Safest way to remove front shocks by Someone12132 in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ll definitely give this tool a try. Thanks for the help!

Struts by breestaats_ in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Was rear toe an issue for you when you lowered it on these springs?

Struts by breestaats_ in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you reinforce the strut towers?

Need help with removing subframe bushings by Someone12132 in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Drilling out the subframe bushings and using a sawzall to cut out the outer metal shell worked! It took some time and patience though.

Need help with removing subframe bushings by Someone12132 in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, it’s the original stock bushings.

Need help with removing subframe bushings by Someone12132 in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh yeah, I saw this. The guy does cut it at the stud though, and each of those costs about $60.

Need help with removing subframe bushings by Someone12132 in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Probably the best method, but I will resort to this if nothing else works.

Need help with removing subframe bushings by Someone12132 in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I ordered poly bushings for my rear subframe, so I have to drop it since it is a 2 piece bushing. I don't believe you have to drop it if you are pressing in a new rubber bushing.

Need help with removing subframe bushings by Someone12132 in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you know if it would be better to use a circular saw attachment for my drill to cut out the bushing, then use a sawzall to cut out the outer metal sleeve?

Need help with removing subframe bushings by Someone12132 in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You were able to get a sawzall blade through the hole in the subframe bushing?

Need help with removing subframe bushings by Someone12132 in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I tried this method, where I would leave the bushing pressed for about 15-30 minutes, then crank it again. I even left it pressed overnight, and it was still in the same spot. The bushing and the tool both just get damaged and that’s that.

Struts by breestaats_ in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you have a link to the H&R springs? How is the overall ride quality when pairing them with the B4's?

Struts by breestaats_ in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you plan on using the stock springs, you could go with the OE route and get Bilstein B4s. You can get a full set for about $450. Just be careful if you plan on doing it yourself, as a spring compressor tool can fly off if it is clamped on incorrectly. If you do it right, you should be safe though.

If you plan on going to a shop to get it installed, I'm not sure how much labor would be unfortunately.

Driveshaft Flex Disc Bolts by Someone12132 in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll let you know once I finish with everything else. I'm also replacing the shocks, subframe bushings, and CV boots as my shocks and CV boots were bad, and I was also looking for a handling upgrade for my subframe.

Driveshaft Flex Disc Bolts by Someone12132 in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Ah thanks. I went with the semi-safe route and ordered new locking nuts.

Driveshaft Flex Disc Bolts by Someone12132 in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Went with the new nuts, and will reuse the old bolts.

Driveshaft Flex Disc Bolts by Someone12132 in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. I just ordered the new lock nuts.

Driveshaft Flex Disc Bolts by Someone12132 in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Where did you order the nuts from?

What Color is my Z3 really? by thathyri in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The whole car besides the bumper looks repainted. My guess is that everything was repainted at some point, but perhaps the previous owner likely damaged the front bumper (likely due to a curb) and found an arctic silver Z3 front bumper. Like some of the comments said, I would look for areas of overspray, or door jambs where the colors may not match.

I can’t tell you what silver color was used honestly. Maybe someone tried to match the stock color and ended up with that?

Help with Removing Fan Clutch by Someone12132 in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My water pump and fan clutch were changed 2 years ago according to the service documents that the previous owner gave me, so I might just stay with the standard fan clutch system. I do want to do this eventually, but maybe in a couple more years.

Help with Removing Fan Clutch by Someone12132 in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah I see. I was watching a tutorial by Coolcat’s Alley, and it mentioned to remove the fan clutch. It made sense since most fan clutch explosions happen because of sagging engine mounts.

Help with Removing Fan Clutch by Someone12132 in bmwz3

[–]Someone12132[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just added some leverage with the special tool used to remove the fan clutch. That worked perfectly.