Hello...

[Z-thrill]

Hi all,

bought this z3 around a year and a half ago. Was my first ever opportunity to own a car like this and I felt my Dad would have loved it. It's a 2.0 6-cylinder; bit weather-worn and shall we say characterful but I love it and have loved driving it. Am not yet much of a mechanic so here I am, looking for tips and advice on keeping it running.

Looking fwd to finding out more!

Thanks,
Rick

 

[t-tony]

Hi all,

bought this z3 around a year and a half ago. Was my first ever opportunity to own a car like this and I felt my Dad would have loved it. It's a 2.0 6-cylinder; bit weather-worn and shall we say characterful but I love it and have loved driving it. Am not yet much of a mechanic so here I am, looking for tips and advice on keeping it running.

Looking fwd to finding out more!

Thanks,
Rick

View attachment 52105 View attachment 52106

Hi Rick and welcome from me near Lincoln, anything you could want to know is here at the click of a mouse. All you need to do is ask, and you'll find out what you need. That's a nice looking car too. Where are you located?

tony.

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland! There are many experts on this forum always ready to help - enjoy!

 

[Z-thrill]

That's fantastic thanks. North Wales, I meant to say!

I have a couple of questions but thought I should familiarise myself with the forum first and figure out where to post etc. Seems a friendly place for sure!

 

[BillyB]

From Edinburgh

 

[andyglym]

to the Forum from West Cumbria.

 

[Mint]

Hi @Z-thrill, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire. Lots of help and info on here, you just have to ask

 

[Paul Rice]

Welcome to the Forum Nick
Good car to maintain, a lot easier to work on than most

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hello from Truro. There's loads of friendly advice readily available here

 

[raymond]

Hello Rick welcome to the forum. The car has a few advisory items that might need attention if they have not been fixed.

• Advisory notice item(s)
  front and rear brakes corroded
  Bonded suspension unit deteriorated but can function as intended both front rear bushes (2.4.F.3)
  Power steering pump has slight seepage from a seal (2.3.3b)
  Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

 

[oldcarman]

Welcome from Canada !! Enjoy the insanity this forum is known for! Need help just ask and someone will be there to guide you! JIM

 

[PHILIP BAXTER]

Hi Rick, and welcome from Cardiff. Enjoy the forum mate.

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome

 

[mwpe]

Hi and welcome from Surrey.

 

[Low Rider]

Welcome

 

[Bazza]

from me

 

[Antm72]

Hello and welcome from me in South Yorkshire , always someone here that can help if not lend a hand

 

[Z-thrill]

Thanks all - what a welcome!

I've looked around and not sure where to post q so I'll post here and hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.

Main problem at the moment (apart from me being a layman) is that
- the fan at the front of the engine has come off kilter, very slightly damaged radiator and looks set to damage air hose
- the top of the shroud (which looks previously-repaired) has broken off
- smoke rises from the fan assembly almost as soon as engine turned on.

(Plus tax due in ten days, nowhere I can SORN it, and I've no expertise!)

I have read on here about people luckily "avoiding the dreaded viscous fan issue" but I don't feel so lucky at the mo! However have been told that it might not be a massive problem but obviously am loathe to drive it anywhere as it starts smoking straight away.

Can post photos of the strange angle of the fan when I am back at home later.

Thanks

 

[Nodzed]

Hi & Welcome from Gloucestershire I wouldn't drive it or even start it until its sorted as total failure will cause more damage especially to the radiator and fan outer.
If its the Viscous fan bearing that's shot its not too much of a job, just a case of take off replace the viscous to the fan and put it back on, if its the water pump that's failed that's a bit more of a repair but still something that can be tackled at home.

 

[Z-thrill]

Hi & Welcome from Gloucestershire I wouldn't drive it or even start it until its sorted as total failure will cause more damage especially to the radiator and fan outer.
If its the Viscous fan bearing that's shot its not too much of a job, just a case of take off replace the viscous to the fan and put it back on, if its the water pump that's failed that's a bit more of a repair but still something that can be tackled at home.

OK thanks for the advice!

Is there somewhere I can find a diagram of the assembly so I know exactly what parts are what?
Also I wonder why is it cock-eyed and how would I fix that? Not sure if I've lost a drive belt I don't know about because there are some wheels with nothing attached to them!