few issues after a drive round Europe

Tom W

Tom W

Regular Member
British Zeds
Joined
Apr 29, 2015
Points
23
Location
Brighton - BN41
Model of Z
Z3 Roadster 2.2i
Morning All,

Arrived back after driving my z3 (2.2i) through Europe for 2 weeks, visiting various places in France, Germany and Switzerland and some amazing roads! I highly recommend it if anyone has the time/money.

Anyway back to the issue, whilst driving for around 6 or so hours the car started to over heat drinking 3.5lt every time. I checked everywhere on car for any leaks and found nothing, The steam was escaping through the filler tank seam/seal after which speaking to someone said this is how its designed to avoid blowing any expensive parts.

I have no noticed the fan doesn't seem to start which i can imagine is more than half the problem. Now not being mechanically minded but more than happy to get stuck in and learn how to fix it rather than simply drop it at a garage. Any ideas on a way to test what has broken? I have read there is a thermostat switch which might need replacing, anyone know where its located/how to source the right part.

Also on a second note, i have noticed the engine burns around 1lt of oil every 1000 ish miles. Is this normal for a 2.2, Y reg with around 60k miles on the clock?

Any advice and help will be greatly appreciated and please no hating for my lack of knowledge :facepalm:
Some pics below.

Thanks,
Tom
image3.webp
image2.webp
 
Hi,

Beautiful car you have there!

I don't have all the answers but I can throw in a few cents worth. I was just reading up on the TIS regarding oil consumption. It quotes that for a ///M up to 1.5 litres per 1000k is acceptable - but that seems like a lot to me! By comparison I use about 1 litre per 10,000k in my 2.2. Mind you I have relatively flat long distance roads and and rarely exceed 3.5k in the revs so she is treated gently. I have 123,456k on the ODO.

Your clutch fan should be working as it is controlled by heat/friction. If you have an air conditioner it should engage the electric fan at about 90 degrees if I am not mistaken. If it is not engaging check the fan and also the thermo switch which I think is on the drivers side of the radiator about 1/4 of the way down. It can be exchanged for a switch that engages at a lower temp if that is required.

Also, the thermostat may be stuck. You can replace that easily and the part is not that expensive. There are plenty of discussions around on how to do it. Put in the BLUE radiator fluid if you do a flush. Some people will probably advise you to replace the water pump if you are going to be updating the cooling stuff.

Cheers,
 
Thanks Cooper!

For compliments and advice. Your car looks lovely and well kept, and nice ODO reading :thumbsup:
Must say I'm probably slightly heavy footed!
Will play around today and on the hunt for parts mentioned.

Tom
 
miller1098 said:
I think there was an oil issue on this thread, might be worth a read https://zroadster.org/threads/the-story-so-far-or-how-not-to-go-touring-in-a-z3.8505/
Click to expand...

Hi Tom, this is my Thread and relates to the fun I've had with my recently purchased 2001 2.2i sport. Like you, we also returned from a Euro trip based in SW Germany and taking in trips across the Swiss Alps into Italy. We covered c.2200 miles in the week and used no oil at all - this was very different to the first trip to Europe (same area SW Germany but no Alps excursion on that occasion) where oil consumption was substantial...changing the PCV system cured the oil thirst and improved general running and fuel consumption.

It would be worth reading the thread as it will possibly cover most of your issues...excluding the overheating......however i did have to change the thermostat due to leakage/failure but the water pump was virtually new so left as is. we have covered c. 6000 miles in the 2.5 months ownership so our learning curve has been quite steep!

Feel free to pm me for anything specific and i will try and assist.

Regards

Jon
 
Yes it's particularly common on the M54 2.2 engine. Mine drinks it at a similar rate to petrol. Jon's thread seems to have some really good information on it, and there is another good discussion on this thread... https://zroadster.org/threads/2-2-z3-oil-consumption-getting-excessive.5660/

I need to update that last thread, as I've run an engine flush through and started using a slightly thicker oil. Not had chance to assess the impact of both as I've not done many miles recently!
 
Tom W said:
I've ordered a new thermostat
Click to expand...
Just noticed from your first post that you are just on 60k, so you may want to consider looking at changing the water pump soon too. 60k seems to be the recommended interval for preventative measures. If you do, then make sure you get one with metal impellers though.
 
If you are buying a new water pump Meyle are often offered with a metal impeller. Just confirm with the seller that the pump actually has a metal before you part with your cash. I phoned a well known seller who advertises on e-bay and was told that Meyle had recently changed from metal to plastic impellers. I ended up ordering from Amazon and the pump delivered (from Germany) did have a metal one. This is the Meyle part number 313 011 2001.
Regarding oil consumption I have read (in the BMWCC mag) that BMW do not consider it to be excessive on the M54 engines unless it exceeds 1ltr/600 miles. Certainly seems excessive to me but perhaps it means you do not have a serious problem. Maybe other M54 owners can give you their opinions based on experience
Good luck.
 
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