Help and encouragement needed

[Lenny b]

I really feel for you. If it makes you feel any better I think I am in a very similar boat. Lots of opportunities to make her feel better and apprehensive of what's ahead but hope it's not going to be too bad. Thus far, in my few weeks of having her, interior has been removed to dry carpets, new roof required, have started a mini service and will need to complete that, aware that suspension isn't great and will need addressing..... also have a loud bearing noise not sure what this is, wheel or diff or ..... and the gearbox chunks. Other than that its happy days!

 

[Nodzed]

Dont panic, we've all been there or still getting there. Nothing unusual with your list

 

[Lenny b]

Thanks, looking forward to getting to the other side, if we make it.

Not panicking I think it's more the realisation of what's ahead.

 

[GeoffZ]

Seems we are all in the same boat then really and I guess thats what happens when we all drive cars that are around 20 years old. Thing is, having read what everyone else is up to too, I am starting to look forward to the work as a project to enjoy. Different mindset, makes all the difference. May need reminding of that though when I get stuck in.

 

[Craig Machin]

Keep the faith you will get to where you need to be and I’m sure you will enjoy the journey

 

[Lenny b]

No choice now...... I am sure we will love it what could possibly go wrong

 

[MalcQV]

Chin up. If it is not a daily then it just needs time and money (when you have them both). I bought mine in September and it had a radiator leak which I never noticed when I viewed it (I would have had them fix it). The Airbag light was mentioned on the brand new MOT. Mentioned by its absence. I think the bulb had been removed? Anyway he fixed it and now it's on permanently!!
I put a new reservoir bottle in and it seems to be fixed but whilst I removed the old one with minimal force getting the new one on properly was a PITA. I think it is fixed. However I have not used the car in anger yet.
I'm currently adding a wind breaker then fixing that airbag light. A centre console backlight bulb or two are also out. Body wise mine appears to be in good condition because the one I viewed first was a complete POS with rust in every conceivable place. The brake discs were just rust,

 

[Mario]

Hello - If you are around Watford or north London at any point I have a M44 radiator in good condition with a new tank that you can have for cheap if you can't get one for reasonable money and help you with the fitting.

 

[t-tony]

Chin up. If it is not a daily then it just needs time and money (when you have them both). I bought mine in September and it had a radiator leak which I never noticed when I viewed it (I would have had them fix it). The Airbag light was mentioned on the brand new MOT. Mentioned by its absence. I think the bulb had been removed? Anyway he fixed it and now it's on permanently!!
I put a new reservoir bottle in and it seems to be fixed but whilst I removed the old one with minimal force getting the new one on properly was a PITA. I think it is fixed. However I have not used the car in anger yet.
I'm currently adding a wind breaker then fixing that airbag light. A centre console backlight bulb or two are also out. Body wise mine appears to be in good condition because the one I viewed first was a complete POS with rust in every conceivable place. The brake discs were just rust,

While you're doing the console illumination you want to change them all or some will be brighter than others.

Tony.

 

[Mario]

While you're doing the console illumination you want to change them all or some will be brighter than others.

Tony.

Not only that you might be doing the job again in not much time as the older ones might be on their way out already.

 

[GeoffZ]

Hello - If you are around Watford or north London at any point I have a M44 radiator in good condition with a new tank that you can have for cheap if you can't get one for reasonable money and help you with the fitting.

Thats kind of you and will PM you later.

 

[Geoff Crispin]

I am new to this forum and recently bought myself a Z3 1.9 M44. Thought I had done ok and am loving the car. However, experience tells me there is always a reason why a car is for sale and so checked fluids daily for loss. The radiator expansion bottle is leaking but fortunately the engine hasn't overheated so I have caught that in time. Both outer sills need replacing, seat bushes (cheap and easy enough and already have the bushes), new track rod ends and rack ends, new rear dampers and a host of dents and dings to sort out. New outer sills seem to be quite expensive and there are none on ebay at the moment. The rad replacement isnt a massive job but could easily turn into a coolant system overhaul but I confess I am looking at the car and thinking I might be better off cutting my losses and saving myself even more grief. Does anyone out there have a pair of pre-facelift sills by any chance? That could make all the difference between chucking the towel in and getting stuck in to do the jobs and taking it on the chin.

Hi Geoff
I have a pair of Cills from my face lift wide body but I don’t know if they will fit yours maybe someone on here will know. Geoff

 

[GeoffZ]

Hi Geoff, don't think they will fit and have since my last post, bitten the bullet and bought a new set. Kind of you to let me know though.

 

[Geoff Crispin]

Hi Geoff, don't think they will fit and have since my last post, bitten the bullet and bought a new set. Kind of you to let me know though.

Hi Geoff
Hopefully you were able to get some discount (Sopers) I got mine for £130 each from Wedterly in Bridgewater
Having got a 1998 1.9 and 2002 3L I cant see any difference but not sure when the body shop I use can fit it in they cut and shape a new bit in. Geoff

 

[GeoffZ]

£246 for the pair as I managed to get a bit of extra discount via a brother in law in the trade. To be honest, I have assumed they are different because I have read that they are but have never had the opportunity to compare side by side. Its a job I will tackle come the autumn at my leisure but in the meantime, don't need to fret about the frilly edges and crunchy stone chip anymore. Still awaiting prices from my local dealership for all components for the cooling system rebuild which is keeping the car off the road at the moment with a leaking expansion bottle.

 

[IainP]

Well, for comparison, I've just bought a new rad, complete, £49, water pump, £22, thermostat and housing £21, and rear coolant flange for the head £10. New hose, clips and antifreeze I usually have around.

 

[Geoff Crispin]

£246 for the pair as I managed to get a bit of extra discount via a brother in law in the trade. To be honest, I have assumed they are different because I have read that they are but have never had the opportunity to compare side by side. Its a job I will tackle come the autumn at my leisure but in the meantime, don't need to fret about the frilly edges and crunchy stone chip anymore. Still awaiting prices from my local dealership for all components for the cooling system rebuild which is keeping the car off the road at the moment with a leaking expansion bottle.

Good price maybe he can get you the discount on the other items that you need compare with Ian’s prices
Where are you based ? Geoff

 

[GeoffZ]

I live near Rye East Sussex. Brother in law works for a car body shop so doubt if he would be able to repeat the favour for the other parts. Still waiting after three days now, for prices from Munich Legends and Ashford BMW. I am hoping I can afford OEM parts rather than pattern but will have to wait and see. Apparently everyone is short staffed at the moment owing to a flu bug going round.

 

[Geoff Crispin]

I live near Rye East Sussex. Brother in law works for a car body shop so doubt if he would be able to repeat the favour for the other parts. Still waiting after three days now, for prices from Munich Legends and Ashford BMW. I am hoping I can afford OEM parts rather than pattern but will have to wait and see. Apparently everyone is short staffed at the moment owing to a flu bug going round.

Sopers of Lincoln give our forum discount give them a try and it’s good service

 

[GeoffZ]

Sopers of Lincoln give our forum discount give them a try and it’s good service

Yep, I will do that, thanks.