Introduction

Vancer

Newbie
Joined
Apr 25, 2018
Points
3
Location
Memphis, Tennessee USA
Model of Z
2001 Z3 2.5i 2.5L E36 M54 Roadster Convertible
Hello,
Working on an '01 Z3 BMW E36 M54 for a friend of mine. Have owned 11 BMWs; 2 currently--a '13 528i--very nice (traded in an '08 528i which I considered a dog) and a '14 328i--very nice.

Thus far have changed plugs to NGK BKR6EQUP (spec from owner's manual), one OEM ignition coil, power steering pump (Luk) & 3 hoses, steering reservoir (ZF), AAA to BMW battery, fuel filter (Mahle), fuel pump (BMW), all brake rotors and pads (Ate front; Meyle back), buttons on key fob. Bought Z3 Bentley manual. Fixed glove box (silly design) where it would open and close.

Ordered seat fore/aft motor + 2 flex shafts (from local BMW dealer) for passenger side, seat rail inserts for driver's side, new front bumper cover painted Atlantablau Metallic and clear coated.

Battery would drain within a day. Interior light was not going out (switch was good). The door striker plate with switch was improperly aligned on both sides. Trunk light would stay on because trunk was catching but not closed all the way.

Inferred from realoem.com (Bentley does not address) this Z3 has a Throttle Body Assembly instead of Throttle Position Sensor (IBD-II codes were for temporarily stuck and permanently stuck Throttle Position Sensor).

BMW does not understand 1) creature comforts (e.g. armrests, seats in general), 2) cupholders, or 3) glove boxes (e.g., Owner's manual does not fit in glove box). Otherwise, they are dream machines.

Look forward to being a part of the forum.
Vancer
 

Sean d

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Sep 29, 2015
Points
201
Location
Lincolnshire
Model of Z
Z3 2.8
Hi and welcome, you can add some of the creature comforts such as arm rest and cup holder
 

t-tony

The Legend
Deceased
Supporter
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
Hi @Vancer and welcome from near Lincoln UK. Most of the issues you describe were also in the Z4 and I added armrests for the centre console and door cards from LeatherZee. The Z4 can have cup holders but they are quite flimsy and easy to break and VERY expensive to replace, Oh and in my opinion should be banned from cars anyway;) (my pet hate).

Tony.
 

Vancer

Newbie
Joined
Apr 25, 2018
Points
3
Location
Memphis, Tennessee USA
Model of Z
2001 Z3 2.5i 2.5L E36 M54 Roadster Convertible
Thanks. On BMWs I have had the original equipment is hard or awkward. Driver's door sill is not padded. Made for durability, not comfort. Hurts my arm. OEM cup holders are badly placed, awkward, or easily broken/misaligned. I have purchased additional cup holders. I forgot to add center consoles to the list.

Engineering is often clever. Styling is good. Overall quality is good.
 

t-tony

The Legend
Deceased
Supporter
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
Check out LeatherZee for door pads they work very well in my Z4. I had the same problem.

Tony
 

Vancer

Newbie
Joined
Apr 25, 2018
Points
3
Location
Memphis, Tennessee USA
Model of Z
2001 Z3 2.5i 2.5L E36 M54 Roadster Convertible
Thanks for the Welcomes. Will have to check out LeatherZee.
 

Vancer

Newbie
Joined
Apr 25, 2018
Points
3
Location
Memphis, Tennessee USA
Model of Z
2001 Z3 2.5i 2.5L E36 M54 Roadster Convertible
Yes, the Z3 I'm working on was made in June, 2001 in South Carolina, USA. I assume the owner's manual was printed there too.
 

Mazza

Zorg Guru (V)
Supporter
British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Nov 1, 2017
Points
175
Location
Bognor Regis
Model of Z
Z3 1.9 M44 Roadster Z3 2.8 Project
Hi and welcome from South Coast of England :welcome:
 

How 29

Zorg Legend
British Zeds
Joined
Feb 26, 2018
Points
77
Location
Rochdale
Model of Z
Z4 2.0 Edition Exclusive
Hi welcome
 

Mint

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
East Anglian Crew
Joined
Sep 23, 2012
Points
222
Location
Stafford
Model of Z
2.2 Sport Individual
Hi @Vancer,:welcome: to the forum from me too in Staffordshire, UK. Good luck with your project.:thumbsup:
 

Slam

Zorg Guru (IV)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
May 24, 2017
Points
168
Location
North Yorkshire
Model of Z
Zedless. Mini GP 1379
Hi and welcome from London
 

t-tony

The Legend
Deceased
Supporter
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
Yes, the Z3 I'm working on was made in June, 2001 in South Carolina, USA. I assume the owner's manual was printed there too.
They were all made at Spartanburg SC.

Tony.
 
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