Newbie

[rlane]

Hi everyone,
Apologies for taking so long to introduce myself. My name is Richard Lane and I purchased a 2001 1.9 Z3 with 63k miles on the clock around 6 weeks ago on a well known auction site. Unfortunately the seller or associate had used mastic to seal a number of oil leaks on the bottom of the engine which started leaking again after around 200 miles of driving. I love reading all the tips and tricks section and no doubt will be calling on some of the experts for advice.

 

[Mazza]

Hi and welcome to the forum

any questions just ask…. Lots of help and expertise on here when you need it

 

[rlane]

Thanks.

 

[PHILIP BAXTER]

Hi Richard, and welcome from me in Cardiff.

 

[rlane]

Thank you. Forgot to mention I am based in Hertfordshire.

 

[t-tony]

Hey Richard, as you've just discovered there is no substitute to doing a job properly first time. Anyway, welcome from me too near Lincoln. Before you embark on finding and fixing oil leaks I would advise getting the affected areas thoroughly cleaned, then run the car for a short while and see where it is coming from. A common leak on the 1.9 is from the oil filter housing to engine block joint. Where are you located please?

Tony.

 

[rlane]

Hi Tony,
I live in Bishops Stortford. My daughter's fiancee went to Lincoln University. He visits Lincoln on a regular basis. I had one mechanic check the car and he advised scrapping it. I have taken it elsewhere but it will cost 3k plus. Not happy.

 

[andyglym]

to the Forum from West Cumbria.

 

[t-tony]

The problem with having a person who has no interest whatsoever in the BMW Z3 means he won't consider it a worthwhile repair project. Did it have a current MOT when you bought it? Replacing the oil filter housing gasket is a simple and reasonably inexpensive repair. What else do you have needing doing.

Tony.

 

[rlane]

It had 3 months MOT left. The garage doing the work said they might as well skim the head as there are multiple leaks.

 

[t-tony]

So, is there just oil leaks or is there also cooling trouble?

Tony.

 

[rlane]

The car had a new radiator and water pump within the last 3 years.

 

[t-tony]

That's not what I was asking. Does it overheat? Is it losing coolant? You wouldn't normally have to skim a head for an oil leak, a coolant leak yes. I'm afraid my previous comment still stands, you need to get it clean and dry and see what is leaking from where. If you drive it does the engine overheat and boil?

Tony.

 

[rlane]

No,
I drove it 180 miles home and the temperature gauge was fine.

 

[t-tony]

Well that tells me it shouldn't need the head taking off and skimming Richard. It makes me think that the person who told you that is either an idiot or a conman. Back to getting the motor thoroughly cleaned and start checking where the oil is coming from.

Tony.

 

[rlane]

OK thanks Tony.

 

[t-tony]

Keep us posted please.

Tony.

 

[rlane]

Will do.

 

[Zed Chimp]

Welcome from the South Coast

 

[Ian&Sue]

Hi Richard, from North Yorkshire.

Sue & Ian.