Z3 Experts Lancashire?

[Wilko58]

Hi, Just got my first Z3 a 1998/9 2.8 - got a couple of things to sort out, some I can do myself but wondering if there any Z3 'experts' or specialist garages in Lancashire or the North West worth having a chat with or going to? Thanks

 

[GazHyde]

What sort of things need sorting?

 

[Wilko58]

Hi Gaz, Initially, I just wanted it looking over to see if everything is correct and some general advice. It does have some rust spots along the sills which I think might need replacing especially drivers side. I've just been for a good thrash around my local country roads roof up and down and it's very skittish and seems to bounce a lot! Someone has fitted 18 inch wheels which I don't think help but other than the front ARB bushes which I was going to do anyway, now want someone else's opinion on whether the handling is as to be expected or something is amiss. Cheers, Tracey

 

[GazHyde]

Get where you are coming from. As the suspension setup is from the BMW E30 & E36 3 series (80's & 90's), you should try and find a BMW independent garage that knows the older models. It's not a complicated setup by any means.

The skitty suspension could be as simple as tyre pressures, low tread depth or plain rubbish tyres.

That said, a really good look over the suspension won't harm!

 

[Wilko58]

I've been using an Independent BMW specialist for last 20 years so think I'd best go to him lol!
Good call on the tyres - one rear is a cheap Primewell and close to illegal down the centre. The other rear is a Nexus N8000 almost new and the front two are almost new Kumho Ecstas. Will get a new tyre on the rear asap. Not sure whether to go to 17" wheels - seem to be what most people are running?
Will get him to check the suspension anyway.
Cheers

 

[GazHyde]

18's on well sorted suspension are fine, plenty on here running that setup. You could drop to 17 for a bit more comfort though.

Good news you have a trusted Indy already!

 

[ZTec]

Hi and welcome from South Wales.
I've just changed from the standard 225/50/16 to 225/40/18 on the front and 255/35/18 on the rear running Pirelli P Zero's, much better ride already, then I changed the rear shocks as the originals were completely shot, even better again. Now the car is at @Lee in Basingstoke for some work, lowered eibachs all round and new shocks on the front which will see it completely sorted suspension wise. These cars are getting on a bit now so shocks are your first port of call, then springs then decent tyres.

 

[Antm72]

As said 18's are common place on a zed and i find the 17-18inch wheel swap difference negligible.
It may be the dampers are tired and just require a freshen up.
Sometimes the suspension looks well but dismantled it is actually shot, a good garage should be able to advise.

 

[Wilko58]

Cheers guys will have a closer look!