New and help needed with Z3 please

[Justine]

Hello,

I'm a newbie so please excuse my ignorance. I have only ever had a new BMW mini, BMW one series and new Audi A3 so having a 'vintage' car is new to me.

So, today I purchased a lovely 2000 Z3. Leather seats, grey and fabric roof. It's in good condition, it's done 86,000 miles and has part service history. It had a service around 7,000 miles ago but I want to service it for peace of mind and also the engine management light has come on. Needs a new tail light as plastic has a hole in (already ordered a new one).

What I would like to know is, is there anything else I could do to preserve this lovely car and also can anyone help me with the roof. I have learnt how to put it down but do I need to do anything once it's down as the little metal hooks are exposed etc.

Also, does anyone know what the thing is in between the passenger and driver behind the seats. There seems to be a gap with very thin wires exposed.

Thank you : )

 

[Justine]

Here she is

 

[GazHyde]

Hi Justine,

First of all welcome to zroadster.org, and secondly welcome to the joys of Z3 ownership.

I'm sure we can answer all your questions for you. When the roof is down you don't need to cover the hooks. You can buy a tonneau cover which covers the whole area, but you will need to scour ebay for one. I'm sure someone will post a picture to show you what I mean.

Cheers, Gary

 

[Justine]

Thank you. Yes, I had to scour ebay for the correct tail light

I'm in love with it already. My husband thinks I'm mad but I think it's a lovely car.

I want to really preserve it though and make sure I get years of pleasure from it.

 

[BMBabe]

Hi ya and a Big warm welcome from Aylesbury
You will love your Z3 more and more every day.

Let me know if you are in the area myself (Stacey) and Panther would like to meet you

Yey more ladies on the forum

 

[Justine]

I love it. I can't stop looking at it.....

My Audi goes this week so my Z3 will be my sole car....

Do you exerts think its worth having a service ad I have just bought it?

Any thoughts

 

[Justine]

Experts not exerts

 

[oldcarman]

Welcome @Justine from mid northern Canada. Looks to be a pretty nice example you've found. As for hubbie, he'll come around, just give him the keys every once in a while. I think you should at least have everything checked out by a competent mechanic that knows Zeds. Just for your own peace of mind if you haven't already. There may be someone on forum close by that can assist you. Enjoy the forum for it's knowledge and humour! Good luck! JIM

 

[Justine]

Thank you : ) I'm feeling very welcome

I was thinking of going to BMW but not sure if that's a silly move as they will be silly on price....

May take it to our usual place but not sure how competent they will be on the car.

one thing I did want to ask, it's a 14 year old car so will not be like my Audi but when I go over bumps, is it normal that the steering doesn't stay straight?
Just thinking the 2 year old Audi doesn't do that

 

[t-tony]

Hi Justine, firstly a big welcome to.org, you chose well, car and forum. My car is a 2000 2.0 with now 85,000 and it has an oil change twice a year because I can do it myself. BMW dealer prices can be excessive for older cars so if you have an independent garage that you trust take the car to them. These cars are not overly complicated and a good garage will be able to look after it for you ok. Steering wander/tramlining can be caused by various problems again a good check over should highlight any thing needing attention.

Where abouts are you located?

Tony.

 

[oldcarman]

Thank you : ) I'm feeling very welcome

I was thinking of going to BMW but not sure if that's a silly move as they will be silly on price....

May take it to our usual place but not sure how competent they will be on the car.

one thing I did want to ask, it's a 14 year old car so will not be like my Audi but when I go over bumps, is it normal that the steering doesn't stay straight?
Just thinking the 2 year old Audi doesn't do that

Yes, it's a common problem called tramlining in the UK. It can be caused by worn bushings in the front suspension which is not a difficult repair. There is a good article in that section which explains it much better and makes recommendations on solving the problem. It also can be related to wheel size and type of tires used. I'll leave you with that as there are many more informed members that will be along shortly to not only welcome you but offer up info on your problem. Take a wonder through the forum sections to get a feel for things and I'll catch up with you later, JIM

 

[GazHyde]

Hi Justine,

If you can find an independant BMW specialist garage in your area (not sure where you are) then you should find the costs of running a Z3 reduce dramatically. I know a decent Indy garage in Salisbury if you are near there. Servicing will be considerably more straight forwards now compared to your new fangled complicated Audi. Most garages can carry out the work without need for specialist tools.

Do you have much service history? You mention 'part', but it may help us for you to list out what you do have access to. If it's been serviced recently at BMW you may be able to ask them for a print out of recent work carried out.

With regards your steering you may find that your suspension components may be worn due to age, most will have been under there for at least 12 years. A good inspection by your chosen garage will most likely highlight those issues. Z3's are also highly sensitive to incorrect tyre pressures, so make sure you have them set correctly. I see you have standard fit rims, so you can use the pressures on sticker in the door jamb. I had those on my first Z3 and got good results from 32psi all round, but results vary.

Finally, and probably obviously a twelve year old rear wheel drive Z3 won't drive quite like a 2 year old front wheel drive Audi. Hope that doesn't sound too patronising...

 

[pgunter]

Hello and welcome from just down here by Winchester.. The joys of owning a Z3 .. top down and a big grin on your face..

Have fun and enjoy..

 

[Cooper]

Welcome from Tasmania Australia.

 

[metalmickey]

Hi Justine
Welcome from me in Walton on Thames. My local BMW dealer offered a 10% discount on service charges for my cars which are over four years old (a Z3 and 318i). I don't know how the bottom line would compare with an independent specialist. I have to say that on the last two occasions I have not been happy with the condition of the car when it was handed back to me. I will be looking for a recommended specialist when the next service or renewal comes up.
Let us know your location as I am sure that there will be a member in your area who can help.
Enjoy your Zed. Not long to go for regular top down driving.
Regarding preserving the condition of the car. If you cannot garage it then the hood is going to deteriorate. I have just purchased a Cabrio Shield half cover and it is a real benefit. Not difficult to put on and take off and it keeps the elements from affecting the fabric of the hood.
Good luck with your research.
Mike

 

[Justine]

Welcome from me in Walton on Thames

Hello, I am located near to Shepperton so you are very close to me. Maybe we can swap dealer tips that is close to us.

Oooh no, I don't want the roof to deteriorate. Its in such good condition. I have just bought the Autoglynn fabric roof cleaner and protector,

Do you have much service history? You mention 'part', but it may help us for you to list out what you do have access to

Unfortunately, the car only has service history from 61,000 miles, which is infuriating and also irresponsible. Nevermind, its going to be looked after now. The last service it had was at 81,000 and I have booked it in for a full service on Monday 22nd December.

Yes, it's a common problem called tramlining in the UK. It can be caused by worn bushings in the front suspension which is not a difficult repair

Ahhh, that makes sense. My husband picked up on it when he drove it then I noticed it. Its not major but I can feel it. Thank you for giving me the appropriate terminology .

My car is a 2000 2.0 with now 85,000

Is my millage okay for the age of my car. I think Z3s can pretty much go to 200,00 if looked after properly?

Thanks for your help guys, I am really impressed with all your knowledge

 

[Nifty Fifty]

Welcome from a grey and drizzly Wilshire, just down the road from Stonehenge. I purchased my new toy this summer with around 70k on the clock and like you had partial service history and nothing of any real service records for the last 20k. I decided to take mine to the same place as @GazHyde took his, an independent in Salisbury, told them I just purchased and to give it a full type II service and a once over just for my own piece of mind and a clear line in the sand so to speak, which set me back around £250. Luckily there was nothing major. This was about half price than a main dealer.

This is a fantastic forum with loads of great guys & gals, do not be afraid to ask questions as somebody always has an answer or advise to help. Some of them go off on tangents but that's basically they are nuts! But funny with it
Andy

 

[zedonist]

Welcome Justine, if you look after these engines they will last, if has done 7000 miles since last service get the oil changed now and I would recommend changing oil regular on the six pots to stop gunging up at least twice a year and if used regular every 5000 miles. Other than that get the bushes checked out for your team lining although worn tyres will not help. Ad these cars are rear wheel drive you will get bump steer so always hang on to the steering wheel, it's different to driving a relaxed front wheel drive car.

 

[Justine]

Thank you sooo much. Yes, booked in for a full service on Monday.

So, I took a little trip to Halfords this afternoon and bought the Autoglynn Cabriolet roof cleaner and protector, car shampoo, car polish, leather cleaner and balm, new floor mats, new bucket and sponge and a sheepskin cloth.

Can't wait for the weekend so I can get stuck in lol

 

[Justine]

And thre out the de-icer spray that I found in the boot. That's a major tut tut on the rear window