Cooling system overhaul.. Done!

[Uncle_Clanger]

Finally have had the cooling system completely overhauled (preventative maintenance) new viscous fan/clutch, belts, tensioners, idler pulley, waterpump/pulley, power steering pulley, fresh BMW coolant...Feels like I've started the ball rolling on getting my Z sorted for some longer trips out...

Plus the kitchen table is now Z spares free!.. Until the next job... Poly diff bush and suspension.

Thanks to all who contributed their experiences and opinions, heres hoping for another 80,000 trouble free miles.

 

[GazHyde]

Seems like you've covered everything, happy motoring from here

 

[t-tony]

Well done Stef, sounds like you blitzed it all. Good as new now mate!

Tony.

 

[BostonJohn]

Wow that sounds like a lot of work. I was planning to change aux belt and water pump as off to Spain in the summer but may have to rethink now!

 

[Jack Ratt]

Wow that sounds like a lot of work. I was planning to change aux belt and water pump as off to Spain in the summer but may have to rethink now!

Dead easy job mate, once the radiator is out of the way you can easily change the belts, idlers and waterpump in an hour. It sounds a lot of work but it's no problem really

 

[BostonJohn]

Thanks for the reply Jack. Out of interest where did you get the parts from and what sort of cost were they.
Thanks again John

 

[Uncle_Clanger]

Hi John, sorry I missed your reply... I spent ages reading threads on the best non OEM bits to buy. I went for a behr Hella (OEM standard) viscous clutch, thermostat, febi bilstein fan & pulleys, contitech belts..and bought a "reinforced" waterpump from Schmiedmann BMW specialists as the Stewart Water pump (widely considered the best) is silly money if you can find a supplier that is. The waterpump when it arrived appeared quite standard but did have the metal impeller which again is apparently less likely to fail...oh and changed the hoses and clips too. @mrscalex had a good tip for saving money on new hoses with some new hose seals from ebay (will look for link) Plus bought bleed screw on the radiator (a couple of quid) as they can become brittle over time.

If you're doing the job and plan on keeping your Z then like me you probably want the peace of mind doing the whole lot. My 3.0 had just over 85,000 on.. from what I read a lot of the catastrophic failures happened from 80,000 onwards... But the Internet does have all sorts of horror stories

 

[BostonJohn]

Hi Uncle Clanger, really appreciate the info I am planning to keep my Z although I do hanker after a 3.0 or an individual. My car has only done 61000 miles and seems fine no overheating or water loss but as I,m driving down to Spain in the Summer thought it best to do some preventative maintenance. I will order up the parts as you suggested. I'm waiting to get my bumper back from the paint shop so may do the bumper remove refit and other work all in one go. Will keep you posted. Thanks again John

 

[Mazza]

Just done mine (thermostat and system flush). It’s a good feeling when it’s all back together, no leaks and all working as it should be. It makes you want to do more , but more importantly gives the confidence to actual tackle these jobs. Especially with the backup and support of this forum.

 

[BostonJohn]

I agree with Mazza I would like to do more work myself but I'm not a mechanic so not sure how I would get on. I might start by trying to do the seat bushes that need doing and see how I get on!

 

[Mazza]

Hi Bostonjohn, I have the Bentley Z3 Service manual which covers all versions of the Z3, so if you need any info I’m only just down the road in Bognor

 

[BostonJohn]

Thanks Mazza sounds a bridge too far for me at the moment but once I get used to the tool kit my wife bought me for Christmas I may come back to you. Cheers