The Oxford Elf - #33

[RickyBobby]

Always nice to start the New Year with a new car and yesterday I picked up my 11th Z3 from @Mark Parrish and @VV54.

It was a touch cold as we set off on our drive across the Peak District to collect the car but the only snow we saw was in Buxton.

On the way back we stopped at Ashford in the Water for a bite to eat in The Ashford Arms.

Thought I'd try something different this time and decided to give #33 a name - not difficult based on the reg and considering the time of year it only seemed appropriate.

 

[VV54]

Nice to finally meet the famous z owner hope you enjoy the car it’s a good one

 

[Paul Rice]

Good to have you back Garrie

 

[Rod and Kate]

VV54. All the best for 2026. Your profile picture looking a bit tasty!!!

 

[RickyBobby]

Good to have you back Garrie

Not sure I ever went away but I am enjoying being back in a Z3

 

[Stevo7682]

Ahh Vinny's 1.9. Straight little car you like an m44 that is untill the next deal comes along.

Stephen.

 

[AleNod]

Pool is now open . . . Place your bets please for length of time until #34

Respect Gary, you Sir are a legend . . . !

 

[RickyBobby]

Ahh Vinny's 1.9. Straight little car you like an m44 that is untill the next deal comes along.

Stephen.

Thats the one but it's got the 2L M52/TU rather than the M44 - similar power output but the delivery and sound is very different compared to the M44.

Apparently they only produced the 2.0 for a limited period (Apr'99 - Sept'00) before it was replaced by the 2.2.

I need to stop looking for the next deal - but appreciate I always say that

 

[RickyBobby]

Pool is now open . . . Place your bets please for length of time until #34

Respect Gary, you Sir are a legend . . . !

At the risk of sounding like a broken record I'm planning on a long and enjoyable relationship with this car - I've even given it a nickname

 

[Stevo7682]

At the risk of sounding like a broken record I'm planning on a long and enjoyable relationship with this car - I've even given it a nickname

Uh huh

You even bought a private plate once on a zed you were keeping.

Stephen.

 

[Z Victor 1]

What's the nickname, Lodger ?

 

[Pond]

Always nice to start the New Year with a new car and yesterday I picked up my 11th Z3 from @Mark Parrish and @VV54.

It was a touch cold as we set off on our drive across the Peak District to collect the car but the only snow we saw was in Buxton.

View attachment 354705

On the way back we stopped at Ashford in the Water for a bite to eat in The Ashford Arms.

View attachment 354707View attachment 354709

Thought I'd try something different this time and decided to give #33 a name - not difficult based on the reg and considering the time of year it only seemed appropriate.

View attachment 354711View attachment 354713View attachment 354715View attachment 354717

Sorry Garrie but not feeling the green with black wheels. Looks like something from Mad Max IMO.
It's a NO from me!

 

[Argyll Andy]

VV54. All the best for 2026. Your profile picture looking a bit tasty!!!

He’s seen sense

 

[Z Victor 1]

First thing I'd do is refurb the wheels, colour doesn't suit the car colour. Just my opinion Garrie, feel free to tell me to get stuffed.

 

[RickyBobby]

Sorry Garrie but not feeling the green with black wheels. Looks like something from Mad Max IMO.
It's a NO from me!

I know what you mean Ken which is why I bought these Style 78's from @Andyboy

But the black is starting to grow on me and it drives great on the 16" Style 42's - not to mention all the tyres are like new

 

[RickyBobby]

Sorry Garrie but not feeling the green with black wheels. Looks like something from Mad Max IMO.
It's a NO from me!

I'm not listening to you - everybody knows you're the resident Z3 hater

 

[Rod and Kate]

He’s seen sense

You may have a point . Happy New year to you both.

 

[Pond]

I'm not listening to you - everybody knows you're the resident Z3 hater

That's not true. I love my Z3.....now it no longer looks like a Z3.

 

[RickyBobby]

When I collected the Elf from @Mark Parrish & @VV54 last week Marks first word to me were - "you don't need to refresh the aerial grommet it's already been done"

He also told me that the clutch and tank straps had been replaced which he had previously forgot to mention before I agreed to purchase the car. In fact going through the service history there were quite a few things that had been done relatively recently by which I mean in the last 10,000 miles / 3 years.

So on the basis I have nothing to do to the car I thought I would just capture a list of what has been done - joking aside I do like the progress threads that build over time so I thought I'd have a go at doing the same, alongside me recording my various trips out obviously.

So here is a list of of what's been done which I will maintain and update over my period of ownership - which as most of you know is likely to run for a good few years

Replacement DME, EWS, Ignition, Door & Boot Locks and key
New steering fluid cooling system
Lamda sensors replaced x2
Camshaft sensor replaced
MAF sensor replaced
Style 42's refurbished in gloss black and new Uniroyal rain sport tyres fitted
New front struts and springs fitted
New wishbones, drop links, track Rod ends fitted and all Bush’s replaced
New splash guards fitted
Wheel bearings front and rear replaced
All calipers stripped and refurbished and painted Elf green
New brake hoses front and rear
New brake hard lines
New discs and pads all round
Refurbished spare wheel and carrier
Rear beam and trailing arm Bush’s replaced
All ARB Bush’s replaced and rear drop links fitted
Diff removed and painted
Diff, gearbox oil renewed
Vanos overhaul new seals etc and solenoids
Cooling system overhaul to include pump, thermostat belt and tensioner and coolant replaced
Inner sills clean no rust and treated
Outer sills repainted
Roll hoops fitted
New rear window fitted
New clutch fitted
Tank straps replaced
Zedonist Angel Eyes - Indicator Daytime Running Lights fitted
Sparco strut brace fitted
New febi washer pump fitted

 

[RickyBobby]

Looks like my washer pump has given up the ghost - checked the fuses yesterday and they all looked fine so I borrowed a multimeter and tested the power supply today.

Now I'm hoping @Andyboy can sort me a replacement so I don't have to take pot luck on eBay

In the meantime while the bonnet was up a decided to fit the Sparco strut base I'd sourced from @Andyboy before I picked up the Elf.