Joined: Sun 17 Jan, 2010 23:16
Posts: 1239

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Netherlands

Post by Hard Top »

That made for a good read Dave.

:thumb:
HT

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Titan's apprentice. :D
Titan wrote:Occupations ?
Official Devil's Advocate :devil:
Leg Puller
Micky Taker
http://www.lde.nu/index.htm
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Badman gee
Joined: Sun 14 Nov, 2010 10:45
Posts: 2299

  M roadster S50

Post by Badman gee »

good to see that passion dave, your heart is in it like mine.

get over and meet the east anglia crew mate.

:D
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The 'BEAST' 666
J1SUA
Joined: Tue 01 Feb, 2011 20:19
Posts: 234

  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Post by J1SUA »

Very nice pal.
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Z3 1.9 | 17" ACS Style 2s refurbed in grey/silver | Debadged | New Rear Window | Retro fitted Fog lights | HID kit | Clarion slim sub | Clear side indicators | Colour coded handles | Halo Front lights | Hardtop | Winter 15" Style 27s on Vredestein Wintrax
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GazHyde
Joined: Fri 26 Feb, 2010 21:27
Posts: 1347

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Royal Wootton Bassett

Post by GazHyde »

I love your enthusiasm Dave. Still in love with your Zed despite a rocky start to the relationship :D

Oh, and I've installed my new banner :thumb:
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Jonttt
Z Register member
Joined: Sun 28 Dec, 2008 16:32
Posts: 6554

  M roadster S54
Location: Liverpool

Post by Jonttt »

Nice one Dave, its what the forums all about, thanks for sharing your experience :wink:
Happiness is not around the corner........happiness is the corner
Image Video or Journal Garage: 2015 FFRR Black Edition, Porsche Boxster GTS, 1997 Porsche Carrara C4S, Ex 2001 BMW S54 Z3m Roadster
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Dave'z3
Joined: Sun 27 Feb, 2011 23:04
Posts: 258

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: London
Contact:

Post by Dave'z3 »

Ragtop - They weren't just kind words, it was the truth! Great route and the only thing that was based on luck was the weather...

Look forwards to seeing you next year!

stevenb - I've always wanted a convertible. I've always known that I'd be the kind of convertible driver that'd be able to make good use of them in this country (the Mrs just commented that it was an understatement). Had the roof down at 1am this morning...

Hard Top - Thanks buddy, not really a writer...

Badman gee - There's a very fine line between passion and obsession...I think my heart is a bit too "in it" sometimes! When my zed was ill, I got ill with stress :P

I'd definitely be up for a road trip up to meet you guys next year!

J1SUA - Thanks mate, and congrats on your 3 getting in the mag!

GazHyde - Thanks Garry, finally managed to get my first bought mod to improve the look of the car (thanks to you).

Glad you like the Sig banner, yours it the 3rd I've done in this post so far! :D


Jonttt - Thank you! Your car is absolutely phenomenal, I also envy you for your Italian stallion!

Thanks all,

Dave
Factor 30? Check! Keys? Check! Grin? Check!

Image
Progress/Damage report: http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... 784#310784
Photo thread: http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... highlight=
Sorry if this is cheeky, but Business venture: http://www.fixtechsolutions.com
Z3cade
Joined: Sat 09 Jan, 2010 18:18
Posts: 2634

  M roadster S50
Location: Peterborough

Post by Z3cade »

Wow Dave... im so glad your still in love with your zed.. i think most of us would have been very blue after what happened... but hats off to you for keeping your zed alive and improved!! ( the 2.2 sounds gorgeous )
These cars are amazing and i cant wait to get the next one..
Shame you didnt get to see my 2.8 but i`ll let you look at the next one! when i find it :wink: .......

Keep on zedding Dave :drive

Liam

PS: if you want a gorgeous set of 18s for yours give me a shout :D
///M Roadster - Evolve Stage 3
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Dave'z3
Joined: Sun 27 Feb, 2011 23:04
Posts: 258

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: London
Contact:

Post by Dave'z3 »

Cheers Liam,

Even very blue is an understatement (I'm the one on the right)!
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I don't really give up on things and this has been one of my dream cars! Add to that the fact that I've wanted a convertible for YEARS but couldn't get one after the loss of my Dad a few years ago as I became "The man of the house" and so had to make sure everyone was taken where they needed to be...but enough of the X factor sob story!

Look forwards to seeing the subtly tasteful (and very similar mods to what I would do) changes you bring to your eventual chariot!

I would take your hands off for those rims! They suit the car perfectly (IMO) and are only a couple of months old!! Going to be a great investment for someone - just hope someone on the forum snaps them up!

Regards,

Dave
Factor 30? Check! Keys? Check! Grin? Check!

Image
Progress/Damage report: http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... 784#310784
Photo thread: http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... highlight=
Sorry if this is cheeky, but Business venture: http://www.fixtechsolutions.com
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