New to the Z3 game, where do I start?

[KekkleKat666]

Just got my 2000 Z3 2.5 Roadster, has 214,588 on the dash but was fully rebuilt at 200k and has been maintenanced every 4k since then. It is due for an oil change and maintenance. It was last maintained 4k ago with it getting new oil, filters, tires, battery, and alternator. I wanna know what the normal, preferred maintenance on these cars are as I am new to BMW and Z3s. I could probably look this up but I also want to get familiar with the forums and the users. So any tips tricks or anything you'd like to help a new Z3 owner on leave it below. Thank you guys by the way, I've spoken with some very nice people on the forums. You guys are great.

 

[t-tony]

Hey mate, good to see you took the plunge and bought yourself a Z3. Bear in mind that cars over this side of the pond generally do much less miles than ones on the US mainland, and as such it's difficult to comment on the miles you will do, especially if you're using it as a daily drive.
As a general rule regular oil and filter changes are the best way to prolong the life of any car so, if it were me I would change oil and filter at 5,000 intervals and then just keep an eye/ear open for anything else which may come along. If in doubt please ask questions on here.

Tony.

ps. Where are you located in the US please?

 

[KekkleKat666]

Hey mate, good to see you took the plunge and bought yourself a Z3. Bear in mind that cars over this side of the pond generally do much less miles than ones on the US mainland, and as such it's difficult to comment on the miles you will do, especially if you're using it as a daily drive.
As a general rule regular oil and filter changes are the best way to prolong the life of any car so, if it were me I would change oil and filter at 5,000 intervals and then just keep an eye/ear open for anything else which may come along. If in doubt please ask questions on here.

Tony.

ps. Where are you located in the US please?

I live in Louisiana, and thank you for your information Tony

 

[KekkleKat666]

I also have noticed an issue. I tested all the lights after I test drove it. Bought it drove it 3 hours to the city I live in and notice the brake lights stay on. Didn't do that when I was checking the lights. Like the lights all stay on. I drop the ebrake and they lights are still on, and when I press the foot brake nothing happens, just solid brake lights.

 

[t-tony]

I also have noticed an issue. I tested all the lights after I test drove it. Bought it drove it 3 hours to the city I live in and notice the brake lights stay on. Didn't do that when I was checking the lights. Like the lights all stay on. I drop the ebrake and they lights are still on, and when I press the foot brake nothing happens, just solid brake lights.

Sounds like an issue with the brake light switch on the brake pedal.

Tony

 

[KekkleKat666]

Sounds like an issue with the brake light switch on the brake pedal.

Tony

That's what I'm guessing, I'm gonna check out the switch when it's not 100 degrees and so humid.

 

[andyglym]

I think the key is just continued regular maintenance and periodic checks all round as like any other old car things go wrong. That said, these cars seem to be pretty robust and the engines/gearbox seem to be bullet proof. Agree on @t-tony recommendation of more frequent oil and filter changes. Many great 'How to' guides on here and take a look at Pelican Parts, it offers a step by step photographic guide on just about every fix and of course, Youtube. Best of luck

 

[mrscalex]

Pelican

Not mentioned on here enough as it is very good for all the regular mechanical stuff.

 

[Jack Ratt]

Here's a link

https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/tech_main_Z3.htm

 

[colb]

If you haven't got a code reader it would be a good investment to make, quite a choice out there as to makes and price, cheapest way is an ELM 327 interface in either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and an App you can download and use on your phone.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WiFi-OBD...540867?hash=item1ee1933903:g:tNgAAOSwK~VbLgt1
I use Dash Command, others use Torque all available from the usual App sources.
You will also need a BMW 20 pin to OBD 16 pin adapter cable to plug it in to the engine bay diagnostic port.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20-Pin-t...736033&hash=item440c1d3b50:g:eqcAAOSwVcFXOn7X

Add in a B800 Airbag code reader and reset tool, some sellers also include the 20pin to 16pin cable as well.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Airbag-R...405395?hash=item41e38ae713:g:nKkAAOSwVK9bEQ-R

If you want a complete set of reset tools then the service, oil reset tool is also available, saves messing about with a paperclip to reset.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E30-...791831?hash=item3f9c558c57:g:Is0AAOSwzFVa9KB3

When you are up to speed with diagnostics you may want to invest in a Laptop and use BMW INPA software with your 20pin cable and interface via a USB cable to the Laptop. Software can be a little problematic to load and get running but doable.
Mr Scalex on here uses another system that he is happy with, keep meaning to ask him for more details on it.

First time you use any of these diagnostics you will save yourself a fortune over what dealers or specialists will charge you to read codes.

All the links above are UK ebay links, no doubt USA ebay will have the same kit listed or stuff from China.