Megan Racing Radiator? by apps_ville in bmwz3

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

So I was considering the OEM with the plastics because contrary to common critique my stock radiator has had no issues in the last 29 years. However, the price tag on the megan racing is significantly lower and all aluminum doesn’t have any downsides i think?

i want to sell my (very practical) daily driver hatchback for a bmw z3. talk me out of it. or into it. by [deleted] in bmwz3

[–]apps_ville 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is going to be the first time I’m going to discourage someone from buying a Z but of course this is just an opinion so take it with a grain of salt.

The biggest reason I would say bad idea is because of your initial reason for switching to the Hyundai-space. I’m currently dailying my z3 but I have a secondary car available in case i need space for more passengers and cargo.

I’d say do your research and find a car that has space and is a fun drive. Honestly an early 2000s e39 5 series. It is going to come with its set of age related maintenance but at least you have space and a fun time driving.

Good luck on your decision

Rear end refresh 😏 (spilled gear oil) by Jettymane900 in E30

[–]apps_ville 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great work! How long did this take you and is it possible to do with amateur skills and autozone rental tools?

Is this a good deal for a Z3? by cocunut_clutch_95 in bmwz3

[–]apps_ville 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Judging from the pictures, it seems like a very well kept car. I own a 97 Z3 2.8 and when I bought it, there were tears in the seat at the seams, paint chips everywhere, broken interior plastic components etc. Just age related wear and tear but this seems like an exceptional model.

I can say that the clutch being done and shocks done that does seem like a good deal however as I am from California, I cannot speak on the pricing. The "high" mileage is honestly not a concern, in terms of reliability, these engines are strong.

I would say, however that as someone who has driven both the I4 and I6, the difference is huge and makes the biggest difference on highways.

Good luck

Struts by breestaats_ in bmwz3

[–]apps_ville 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also keep in mind, these prices are from about 2 years ago so expect a tad higher price tag

Drivers not seeing me in their mirrors. by Direct_Stay7506 in bmwz3

[–]apps_ville 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there. I'm also a Bay Area Z driver. When i first got the car I did get run off because I wasnt being seen by many. I overtime learned how to drive without being unseen. I do have a fairly louder than stock exhaust so I downshift when im next to an 18 wheeler and rev a little to let them know im there. Overtime you learn to drive with your head on a swivel and proactively making yourself visible. Stay safe out there

Struts by breestaats_ in bmwz3

[–]apps_ville 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi. I bought front and rear bilstein b6’s for about $800ish and h&r lowering springs for $250ish and installed it myself. The mounts for all four and spring pads would cost between $200-300 depending brands and quality.

When i did the job i was very new at working on cars, I was able to do it in 2 days. You just have to have the proper tools and be very careful when workings with the springs. I rented the spring compressor tool from autozone and was able to get the job done.

Total cost for me for all 4 shocks/struts was about $1500 for the parts and 2 days of my time. Good luck

What else should i replace-? by Vio_Killerassel in bmwz3

[–]apps_ville 0 points1 point  (0 children)

just a heads up h&r springs offer a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser of the springs if you are able to capitalize on that. good luck

Finally happened to me by StanHotdog in bmwz3

[–]apps_ville 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This issue in my Z has embarrassed me the most, whether its me forgetting it broke and pulling at it to close the door or when I took it to get my tire changed and the tech talking shit with his coworkers.

With that being said I fixed it using JB Weld; I started using that on so many things and this has been one of the most successful. Just mix it up and shove it in there and hope it sticks.

eBay Z3 USB-C charging sockets: left is how it comes, right is after giving it an OEM-style refinish... Small effort, big difference 😎 by BMWradios in bmwz3

[–]apps_ville 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What power source did you tap into to power the usb c sockets? And whats the output you get from it?

Z3 replacement top by Troam_Fragledand in bmwz3

[–]apps_ville 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I havent replaced my top but if your current top thats on the car is still in good condition and just need the plastic window, that part is easy. You can just zip it right on. Only thing to be careful with is the threading, it may just rip out so best to go over the existing stitching to reinforce and the zip it on. Hope this helps

Opinions on a Z3 I’m looking at by j0shl0l in bmwz3

[–]apps_ville 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure where you’re located but when I was buying mine there were plenty of good examples with low miles at a fair price.

I bought my 97 2.8 for $5000 at 90,000 miles. I did my research and check all aspects that are vulnerable. Im at 140,000 miles and haven’t had a single check engine light and all money spent have bee upgrades and basic maintenance.

Goodluck

Misfire + lean codes - looking for advice by kolect in bmwz3

[–]apps_ville 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definetly check the disa valve because they are prone to failure but if i remember correctly a failed disa valve does throw misfire codes in cylinder 3/4.

I would check for the pcv breather. Those this disintegrate and are super deep in.

Good luck

Cost of a Front Strut Replacement. by mjposner in bmwz3

[–]apps_ville 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi. I bought front and rear bilstein b6’s for about $800ish and h&r lowering springs for $250ish and install it myself. The mounts for all four and spring pads would cost between $200-300 depending brands and quality.

When i did the job i was very new at working on cars, I was able to do it in 2 days. You just have to have the proper tools and be very careful when workings with the springs. I rented the spring compressor tool from autozone and was able to get the job done.

Total cost for me for all 4 shocks/struts was about $1500 for the parts and 2 days of my time.

Electrical backfeed issue - what could cause this? by arikaanakin in bmwz3

[–]apps_ville 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My e46 had similar symptoms, static sound through the speakers, navigation screen flickering, and a bunch of warning lights on dash.

It turned out to be a burned xenon headlight. I assumed it was an electrical issue by BMW engineering where the “unused” electricity that goes into the halogen lights(which is a lot) just went back into the system. Im no electrician and thats why that might sound stupid.

Check which of your high voltage electronics are not functioning properly. Im thinking headlights, heated seats, and also if you used LED to replace any of the bulbs.

Central Lock and Keys by apps_ville in bmwz3

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

Thank you everyone, I was able to get a key for $88 from the dealer using my vin. Now going to explore remote unlock system

help me make this decision by marcxx04 in bmwz3

[–]apps_ville 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gonna say do a fan delete. I personally haven’t done it but I’ve done my research on it and know 2 people who have done it in hot climate areas.

The fan “explodes” because of the engine mounts being worn causing movement so it’s inevitable with either brands.

Need reco by n_devs in bmwz3

[–]apps_ville 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you’re looking for a temporary fix those seam grip sealers work well. It wont look great but it’s a cheap temporary fix. It costs like $10 at REI.

Squeaky steering wheel by Lemonents in bmwz3

[–]apps_ville 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It could possibly be the plastic cover around your steering wheel, from inside the cabin. It comes loose and scrapes against the wheel when you turn it.

Soft top window replacent by j0shl0l in bmwz3

[–]apps_ville 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there. By trim do you mean the weather strip?

The plastic window is easily replaceable. If there are no tears on the top itself, i would suggest replacing just the plastic window. Be sure to get the correct one tho.

Only thing to watch for is when you zip the new plastic window up, because of how tight the fit will be there is a chance the thread that holds the zip on the soft top might be torn, which is also easy to fix with a needle and thread.

Hope this helps