Wife’s Z3 Roadster

[Robg397]

Hi all,
I’ve had 11 Various Bm’s since 1990 starting with a 1984 320i two door. I now have a 66 plate 435d coupe which I absolutely love. My wife has had various soft tops including MX5, 318i convertible and Audi A4 soft top. We bought her a 2003 2.2 Z3 roadster with only 26kmiles. When driving it home, all 433 miles to home we found the steering heavy and felt it followed road imperfections either left or right. Working at Arnold Clark I took it for a health check. All the technicians agreed it was a fabulous car but agreed that the steering was a bit suspect. Tyre pressure’s were checked and all bushes and joints checked, all ok. We did notice that the tyres were 10 years old and a brand I’ve never heard of. One technician searched on google to find that a strut brace made a big difference. I think I’ll probably replace all four tyres and put a strut brace on to start with, does this seem logical ?, love to hear more thoughts and views. Thanks in advance. Rob.

 

[t-tony]

Just change the tyres Rob, That will make the most difference. A 2003 Z3 must be one of the very last ones made but even so the rubber suspension components are well past they're "sell by" date and only replacing them will bring the car back to what it should be. Welcome to the forum by the way from me near Lincoln. Where are you located please?

Tony.

ps. I have Hankook tyres on my Z4 and I know a couple of guys on here who have them on their Z3s too good tyres that don't break the bank.

 

[Davyhoogy]

Hi Rob.

I agree with Tony, get new tyres on. Tyres should only be on a car for 5 years really.

The strut brace tightens the front end up so you get a better turn in I think but it wont change too much. Maybe some new shocks and springs would make it ride better.
It's a never ending list once you start though!

 

[Shelly]

 

[Nodzed]

Agree tyres first, strut brace will do little to help. Change the ball joints and bushes, you won't recognise the car after.

 

[Robg397]

Just change the tyres Rob, That will make the most difference. A 2003 Z3 must be one of the very last ones made but even so the rubber suspension components are well past they're "sell by" date and only replacing them will bring the car back to what it should be. Welcome to the forum by the way from me near Lincoln. Where are you located please?

Tony.

ps. I have Hankook tyres on my Z4 and I know a couple of guys on here who have them on their Z3s too good tyres that don't break the bank.

Hi Tony, Thanks for your reply, I’ll get tyres ordered soon for the better weather coming. Should I replace rear bushes also and should they be genuine parts ?.I live near Strathaven which is 35 miles south west fo Glasgow. We’re looking forward to taking it up north , the roads are great with beautiful scenery.
Thanks again.
Rob.

 

[Robg397]

Hi Rob.

I agree with Tony, get new tyres on. Tyres should only be on a car for 5 years really.

The strut brace tightens the front end up so you get a better turn in I think but it wont change too much. Maybe some new shocks and springs would make it ride better.
It's a never ending list once you start though!

Hi Davy, thanks for your reply, I’ll get tyres sorted, don’t think the missus would notice the difference with the brace anyway.
Thanks again.
Rob.

 

[Robg397]

View attachment 135229

Thanks for my welcome !
Rob.

 

[Keet]

Helloand welcome to the forum

 

[Paul Rice]

Hi Rob I had similar issues when i got my Z3, a little un nerving at times. 4 new Falcon tyres and Poly bushes on the wishbone lollipop mount worked magic did also have a strut brace, not sure if that made much difference but the tyres and Poly's definitely did.
Welcome to the forum. Best place for all things Zed related

 

[gookah]

don't waste money on a strut brace to sort out this issue, it wont.. I speak from experience.
Get new tyres and then enjoy the car, it will be transformed.

 

[Stevo7682]

Hi and welcome from me in South Ayrshire .

 

[Robg397]

Thanks for all your reply’s guys, really appreciate it.

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hi Rob welcome to the forum

 

[Mint]

Hi @Robg397, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire. The general thoughts on here is that if a strut brace improved handling it will be hiding underlying problems. As said by Tony I run Hankooks, very pleased with them

 

[PHILIP BAXTER]

Hi Rob, and welcome from me in Cardiff.

 

[Z Victor 1]

Agree with others, tyres make all the difference on the Z3. I've had three and it's not just new tyres, it's which ones. I had a 2.8 with good Michelins and it followed every mark in the road. It was terrible, but I fitted new Avon ZV7 s on the front it was perfect.Like a different car!

 

[Bonzeau]

Same with my Z3lda, worn Michelins on the front, Avon ZV5s on the rear. Tramlining quite badly. Put ZV5s on the front and it was like driving a different car. ZV5s not available now, so I have Avon ZV7s all round. Perfect, no tramlining.



Bonzo

 

[Sean d]

Welcome, one thing to bare in mind is that these cars are very engaging and you feel every insulation, however tram lining is bloody awful, what size wheels is it on, 18s can exaggerate it.

 

[bertiejaffa]

Welcome - fully agree with the tyres approach initially then the other rubber parts on the suspension.