Over Heating

Geoff Crispin

Zorg Guru (III)
British Zeds
Joined
Aug 20, 2015
Points
145
Location
Somerset
Model of Z
Z3 3.0 & 3.0 sport
Been looking at an advert for a 2000 1.9 Z3 119000miles still used but it o.ever heats,
Any suggestions as to possible causes ? semi blocked rad, faulty thermostat / or ? its cheap but could be costly to put right ?
 
Just how cheap is it and are you able to perform the work of removing the head yourself? It could be as simple as a head gasket and head skim or could be a cracked head, radiator, and on and on. Was the car parked as soon as the problems appeared or continued to be driven? Do you know or trust the seller? M44 engines are pretty cheap in the UK, may be an option. JMO. JIM
 
Thanks Andy, very interesting could be expensive to sort.
Hi Jim
£900, I have striped engines down but a long time ago and then they were very much simpler.,I have asked the seller various questions but waiting answers, but from the add wording it is still being used so thought that might not be a big problem but how wrong I could be.
Might forget it, only thought that I might be able to make a few quick bob will wait and see what the chap says when he replies.

Thanls

Geoff
 
I'd be worried about a car which is known to overheat still being driven... That said M44 engines are plentiful £2-300 off eBay, so worst case shouldn't be too much if the engine is goosed.

Likewise you can easily make £900 back on a dead Z3 by parting it out.
 
Not trying to discourage you at all @Geoff Crispin just wanted to make you aware! It worries me though if they're still driving it while overheating. If you aren't in a rush to make your few £ price isn't too bad if the rest of the car presents well. This is a more modern engine but still one of the easier DIY projects. Hopefully it's only a minor head gasket leak and a new gasket and skim and all's well again. Good luck! JIM
 
@Mnbrennan has sent a BOS letter on my behalf! Hopefully the saga will end happily and I can book a ship ride before we have so much snow I won't be able to drive it the 2500miles home. If all else fails Andy (@spurs fan in a coupe ) likely will have it for breaking.
 
Jim
Sorry but I don't understand your last message??????????????
 
Erm, head gasket is screaming to me, if it isn't it's a bonus. Like Gaz says if you like the car and it turns out to be the head you could change the engine for £2-300. Potentially still having a nice Zed for under £1500. Other option is to keep looking. This time of year theres plenty of bargains to be had. Good luck with your search.
 
Hi Grumpy
I agree with what you are saying, but I already have a nice red Z3, this was just a thought that money could be made to supplement pension HaHa
 
Hi Grumpy
I agree with what you are saying, but I already have a nice red Z3, this was just a thought that money could be made to supplement pension HaHa
Well there's nothing wrong with that Geoff. Leave that one, you'll find plenty at good value this time of year, put it away until spring, pull it out and hey presto! Pay day! :happy:
 
As Gaz stated, you can make some money on parts, if you have the space at home or elsewhere to strip a car.
 
Looked today, car is still for sale, being used, still over heating and price down to £795 em
 
Hi Geoff, @spurs fan in a coupe has my TOO car for breaking with a good powertrain if you decide to change the engine out. Under different circumstances I'd be buying it myself!! Just not good timing right now which is why Andy has the other car. Good luck! Jim
 
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