Oxford Green 3.0i Z3

Few things I've done to the car in the past 2 weeks.

- Completed my first (ever) oil and filter change using Castrol Edge 0w-30 and the MANN HU 925 Oil FIlter. I also fit a Gold Plug AP-11 Magnetic sump bolt..
- Changed the spark plugs. From the very little service history I have for the car I believe it was last done in 2007 when the car was on 40,536 miles. It's now on 63,450. The existing plugs were NGK R5 spark plugs and changed to Bosch Super Plus FGR7DQP+.

From what I can tell I don't think there's anything alarming that jumps out when looking at the old plugs.

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- I restored my headlights using the 3M Headlight Restoration Kit. I forgot to take any pictures but it made a very good improvement and god rid of a couple of big scuffs. Just waiting on Meguar's Headlight Protectant to be delivered to seal them properly.
- I then today gave her the first clean of 2018.

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I've purchased a few bits and pieces to work on in the coming months:

- 2L of Red Line D4 ATF to change the Gearbox Oil.
- 2L of Castrol Syntrax Limited Slip 75W 140 to change the Differential Oil.
- 10L of Comma Xstream G48 Antofreeze to change the coolant. Hopefully that's enough as I've heard I might need 11L-12L.
- MANN WK 532/1 Fuel Filter. This should be the right filter for my car. I guess I'll find out when I take the old one off.


I also ordered the following to be installed by my local garage along with a wheel alignment:

- Bilstein B12 Pro Suspension Kit with Bilstein B8 Shocks.
- Powerflex Rear Shock Top Mount bracket and bushes.

Need to order some new BMW emblems for the side grills as they're corroded and new set of front kidney grills as they've also started to corrode.
 

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Thank you. I'm still unsure as to whether the old spark plugs look as they should, can anyone enlighten me?
 
They look a very good colour to me.

Tony.
 
t-tony said:
They look a very good colour to me.

Tony.
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That's great thanks. I know that it's possible to identify problems from any oil etc on the spark plugs. I just wasn't sure how dark normal working plugs can get.
 
As a general guide if they are black and sooty looking the car is running too rich, if they are clean and very white/grey the car is running too weak, if they are black and oily looking you are burning oil probably due to bore or piston ring trouble or valve guide wear. Yours look to be spot on being grey with a hint of brown suggesting that all is good. Happy days.
 
Great looking car, my favourite colour for a Z3...I hope to have one one day, ideally 2.8 widebody in that same colour.

Do you like your wing mirrors?...have you thought about replacing them with the Z3M shape ones?...I think they look quite sporty....also are you considering dropping the suspension at all?
 
as400 said:
Great looking car, my favourite colour for a Z3...I hope to have one one day, ideally 2.8 widebody in that same colour.

Do you like your wing mirrors?...have you thought about replacing them with the Z3M shape ones?...I think they look quite sporty....also are you considering dropping the suspension at all?
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Thank you :) As far as I'm aware the 3.0i is the same as the 2.8i widebody but the newer facelift version.

I have only recently realised there is a difference in the Z3M wing mirrors, I think I would definitely be up for changing them but not keen on paying the silly prices for them.

I have ordered new suspension, the Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit which will lower the car by 30mm which will give it a much nicer stance.
 
That’s a great shine on there. Wheels look brilliant too. Really nice car.
 
Madtoady said:
Thank you :) As far as I'm aware the 3.0i is the same as the 2.8i widebody but the newer facelift version.
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I think the only 'real' widebody is on the Z3M and the pre-facelift 2.8, which strike me as kind of 911 in there widebody styling.

The face lift seems to take its inspiration from the 507 not as much width but more height.
 

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On the mirror front, the Z3 ones work better than the M ones that are really style over function. Do look good though and work OK.:thumbsup:
 
Very nice Zed :thumbsup:

@mid life crisis take a look at those yellow calipers, told you they'd look smart on a green Zed :thumbsup:
 
In fact mine were two-tone, yellow and almost chrome silver.
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Tony.
 
What are we finding is the best paint to use? looks like @Nodzed won't rest until I've painted my calipers yellow ( I fancied red:whistle:)
 
Small update:
- Removed the spare wheel and spare wheel rack. I contemplated refurbishing it but decided to get rid as if I was to use the spare I'd then have nowhere to put the removed wheel. Will keep a can of tyre gunk in the boot instead as well as the backup AA membership.
- Installed new chrome kidney grills.
- Installed new side vent BMW emblems.
- Installed the 'DENSION Gateway Lite BT' to my original head-unit which works wonders! The sound quality was surprisingly really good using bluetooth when compared to hearing the radio that I'd been used to.

Newly ordered:
- New Bosch S5 Type 096 Battery. Installing the blue-tooth unit, working the roof and doing a few other bits was enough to drain the battery. I initially thought I had somehow screwed up some electrical wiring but after recharging the battery I was relieved to find out it was just that. I have no idea how old the current battery is so I'll feel better with a new one.
- New speakers. Hertz DSK130.3 for the front and Hertz DCX 100.3 for the rear. Will hopefully be a straight forward swap and improve the sound whilst letting me keep the original head unit.

Jobs waiting to be done:
- Gearbox oil change using 2L of Red Line D4 ATF.
- LSD oil change using 2L of Castrol Syntrax Limited Slip 75W 140.
- Install aluminium pedal covers. I'm not entirely convinced on them, I like them but they have the M emblem on them and I don't want to be pulled over by the M Police!
- Install new fuel filter.
- Contemplate installing a bundle of parts I bought from a forum member in November but this would definitely be the most 'car mechanic' job I've ever done.
--- Hepu water pump, metal impeller part no 201 11 0122
--- Behr Mahle thermostat and housing OH quality
--- Ina belt tensioner part no 533 0015 10
--- Meyle alternator and power steering belts part no 53-16060 0005/HD
 
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