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BMW Z3 Maintenance & Repair
I just purchased a 2001 Z3 2.5i factory demo. 15k Miles, Sienna Red Metalic w/ Black Power Top and Black leather interior, Manual Trans, Premium Package, Harmon Kardon Premium Sound system with Single CD and Chrome accents. I paid $29k even.
Wow, is this a great car.! I got lucking with the factory demo. It seems the factory demo (unlike dealer demo's) have never been titled, therefore as far as BMW is concerned, they are treated like new. Full warranty, full road side assistance, free scheduled maintenance, ect. Plus, this car was simply in immaculate condition. Not a scuff, scratch or blemish in the paint, interior, tires or rims. The tires are Continental ContiSport Contacts. They seem very well suited for this car.
I have only a few gripes. 1. The plastic rear window is pretty lame. BMW should really incorporate a glass window. The BMW Executive who drove my car must have never put the top down. There is no creases or scratches on the platic window. (Compared to others I have seen) 2. The stereo system, despite the fact that I have the upgraded Harmon Kardon system, is OK at best. It's certainly under powered and I believe that is it's biggest problem. 3. I wish it had a 6 speed manual instead of a 5 speed manual. Once you hit 70MPH, that 6th gear would come in handy. At least that's the case with the 2.5i motor, not sure about the 3.0i 4. Gas Tank- the car gets pretty good gas mileage but the tank is so dam small, that I am getting only 200-240 Miles out of a full tank of gas. Therefore, I am stopping for gas more than I'd like.
Since the purchase 3 weeks ago, I have added some extra's to the car via HMS Motorsport (www.hmsmotorsport.com) ask for Kael and tell him Steve Pirolli sent you. They are great to work with. I purchased the BMW wind deflector which works great, a black leather arm rest which I can believe BMW doesn't just include when you buy the car, a rear truck lid organizer for additional storage, a KN Air Filter (supposidly increases horse power 3-10hp, the black magnetic stone guards (which look sort of cheesy) and the felt rear plastic window protector for when the top is down.
At some point I will probably purchase the Cool Air Intake and possibly the software upgrade. I am looking at the Shark and Dinan versions of the upgrade.
I plan on taking it back to dealer soon for some quirks that arose in the past 3 weeks. I noticed a very annoying rattle in the passenger seat, my cigarette lighter light seems to be possessed as it blinks on and off when it wants to and there is also a rattle in the passenger door that you car hear when you open and close the door.
Other then those items listed above, I am more then impressed with the power, handling and styling of the 2001 BMW Z3. And by the way, this car turns heads !
Steve Pirolli
Bucks County, PA
Wow, is this a great car.! I got lucking with the factory demo. It seems the factory demo (unlike dealer demo's) have never been titled, therefore as far as BMW is concerned, they are treated like new. Full warranty, full road side assistance, free scheduled maintenance, ect. Plus, this car was simply in immaculate condition. Not a scuff, scratch or blemish in the paint, interior, tires or rims. The tires are Continental ContiSport Contacts. They seem very well suited for this car.
I have only a few gripes. 1. The plastic rear window is pretty lame. BMW should really incorporate a glass window. The BMW Executive who drove my car must have never put the top down. There is no creases or scratches on the platic window. (Compared to others I have seen) 2. The stereo system, despite the fact that I have the upgraded Harmon Kardon system, is OK at best. It's certainly under powered and I believe that is it's biggest problem. 3. I wish it had a 6 speed manual instead of a 5 speed manual. Once you hit 70MPH, that 6th gear would come in handy. At least that's the case with the 2.5i motor, not sure about the 3.0i 4. Gas Tank- the car gets pretty good gas mileage but the tank is so dam small, that I am getting only 200-240 Miles out of a full tank of gas. Therefore, I am stopping for gas more than I'd like.
Since the purchase 3 weeks ago, I have added some extra's to the car via HMS Motorsport (www.hmsmotorsport.com) ask for Kael and tell him Steve Pirolli sent you. They are great to work with. I purchased the BMW wind deflector which works great, a black leather arm rest which I can believe BMW doesn't just include when you buy the car, a rear truck lid organizer for additional storage, a KN Air Filter (supposidly increases horse power 3-10hp, the black magnetic stone guards (which look sort of cheesy) and the felt rear plastic window protector for when the top is down.
At some point I will probably purchase the Cool Air Intake and possibly the software upgrade. I am looking at the Shark and Dinan versions of the upgrade.
I plan on taking it back to dealer soon for some quirks that arose in the past 3 weeks. I noticed a very annoying rattle in the passenger seat, my cigarette lighter light seems to be possessed as it blinks on and off when it wants to and there is also a rattle in the passenger door that you car hear when you open and close the door.
Other then those items listed above, I am more then impressed with the power, handling and styling of the 2001 BMW Z3. And by the way, this car turns heads !
Steve Pirolli
Bucks County, PA
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As a follow-up on the other topic ("Z3/Inspection II"), I started the maintenance myself. I did about the first half today, and it has been very easy so far. As I suspected, the Z3 is actually a very easy car to service.
However, I will give a complete report once I'm done.
...
Yes, the Contis are great tires. I have the 4-cyl. model, and while the gas tank is the same size, I have roughtly a 350 mile range. When I got the car almost two years ago, I compared it with the 2.8 version. I liked the wider rear fenders and the engine, but in the end the difference didn't justify the price. Also, while I prefered the I6 over the I4, I liked the Getrag transmission better than the ZF in the 2.8.
Interior rattles: My advice is to learn to live with them. My car is still under warranty, but even with all the repairs at the dealer, the interior never became completely rattle and squeak free. The rest of the car however is rock solid.
Other than that, the way the car drives easily makes up for those nuisances.
A 2001 Z3 turns heads ? Maybe in PA. Here in CA you need something more. An M3 convertible, maybe ? But would you really want the attention when you can just enjoy the drive ?
Wow, that is a substantial difference between the 4 and the 6 cylinder engines in terms of "distance to empty". (350 vs 240 miles to empty). Again..., it needs a larger gas task.
I've read that the Z4 is going to have a glass window and the 3.0i is going to have a 6 speed manual tranny. I have a 2000 2.8 and love it. The plastic window doesn't bother me ... neither do the marks from putting it up and down ... after all, it is a convertible with a plastic window. I have some good plexiglass cleaner that doesn't remove everything, but makes the window pretty good for when I have to top up, which isn't all that often ... usually in the rain ... then I have raindrops to look through anyway ... no biggie to me. I've accepted the plastic window for what it is. Also, it's my understanding that the window is fairly easy to replace should the need arise.
About accessories ... check out z3solutions.com. The map pocket cupholders are fabulous!!
Gas & mileage ... I get about 260 on a tank - 240 without worrying where the next gas station is (only when I'm out wandering those back winding country roads and haven't thought much about gas) I believe I get somehwere around 23 mpg.
You sound like you got a beautiful car and a great deal! Enjoy your drives ... and if it's not everything you wanted ... trade it in for a Z4 - they sound pretty awesome too.
I still have too much warranty left to try a KN Air Filter, but I would be interested if it made a noticable difference on an engine that had no other performance modifications. Also, if you notice the impact, at what RPM range does it become noticable ?
Thanks,
Martin
Anyone know if this is true ?
Steve
Overall, performance enhancements are where many manufacturers and dealers draw the line. But that line is very fuzzy. There is a difference between using Bosch Platinum plugs vs. OEM plugs or dropping in a supercharger.
Usually, I would contact the shop or manufacturer of that part, to see if it's use was approved by BMW.
That being said, I would assume that a KN Filter on a stock engine would have very little effect overall.
...
Yes, it appears that the 2.5 liter engines are identical. (If they are not, they have exactly the same specs.) However, the gearing of both the transmission and the final drive seem to be different in the two cars.
I am also going to see if they can take care of a few other items. 1- When pressing the auto-up drivers window...the window will go up to about 1" from the top, stop and go back down to about 4" from the top. Something is faking out the safety sensor in the window. It's something in the roof or molding in the roof since it only happens when the top is in the up position. 2- There is a mean rattle in the passenger seat. It actually sounds as if the seat is loose or something. 3- The cigarette lighter light blinks on and off at will.
I did have a wobble in one of the front tires at 69MPH. I had all 4 of the tires speed balanced and sure enough, one of the front tires was slightly out of balance. However, I am starting to feel a wobble at 79MPH instead of 69MPH. It's an ever so slight wobble but still a wobble. I'm thinking that either the tires were not balanced properly or it's just me.
Does anyone else feel an ever so slight wobble at a given speed.?
Other than that, the car is a great piece.
Steve
I did a bunch of stuffs (engine oil, spark plugs,
fuel filter, air filters, etc..) and then took
it in and paid $300 for the dealer to do the rest.
I'm going to do all the inspection myself from
now on. Try this message board for your questions.
http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/z3/
If so, I'll have to call the dealership where I purchased it.
Please advise.
Steve
Can anyone confirm this or shed some light on this issue.
Steve
(Changing the large fuel filter is a real peach, isn't it ?)
I further changed my coolant, replaced the transmission fluid, inspected the brakes for wear, lateral runout and cleaned them. Plus a whole list of smaller items, like servicing the battery.
Overall, being the first time, it took me about half a day to complete the service. But I also didn't exactly try to set a speed record.
I further wanted to change the rear differential fluid, but the fluid is BMW specific. The dealer sells it only in that they call "the bucket", meaning that you'd get 5 gallons worth for $300, when you actually need about a quart.
However, the service advisor simply told me that they don't even touch the differential until 100K miles. So, I left it alone.
Maybe it's just me, but I found the service advisors and parts people at the dealers highly cooperative, and they more than once told me 'not to worry' when I was ready to 'overservice' my car again.
I did however read that in BMW's with traction control, a special tool is required to properly flush the brake system. So I had that done at the dealer, which set me back about $110.
I further paid around $60 for a the service light reset tool, which worked like a charm.
Overall, I probably paid around $400 less than what it would have cost me at the dealer.
P.S.: I just spent an upsetting $140 on special tools just to service my Benz, but that is a different story.
I am just about to purchase a 1997 6-Cyl Z3 with 25K Miles on it and I don't have access to its service records yet (or the Owners Manual).
It is pretty cherry and I am excited about the prospect of owning it, but I was wondering what to expect in the way of annual operating costs (expecting to put 3-5K per year). In addition, are there any issues I should look in to on the car before purchase.
I'm reasonably handy with a wrench, and will probably tend to the simple stuff, while taking it in to the dealer for the rest...
So, what do you learned (and newer Z3 owners) think? I hope to be back in this section with my first impressions of ownership.
THANKS for your input.
Other than that, here is the list of the problems I've encountered in 1.5 years of ownership:
- Glovebox latch replacement
- Seatrail replacement (driver's side)
- Replacement of all seals of the convertible top
- Replacement of convertible top latch (passenger side)
- Replacement of shift linkage seal on transmission
- Replacement of numerous minor fasteners in the interior
A major service will cost you around $600 at the dealership and should come up around 30K to 36K miles.
If it wasn't for the warranty, I probably would have around $1500 in that car, and that does not include the depreciation.
That being said, it has been a very enjoyable car, which shines through its handling and powertrain, and disappoints through the interior quality.
I hope this helps...
P.S.: The service records are normally stored electronically in BMW's service network. Depending on how the previous owner performed the service, you may have a mix of electronic and paper records.
I have been talking with other owners as well and they have similar experience with the Z...
Should find out this weekend if it's mine...
The BMW rack has a puny weight limit of 40 pounds. From the web, I have discovered that www.hmsmotorsport.com is selling a Fapa rack for $195. Classic Carriers has one for $395.
Does anyone have another suggestion or an opinion. I would appreciate a direct email to me at: with_garlic@hotmail.com
Wayne Brewer
Auburn, AL
Wayne Brewer
Auburn
I bouught my '99 Z3 in Dec '07, and it came with a spare hard top. I have put it on for winter, it is great! Much warmer and gives the car another cool look. From the back it now kind of looks like a porsche!
The only issue I'm having is the leaking around the windows with heavy rain, but other than that I can highly recommend it. Easy to put on - a 2 person job, but just clips in place.
It says it is pre-wired for a CD changer. That is what I want to use to hook up an iPod to the radio. I took a quick look in the trunk and pulled up the trunk floor that is velcro'd over the tool kit and battery, but did not find the wire that is used to hook up the CD changer/iPod.
Can anyone give me directions on where this is so I don't have to remove every cover in the truck to find it?
Has anyone done this already and do you have any suggestions?
Thanks for any help.
Don
Wayne Brewer
I saw your message about your slow power window. I have a 97 with the same problem. It works, but the drivers side slows down as it gets toward the closed position.
Did you ever get an answer from anyone? If so, I would like to know a solution.
Thanks
Greg
g.struve@comcast.net
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Driver side, can go down, but can only go up after going down all the way, or using the "auto-up" by pushing the button a little harder. Window also seems slow to go down too. I'm not sure if it's a window regulator, or a window motor. Any thoughts?
billy.bylund@gmail.com
z3 coupe, 1999
Thanks-
I live in Wisconsin so know what it is like to have this car in the winter. I drive it all year round and lucky for me we have not had a whole lot of snow. Some people think I'm crazy to drive it in the winter, but it handles very well. Remember it is rear wheel drive so it will handle different than your front wheel drive.
Since we do get snow you will have to decide if you can live with the Z. If it is your only car I am not sure if I would go that route. I have a second car to depend on if and when it does snow hard since if you get more than a couple of inches just before you have to get to work you may not get there with the Z. Being a 'sports' car it does sit low to the road.
I love the Z and am glad I purchased it. Good Luck with your decision.....
Lubricate the window guide inside the door with silicone and the problem goes away. The guide is tight and guess it gets dry and drags.
Carefully remove the bottom of the door panel and spray away.
Wayne Brewer
Tel:86-755-29806915
Fax:86-755-29806915
Web:www.autonumen.com
Email:alice@autonumen.com
MSN: autocare126@hotmail.com
Yahoo: alicech1128@yahoo.com
Product Name: BMW OPS
Part No.: A101
Net Weight: 5KG
">http://www.autonumen.com/UploadFiles/200851955333656.jpg
BMW SSS & OPS
On vehicle models from the E65 on, BMW is for the first time using fibre-optic cables as standard for communication between control units.The optical buses are notable for their high data transmission rate and they are not susceptible to electromagnetic interference. The optical buses in question are the MOST bus, primarily used for in-car entertainment electronics, and the byteflight bus, which serves predominantly safety-critical functions.
OPPS has been designed for encoding, individualising and programming (CIP) via the Software Service Station (SSS) and envisaged for use as part of the BMW diagnostic system (DIS) from DISPlus and Group Tester One (GT1). It is intended for testing and programming tasks from the E65 series, taking the place of the diagnostic head.
OPS is intended for rapid programming of control units.When operated at the SSS, no diagnostic or technical measuring pro-cedures are possible, as no measuring technology is incorporated; in this instance, OPPS / OPS is used predominantly for programming control units (flashing). Communication with the vehicle can be performed both via the MOST and via the OBD interface. The OBD interface is required for the power supply to the OPPS / OPS and has communication properties via which the vehicle can be identified and the data to be programmed can be determined. From CIP version 7.0, it is possible to delete fault code memories via OPPS / OPS.
Standard Configuration:
1. OPS multiplexer
2. OBD-II diagnostic cable
3. LAN cable
4. OPS MOST cable
5.120G HDD with preinstalled SSS V28 for IBM T30
6.120G HDD with preinstalled DIS V53 for IBM T30
that's the vendor I used, but I noticed eBay has added some new vendors. This should correct a little slide, but 2 inches is a lot. I have a feeling it is only 1inch and the bushing kit will fix it. If it's larger it could be something else.
Not sure on the answers to the other questions.
Thanks in advance for the replies.