Zed is now in the building!

[Layor]

Took Zed in this morning. Russ was unable to get him on the ramp as it was already occupied. So, off to do some shopping at the local factors for oil, oil filter and other bits. Wallet felt lighter on the way out.
Went to the local D.I.Y. emporium for washers for the new brake hoses. I couldn't find any large ones with the required 14mm center, so bought some with smaller center's with the plan to drill them to size. Not looking forward to that, I'd like to keep all of my digits, thank you very much! However, there were some square ones there which fitted the bill, but, and this is where @t-tony comes in, they are quite a bit thicker. (I know this because I asked them a question and they didn't know the answer) so, Tony, or anyone else, these must be around 2 to 3mm thick. Do you think they would fit in okay or will they be too thick? I can see from your excellent write up, Tony, that the 'penny washers' are the same size as the ones I have bought, apart from the center. I have not yet had a look at the brake lines as the lad was working on the panels when I got back.
While I was in the D.I.Y store I met Russ there, he said he had removed the headlight that was broken, and the bad news is that two of the lugs were beyond repair. That, plus the build up of condensation, made it a 'no-brainer' for getting it replaced. Ordered one online (S/H). Wallet felt a lot lighter.
I am going to replace the bulbs in the headlights for the 'Night Breaker' type. But can anyone advise me which ones to get? I have seen Osram N.B 'Unlimited H4', N.B.'Laser H4', Osram N.B.'Unlimited H7' and many more. Am I right in thinking that I need the 'H7' type? Please tell me I am right, as these are in a 'twin pack' and are a bit cheaper than buying singles. Moths in the wallet starting to get hungry.
I shall be back in tomorrow and see if I can either start on the brake lines or do the oil change. Hopefully, photo's to follow.
Found some old dollar bills from a long forgotten holiday, put them in my wallet. Moths seem to be content for now.
Colin.

 

[t-tony]

Do you think they would fit in okay or will they be too thick?

I wouldn't use washers that thick mate. To drill out the ones you have safely mount them "flat" between the vice jaws so that you're drilling down on the washer. If you try to grip the edge it will spin out and either break your drill bit or injure you.

Tony.

 

[Stevo7682]

Only some zeds fitted with h7 bulbs both of mine use 9005 and 9006 bulbs

 

[Layor]

Thanks Stevo, I'll hopefully be checking what bulbs are already fitted later today and go from there.
I thought that they may be a bit on the thick side, Tony. Drilling the washers out shouldn't really be a problem, the easiest and safest way will be to reverse the jaws on my lathe with the drill bit in the tailstock and do them one at a time.

Not sure if I'll be able to get to Zed today. I'm waiting for a delivery this morning and I have to go out later this afternoon. I'm meeting up with a niece that I have not seen for nearly 27 years! Family comes first!
Colin.

 

[t-tony]

Thanks Stevo, I'll hopefully be checking what bulbs are already fitted later today and go from there.
I thought that they may be a bit on the thick side, Tony. Drilling the washers out shouldn't really be a problem, the easiest and safest way will be to reverse the jaws on my lathe with the drill bit in the tailstock and do them one at a time.

Not sure if I'll be able to get to Zed today. I'm waiting for a delivery this morning and I have to go out later this afternoon. I'm meeting up with a niece that I have not seen for nearly 27 years! Family comes first!
Colin.

The Z will be thete after the visit Colin and as you said . . . . .

Tony.

 

[Layor]

A brilliant afternoon/evening spent with my niece talking over old times. Trouble is, it made me feel even older after realising so much time had slipped by. Thank God I have Zed to keep me feeling young.

I managed to get the washers for retaining the hoses sorted out. I didn't use a drill bit in the end. Instead opted to bore them out.

It was far more accurate this way, even though it possibly seem to be 'overkill'.

But the result was this:

All I have to do now is cut/grind a flat to the washer and get them fitted.

I did 10 washers, as that is what I bought, at a cost of £1.70 from the local D.I.Y. I'm sure you can get them cheaper than that, but 'needs must....' It was very difficult to source washers of the right size from here, if anyone has the same problem, send me the washers and I can always bore the centre's out for you. The centre's were 13.7mm for a close fit, but 14mm will obviously be fine. (PM me first.)
Hah! the delivery I was waiting for yesterday didn't turn up, hopefully it will be today. So just waiting now for post to arrive before going out. Can we have a 'foot-tapping' smilie, please!
One thing I do need to know is, what size copper washer fits the sump plug? I have seen post's about using flat's instead of the original type, but no mention of size. I don't want to take the plug out and empty the sump, only to find I cannot get one and I don't want to put the original one back. I've seen the consequences of that in the past.
Colin.

 

[t-tony]

Most oil filters you buy for a BMW come with a sump plug washer Colin. If you've got a filter check in the box.

Tony.

 

[Layor]

Well I'll be bug***ed! Never thought of that, Tony. Thanks.
And I've only just come back from taking the 'new' headlight to the workshop. Everything is there ready to go once I get the okay.
The headlight was delivered this morning, which was a surprise as I was not expecting it until next week! That brings me to another query, the bulb in there at the moment is this one:

I have had a look at the HB3 9005's but I cannot see how they would fit. If you unclip the bulb and holder from the above, and look at the plastic connector, it's symmetrical. But these are not:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Ultr...qid=1516799828&sr=8-3&keywords=hb3+9005+bulbs
And, if I go to these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-07...qid=1516799828&sr=8-4&keywords=hb3+9005+bulbs
It tells you that they are not suitable for the Z4. Is there a conversion kit or am I looking at the wrong things, or, is it that I am unable to use those types of bulb on my Z4?

By the way, I bought the headlight from this guy:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-E...del:Z4&hash=item2ccbcba017:g:AZgAAOSwVqlaMqIH

Very pleased with delivery and condition of headlight. Don't know if the price is comparable with others as it was the only one I could find. But I was happy enough, I needed it fairly quickly.
Colin.

 

[t-tony]

Well I'll be bug***ed! Never thought of that, Tony. Thanks.
And I've only just come back from taking the 'new' headlight to the workshop. Everything is there ready to go once I get the okay.
The headlight was delivered this morning, which was a surprise as I was not expecting it until next week! That brings me to another query, the bulb in there at the moment is this one:
View attachment 72645
I have had a look at the HB3 9005's but I cannot see how they would fit. If you unclip the bulb and holder from the above, and look at the plastic connector, it's symmetrical. But these are not:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Ultr...qid=1516799828&sr=8-3&keywords=hb3+9005+bulbs
And, if I go to these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-07...qid=1516799828&sr=8-4&keywords=hb3+9005+bulbs
It tells you that they are not suitable for the Z4. Is there a conversion kit or am I looking at the wrong things, or, is it that I am unable to use those types of bulb on my Z4?

By the way, I bought the headlight from this guy:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-E85-2003-2009-HEADLIGHT-HEADLAMP-PASSENGER-SIDE-NON-FACELIFT-GENUINE/192397680663?fits=Car+Make:BMW|Model:Z4&hash=item2ccbcba017:g:AZgAAOSwVqlaMqIH

Very pleased with delivery and condition of headlight. Don't know if the price is comparable with others as it was the only one I could find. But I was happy enough, I needed it fairly quickly.
Colin.

That is an H7 bulb mate, it just plugs into that holder which connects into the light unit.

Tony.

 

[Layor]

Hi Tony, so what I need to get is something like these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/H7-OSRAM-...E85-03-LOW-BEAM-HEADLIGHT-BULBS-/351236845892

Just the bulb itself, not with the plastic unit. That would make sense.
You can tell it's been a while since I fitted any car bulbs, I'm just used to the bayonet type! None of the machinery I worked on for the last 23 years had anything like these. And all my cars in the last 15years have been new and changed every 2/3 years, so I've never had to go near them!. Lucky me I guess!

Getting a bit frustrated now, I'm still waiting for the ramp to be freed up so I can get the Zed on it. Poor old Russ is chock-a-block with work and he is trying to squeeze as many vehicles in as possible. So trying to work on the car while the boys are busy is a no go at the moment.
I guess I am going to have to be patient and wait until things quieten down a tad.
I do get in to see Zed every day and bring grapes and squash. I hope he appreciates it.

Colin.

 

[t-tony]

Hi Tony, so what I need to get is something like these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/H7-OSRAM-...E85-03-LOW-BEAM-HEADLIGHT-BULBS-/351236845892

Just the bulb itself, not with the plastic unit. That would make sense.
You can tell it's been a while since I fitted any car bulbs, I'm just used to the bayonet type! None of the machinery I worked on for the last 23 years had anything like these. And all my cars in the last 15years have been new and changed every 2/3 years, so I've never had to go near them!. Lucky me I guess!

Getting a bit frustrated now, I'm still waiting for the ramp to be freed up so I can get the Zed on it. Poor old Russ is chock-a-block with work and he is trying to squeeze as many vehicles in as possible. So trying to work on the car while the boys are busy is a no go at the moment.
I guess I am going to have to be patient and wait until things quieten down a tad.
I do get in to see Zed every day and bring grapes and squash. I hope he appreciates it.

Colin.

Yes mate. That's what I use in my car. They do make a difference. I WAS going to look into buying a HID kit but on Sunday, reading the proposed new M.O.T. manual they're outlawing fitting HID kits into Halogen type headlights, so that's a no go now. You can buy 80W and even 100W H7 bulbs but they're not road legal. Not sure how you would tell ........................

Tony.

 

[Layor]

Don't think it would be much of a problem to tell the difference, Tony.
When the M.O.T. tester stands in front of the car and gets his oppo' to switch main beam on and you hear the words 'F*** Me!!'
You'll know it's a fail!
Colin.

 

[t-tony]

Don't think it would be much of a problem to tell the difference, Tony.
When the M.O.T. tester stands in front of the car and gets his oppo' to switch main beam on and you hear the words 'F*** Me!!'
You'll know it's a fail!
Colin.

But, you only test aim on dip beam mate. It's all about the pattern........................

Tony

 

[Layor]

Yeah, I know, Tony, I was just thinking of the old days in the R.A.F. 'Are the lights working?' Click! 'Yeah!' 'What about the indicators?'
'Yes..No..Yes..No...Yes...No!'
Colin.

 

[Layor]

Paid a visit to Zed this morning on the way back from shopping. Delivered the grapes and squash, and was handed the rear brake light strip in bits! Guess who is going do be doing the rounds on the web to find another one. I was thinking of getting a white LED one that turns red. Should like nice.
The bodywork has now got its primer on and it will be going in the 'oven next week. Still no chance of getting the new brake hoses on yet, looks like I will have to wait until it's all finished before starting on them. Patience, boy, patience!
Colin.

 

[t-tony]

If you go for the clear one Colin you need one of my Roadster decals like mine has.

Tony.

 

[Layor]

Ordered one yesterday, Tony. I had seen those decals mentioned somewhere on the Forum, but couldn't find where. I would love to get one.
The Night Breaker bulbs also arrived yesterday, so again great delivery service. I have to wait until Tuesday before I can get to see Zed again, might be all done by then!
I was looking to get new wheel centre badges, but £10 or less for all four seems to be a bit cheap, and I wouldn't like to guess at the quality. However, over £36 for one badge seems a bit excessive! Is there no middle ground?
Colin.

 

[t-tony]

You might be surprised how the cheaper end badges last mate, and at the price not bad if you do need to replace them.

Tony.

 

[Sean d]

Ordered one yesterday, Tony. I had seen those decals mentioned somewhere on the Forum, but couldn't find where. I would love to get one.
The Night Breaker bulbs also arrived yesterday, so again great delivery service. I have to wait until Tuesday before I can get to see Zed again, might be all done by then!
I was looking to get new wheel centre badges, but £10 or less for all four seems to be a bit cheap, and I wouldn't like to guess at the quality. However, over £36 for one badge seems a bit excessive! Is there no middle ground?
Colin.

You can get genuine badges off ebay for £20, thats the route I am taking, I fitted 80w h7s in my daily drive and they make a massiuve difference, I have been driving it for a few weeks now and no one has flashed me.

 

[Layor]

I guess that's true, Tony. Just me being picky.


Thanks, Sean. I'll take a look.
No-one has flashed at me for years..... Oh! You mean the lights!
Colin.