ZGary
Regular Member
Help. i have seen a 1997, Z3 2.8 auto with the engine shot, so needs replacement. Can anyone advise me if this is a DIY in my garage or am i taking on too much! Thanks for advice
Z3 2.8 engine change
- Thread starter ZGary
- Start date
If switching for the same engine then pretty straightforward depending on your abilities at engine swaps. The 2.8 was widely used across the BMW range so shouldn't be too difficult to source a replacement.
Hard to say without knowing how mechanically competent you are Gary. Beauty of a Z3 is the clamshell bonnet which does give better access. If you're not in a tearing hurry I would say it's a job worth taking on, you will need some assistance at certain points though.
Tony.
Tony.
ZGary
Regular Member
thank you for the prompt reply. i have change a Nissan Micra engine! not quite the same!
Exactly the same in principle mate, you just have to orderly in taking things off and keep items and their fixings together. Also use masking tape to label cables and pipes etc.
Tony.
Tony.
if you have a done a swap before it should be relatively easy for you.
bonus is that the slam panel removes too so your dont have to hoist the engine out of the bay
bonus is that the slam panel removes too so your dont have to hoist the engine out of the bay
ZGary
Regular Member
Excellent. This is the encouragement i need. There is no hurry so if it takes a few month i would be happy, as long as there still some sun shine!
As said its not too daunting if you want to see the ins and outs have a look here and you'll see in pictures as well as advise worth a read....https://zroadster.org/threads/2-2-engine-replacement-project.17379/#post-291065
When/if you do it, in case you don't know, you remove the starter motor and then you have access to 3 or 4 bolts which attach the torque converter to the drive plate on the end of the crankshaft. You need to remove these bolts and make sure the torque converter stays in the gearbox bell housing when you pull the engine out.
Tony.
Tony.
ZGary
Regular Member
Tony i have never removed a z3 engine, forewarned is pre armed. Always grateful for tips.
This info applies to any car with an auto box Gary as opposed to a manual gearbox where you would remove the engine with the flywheel and clutch assembly still attached. Always available for help if you need to ask anything.
Tony.
ZGary
Regular Member
I am full of thank you's thie evening. It probably won't be the last
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2014
- Points
- 174
- Model of Z
- 2.2i Sport
Might be easier, if you've got the room and a big enough hoist, to take the engine and gearbox out in one. Saves a lot of faffing about trying to split the two while it's in.
ZGary
Regular Member
Thanks for the info. A garage has Quoted me £600 plus parts, i thought was good.
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2014
- Points
- 174
- Model of Z
- 2.2i Sport
Been a mechanic most of my life, and don't like giving money to people to do something I can do myself, but £600 may not be too bad a price. Depends how much you trust them. Nothing too complicated on these cars if you're a reasonably competent and methodical person, but a potential minefield if you ain't. And a decent set of tools will be needed, too.
ZGary
Regular Member
thank you for the advice. £600 may be good if i'm halfway through the job and get stuck, then no garage will want to know.
Might be undertaking a similar job myself once I get my car back from europe
I'm the one doing the 2.2 engine replacement.
It's not difficult. You just need to be methodical. And it's time consuming, well it has been for me as I've resprayed the engine bay and overhauled the steering/suspension while it's been out.
Your biggest struggle will probably be separating the exhaust at the manifolds as the bolts rust up. Removing the exhaust manifolds from the head is too much aggro in my view and the exhaust system to manifold bolts issue is the lesser of 2 evils.
The costs also mount up on small bits which make sense to replace while you're at it. Engine mounts, gearbox mounts, transmission oil, exhaust mounts...
It's not difficult. You just need to be methodical. And it's time consuming, well it has been for me as I've resprayed the engine bay and overhauled the steering/suspension while it's been out.
Your biggest struggle will probably be separating the exhaust at the manifolds as the bolts rust up. Removing the exhaust manifolds from the head is too much aggro in my view and the exhaust system to manifold bolts issue is the lesser of 2 evils.
The costs also mount up on small bits which make sense to replace while you're at it. Engine mounts, gearbox mounts, transmission oil, exhaust mounts...
ZGary
Regular Member
Lovely, your suggestions and logic are great. Thank you
Do you know what is wrong with the engine? If the numbers stack up, I would prefer to rebuild the original than replace with a (likely) unknown quality unit. Just a thought.