Fell at the first!

[Newtricks]

Cheers - thanks for that - I hadn’t realised

 

[t-tony]

I now have the car and had a look around it; all my previous observations look to be correct, with some additional added - driver’s seat bolster has a hole, the alloys need a refurb, but the tyres are all recent (and match!), the roof has been disconnected from a rod (apparently to make it work manually), instead of (I understand) via the T handle on the reservoir in the boot. The roof looks OK, but needs a clean and condition, the steering fluid cooling loop needs replacing due to bad corrosion, the clutch feels OK, but there’s no receipt to suggest it has been changed.
I’m guessing most of the ‘features’ I’ve noted are common, so I’ve started a list (got to love a list!).
Noting comments above, I’ll start with a decent fluids and filters service, and then some preventative actions for peace of mind (serpentine belts, tensioners, water pump, viscous fan clutch), I have no idea how long the radiators is good for, so I think that will need to go in the mix too. When I’m in a position to start I was planning on ringing Opie for advice around fluids/oils (I read that a mix of some redline gearbox oils had fixed a gear change that stuck when changing down from 5th (which this one does) - no idea, but got to be worth a try.
Any advice regarding parts (I was going to ring GSF too, as I reckon they’ve forgotten more than I‘m ever likely to know about these cars) would be very welcome, as would suggestions for sequence of activities.

regards

Hi again Nick, did you discover what the issue was with the “fan running” at start up?
Also don’t bank on GSF (generally) being a font of knowledge regarding Z3s as most of the people who work in those places are too young to have much experience of these cars, unless of course you’re lucky enough to have a local branch that has been a regular supplier of Z3 bits such as @Lee local branch. The branch in Lincoln were always helpful if not knowledgable.

Tony.

 

[Newtricks]

I was adding oils, filters etc to my basket on Opie; and realised I don’t know whether I have an LSD fitted or not. Is there any visual check I can perform? I tried my last 7 VIN on realoem, but (unless I was doing something wrong) this simply provided General schematics rather than specific to my vehicle. I tried to use the links GazHyde had posted some years ago, again to no avail. I appreciate that this has been a source of many topics/conversations previously, and have no wish to retread old ground - is the only recourse contacting my local BMW dealer and asking them to check?

regards

 

[t-tony]

I was adding oils, filters etc to my basket on Opie; and realised I don’t know whether I have an LSD fitted or not. Is there any visual check I can perform? I tried my last 7 VIN on realoem, but (unless I was doing something wrong) this simply provided General schematics rather than specific to my vehicle. I tried to use the links GazHyde had posted some years ago, again to no avail. I appreciate that this has been a source of many topics/conversations previously, and have no wish to retread old ground - is the only recourse contacting my local BMW dealer and asking them to check?

regards

If you pm me the last 7 of your vin I'll have a look for you.

Tony

 

[mwpe]

This link works for Vin checking.:
https://www.mdecoder.com/

 

[Newtricks]

Thank you very much that worked, and it does confirm a Torsen Diff - I can buy the right oil now!

regards

 

[Ian&Sue]

Hi Nick, from Northallerton. Good luck with the maintenance jobs, sounds like you know what you're doing.

Sue & Ian.

 

[Newtricks]

Not sure I’d go as far as that! A little knowledge (in this case, none!) is a very dangerous thing.

 

[abh29]

Just give Opie the last 7 digits they will advise you ,
I found changing the fluids made a big improvement , use a known make and don't forget our discount from Opie. The state of the oil that came out of box and diff —- i doubt it still had lubrications properties left

oil is cheap compared with the money it can save

 

[Newtricks]

Agreed, one of the reasons I’ve put fluid and filters service as one of my first activities (and hopefully a relatively easy way in to a Z3) before I start on the brake pipes and cooling system. I’m pretty sure the air con. isn’t working either. Whilst I love a list as much as the next person, it’s starting to get long. I think the sensible thing is a SORN whilst I at least sort brake pipes, cooling system etc - not as if I need a daily driver at the moment.......just deeper pockets.

 

[Ian&Sue]

Not sure I’d go as far as that! A little knowledge (in this case, none!) is a very dangerous thing.

Thankfully for those of us with a little knowledge there are always people on Z roadster who know what they are doing and are generous enough to help us out!