New Owner - a few questions

[Mikepotter86]

Hi All,

I just bought a 96 Z3 1.9L roadster with 88k miles and I'm in the process of getting it fixed up. It has pretty solid service records, and It runs and drives pretty well, but so far I have the following list:

1. Replace Stock Radio - likely including speaker and subwoofer replacement
2. Install new seat bushings kit
3. Repair door pull handles
4. Change all fluids, inspect suspension, etc.

I have founds some good resources here for most of the above, butI also noticed that the heat was very intermittent, sometimes blowing very hot and other times blowing room termperature without me adjusting it. I am wondering if this is a common issue that others might have solved.

Advice on this or other key repairs or maintenance items would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Antm72]

Hi Mike the heating issue may be a thermostat thats getting stuck open, Mine did this normal when stationary but when moving it was distintively cooler than normal.Does the temp gauge drop below centre when it happens?
Might be worth changing.

Welcome by the way from me in South Yorkshire

 

[Nodzed]

 

[Palmetto]

Welcome from West Yorkshire.

Yeah, as @Antm72 says, it's most likely your thermostat. I recently had to change mine in my E36 which had the same symptoms you're experiencing. I also changed the water pump at the same time.

 

[Lee]

Welcome Mike, no input needed from me they nailed it above. Do we get to see a picture of your zed

 

[Mikepotter86]

Will get better pictures at the weekend, but here you go:

Our new Z3

• Mikepotter86
• Mar 10, 2020

 

[Chrisr1949]

Hi and a big to the forum from Southport.

 

[Bringit96]

Welcome from London I've got a 1.9 too but with a few more miles
Good luck with the jobs list, they're good to get your hands dirty with.

 

[PHILIP BAXTER]

Hi Mike, and welcome from me in Cardiff.

 

[Mazza]

Hi and welcome to the forum from Bognor Regis

 

[mwpe]

Hi and welcome from Surrey.

 

[GeoffZ]

Hi and welcome. I had similar heating and cooling issues with my M44 1.9 when I bought it a year ago. It seems these cars in particular benefit from a cooling system overhaul at this age. It was a good way too of getting to know the car more intimately. Been as good as gold ever since with peace of mind. Enjoy.

 

[LiftedMuffin]

Hi Mike and welcome, from another newbie here!

 

[Mikepotter86]

Welcome from West Yorkshire.

Yeah, as @Antm72 says, it's most likely your thermostat. I recently had to change mine in my E36 which had the same symptoms you're experiencing. I also changed the water pump at the same time.

Thanks everyone for the input - I replaced the thermostat over the weekend and it worked - fixed both heating issues and a mild overheating issue at very long lights.

Next I need to tackle this bouncy worn out suspension.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Next I need to tackle this bouncy worn out suspension.

So where have I heard that one before? Another one falls down the rabbit hole.

 

[Mikepotter86]

So where have I heard that one before? Another one falls down the rabbit hole.

Am I right in thinking this is at leas a $1000 rabbit hole?

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Depends on just how old your bits and bobs are, and whether you want OEM stuff or updated/upgraded parts. And just how far you want to go. There's plenty of examples on here of people doing things, take your pick. Luckily these cars are fairly simple to work on with not too many special tools needed. And they are nice cars.

 

[colb]

Best to go through the car yourself, easy enough for a novice, Engine Oil and filter change, Gearbox fluid change and Diff oil then you know whats in it. Set of plugs would also be on my list and keep the old ones cleaned as spares. A good check of all the rubber hoses on the engine and replace any with splits or holes. Most common problem on these cars are duff rubber hoses that cause vacuum leaks.
Also equip yourself with a code reader and an airbag code reader, all obtainable cheap from ebay and loads of info on here as to what you need to set yourself up.
Once you have carried out all these suggestions turn your attention to the brakes and check condition of pads and hoses, also check the solid brake lines for corrosion, they will be picked up on an MOT, if bad it may fail the test. Having done all this then clean the interior and the paintwork as much as you like. Given the current virus situation your going to have time to get stuck in. Getting spares by mail order via the Web I use Carparts4less and ebay sellers for loads of stuff. Opie Oils is also a good supplier for all oils and fluids you are going to need.

 

[Shelly]

 

[Mikepotter86]

Best to go through the car yourself, easy enough for a novice, Engine Oil and filter change, Gearbox fluid change and Diff oil then you know whats in it. Set of plugs would also be on my list and keep the old ones cleaned as spares. A good check of all the rubber hoses on the engine and replace any with splits or holes. Most common problem on these cars are duff rubber hoses that cause vacuum leaks.
Also equip yourself with a code reader and an airbag code reader, all obtainable cheap from ebay and loads of info on here as to what you need to set yourself up.
Once you have carried out all these suggestions turn your attention to the brakes and check condition of pads and hoses, also check the solid brake lines for corrosion, they will be picked up on an MOT, if bad it may fail the test. Having done all this then clean the interior and the paintwork as much as you like. Given the current virus situation your going to have time to get stuck in. Getting spares by mail order via the Web I use Carparts4less and ebay sellers for loads of stuff. Opie Oils is also a good supplier for all oils and fluids you are going to need.

Thanks for the advice. I am slowly working my way through the "new to me" maintenance stuff as you suggested. I am eager to start addressing the suspension - I was wondering if there is a good "order of operations" of what to inspect/replace to improve ride. I am hestiant to invest too much in parts, but I do have lots of time on my hands to do work on the car.